The Montclair Pod

This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh, Mike, and political correspondent Terrence McDonald from the New Jersey Monitor break down the stories making waves in Montclair and beyond:

• Lead Pipe Replacements Coming: Homes built before 1940 may still have lead service lines. Montclair will begin replacing them in 2026 under a statewide mandate to eliminate all lead pipes by 2031. The Montclair Water Bureau has created an online inventory of all known service lines here.
• New Power Substation on Valley Road: PSE&G plans to replace the nearly 100-year-old facility to prevent failures and meet modern codes, though residents are raising questions about transparency and community input.
• Mail Heist in Montclair: A postal truck was smashed open, and two trays of mail were stolen, along with the carrier’s lunch. Authorities are treating it as a federal crime.
• School Budget Fallout: Former Montclair school business administrator Christina Hunt, tied to the district’s $11 million deficit, has landed a new role in the Penns Grove – Carnys Point Regional School District.
• Hate Crime Charges: A Montclair man faces serious charges for sending racist and antisemitic threats through a Fort Lee apartment building’s system.
• Car Theft Surge: Multiple vehicle thefts and break-ins across Montclair highlight the growing problem of brazen auto crimes.
• Statewide & National Headlines: From baby blood sample lawsuits to immigration controversies shaping New Jersey’s governor’s race, we connect the dots on issues with local impact.

Send us your ideas for season 3 at [email protected]

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Happening on October 21.

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Award-winning journalist Terrence McDonald, editor at the New Jersey Monitor, joins Mike and Farnoosh for a deep dive into state politics, local news, and Montclair's ever-evolving dining scene.

We kick off with a look at the New Jersey governor’s race and why polls might not tell the whole story. Terrence breaks down the latest political flashpoints, including the tragic Lakewood DUI case that’s become a national talking point, the Trump administration’s investment in the state race, and how bail reform and sanctuary status are entering the conversation.

From there, we pivot to home turf: Montclair’s proposed shuttle bus service. Will it solve transportation woes or create more questions than answers? We also celebrate a fundraising victory for Clary Anderson Arena, discuss the school district’s $11 million budget gap, and what it might mean if the state steps in.

On the lighter side, we taste-test the town’s culinary news: a veggie-forward restaurant coming to Bloomfield Avenue, thoughts on Ani Ramen’s wing prices, a taco tour, and the arrival of Pendragon's Smokehouse. Plus: a quirky rest stop closure mystery, Cory Booker’s Senate floor theatrics, and why one U.S. Attorney appointment is turning into a political chess match.

Highlights:

• Governor’s race breakdown: The stakes, the polls, and the political strategies at play.
• Lakewood DUI case: How one tragedy is fueling a statewide political debate.
• Shuttle bus proposal: Will Montclair residents hop on board? Take the survey: Montclair Shuttle Bus Survey
• Dining buzz: From the veggie-forward Sam's Table to The Saint Clair on Church Street to smoked brisket dreams at Pendragon's Smokehouse
• Clary Anderson comeback: How the rink hit its fundraising goal.
• Political side stories: Cory Booker’s filibuster, Trump’s U.S. Attorney pick under fire, and the Connie Chung rest stop saga.
• What's going on at the Connie Chung service area?

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Happening on October 21.

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As summer winds down and Montclair empties out, The Montclair Pod is here with a jam-packed Season 2 finale to help you make the most of August, whether you’re staying put or sneaking in one last getaway.

Co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike share their personal plans (pork shoulder rotisserie, anyone?), surprising listener hotspots, and clever ways to spend your August locally, including music, comedy, beaches, workouts at Brain and Body Method, and yes…MedievalFest.

Plus:

• A fire closes two Bloomfield Ave. businesses—how to help
• Montclair Public Schools’ $11M budget shortfall (check out the Reddit Thread)
• Updates on QuickChek's replacement
• Montclair’s own spy scandal and true crime lore
• A very sweaty trip to the astronaut-inspired fitness studio, Brain & Body Method
• Live music picks from Forest Hills to Iridium Jazz Club
• Montclair’s pool drama—and whether you can crash Glen Ridge or Maplewood

• Montclair Art Museum's Wine & Wheel
• Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series
• Montclair Comedy Festival
• Aziz Ansari at the Wellmont Theater
• Lady Gaga at Madison Square Garden
• MedievalFest

• Brain & Body Method – Mention The Montclair Pod for 3 Free Sessions

• The FunPlex Waterpark
• Montclair Public Pools Info

• Forest Hills Stadium
• Headhunters Jazz Band
• Iridium NYC

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Happening on October 21.

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In this episode, Farnoosh and Mike explore sustainability with a Montclair lens. What does it really mean to “live green” in our town—and is it affordable, practical, or even possible?

You’ll hear:

• A solar reality check from Montclair local Ivy Sheibar, who breaks down the truth behind “free” solar panels, what the upcoming federal tax credit deadline means for homeowners, and how to decide if solar is worth it for your house. Plus, she’s offering a free guide for listeners.
• A trip to American Royal Hardware with longtime staffer Cliff Proven, who shares the top energy-saving tips he's learned from over 30 years on the job, including one easy trick that could save you hundreds.
• A new take on secondhand shopping with Lacey Triplett Thistle, founder of Middle Child, an online kids’ consignment boutique based in Montclair. She explains how her circular economy model is helping families save money and reduce waste, while keeping kids dressed in style.
• A crash course in beekeeping from Verona-based Jim Feeney, who shares why bees love Montclair, and how bees might be the original sustainability ambassadors.

Plus:

• A local QuickChek closes, and the town holds an impromptu vigil.
• MM by Morimoto officially opens, and the crew gets a sneak peek—with Iron Chef Morimoto himself.
• Our weekend event roundup, featuring Montclair Flea: Tales & Treasures Edition and the grand opening of the Montclair Creative Reuse Project

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Back by demand: It’s our second deep dive into the world of Montclair arts: bigger, bolder, and possibly haunted.  

• Dance phenom Sharron Miller takes us from flat feet to Broadway, and back to Montclair where she’s mentored generations of dancers at her namesake academy. 
• The Montclair Dance Festival has arrived. Hear from founder Donna Scro Samori about its community roots and big dreams.
• Step into Ria Frame Shop x Art Gallery, where frames meet fine art. Owner Ria Mulvey shares how her dual business helps emerging artists and protects pieces from $5 to $500,000.
• We visit Tiny Gallery, a network of mini exhibitions that’s turning heads and stopping dog-walkers in their tracks.
• Co-host Alex Pavljuk of the Montclair Art Museum and host of Maybe, Actually, Museums Are For Me, joins us again with stories from inside the museum—including a new ghost sighting, summer discounts, and fall preview of Tom Nussbaum: But Wait, There’s More.

Plus, in the news:

– Bellevue Theatre gets a second act

– Farewell to Colbert on CBS

– QuickChek closes, Milk & Mayhem opens

– And Mike’s birthday gets wrecked by a rogue tow truck

Listen now, and check out more at montclairpod.com

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Happening on October 21.

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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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Happening on October 21.

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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

**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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Happening on October 21.

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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.

**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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Happening on October 21.

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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

**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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Happening on October 21.

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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

**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].

**Download our free guide to shopping local here.

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.

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