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: hello@montclairpod.com.

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.

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

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

Montclair schools are back in the spotlight. After our first deep dive into the state of the district went hyper-local viral, we’re continuing the conversation with new updates, expert insights, and community reactions. In this episode, we unpack the latest poll results from Montclair parents on their biggest school concerns, break down how the $188 million bond referendum is being allocated, and examine the ongoing debate over Chromebooks in the classroom. We also take a closer look at school security disparities, discuss the fallout from a recent teacher arrest at Northeast Elementary, and try to make sense of Montclair’s school calendar chaos—could classes really stretch into July?

Featured Guests & Contributors:

• Sean Long – Former Montclair Board of Education member, Montclair parent
• Jamie 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.

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

Join us at Tierneys on February 18 to celebrate The Montclair Pod launch! Reserve 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: hello@montclairpod.com.

On today's episode: Montclair’s real estate market feels more like The Hunger Games—with buyers battling in fierce bidding wars for limited homes, only to be priced out or forced to walk away. In this episode, we break down the sky-high prices, low inventory, and the relentless competition that defines the market. We also explore the charm—and challenges—of Montclair’s historic architecture, where 100-year-old homes demand costly renovations to fit modern needs. But the market’s shortcomings don’t stop there—Montclair also faces a critical lack of housing options for its aging population, leaving longtime residents with few choices to downsize or stay in the community. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just curious about the town’s shifting real estate landscape, this deep dive is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we hear personal stories from residents Trae Bodge and Cory Sylvester of Michael Andrews Bespoke. We speak to realtors Heather Kandawire of Keller Williams and Jillian Nolan of Compass and finally, we hear from local architect Courtney Rombough.

Additional References:

• New Jersey MLS
• Montclair Real Estate Prices and Stats
• RSVP for our launch party at Tierney’s!

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.

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: hello@montclairpod.com.

In this episode, we dig deep into the Montclair school district. From crumbling school buildings to curriculum concerns and special education challenges, we share real talk on what it’s like to raise and educate kids here. Hear from newly elected Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman on what she would like to have the the board prioritize: improving facilities, hiring a superintendent, and supporting special ed.

We also chat with Danielle Neff, creator of the Montclair Moms, Dads, and Parents Facebook group, who breaks down what families in town care most about. Plus, student voices, raw experiences from parents, and a powerful discussion with disability advocate Alma Schneider.

References:

1in6Support.org

Incidents of Discrimination, Bias, and Abuse in District Schools

Montclair Moms, Dad and Parens Facebook Group

Alma Schneider email: alma@1in6support.org

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.

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. Email us at Hello@MontclairPod.com**

We explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 2024 election.

The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney’s Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump’s leadership that resonate with his supporters.

The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possible dismantling of the Department of Education. Guests, include Dr. Jackie Vimo, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and Montclair State University and Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman.

Finally, the episode spotlights Gabriela Tutalo, owner of the boutique Solano. She shares her concerns about tariffs on imported goods, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of small business owners adapting to economic challenges.

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.

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: hello@montclairpod.com.

In the inaugural episode we dive into the story behind Lackawanna Plaza, one of Montclair’s most iconic yet controversial redevelopment projects. The hosts reflect on the broader implications of Lackawanna’s redevelopment for Montclair’s identity, governance, and future.

Developer Dave Placek, managing partner at BDP Holdings, shares his ambitious vision for revitalizing the long-neglected space with dining, retail, residences, and community hubs. Placek discusses the challenges of navigating community concerns and lawsuits and balancing affordability with progress. His stark warning: towns can decline rapidly if they fail to adapt. We hear from James Cotter, creator of Radio Free Montclair on why some are not in favor of too much change.

The episode also highlights the Montclair Flea Market at Lackawanna, a vibrant community event featuring over 150 vendors. Entrepreneurs shared their stories of creativity and resilience. Featured small business owners include Hipster & Co, Patti's Bake Shop and Rose & Co Candles.

Listeners are introduced to RecRoom, a new coworking and community space slated to open at Lackawanna. Michelle Ward, a Montclair entrepreneur, explains how the space aims to bring people together post-COVID, offering an alternative to isolating home offices and crowded coffee shops.

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.

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

Welcome to The Montclair Pod, your weekly deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity, humor, and a little bit of neighborly gossip. Visit us at MontclairPod.com, follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.

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.

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