The Montclair Pod

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.

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**Download our free guide to shopping local here.

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Happening on October 21.

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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]

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, 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].

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

Happening on October 21.

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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].

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

Happening on October 21.

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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].

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

Happening on October 21.

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Comedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman. In this candid and hilarious conversation, Garg shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edge, and how she’s navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor.

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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If you’ve ever seen a long line of people on Label Street, chances are it leads to The Human Needs Food Pantry—Montclair’s quiet but essential resource for residents and area neighbors facing food insecurity. In this episode, we talk with executive director Mike Bruno about the growing demand for services, the challenge of operating in a high-cost town, and why 2025 may be one of the toughest years yet. To learn more about how to donate, visit their website. Follow on Instagram.

Additional non-profits in the area, supporting residents facing food insecurity, housing instability, and other challenges::

Toni’s Kitchen: A food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, providing meals, groceries, and wellness services to individuals and families in need.

Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH): Offers evening meals six days a week and overnight respite during extreme weather to Montclair's most vulnerable homeless adults and families.

Salvation Army Montclair Citadel: Provides housing assistance, hot meals, emergency services, and spiritual support to those in need.

Red Hawk Pantry – Montclair State University: Offers free food and personal care items to Montclair State University students experiencing food insecurity.

Montclair Mutual Aid: A grassroots network collecting and distributing essential resources such as groceries, toiletries, appliances, and clothing to families and individuals in need.

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].

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

Happening on October 21.

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Did you hear? TEDx is coming to Montclair. On today's mini episode, we’re joined by Katina Rodriguez and Nova Pierre Lewis, the organizers behind this year’s TEDx Montclair, themed The Domino Effect. We get the behind-the-scenes on how speakers were selected, why Montclair is the perfect host, and how this TEDx will stand out from others—with a focus on community, connection, and conversations that carry beyond the stage.

TEDx Montclair is happening on June 24 at Montclair Mezzanine.

Learn more here.

[And if you'd like to join a live recording of The Montclair Pod at Loopwell next Tuesday featuring comedian Zarna Garg, click 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].

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

Happening on October 21.

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In his first published interview since a TikTok video criticizing the mural change at Brick + Dough went viral, owner Jason Rosenthal sits down with The Montclair Pod to share his side of the story.

Rosenthal walks us through the decision to paint over the original mural—an evocative 2021 piece by Jayemaich depicting two elderly women, meant to represent “the wear of time being oppressed”—and replace it with a new mural by Jen Flaum that celebrates pizza as a form of art. While the mural swap quietly happened months ago, it only recently caught fire on social media, triggering a wave of backlash and a barrage of negative online reviews from people both near and far.

Recorded mid-morning during his prep shift, this conversation offers a rare and personal glimpse into how small businesses navigate public perception, artistic evolution, and the ripple effects of viral culture. Rosenthal reflects on what he might have done differently and why he still stands by the original mural’s message.

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

Happening on October 21.

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The race to become New Jersey’s next governor is officially underway — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential elections in years. With no incumbent, a crowded field of candidates, and a new primary ballot format that could reshape outcomes, the 2025 election is already stirring big questions about the state’s political future. The primary election is June 10th.

Terrence McDonald, a longtime political reporter and editor of The New Jersey Monitor, is joining us in breaking it all down. We cover who’s in the race, the role of campaign funding, and how Trump’s lasting influence continues to shape political strategies.

And Montclair? We’re right in the middle of it. With two major candidates — Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller — calling this town home, local dynamics are starring in the statewide contest.

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].

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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