Princeton Podcast

In episode 68 of The Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, Princeton Mayor Mark Freda, welcomes New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about the Governor’s path into public service, his years in office, and the work that has defined his administration.

Mark and Governor Murphy explore the Governor’s early motivations to run for office, tracing the story from his first conversations about entering politics in 2013 to his election in 2017. Governor Murphy reflects on what drove him to step forward, how he approached the challenges of leadership, and how he tried to keep his values at the center of every decision.

Their discussion highlights several major accomplishments of the Murphy administration, including economic revitalization, growth in New Jersey’s innovation economy, and navigating the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Governor Murphy also touches on his international missions to promote New Jersey and his efforts to build a more inclusive, culturally vibrant state.

As he approaches the end of his term, Governor Murphy shares what remains on his priority list, expresses gratitude for the support he has received from residents across the state, and speaks with optimism about New Jersey’s future under his successor, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.

The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In episode 67 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Princeton Municipal Councilperson Michelle Pirone Lambros for a conversation about the exciting transformation of Community Park South.

Michelle shares the park’s deep history and its vital role in bringing Princeton residents together, especially those from the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood and nearby affordable housing communities. She discusses how the redesign will meet the town’s diverse recreational needs, with plans that include dog parks, pickleball courts, and upgraded athletic fields.

Sustainability plays a major part in the project, with rain gardens, preserved trees, and environmentally responsible construction all guiding the park’s renewal. Michelle also describes how this decade-long effort will unfold in phases, shaped by community input and supported through partnerships and fundraising.

Above all, she emphasizes the goal of creating a park that feels welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of Princeton’s shared values.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible, or wherever you get to your podcasts.

In Episode 66 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda welcomes Helene Lanctuit, CEO of Share My Meals, a nonprofit dedicated to recovering surplus prepared meals and delivering them to communities in need across New Jersey.

Founded in 2019, Share My Meals now recovers more than 20,000 meals each month, tackling both food insecurity and food waste. Helene and Mark discuss the organization’s rapid growth, the challenges brought by COVID-19, and the logistics and technology that make large-scale meal recovery possible.

The conversation also highlights the broader environmental and social impact of meal recovery, the launch of the Meal Recovery Coalition, and how community members can support this mission through volunteering and donations.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.

In Episode 65 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Peter Gaines, the new Head of School at Princeton Friends School.

With preschool through eighth grade now united on campus, Peter reflects on Princeton Friends School’s Quaker approach to learning and how their guiding values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship enhance the school’s small classes, student voice, and a supportive culture for every child.

Peter and Mark explore how the school’s unique setting, bordering the Institute Woods and Princeton Battlefield, inspires outdoor learning through gardens, stream studies, and a new biking program that connects students to the town.

Peter also highlights Princeton Friends School’s signature traditions, including storytelling, poetry night, and this year’s Central Study theme, “Roots and Routes,” which ties learning to local history. 

This episode of the Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media and sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton.

In Episode 64 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Princeton Councilman David Cohen for an in-depth discussion about the municipality’s newly launched Vision Zero Initiative - an ambitious plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Princeton. Councilman Cohen outlines the core components of Vision Zero, including safer roadway design, public education, enforcement, and post-crash care, all centered around a safe systems approach to improve safety for all who use Princeton’s streets.

The conversation highlights several ways residents can get involved, such as using the See-Click-Fix app to report unsafe conditions and taking the Vision Zero safety pledge. Councilman Cohen also explains how new design features, including curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, and advisory bike lanes, are helping to create safer and more accessible streets. From environmental benefits to improved health and mobility for residents of all ages, this episode sheds light on how Princeton is taking proactive steps to promote active transportation and build a more walkable and bike-friendly community.

In Episode 63 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rhodalynn Jones, Princeton’s Director of Human Services and Affordable Housing.

Rhodalyn shared insights into the growing challenges facing Princeton, including rising homelessness, food insecurity, and the need for more affordable housing.

She described how her department coordinates essential services, youth programs, emergency housing efforts, and partnerships with local nonprofits to support vulnerable residents.

Rhodalynn also highlighted community-driven initiatives like the annual backpack and holiday gift drives, and discussed future plans tied to Princeton’s fourth round affordable housing obligations.

Rhodalynn’s deep roots in the area and commitment to equity and access make her an invaluable asset to the town’s ongoing efforts to support residents in need.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 62 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Kim Clauss, Principal at St. Paul School.

During their conversation, Kim shared the rich 137-year history of St. Paul School, its deep-rooted Catholic values, and its welcoming community spirit. She described the school’s evolution and how the role of the Sisters of Mercy has changed over time.

Kim also discussed the school's commitment to academic excellence through programs including Project Lead the Way and a dedicated science lab, as well as a range of extracurricular clubs. She emphasized the school’s inclusive approach, small class sizes, and focus on nurturing students both academically and emotionally, regardless of religious background.

St. Paul School continues to be a vibrant part of Princeton’s educational community, and we are fortunate to have Kim Clauss providing such dedicated leadership.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 61 of The Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, mayor Mark Freda, welcomes Derek Bridger, Princeton Zoning Officer to discuss the important and timely topic of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs. 

Mark and Derek explore how ADUs offer new housing options in Princeton, supporting affordability, aging in place, and the "missing middle" in our fully developed housing market.

Derek describes some of the positive impacts ADUs can have, such as providing rental income and broadening the town’s housing diversity, while also addressing residents’ concerns about neighborhood density, construction impacts, and zoning complexities. 

They dive into regulations surrounding ADU size, setbacks, parking, and stormwater management, and how Princeton’s evolving ordinances are adapting to the needs of the community. 

Whether you’re a homeowner curious about adding an ADU or just interested in Princeton’s growth strategies, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of our town’s most talked-about topics. 

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 60 of The Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda speaks with Kelley Nicholson-Flynn, Head of School at Princeton Day School. 

During their interview, Kelley describes her path from science research to education, with leadership roles at Lawrenceville School and Riverdale Country School shaping her approach. She shares her enthusiasm for Princeton Day School’s mission, its focus on intellectual vitality, character development, and the importance of community and student well-being. The conversation also details the school’s rich history, dynamic programs, and exciting strategic plans for the future. 

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 59 of The Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, mayor Mark Freda welcomed Brian McDonald, Princeton’s recently elected town councilman.

Brian has been deeply involved in Princeton for years—most recently serving on the school board, as well as coaching in the Princeton Little League, and sitting on the boards of organizations including Sustainable Princeton and the Watershed Institute. In this episode, Brian discusses his transition from the school board to town council, his priorities for local government, and how he plans to address key issues such as municipal finances, sustainability, and community services.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.