The Montclair Pod

This week on The Montclair Pod, we’re doing something a little different — and a little fun. We're teaming up with the Montclair Art Museum’s podcast Maybe Actually Museums Are For Me for a cross-promotion episode that celebrates local creativity and community.

Host Alex Pavljuk sits down with Montclair-raised documentary photographer Tyler Chan, whose first solo museum show Montclair Snap Memories debuts at MAM this weekend. Tyler’s work captures what it feels like to come of age in Montclair — from the quiet moments to the chaotic ones — all through the lens of his Gen Z experience.

In this episode, Tyler talks about:

• How a disposable camera obsession in high school led to a career in photography
• Why documenting his peers felt personal and necessary
• The surprising way studying abroad changed his perspective
• His hopes for Montclair Snap Memories — and why he wants everyone in Montclair to come see it (even if you don’t think museums are “for you”)
• Plus: What happens when your high school photos end up in a museum?

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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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].

Just days after wrapping Season 1, the Montclair Pod crew is back—because Montclair never sleeps. In this bonus episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali regroup to cover a powerful local rally held in Brookdale Park as part of a national “Hands Off” movement. Through interviews with attendees—spanning three generations of local women, including a 7-year-old activist-in-the-making—and a stirring moment with a long-time immigrant fearful of deportation, the episode captures the raw emotion, civic energy, and complexity of what’s at stake.

We also hear from Senator Cory Booker, who arrived at a rockstar welcome and delivered a fiery message. The team reflects on the challenges of energizing not just the base but swing voters and what inclusive dialogue might look like moving forward. 

Plus, stay tuned for a preview of Thursday’s upcoming crossover episode with the Montclair Art Museum podcast, Maybe Actually Museums Are For Me, spotlighting local photographer Tyler Chan.

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.

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 is known as a food town, and for good reason. People from all around North Jersey come here to eat. Some even come from… wait for it… New York City. But does Montclair really live up to the hype? And more importantly, what is the average culinary visitor, or even the odd local or two, missing out on?

In this week’s episode, our season one finale, 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. 

Jump to some episode highlights:

03:20 BYOB culture in Montclair

07:30 Food Crawl with Wendy Tiburcio

11:55 Interview with Max Gray of Chow Town Tours

18:21 Interview with Chef Lauren Hirschberg 

33:40 The fried-chicken taste-off

42:34 Reflections on Season 1

46:58 Sneak peek: Season 2 begins May 22

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

Happening on October 21.

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In this episode, we explore Montclair’s rich and thriving arts scene—one that continues to shape and inspire generations of creatives. Known for its vibrant community of actors, artists, musicians, poets, and performers, Montclair is more than just a place to live; it’s where art lives and inspires. 

We sit down with acclaimed visual artist Nanette Carter, whose work is currently on view at The Montclair Art Museum. We speak with Tom Hall, Artistic Director of the Montclair Film Festival, about what’s ahead for one of New Jersey’s top cultural events. Jazz legend and founder of Seed Artists, Pheeroan akLaff, joins us to reflect on the town’s musical legacy. Actress Kristen Connolly shares her experience growing up in Montclair and returning as a parent and working actor.

We also shine a light on Montclair’s PorchFest, a new celebration where hundreds of local musicians perform on porches across town. And lastly, we get the latest on the long-awaited reopening of the historic Bellevue Theater. Whether it’s on stage, on canvas, or on front lawns, Montclair’s creative spirit is always on display.

Jump to your favorite segments:

03:02 Angelica Diggs, Director of the Montclair History Center, on the town’s historical commitment to the arts 

06:49 Tom Hall, Co-Head and Artistic Director of the Montclair Film and The Claridge.

16:05 Actress Kristen Connolly on being mentored by teachers in Montclair.

19:56 Pheeroan akLaff, jazz musician and Creative Director of Seed Artists. 

27:42 Jeremy Pholwattana, Director of Downtown Montclair and organizer behind PorchFest.

31:12 Nanette Carter, a visual artist whose work is currently on exhibit at The Montclair Art Museum through August 10th. 

42:35 Bellevue Theater development manager Paul Sayegh on the future of the theater. 

Also mentioned:

• College Women’s Club of Montclair returns with their Spring Book Sale on Wednesday, March 26th. 
• The production of Fade at the Vanguard Theater April 4th through 13th. 
• Downtown Montclair is organizing an Easter egg hunt in April.

The music included in the Porchfest piece was from the 2024 Wallingford, CT Porchfest. 

The Mad Men excerpt is from Season 2, Episode 2.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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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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.

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.