Princeton Podcast

In Episode 48 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed James Demetriades, Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO.

James discussed the history of the Princeton Medical Center and its move from downtown Princeton to its current location on Route 1 allowing for its expansion to serve nearly 60,000 patient visits per year. James also reviewed the expanded services now offered by the Penn Medicine Princeton Health system and those currently under development, including a new cancer center. Mark and James also discussed the changing career of nurses, and Mark shared the story of his mother’s career as a nurse for 40 years at the Princeton Hospital when it was located downtown.

I enjoyed meeting James Demetriades and learning about our hospital’s current programs and plans for the future. ~ Kenneth Greenberg :: Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 47 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Bart Bronk, Head of School at Hun School of Princeton.

Bart describes Hun's rich history, founded by John Gale Hunn, a former Princeton professor, with a focus on individual mentorship. Bart details the school's mission to foster resilient character and joyful learning in students, preparing them for a diverse and changing world. He elaborates on the school's educational offerings, from middle school to postgraduate levels, and its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and skill development. Bart also touches on his own academic journey and vision for the Hun School.

It was great meeting Bart Bronk and learning so much about the Hun School, another respected Princeton institution. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 46 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Isaac Kremer, the Executive Director of Experience Princeton, our Special Improvement District (SID) here in Princeton.

Isaac discussed the establishment and development of the Special Improvement District, emphasizing its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic as a crucial response to support local businesses and the community. Isaac explained how the SID, branded as “Experience Princeton,” functions as a public-private partnership, funded by a tax assessment on commercial properties. The program focuses on enhancing the business district’s appeal, offering benefits like improved cleanliness, safety, attractiveness, and economic development.

Isaac also described his extensive background in downtown management and Main Street programs, and reviewed various community engagement efforts, including meetups. He also detailed the new Digital Gift Card Program to promote shopping locally, especially now during the holidays and available for purchase on the ExperiencePrinceton.org website.

In Episode 45 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Liliana Morenilla, the founder and current board chairman of Princeton Mobile Food Pantry.

Liliana discussed how she started Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, their current activities and goals, and the necessity of donations and volunteers to meet their demand. 

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry serves and supports families in need by providing them with food, clothing, and other essential resources..

I enjoyed meeting Liliana, and gaining a better understanding of the food insecurities within our local community, challenging the upscale stereotypes often associated with Princeton. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 44 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Nirenberg, the Director of the Institute for Advanced Study, serving as a model for protecting and promoting independent inquiry and the importance of academic freedom worldwide.

David Nirenberg described the Institute's illustrious history, and its mission of assembling groups of scientists and scholars from around the world who devote themselves to pushing beyond the present limits of human knowledge. Mark and David also discussed the Institute's sense of community here in Princeton, as well as the interest in the institute prompted by the recent film, Oppenheimer.

I was pleased to have David Nirenberg as our guest on the Princeton Podcast for this enlightening look into another of Princeton’s significant institutions. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In Episode 43, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Marna Seltzer, the Artistic and Executive Director at Princeton University Concerts, whose mission is to educate, challenge, inspire, and unite audiences through the presentation of exceptional classical musicians.

Marna discussed Princeton University Concerts history of more than a century at the university, its mission to connect all students to the Arts while providing public audiences the opportunity to experience the Arts at Princeton, as well. Marna also described some of the upcoming performers and performances scheduled for the 2023/2024 season of Princeton University Concerts.

In Episode 42 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed David Keddie, founder of Walkable Princeton.

Founded in 2013 to raise awareness of issues relating to zoning and the built environment in Princeton, Walkable Princeton is an independent group that advocates a positive vision for Princeton’s future, taking full advantage of Smart Growth principles adapted to our community, with the goal of reducing automobile traffic, increasing pedestrian activity, enhancing the tax base, preserving open space, encouraging sustainable living and enhancing a vibrant Princeton downtown.

I enjoyed meeting David Keddie and learning about Walkable Princeton. As a daily walker myself, I appreciate David’s efforts to advocate for smart growth principles that help make Princeton an even greater pedestrian-friendly community. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In episode 41 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Julia Wall, Head of School at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart - a leading Preschool to Grade 12 private school in Princeton designed just for girls.

In addition to discussing Stuart's mission to educate young women to a life of leadership and service, Julia described how Stuart is uniquely positioned to provide an environment where they are willing and able to take risks and explore opportunities. Through Stuart’s highly personalized and academically rigorous curriculum, with nurturing and expert faculty, Julia described why Stuart girls graduate as compassionate and empowered global citizens who are driven to be forces of change in our world.

We enjoyed meeting Julia Wall, as well as learning more about Stuart Country Day School’s history here in Princeton, its academic philosophy and many of its traditional activities.

In episode 40 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed J. Robert Hillier, one of the leading and most highly-respected architects in the United States, known for having built one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world. 

Robert Hillier, or Bob as he prefers, is the founder of Hillier Architecture and now Principal at Studio Hillier here in Princeton. Bob has been on the core faculty of Princeton University’s School of Architecture since 1992 where he teaches two graduate seminars and has served on the American Institute of Architects National Fellowship Jury and as Chair of the Selection Committee for the Dean of Princeton’s School of Architecture.

In addition to describing several of Mr. Hillier’s more than 4000 architectural projects, many of which are here in Princeton, Bob discussed his business collaboration with his late wife, Barbara, and how in May of 2019, the New Jersey Institute of Technology renamed its College of Architecture the J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design. 

Bob Hillier is certainly one of our community’s most remarkable Princetonians and it is our pleasure to have welcomed him on the Princeton Podcast.

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

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In episode 39 of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Adrian Colarusso, a Board Member of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Princeton’s first dedicated nature preserve.

In addition to discussing the history of Herrontown Woods and the founding of the Friends of Herrontown Woods, Adrian described its mission and vision to restore and maintain the preserve’s trails and flora; to teach and learn about its natural and cultural heritage; and to build a center for people of all ages to creatively engage with nature, art, and history. All to honor the legacy of Oswald and Elizabeth Veblen, who gave their land and homes to create Princeton’s first nature preserve.