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].

Lately, crime has been one of the hottest topics in Montclair. From home break-ins to car thefts, the fear is real—but is the reality as bad as it seems? Are crime rates actually rising, or is social media just making it all more visible? How are police managing and responding? And what can we do to better protect our homes, our valuables, and ourselves?

This is the start of a long conversation, and today, we’re beginning it with a few key voices:

• Captain James Lalor and Lieutenant Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department on what’s happening with recent break-ins, car thefts and how Montclair citizens can help each other in protecting themselves. Follow MPD on Instagram as well. 
• Veteran security expert Rob Berman, founder of Berman Home Systems, on how crime trends are shifting after 40 years in the field.
• Jiu-jitsu instructor Karen Peterson, co-owner of North South Jiu Jitsu in Montclair and Bloomfield, on how to defend yourself in real-life situations.
• Montclair residents sharing their personal crime stories and concerns.

Plus, we dig into your voicemails (thanks for those!) answering listener questions about all things Montclair from NJ Transit to small business hours and much more. 

Our crime issue in town isn’t going away overnight, and neither is this conversation. Tune in, listen, and be part of the discussion.

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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].

Why are so many storefronts in Montclair empty? What does it take to run a successful small business in town? In this in-depth episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali explore local businesses' challenges, from skyrocketing rents to shifting consumer habits.

We hear from Abhishake Shah, Executive Director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID), on why some businesses struggle despite residents’ demands. Jason Gleason and Dave Placek of BDP Holdings share insights from the development and landlord side, revealing the real estate pressures shaping Montclair’s retail landscape. Plus, we go behind the scenes with local entrepreneurs—from Dan and Day’s, Dot Reeder, Sankofa Café, Eclectic Chic Boutique, and FitLoft—to learn what it really costs to operate a brick-and-mortar here.

Former Local Coffee owner Robert Genovese (and current CMO of Two Cents) reflects on running and eventually selling his beloved café. And Madison Velas of El Gordo shares why she chose Montclair’s South End for her new restaurant.

Check out our Facebook post on the businesses Montclair residents want to see come to our town.

Next week: How Safe Do You Feel Living in Montclair?

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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].

Montclair commuters, we hear you. In this episode of The Montclair Pod, hosts Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali break down the ongoing frustrations with NJ Transit—from constant delays and cancellations to rising fares and limited weekend service. You'll hear from local resident Alexis Scigliano, who has been pushing NJ Transit for accountability, and Nick Giglia, founder of ROUTE (Restore Our Transit in Essex), a group advocating for better service. We also discuss NJ Transit's new CEO, Kris Kolluri, and his 12-point plan to improve the system—will it actually make a difference? Is Amtrak really to blame?

Plus, we highlight Clever Commute, an app created by Montclair’s Josh Crandall to help commuters navigate NJ Transit’s unpredictable nature.

Check out our viral roast of Montclair.

Next week: The retail landscape in Montclair—what makes a shop thrive, and what do locals really want?

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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].

Montclair has a long and storied past—one that some say refuses to stay buried. In this episode we explore a few of the town’s chilling ghost stories, from haunted schools and historic homes to unexplained phenomena at beloved local spots.

Hosts Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali dive deep into Montclair’s paranormal history, sharing eerie first-hand accounts from residents, ghost hunters, and local historians. We hear from those who have experienced shadowy figures, phantom sneezes, and strange noises in the dead of night. Plus, we speak with an expert on spiritual energy who helps residents make peace with whatever—or whoever—might be lingering in their homes.

Featured Interviews:

Susan Cancro – Assistant Director of Education at the Montclair Art Museu

Erin Benz – Collections Manager at the Montclair History Center

Alex Pavljuk – MSU graduate and Digital Marketing Lead at the Montclair Art Museum. Podcast Host, Maybe, Actually, Museums Are for Me

Daysi De Dios – Founder of Houss Freya

References:

BearFort Paranormal's Ghost Hunt at Tierney’s Tavern

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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].

In this special episode, we celebrate the official launch of the Montclair Pod, featuring over 100 attendees at Tierney's Tavern. Special guest Jon Fortt, co-anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell: Overtime” and Monclair resident, joins the conversation, setting the stage for an engaging discussion about the podcast's mission and vision.

Hosts Michael, Farnoosh, and Ali dive into the inspiration behind the Montclair Pod, emphasizing their commitment to addressing local issues such as education, real estate, and community concerns. They highlight the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and announce future episodes that will cover important topics like local politics, small business costs, and intriguing local ghost stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at The Montclair Pod Launch Party at Tierney’s Tavern for live music, giveaways, and a live taping! Proceeds support Toni’s Kitchen. Grab your tickets here.

Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail with your ideas and questions at MontclairPod.com

Featured Guests & Contributors:

• Sean Long – Former Montclair Board of Education member, Montclair parent
• Jaime Bedrin – Substitute teacher, journalist, and Montclair parent shares thoughts on Chromebook usage
• Melissa Mehl – Northeast Elementary School parent, sharing firsthand experiences
• Rohit Dave– A listener from neighboring Millburn
• Montclair parents & community members – Sharing insights from our Facebook poll

Additional References:

• Read Jamie Bedrin’s Op-Ed in Business Insider
• $188M Bond Referendum Details

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at Tierneys on February 18 to celebrate The Montclair Pod launch! Reserve 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].

On today's episode: Montclair’s real estate market feels more like The Hunger Games—with buyers battling in fierce bidding wars for limited homes, only to be priced out or forced to walk away. In this episode, we break down the sky-high prices, low inventory, and the relentless competition that defines the market. We also explore the charm—and challenges—of Montclair’s historic architecture, where 100-year-old homes demand costly renovations to fit modern needs. But the market’s shortcomings don’t stop there—Montclair also faces a critical lack of housing options for its aging population, leaving longtime residents with few choices to downsize or stay in the community. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just curious about the town’s shifting real estate landscape, this deep dive is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we hear personal stories from residents Trae Bodge and Cory Sylvester of Michael Andrews Bespoke. We speak to realtors Heather Kandawire of Keller Williams and Jillian Nolan of Compass and finally, we hear from local architect Courtney Rombough.

Additional References: 

• New Jersey MLS 
• Montclair Real Estate Prices and Stats 
• RSVP for our launch party at Tierney’s!

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**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].

In this episode, we dig deep into the Montclair school district. From crumbling school buildings to curriculum concerns and special education challenges, we share real talk on what it’s like to raise and educate kids here. Hear from newly elected Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman on what she would like to have the the board prioritize: improving facilities, hiring a superintendent, and supporting special ed.

We also chat with Danielle Neff, creator of the Montclair Moms, Dads, and Parents Facebook group, who breaks down what families in town care most about. Plus, student voices, raw experiences from parents, and a powerful discussion with disability advocate Alma Schneider.

References:

1in6Support.org

Incidents of Discrimination, Bias, and Abuse in District Schools

Montclair Moms, Dad and Parens Facebook Group

Alma Schneider email: [email protected]

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

We explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 2024 election.

The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney’s Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump’s leadership that resonate with his supporters.

The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possible dismantling of the Department of Education. Guests, include Dr. Jackie Vimo, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and Montclair State University and Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman.

Finally, the episode spotlights Gabriela Tutalo, owner of the boutique Solano. She shares her concerns about tariffs on imported goods, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of small business owners adapting to economic challenges.

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**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].

In the inaugural episode we dive into the story behind Lackawanna Plaza, one of Montclair’s most iconic yet controversial redevelopment projects. The hosts reflect on the broader implications of Lackawanna’s redevelopment for Montclair’s identity, governance, and future.

Developer Dave Placek, managing partner at BDP Holdings, shares his ambitious vision for revitalizing the long-neglected space with dining, retail, residences, and community hubs. Placek discusses the challenges of navigating community concerns and lawsuits and balancing affordability with progress. His stark warning: towns can decline rapidly if they fail to adapt. We hear from James Cotter, creator of Radio Free Montclair on why some are not in favor of too much change.

The episode also highlights the Montclair Flea Market at Lackawanna, a vibrant community event featuring over 150 vendors. Entrepreneurs shared their stories of creativity and resilience. Featured small business owners include Hipster & Co, Patti's Bake Shop and Rose & Co Candles.

Listeners are introduced to RecRoom, a new coworking and community space slated to open at Lackawanna. Michelle Ward, a Montclair entrepreneur, explains how the space aims to bring people together post-COVID, offering an alternative to isolating home offices and crowded coffee shops.

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.