The Montclair Pod

This week on The Montclair Pod, we bring you one of our most important episodes yet.

We tackle a deeply emotional and urgent issue: street safety. NPR's David Folkenflik joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his mother to a preventable traffic collision right outside his Upper Montclair home, followed by a conversation with Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director, Jacob Nieman. Then we sit down with Senator Cory Booker to discuss his new legislation, independent media, and his time under a state monitor in Newark. Plus, we break down the district-wide school lockdown, the results of the massive school referendum (and the lawsuit trying to stop it), and Mike shares a brilliant YMCA membership hack.

We sit down with NPR media reporter and longtime resident David Folkenflik, who experienced the unthinkable in October 2023 when his mother was killed crossing the street outside his house. He shares his warnings about Montclair's dangerous intersections, the aggressive driving culture plaguing our residential neighborhoods, and the frustration of warning the town before tragedy struck. We follow this up with a discussion featuring Jacob Nieman, Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director, about how the town plans to fix a broken system.

Senator Cory Booker joins the pod! In Part 1 of our interview, we talk about the power of independent local media, his new bill to raise the standard deduction to $75,000 for families, and his experience dealing with a state educational monitor back when he was Mayor of Newark.

It was a chaotic week in Montclair schools. We cover the terrifying district-wide lockdown sparked by a threat to the high school. We also dive into the results of the long-awaited school referendum—which might be on hold thanks to a new lawsuit by David Herron alleging electioneering by district principals. Plus, we talk about the search for a new, permanent Business Administrator, and Mike reveals the ultimate "money coach" hack for joining the Montclair YMCA.

• Watch the Show: Subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YouTube
• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter (no spam, just the good stuff.)
• Guest: Follow David Folkenflik's reporting at NPR.
• Guest: Learn more about Senator Cory Booker’s Keep Your Pay Act.
• Street Safety: Learn more about Montclair's Complete Streets Department.
• School Lawsuit: Read Matt Kadosh's coverage on the principals and the electioneering allegations.
• YMCA: Learn about the Montclair YMCA.
• Party @ Lackawanna: Soniashyk, Burgers • Donuts • Potatoes & Ironbound Farm Market

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With the high-stakes school vote looming—or maybe not, thanks to a new lawsuit—we sit down with New York Magazine journalist Andrew Rice to figure out exactly where the school district's money went. We also talk a bit about local news collaboration and why it benefits everyone. Plus, a heartbreaking preview of next week's street safety episode with NPR's David Folkenflik, and a packed local news roundup.

New York Magazine contributing editor and local dad Andrew Rice joins us to discuss his new Substack, My Montclair Education. We dive deep into his look at the district's budget crisis, exploring the structural math, the impact of COVID-era hiring sprees, soaring transportation costs, and the chaotic tenure of the former Business Administrator.

We share a powerful preview of next week's interview with NPR media reporter and longtime resident David Folkenflik, who experienced the unthinkable when his mother was killed crossing the street outside his house. He shares his warnings about Montclair's dangerous intersections and the aggressive driving culture plaguing our residential neighborhoods.

In our news roundup, we cover Brendan Gill’s announcement that he won't seek re-election to the Essex County Board of Commissioners after 15 years. We also break down the controversial staffing cuts hitting the Montclair Fire Department, driven by a massive $3.7 million spike in municipal health insurance costs. Finally, mark your calendars: we've got the dates for Montclair Pride, the Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree, and the African American Heritage Parade.

• Substack: Subscribe to Andrew Rice's deep dive into the schools at My Montclair Education.
• New York Mag: Read Andrew's recent piece on schools in America and another one how a new Hollywood is being built in New Jersey. Here’s more about his book, The Year That Broke America 
• Commissioner News: Read about Brendan Gill not seeking re-election; The Montclair Local also covered this.
• Fire Department: Read the Montclair Patch coverage of the Township's fire department cuts.
• Summer Festivals: Find all the dates for Montclair Pride, the Jazz Festival, and more at montclairpod.com/festivals/. You can also visit the official sites directly: Montclair Pride and the Montclair Jazz Festival.
• Sponsor: Need real estate advice? Reach out to Karin Diana of Compass and her team at thehomecollectivenj.com.
• Tribute: Remembering Coleman McCarthy
• Newsletter: Subscribe and join our email community at montclairpod.com.

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Happening on October 21.

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This week, so much is in flux.

First, Mike has to face the music after literally falling asleep at a recent Town Hall meeting. He also issues a formal apology to the MSU Men’s Basketball team for jinxing their perfect season.

But it’s not all fun and games—we get down to serious business with three major interviews. Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner invites us into her office to discuss the high-stakes March 10th special referendum, while developer Dave Placek gives us an update on the long-awaited Lackawanna Plaza project and addresses his critics. Plus, we hear part two of our conversation with Montclair legend Lonnie Brandon, detailing his civil rights activism in college. Finally, Farnoosh confronts her fears of injectables in our latest installment of Farnoosh and Mike Get Healthy, this week sponsored by SkinSplendid, and we break down a massive news week including a new lawsuit trying to stop the upcoming school vote.

We sit down with Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner at the District offices on Valley Road. After busting Mike for snoozing, we dive deep into what’s at stake on March 10th: the cuts, the potential for a State Monitor, the bond referendum, and why she believes the schools deserve a cut of the town’s PILOT tax revenue.

Lackawanna Plaza has felt a bit more alive lately, but the massive redevelopment—complete with housing and a grocery store—is still creeping along. We check in with developer Dave Placek about the timeline, the PILOT program, and how he handles the intense public scrutiny.

Former Montclair Parks & Rec Director Lonnie Brandon returns to share an incredible story from his days at Wagner College. He recounts his time with the student group “Black Concern,” a building occupation, expulsions, a federal court case, and a run-in with the Students for a Democratic Society.

In our newest segment, we head to Skinsplendid in Upper Montclair. While Mike chickened out, Farnoosh sits down with founder Nurse Christy to rethink her stance on aesthetics, learning about the “Sprinkle-tox,” ultrasound safety, and why skin care is healthcare.

Hold onto your hats: Local activist David Herron is suing to stop the March 10th referendum. We also cover the town’s massive $2.3 million tech upgrade (a lingering hangover from recent cyberattacks) and the new SwimQuest aquatic school proposed for Valley Road that has the local business association concerned about parking.

• Extended Interviews: Watch our full conversations with Dr. Turner and Dave Placek on YouTube
• School News: Read Andrew Rice’s new Substack, My Montclair Education.
• Tech Upgrades: Read the Montclair Local story on the $2.3M Township Tech Upgrades.
• Development News: Read about the SwimQuest proposal on Valley Road.
• Sponsor: Visit SkinSplendid at One Bellevue Plaza, Suite 5, or online at skinsplendid.com. Follow them on IG: @skinsplendid & @nursechristynyc.
• Newsletter: Subscribe and don’t miss out.

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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This week, we welcome back Township Manager Stephen Marks to discuss how the town might intervene in the school budget crisis and the latest on Lackawanna Plaza. Then, we take a trip back in time with Lonnie Brandon—historian, former Parks & Rec director, and Montclair High football alum—who shares a powerful story from the 1960s involving legendary coach Clary Anderson.

We also cover the "Cutover"—the month-long disruption to the Montclair-Boonton train line as work begins on the Portal North Bridge (hope you like the ferry!). We also break down the latest MPACT report on what a State Monitor actually does (spoiler: nobody really knows).

• MPACT report: Read about state monitors
• Mike Crowley's coverage of the recent School Budget Town Hall
• YMCA History: Join the Zoom on March 26th
• Event: Saturday Night Bard at Luna Stage
• Newsletter: Subscribe at montclairpod.com.
• The History of Our Magnet System on The Montclair Pod

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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Montclair is freezing - literally and politically.

This week, Mike and Farnoosh break down the surprise NJ-11 primary win by Analila Mejia, and take a deep dive into growing immigration fears across Montclair. Immigration law expert Dr. Jackie Vimo, a professor at Montclair State University, joins the show, alongside local leaders Masiel Rodriguez-Vars, President of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence and Emily Kraft, founder of Craftivists, to separate rumor from reality and explain what families need to know right now.

Plus: student walkouts over ICE, Paterson’s school closures and what they could mean for Montclair’s March 10 referendum, and a burst pipe that displaced MESH at the height of winter.

• Register: Farnoosh and Mike's Free Podcasting Webinar (Feb. 13)
• Donate to support MESH relocation
• Tickets for February 12th's Montclair Story Salon
• RSVP for Craftivists' Melt the ICE Knit Night on Feb 19th at Lackawanna Plaza

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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In this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond.

We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district.

We’re also joined by tech founder-turned-educator Anand Sanwal, who’s launching a new private school in New Jersey and asking a bigger question: if we were designing school for today’s kids — and tomorrow’s world — would it look anything like what we have now?

Plus, we cover the rest of the week in Montclair: ICE presence in the area and the state’s response, snow removal rules, the closing of a beloved BBQ spot, a look ahead at the spring housing market in our sponsored Ask an Agent segment — and yes, we finally get to the bottom of #Slushiegate with a real review!

• Learn more about Forge Prep
• Learn more about Acton Academy
• Snow Removal: Read Councilwoman Susan Shin Andersen's update

• Sponsor: Order from Pendragon’s Smokehouse for the Super Bowl!
• Deal: Use code MONTCLAIR-POD for 10% off (Min order $100).
• Order Deadline: Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 pm ET
• Sponsor: Karin Diana, Compass

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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This week on the Montclair Pod, Mike and Farnoosh are back to tackle the snowy aftermath and a whirlwind of local news. From the high stakes of the NJ-11 Special Primary—where a crowded field of 12 candidates is vying for your vote—to the sugar-fueled controversy of "Slushiegate" in our school cafeterias, we’re covering the stories that have the town talking. Grab your coffee (or a Walking Taco) and settle in for a jam-packed episode on everything happening in Montclair right now.

First up, we get serious about the upcoming Special Primary Election. Terrence McDonald of the New Jersey Monitor returns to help us navigate the incredibly crowded field of 11 Democrats and 1 Republican vying for the NJ-11 congressional seat. We discuss why this seat matters, who is actually running, and what to expect on Thursday.

Is "Slushiegate" the distraction we didn't know we needed? Mike and Farnoosh dig into the latest school cafeteria controversy—from slushies in the lunch line to the "Walking Taco" phenomenon. We break down the new Sodexo menu and the parents' reactions to the sugar rush.

We check in on the school budget (spoiler: we aren't the only ones with a deficit). We compare notes with Perth Amboy and the breaking news out of Hackensack, where the school district revealed a shocking $17 million deficit. Specifically, we discuss the major development that the town is stepping in with $6.5 million in emergency funds to help stop immediate layoffs—a move that has sparked conversation about how municipalities support their schools.

We also touch on the latest Board of Education friction points: the debate over the upcoming school calendar and the controversy surrounding the new volunteer ban. Plus, we cover the final days of the Montclair Transit Survey.

We wrap up with a shoutout to Cousin Honey, who is celebrating her 97th birthday (sparking a debate on legal names!). Plus, we share critical dates for parents looking into Montclair's upcoming preschool information sessions.

• 00:00 - Snow days and basement leaks.
• 03:10 - The NJ-11 Primary: A field of 11 candidates (and 1 Republican).
• 05:00 - School Updates: Calendar debates and the volunteer ban.
• 13:00 - Slushy Gate: The new Sodexo menu, sugar rushes, and "Walking Tacos."
• 22:00 - Guest: Terrence McDonald on why this seat matters and who is actually running.
• 40:40 - News: Transit Survey deadline & The Perth Amboy deficit comparison.
• 46:18 - One Big Thing: Cousin Honey’s 97th Birthday & Preschool Info Sessions.

• Election Day: The Special Primary is Thursday, Feb 5th.
• ROUTE Questionnaire: Read the NJ-11 Candidate Responses
• Montclair Transit Survey: Fill Out the Survey
• Montclair Public Library's Preschool Fair is Saturday, Jan 31st.
• Guest: Follow Terrence McDonald at the New Jersey Monitor.
• Support the Show: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
• Newsletter: Subscribe at montclairpod.com.

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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This episode of The Montclair Pod moves between local crisis and statewide context.

School Budget Crises: Montclair and Hackensack

We dig into the growing reality that Montclair is not alone in facing financial trouble in its school district. We look closely at what’s unfolding in Hackensack, where an independent audit revealed a staggering $15 million budget deficit, prompting lawsuits against former administrators and vendors.

State Power, Schools & Segregation

Former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin helps explain how the state approaches oversight of local governments, consumer protection and fraud, and ongoing legal challenges tied to school segregation, including litigation involving district boundaries and magnet systems

We also ask the uncomfortable but necessary question:

Are we still operating a true magnet school system—or has that promise quietly eroded?

New Jersey Politics: A Transition Moment

We preview our upcoming conversation with Terrence McDonald, editor of New Jersey Monitor, including a brief tease of our discussion about Mikie Sherrill’s first week as governor—and what her early moves could signal for education, oversight, and state-local relationships.

Local News & One Big Thing

• Ani Ramen’s tutoring initiative for students and teachers
• A look at Montclair’s shuttle bus survey results—and why even drivers want another option
• New restaurant renderings, new town hires, and old intersections that keep causing accidents

Grab tickets for Ian Frazier and Jamaica Kincaid, in conversation at Watchung Booksellers (Children’s Room) 

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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Following last week’s episode on the origins of the magnet system, we pick up the conversation at a critical crossroads—one where values, finances, and state oversight collide. We attend the latest school budget town hall, where Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and district leaders lay out the long road ahead, explain the district’s structural deficit, and address growing anxiety around the possibility of a state monitor and what that would mean for local control.

We break down what we heard at the meeting, including important clarifications about the revised ballot questions, the limits of state aid, and why a “no” vote does not guarantee relief. We also reflect on powerful public comments from parents—particularly around transportation—and why buses are not a luxury, but a cornerstone of access and inclusion in Montclair.

A recording of the town hall is available here, and the presentation shared during the meeting can be found here .

To help put the moment in national context, we’re joined by Richard Kahlenberg, one of the country’s leading experts on school integration, education policy, and economic inequality. We talk candidly about why magnet schools emerged in the first place, what decades of research actually show about integration and student outcomes, and the real risks districts face when the cost of integration comes under pressure.

We also share a preview of our upcoming conversation with outgoing New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, where we ask the questions many parents and taxpayers are wondering about: when does financial mismanagement cross into fraud, who has the authority to investigate, and what accountability can realistically look like.

Plus, we round out the episode with local news—from new statewide cellphone restrictions in schools, to staffing shakeups at Town Hall, to a one-year look back at the school closure that shocked the community.

RSVP for free for tonight's event with Farnoosh and Hannah Cole, author of Taxes for Humans, at Lackawanna Plaza.

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

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Montclair has long defined itself by its district-wide magnet system—a model built on choice, diversity, and integration by design. But today, that system is under unprecedented strain. Facing a $20 million budget deficit and rising transportation costs, Mike and Farnoosh go back in time to explore the system's roots in activism and legal battles, while asking hard questions about its future. Is the promise of equity being met, and what happens when our ideals stay the same but our resources don’t?

• Watch Our Schools, Our Town: A Short History of the Montclair Magnet School System produced by Masiel Rodriguez-Vars.
• UCLA Civil Rights Project Report: A 2017 analysis finding New Jersey is the 7th most segregated state for Black and Latino students.
• Patricia Hampson Eget’s Research: "Challenging Containment: African Americans and Racial Politics in Montclair, New Jersey, 1920-1940"
• The Lonnie Brandon Story: Read the Wagner College article by Lee Manchester detailing the history of athletic recruitment and institutional hurdles in the 60s and 70s.
• 1960s Legal History: The New York Times article on the 1960s Glenfield suit and the State Supreme Court’s 7-0 ruling on integration.
• Significant Achievement Gap Persists in Montclair - Asad Jung's article in the Montclair Local
• Budget Feedback: Weigh in on the future of school funding via Superintendent Turner’s Budget Survey (Deadline: January 30th).

• This installment is sponsored by The Bar Method Montclair.
• Offer: Get a FREE CLASS using code MONTCLAIRPOD at checkout on the Bar Method website or download the app. (Code expires Feb 28, 2026). Limit one per person. The studio is also running a winter promo: Receive 30 days of unlimited classes for $78.

• Municipal Complex Forum: Public forum regarding the new $50M town hall proposal on Wednesday, Jan 14 at 7 PM at 205 Claremont Avenue.
• Lunar New Year Performance: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company presents "Red Firecrackers" at Jersey City Theater Center on Sunday, January 18 at 4 PM.
• Live Music at Tierney's: Join Mike’s band BARD and special guests Ümläüt this Saturday night.
• 7 PM: Ümläüt
• 8 PM: BARD
• Late Night: 80s Danceteria Dance Party with DJ Rafe Gomez (Twitch: DanceteriaRewind).
• Proceeds benefit Toni’s Kitchen.

Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.

Happening on October 21.

Use code MONTCLAIRPOD when you register here for $10 off.

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