The Bat-Signal lit up the sky because one Jersey kid had a vision: bring a darker, more human Batman to the big screen. In this episode, Michael Uslan—the executive producer behind every Batman film since 1989—shares how his childhood love for comics sparked a cinematic revolution.

Uslan takes us from Ocean Township to Hollywood, revealing how a decade of rejection, a strategic law degree, and one groundbreaking partnership with Tim Burton helped erase the campy legacy of the 1960s Batman. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Jack Nicholson’s Joker, the uproar over Michael Keaton’s casting, and the marketing blitz that created full-blown “Batmania.”

Now chairman of the New Jersey Film Commission and with his memoir headed to Broadway, Uslan reflects on Batman’s lasting legacy—and the heartwarming moment a group of West Point cadets turned his story into their own battle cry.

"The Boy Who Loved Batman" book

New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2025!

The Dark Knight is #28 on the New York Times Best Movies List

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Tune in to our talk with acclaimed author Warren Zanes about his road to writing music biographies, including his outstanding book, "Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.” Film adaptation will be released in October 2025 with a roster of superstars including Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, and Stephen Gram.

The album "Nebraska" was recorded by Springsteen on a simple cassette recorder, with just his guitar and harmonica, in Colts Neck, NJ. It was an industry-shocking release after his four massive studio album successes.

In this conversation, why led Warren to write this book. And explore Warren’s experiences as a young rock musician in the band The Del Fuegos, his time at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his transition into an acclaimed author.

His fascinating journey sheds light on his writing approach and storytelling abilities, as well as the profound impact that the album had on Warren and on The Boss himself.

Episode Topics:
🎸 Warren Zanes
🎸Bruce Springsteen
🎸 Nebraska Album
🎸 The Del Fuegos
🎸 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
🎸 The Band Experience
📚 School, Bikes, and Muppets


Links
Amazon
Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska

Watchung Book Sellers
https://www.watchungbooksellers.com/item/DayRjyMnwHknVSlRk5DuKQ

CBS Morning News: See the room where Nebraska was recorded.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bruce-springsteen-on-nebraska-and-the-emergence-of-springsteen-the-poet/

Keywords: Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska, Music Legends, Warren Zanes, Authors, New Books, Rock, Biographies

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🎙️ Finding Strength, Community, and Purpose in Disability Parenting

When Alma Schneider moved from a bustling apartment in New York City to suburban New Jersey, she didn’t expect to feel adrift. But after her son was diagnosed with disabilities, the shift in identity was both profound and isolating. In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Lost in Jersey, Alma shares how one conversation—a friend encouraging her to reconnect with her creativity—sparked a movement that has transformed lives.

That first spark led to the creation of 1 in 6 Support, a growing organization that offers connection, advocacy, and practical resources for families raising children with disabilities. What began as a casual coffee group is now a vital network helping parents navigate challenges that are too often faced in silence—from mental health crises to behavioral struggles.

Alma speaks candidly about the realities of parenting a child with disabilities and how community support can be a lifeline. Through events like Mother’s Day pampering day, Disability Pride Parade, and advocacy for inclusive hiring, 1 in 6 Support is reshaping how we talk about—and show up for—families with special needs.

Whether you’re a parent, an ally, or someone looking to better understand this experience, Alma’s story offers insight, hope, and a reminder that no one should have to do this alone.

🌐 Learn more at 1in6support.org
💬 “One in six children. One in three families. Together, we can do more.”

More Links:

• Parents Who Rock
• Le Souk
• Sankofa Cafe
• Dhamaal

#DisabilityParenting #CommunitySupport #InclusionMatters #MentalHealth #ParentingJourney #Podcast

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Ready to go from hopeful scribbler to published author? The Book Doctors, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, are here to spill the literary tea. With years of industry smarts, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of laughs, they break down what it really takes to get your book into readers' hands.

In this episode, you'll learn:

📚 The two A’s every author must master: Authority (why you) and Audience (who’s reading)
🔍 How to make your book “unique but familiar” — with just the right comparison titles
🚀 Why self-publishing is having its main-character moment (and how publishers are taking notice)
💪 David’s epic tale of 113 rejections — and why perseverance pays off
👯‍♂️ The power of a “dream team” — from cheerleaders to tough critics
📝 Why protecting your work from feedback is a rookie mistake
📺 Submit for their new TV show, America’s Next Great Author — imagine Top Chef meets Queer Eye... but for books!

Whether you're plotting your debut or dusting off a long-lost draft, this episode is your literary launchpad.

Links:

The Book Doctors

America's Next Great Author Website

The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published

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What’s it like to be the right hand to two of the most iconic and complicated chefs of our time? Laurie Woolever dishes on life behind the scenes with Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali, revealing the chaos, contradictions, and quiet moments that shaped her memoir, the New York Times Bestselling Care and Feeding.

From a small town in upstate New York to the kitchens and offices of culinary giants, Woolever's journey is raw, riveting, and deeply personal. She opens up about toxic kitchens, battling addiction in a booze-soaked industry, and the long road to sobriety and self-worth.

This isn’t just a peek behind the celebrity curtain; it’s a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and claiming your own spotlight.

Purchase her book:

Care and Feeding a Memoir by Laurie Woolever

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Our guest today takes us from Iran to innovation. Dr. Ali Houshmand’s journey to the top of Rowan University is anything but typical. Hear how he’s reinventing college with bold ideas, groundbreaking programs, and a hot sauce that funds scholarships.

🌍 From Tehran to Transformation: Born to illiterate parents in Iran, Dr. Houshmand worked his way through college in London, driven by grit and vision.

🏥 Revolutionizing Rowan: He turned Rowan into one of only two U.S. universities with allopathic and osteopathic medical degree programs.

🛠️ Engineering Success: His hands-on education model produces job-ready grads—Lockheed Martin and other giants actively recruit them.

🌶️ Hot Sauce for Scholarships: Raised nearly $3M for student aid by creating and selling hot sauce made from peppers grown on campus.

🧠 Rethinking Education: Believes college should teach students how to apply knowledge wisely, not just memorize facts.

🤝 Leadership with Heart: Leads with transparency, honesty, and dignity—values he believes are essential for real leadership.

🌾 Feeding Minds & Communities: Oversees the growth of thousands of pounds of produce annually to fight food insecurity and teach farming skills.

💡 Silicon Valley of the East? Sees South Jersey’s potential to become a thriving innovation hub thanks to its location and affordability.

Listen to be inspired by transformational leader Dr. Ali Houshmand.

Links!

Rowan University
Dr. Ali Houshmand

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In this episode of "Lost in Jersey," we sit down with Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. Murphy opens up about his journey from Massachusetts to New Jersey, sharing how his early experiences shaped his path to public service. He reflects on seven years in office—covering major accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and his approach to leadership. With the June 10th primary election coming up, the Governor also weighs in on New Jersey’s political landscape and the broader national picture, including what it’s been like working with the current Trump administration compared to the first one. A few laughs and a nod to Bruce Springsteen remind us there’s always a human side to politics. Tune in for a fresh, insightful look at one of Jersey’s most influential leaders.

Don't forget to vote!

Click below to find the voting location near you:

Early voting is Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025

Primary Voting Day is June 10th!

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We're bringing you a star-studded lineup of influential New Jersey figures in our upcoming episodes. From the Governor of New Jersey to the Executive Producer of all the BATMAN movies Jersey-born Michael Uslan. Plus Rowan University's inspiring President Ali Houshmand, and New York Times best-selling author, Laurie Woolever, who was Anthony Bourdain's lieutenant chef. Mark your calendars - Tuesdays are new episodes!

• Governor Phil Murphy joins us for a revealing interview dropping next week, discussing both policy and his fascinating personal journey to governorship

• Michael Uslan, executive producer of all Batman films and Jersey native, shares how he purchased the Batman rights as a young man before taking his vision to Hollywood

• Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan University president, discusses his inspiring rise from humble beginnings to leading a rapidly expanding educational institution

• New York Times bestselling author Laurie Woolever opens up about her memoir "Care and Feeding," sharing vulnerable stories about working with culinary giants Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain

Please subscribe and tune in to catch these exceptional conversations on Lost in Jersey!

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