Montclair is facing a growing crisis: homelessness. As of the latest count, there are 93 homeless people (sheltered and unsheltered) in Montclair, according to a study by Monarch Housing. That's the fourth highest number in Essex County. And while the need for help has never been more urgent, the community’s response has never felt more complicated.

In this episode, co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike take listeners deep into the story behind MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), a local nonprofit operating out of a former restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. MESH provides meals, shelter, and vital services six days a week. But its presence in Montclair’s Bloomfield Avenue has become a flashpoint, sparking praise, concern, and a larger reckoning with how the town addresses visible poverty and mental health on its streets.

You’ll hear from:

• Joe Granger, MESH’s Executive Director, who shares stories of struggle, hope, and the hard choices he and his team face daily.
• Letrice and Tammy, two guests of MESH, who open up about losing stability and what dignity and community look like now.
• Local business owners, Eddie Peralta of Powerhouse Tattoo and Matt Jenkins of Smoke and Mirrors, who say they’re sympathetic but feel unsupported as public disturbances increase near their storefronts.
• Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville and Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen, who speak to the town’s efforts to balance compassion with public safety.
• Lt. Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department, on their role in addressing street-level crises, and why enforcement alone isn’t the answer.

More: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Montclair's 2025 Budget

Events:

• Montclair Flea 
• Dazed and Confused
• Bard Band at Ironbound Farm
• FIT FRIDAYS at Lackawanna

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This week's show highlights some of the nonprofits doing critical, often unsung work to support our community. With over 210 registered nonprofits in town, we hear from some of the most impactful organizations responding to food insecurity, domestic violence, and urgent financial crises. Guest co-host is Tom Hall, Artistic Director/Co-Head of Montclair Film, who also provides insights into how the arts fit into the nonprofit landscape.

Guests include:

• Ray Graj, co-founder of Montclair Helps, on how his group delivers emergency financial aid within 48 hours via a unique partnership model.
• Kristin Wald of SOFIA (Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates), on how her organization supports survivors of domestic violence with autonomy and access to trusted resources.
• Mike Bruno of the Human Needs Food Pantry, who explains how rising demand and budget cuts are straining vital services.

We also dig into Montclair’s profound legacy of giving, from the Shumans and Van Vlecks to modern grassroots efforts.

Upcoming events:

• Montclair’s First-Ever French Shopping Day
• Natsu Pop Con at Montclair Public Library
• Montclair Film Summer Screenings
• SOFIA's 15th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence

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Montclair has a new superintendent—and she’s stepping into the role at a critical moment. In this episode, Farnoosh and Mike sit down with Ruth B. Turner, the newly appointed head of Montclair Public Schools, for an unfiltered conversation about the district’s financial audit, recent staffing cuts, and her vision for rebuilding trust in the community. To learn more about Turner's upcoming Listen and Learn sessions check out our site.

Turner shares how her background in social work informs her leadership style, what “equity” means to her in practice, and how she plans to engage with families, teachers, and taxpayers.

Also in this episode:

• Adam Sandler is spotted shooting hoops in town.
• The Montclair Brewery's big plans for FIFA World Cup.
• Montclair’s CFO departs after a $1.25M whistleblower settlement.
• A new bakery opens in Upper Montclair (arrive early for croissants!)
• What’s happening this July 4th weekend.
• And: Farnoosh and Mike call on listeners to help shape future episodes on dating, climate, and the arts in Montclair.

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This week on The Montclair Pod, we’re taking a closer look at how safe it feels to get around Montclair and what’s being done to improve it.

We sit down with Laura Torchio, the town’s new Complete Streets Director, in her first public interview since stepping into the role. Torchio shares her vision for making Montclair’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, or driving. She also talks candidly about the obstacles: slow change, coordination, and the need for community trust.

You’ll also hear from residents about how safe they feel moving through town and what they'd like to see change. And we take a joyful ride with the Montclair Bike Bus, the weekly event that’s turning the morning school commute into something kids and parents actually look forward to.

Events this weekend:

Montclair Film's Summer Showcase

Author Event at Montclair Book Center

Caribbean Fete at Montclair Brewery

New Jersey Symphony with Fireworks Spectacular in Newark

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This week, The Montclair Pod goes deep on all things food. First up, the pizza crawl. We hit five of Montclair’s most talked-about pizza spots, all within walking distance of downtown Bloomfield Avenue. Along the way, we debate what makes a true Jersey slice, swap pronunciation tips and crown a surprise winner.

Stops include:

• My Little Pizza Heaven – Food truck nostalgia and Jersey-style pride
• Luigino Parmigiana – A gourmet lamb flatbread that sparks debate
• Ah’ Pizz – A rustic pie with big flavor
• Teglia Pizza Bar – Thick sourdough squares
• Leone’s – A buffalo chicken slice with hot honey and old-school vibes

Also in this episode:

• Ironbound Farm Market at Lackawanna Plaza Charles Rosen, the visionary behind Ironbound Farm, talks about the market’s bold mission to bring regenerative agriculture and economic equity to Montclair through a revolutionary “farm stop” model. Bonus: no pesticides, no middlemen, and some pretty incredible cider apples.
• Pendragon's Smokehouse BBQ (Delivery Only) Co-owner Charlie Holbech shares how he’s building a hyperlocal barbecue business in Montclair—with no apps, no shortcuts, and recipes rooted in community. Plus: last-minute tips for hosting a Juneteenth cookout, including how to make smoky chicken thighs without a smoker.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Sarah Elizabeth of Sarah Elizabeth Design

Karin Diana, Montclair Real Estate Agent with The Home Collective

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Is Montclair’s red-hot real estate market finally cooling down? In this episode, we dig into the latest local housing trends with longtime agent Karin Diana from Compass, who says even the best listings aren’t flying off the market like they used to. Why? Think rising interest rates, nervous buyers watching their stock portfolios, and fewer outlier bids. Plus: one Montclair renter shares what it’s really like to compete in the town’s high-stakes rental scene, and one co-host shares why her family decided to sell and head west. With special thanks to our brand partner Sarah Elizabeth Design for tips on remodeling with intention — and on a budget.

**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: [email protected].

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Education takes center stage .We’re tackling three hot-button issues on the minds of Montclair families: why some parents are pulling their kids from public school in favor of private, what’s behind the heated debate over the newly approved 2025–26 school calendar (with insights from Danielle Neff of the Montclair Moms, Dads and Parents Facebook page), and how one local teen, Carla Osbourne, beat the odds to land a summer job at Egan’s amid a drop in youth employment.

Plus, we feature a powerful moment from Danny Marcketta, president of the Montclair Education Association, during a recent Board of Education meeting.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Montclair Cooperative School.

Download our free guide to shopping local here.

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: [email protected]

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This week on The Montclair Pod, we explore how global economic forces—tariffs, inflation, and climate change—show up here in Montclair. From toy stores to farmers, local businesses are navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty. Download our free guide to shopping local here.

We speak with:

• Wendy Lacey, owner of The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, about how proposed tariffs could impact her ability to employ young people and adults with disabilities.
• Chelsea Smith and Nessa Murphy, co-owners of Just Kidding Around, on how they’re responding to rising supplier costs and hard choices ahead.
• Tyler Mathisen, longtime financial journalist and Montclair resident, who connects the dots between global tariffs and our everyday purchases—from flowers to car repairs.

Also in this episode:

• A special spotlight on Twocents, the Montclair-born startup reinventing how we leave feedback for small businesses—no ratings, no trolls, just smart, anonymous input that goes straight to owners.
• At the Montclair Farmers Market, we hear from:
• John Krueger, owner of Circle Brook Farm, on weather delays, rising labor costs, and staying resilient.
• Ginger Kessler, co-owner of Tree-Licious Orchards, on how economic hesitation is impacting CSA sign-ups and warm-weather crops.
• Gray Russell, co-founder and president of the market, on why supporting local agriculture matters more than ever.
• A profile of Chantal Bolivar, founder of Crepes Chantal, who’s turning a French favorite into a local staple—with a boost from Montclair State’s entrepreneurship program.
• Plus, a tour of Lackawanna Plaza with Jason Gleason of BDP Holdings, as the long-awaited redevelopment introduces murals, microbusinesses, and a new energy to the historic terminal.

**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: [email protected].

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Season 2 of The Montclair Pod kicks off with a deep dive into the heart of local government. Who actually runs Montclair? Where do our property taxes go? And what’s really happening behind the scenes at places like Clary Anderson Arena?

Hosts Farnoosh, Ali, and Mike sit down with Montclair’s newly appointed Township Manager, Stephen Marks, for answers. Marks, a lifelong New Jersey public servant with roots in South Orange and a deep appreciation for Montclair, shares how his job functions like the town’s CEO—managing a $107 million budget, overseeing departments from public safety to recreation, and balancing a long list of resident demands.

From leaking roofs to high taxes, Marks pulls back the curtain on what it takes to maintain aging infrastructure, respond to hundreds of community emails, and stretch every tax dollar. The episode also touches on the differences between Montclair’s municipal budget and the school budget, why the town is hiring a new Complete Streets Director, and how federal grant cuts could impact future services.

Plus, we'll hear directly from residents about their biggest concerns and what they wish they understood better about how the town works.

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: [email protected].

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This episode was originally published on April 3.

The Montclair Pod Team - Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali - eat their way through town and talk to some of the people making it all happen. You’ll hear from local chef and Montclair native Lauren Hirschberg of Turtle + the Wolf and Pineapple Express. We speak to Max Gray of Chow Town Food Tours about why he brings people here. And we hit some true local favorites with content creator and community advocate Wendy Tiburcio (aka The Montclairnista).

The pod team sampled food from no fewer than 10 restaurants that are featured in the show. Jefferson’s Cafe, Minoru, Beyond Pita, Good Chicken, Urban Chicken, Popeye’s… You may be noticing a trend here. The team discovered a fried chicken oasis centered around Lackawanna Plaza and the resulting fried chicken extravaganza featured the ENTIRE Montclair Pod family. It’s magical, people.

Finally, before we take a short post-season break, we dish up our favorite memories and a few behind-the-scenes moments from the past 12 episodes - plus a little bit about what we’ve got planned for season 2 - which begins next week! 

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: [email protected].

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