The Montclair Pod

Montclair Pod LLC
  • 4.8 (80)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed founder and CEO Michael Schreiber—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3d ago

    NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Bloomfield Preschool-Church Controversy & 2026 Montclair Film Fest Preview

    This week on The Montclair Pod, a chance encounter with Gov, Mikie Sherril, Montclair Film's Tom Hall previews the 2026 festival, and public tickets go on sale today. Plus: religious signs at a Bloomfield preschool, the lieutenant governor's resignation, a shuttle bus report, and the end(?) of the swim school saga. WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE We're Signal Awards finalists! Vote for us for Best Local News Podcast and Best Local News Episode by Oct. 15. Be sure to confirm your vote in Signal's email. What the Hell Is Going On With That? Foundations Prep parents push back on religious and political signs posted by Brookdale Christian Church, their landlord. Montclair Film Festival preview: Tom Hall on "Wild Horse Nine," Colbert's conversation with Eisenberg, Giamatti and Moore, why "Referendum" didn't make the cut, and his advice for getting tickets. (tickets) Montclair's jitney: What the township's interim report says about routes, fares and cost. (our 11 takeaways) Swim school denied: The Planning Board votes down SwimQuest on Valley Road. (full story) Lt. Gov. Caldwell resigns: What the investigation found, and how Gov. Sherrill fills the seat. (full story) Sabor Montclair: MFEE's takeout fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 10. (reserve a meal) One Big Thing: The Fire Prevention Block Party at Nishuane Park runs 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. Then Uptown Sound takes over Anderson Park, 2–8 p.m. (The Pod is a media partner of Uptown Sound.) Resources & Links From our archive, Montclair Film: Our 2025 festival preview · Last year's episode with Tom Hall · The Arts in Montclair: Voices of the Creators From our archive, MFEE: Our past episodes with MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars: [LINK] / [LINK] Montclair Film's full 2026 program Township shuttle bus report Foundations Prep: Who We Are Questions or tips? hello@montclairpod.com Follow us Watch the show: YouTube Channel Join our weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @themontclairpod Follow us on NewsBreak 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.

  2. Sep 24

    Real Talk with the Superintendent: Dress Code, IEPs, Cell Phones and, Of Course, Money

    This week, Supper with the Super is basically doing double duty as What the Hell Is Going On With That? — Montclair Schools Edition. We sit down with Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ruth B. Turner for a candid conversation about the first weeks of the new school year — and some of the biggest questions parents, students and taxpayers are asking right now. We get into the district’s financial picture, the latest on the forensic audit, concerns around IEPs and special education services, the new cell phone rules, changes in classroom technology, freshman sports — and the middle school dress code controversy, where Dr. Turner shares an important update about what happens next. We also talk about what feels different inside the district compared with this time last year, what still keeps the superintendent up at night, and what Montclair families should be watching as the school year unfolds. Then, in town news: another ICE enforcement action in Montclair, a potentially significant change involving the Municipal Building property, and we remember a Montclair-born Grammy and Tony Award-winning musician. Resources + Links MentionedMontclair Township: Current Road Closures & Traffic Impacts — because getting across town lately requires snacks and a contingency plan. Toros Restaurant — where we recorded this edition of Supper with the Super. 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.

  3. Sep 17

    An 8th Grader Takes on the Dress Code, Who Pays for Freshman Sports, and Stephen Colbert's Next Act

    This week on The Montclair Pod, we dig into how the school district quietly updated the middle school dress code — and the very loud debate it's kicked off among parents, students, and now the Board of Ed. We hear from the 8th grader at Glenfield Middle School who started a petition over it. We also check back in on freshman sports: the community raised enough to bring them back this year, but is this a one-time rescue or an ongoing bill? Plus: your library card can save you money around town this month, two festivals close out September, a leadership shakeup at the BID, and Stephen Colbert's unexpected next act. WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE Dress code showdown: The middle schools updated their clothing policy, and it's led to a real fight over what counts as "appropriate length" and who decides. We read the policy, hear from parents on both sides of the debate, and sit down with Glenfield 8th grader Phoebe Chaffin, who started a petition calling on the district to reconsider it. (Montclair Pod: "An Eighth Grader Challenged Montclair's Middle School Dress Code. Now the District Is Taking Another Look" · see the community reaction on our Instagram)Freshman sports, the sequel: Blue & White Club co-founder Laura Quiros joins us to talk about what the community's fundraising push accomplished, what's still needed toward the club's $350K annual goal, and the bigger question — was this a one-time emergency save, or is Montclair signed up to keep funding freshman sports going forward? (more on the fundraising effort)Downtown leadership change: Montclair Center BID executive director Cesar Claro has stepped down, citing health reasons. (full story)Your library card just got more valuable: The Montclair Public Library's "Library Card Local Perks" program runs through September 30th — see the full list of participating businesses.Uptown Sound needs you: The inaugural Uptown Sound Music Festival hits Anderson Park on Saturday, September 26th, and organizers are still looking for volunteers (they'll feed you). Sign up here.Montclair Dance Festival returns: The second annual festival takes over the Wellmont Arts Plaza on Sunday, September 27th, with 35+ dance companies and schools performing. Get details and tickets.Stephen Colbert's next act: Turns out it's software. The Hollywood Reporter says Colbert's writers'-room startup, Scripto, just closed a $5 million seed round with backers including J.J. Abrams and Mark Cuban. (read the story)Saturday is the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale featuring local businesses and music Learn more. Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreakRegister 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.

  4. Sep 10

    “Trump” Roasts Montclair. Plus: A Local Lead Problem and a Church Street Tax Break

    This week, we sit down with comedian and Trump impersonator J-L. Cauvin — who also happens to be a full-time eviction prevention attorney and once ran for Congress in this district — to talk about his viral impression, why he never left the law, and what it was like campaigning against Anna Lilia Mejia. Plus: a Church Street development finally gets a tax-break green light, Montclair's water lines show a stark lead divide by ward, and we remember 9/11 and Gloria Steinem. In this episode: Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — Farnoosh and Mike share where they were that day, plus details on the Essex Remembers ceremony at Eagle Rock Reservation (8 a.m.)Remembering Gloria Steinem, who passed away last week at 93 — including Farnoosh's near-encounter with her on an Amtrak trainThe viral story of a Dallas-to-Newark flight diverted to Baltimore after a passenger was duct-taped to his seat; he's since lost his job and faces assault chargesJ.L. Cauvin — the Bloomfield-based comedian behind one of the internet's most popular Trump impersonations — on how his impression started in 2014, his day job as an eviction prevention attorney in the Bronx, and his 2025 run for Congress in the seat now held by Anna Lilia MejiaA commercial real estate update: the Township Council voted 5–1 to transfer a 30-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement for the long-stalled 59–65 Church Street development to new owner Dobco Group, with a facade deadline of October 31New reporting shows a stark ward-by-ward divide in lead service lines — about 10% in the third ward and 9.5% in the fourth, versus 5–7% in wards one and twoA public meeting is set for September 30 on a potential Montclair shuttle bus systemThe Montclair Public Library wants resident input on how to spend its $36.7 million state award for the South Fullerton and Bellevue Avenue branch renovationsThe townwide yard sale is set for September 20 — permits requiredMounties football notches its first win of the season, 18-8 over Bloomfield, under new head coach Manj Singh Resources & Links Matt Kadosh's reporting on the Church Street PILOT transfer — Montclair Local [https://montclairlocal.news/2026/08/montclair-advances-tax-break-transfer-for-long-stalled-church-street-project/]Corey McDonald's reporting on lead service lines by ward — Montclair Local NJ's 2021 lead service line replacement law Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Anderson's shuttle bus committee Instagram post — InstagramMontclair Public Library capital surveyTownwide yard sale sign-up & permit info [add link]Edward Kenzick's recap of the Mounties' first win — Montclair Local J.L. Cauvin on Instagram/YouTube Essex Remembers 9/11 ceremony details — Essex CountyQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.com Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak 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.

  5. Sep 3

    How the School Cell Phone Ban Will (or Won’t) Work, Bullets at the Movies and a New Town Called Beltley

    It's the first day of school, and we're digging into Montclair's new cell phone and Chromebook rules with Screen Aware Montclair co-founder Jordan Goldberg, breaking down the massive Meta settlement, and introducing you to Beltley — the brand-new "town" that popped up overnight in a field between Nutley and Belleville, whose founder has some choice words for Montclair. Plus: a loaded magazine (no gun) found at a West Orange movie theater, a new Italian steakhouse coming to town, a rough night for Mounties football, a Tupac tribute event, and a very special tease for next week's show. In this episode: First day of school for Montclair public schools; private schools are staggered, with MKA starting September 9 and Lacordaire on September 11WTH: police cleared a West Orange AMC theater mid-screening after finding a loaded gun magazine, plus a breakdown of how NJ's concealed carry "sensitive places" law (still tied up in the full Third Circuit) applies to movie theatersJordan Goldberg of Screen Aware Montclair on the district's "off-and-away" cell phone policy, a wild story about predictive text getting quietly turned on in a fourth-grade classroom, and how Montclair's rules stack up against South Orange-Maplewood's stricter, AI-blocking banMeta's $17.1 billion multistate settlement over addictive app design for kids — New Jersey's roughly $50–75 million-a-year cut, and why some say it barely dents Meta's ~$201 billion in 2025 revenueIntroducing Beltley: the micronation John "Cozz" Cozzarelli of Cozz Coffee declared in a field between Nutley and Belleville, plus his collab with comedian Chris Gethard, "Lord Let Me Die in Essex County"Three candidates — Mariana Horta, Kyle Porro, and Antoinette "Toni" Martin — have filed for Montclair's open at-large town council seat, up for a November voteDe Novo owner Demetri Malki is opening an Italian steakhouse, Cassaforte, in the old Chase Bank building on Bloomfield Avenue, targeting spring 2027Mounties football fell 42-7 to Ridgewood in the season opener, but showed real fight against a team playing its entire season on the road due to stadium issuesA preview of "2Pac Revisited," a full day of programming September 12 — including a Michael Eric Dyson panel — marking 30 years since Tupac Shakur's deathA tease for next week: Farnoosh and Mike say they landed an interview with President Trump — stay tuned, because it's not quite what it seems Resources & LinksScreen Aware MontclairNJ's "bell-to-bell" cell phone law (S-3695/A-4882) signed by Gov. Murphy — NJSBANJDOE updated bell-to-bell guidance (PDF)South Orange-Maplewood's tech policy goals — Village Green NJMeta's $17.1B child-safety settlement — NPRNY AG announcement on the Meta settlement coalition (incl. NJ)North Jersey man declares the town of Beltley — NJ 101.5Cozz declares new town in the Nutley-Belleville gap — News 12 NJCozz Coffee"Lord Let Me Die in Essex County" — Cozz & Chris Gethard (YouTube)NJ's sensitive-places gun law heads back to the full Third Circuit — NJ MonitorWho's running for Montclair's open town council seat — PatchDe Novo owner plans new Italian steakhouse Cassaforte — Montclair GirlMontclair Mounties football schedule — MaxPreps2Pac RevisitedQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.com Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak 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.

  6. Aug 27

    Is Our Board of Ed Working? Plus: The New School Cell Phone Ban and What Your Next Tax Bill Means

    This week on The Montclair Pod, the new school year is almost here — and there’s a lot changing inside Montclair’s schools. Farnoosh and Mike sit down with MPACT founding member Dan Hafetz to unpack the group’s new report on Board of Education governance, what stronger oversight could look like, and why it matters heading into a wide-open school board race with zero incumbents running. They also look at the long-awaited forensic audit — including what it can and can’t actually tell us about the district’s financial problems. Then, Montclair schools are going bell-to-bell phone-free. Farnoosh and Mike break down the new rules, and the bigger debate over whether taking phones out of students’ hands will actually improve focus, learning and school culture. Also: that property tax letter every Montclair homeowner just received. What’s locked in for 2026? What’s merely a placeholder for 2027? And why might the number printed on your bill not mean what you think it means? Plus, the Church Street piano may be making a comeback, Industry Tavern is headed to Lackawanna Station, Tous Les Jours is making way for Lenwich, Montclair High School climbs the national rankings even as some academic measures tell a more complicated story, and the Mounties gear up for football season. And on the home front, Mike becomes an empty-nester! MPACT & the School Board MPACT's latest report, "Montclair BOE: Understanding Board Governance and a Roadmap for Stronger Oversight" — mpactnj.org/boegovernanceProperty Taxes NJ property tax relief programs (Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, Stay NJ) — propertytaxrelief.nj.govOur property tax calculator —  https://montclairpod.com/montclair-nj-property-tax-calculator-s/ ICE Enforcement in Montclair Our original report, "Two Kitchen Workers Detained On Bloomfield Avenue" — montclairpod.comMontclair Local's follow-up, Aug. 19 — montclairlocal.newsMontclair Civil Rights Commission — montclairnjusa.orgRestaurant News Industry Tavern coming to Lackawanna Station — Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/DcT5jqIRrAk/Goodbye, Tous Les Jours. Hello, LenwichHigh School MHS ranking rises for 2026-27 — montclairpod.comMontclair Back to School 2026 guide — montclairpod.comMontclair Mounties Football invites alumni back to Woodman Field — Montclair LocalFrom a previous episode "Is Montclair's Housing Market a Bubble?" — montclairpod.comFollow UsWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the knowFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak 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.

  7. Aug 20

    Is Montclair in a Housing Bubble? Plus: Front Row at Jazz Fest & If a Tree Falls, Who Pays?

    Montclair's 07042 ZIP code just landed at #2 on Realtor.com's list of the hottest housing markets in the country — so naturally, we wanted to know: is this a bubble waiting to burst? We put the question to Professor Joshua Harris, a real estate economist at Fordham, and break down what's actually driving the numbers, including a wild bit of compounding-interest math on a Bellevue Avenue building that sold for $50,000 in 1973. We also cover a very "Montclair Pod" legal question after a tree branch came down in Mike's yard, catch you up on the sights and sounds of the Montclair Jazz Festival, and hit the news: a new lawsuit against the school district, the never-ending saga of the Church Street piano, and another delay for the proposed Upper Montclair swim school. Plus: real estate headlines, including Aaron Rodgers listing his Cedar Grove-adjacent mansion, and Mike says goodbye to his daughter Rea as she heads off to college. What's In This EpisodeAre We in a Housing Bubble?: Montclair's 07042 ZIP just ranked #2 on Realtor.com's 2026 Hottest ZIP Codes list. We talk to Professor Joshua Harris, an economist and Executive Director of Fordham's Real Estate Institute, about whether the market's due for a correction — plus our (very unscientific) Instagram poll where listeners split exactly 50/50.The $50,000 Building That Could've Been $14 Million: The building housing Tinga just sold for $1.8 million — and last changed hands for $50,000 in 1973. We run the numbers on what that money would be worth today if it had gone into the S&P 500 instead, versus what it would be worth if the rent had been reinvested along the way.Whose Tree, Whose Bill?: A branch from a neighbor's tree came down in Mike's yard during a storm. Who's actually responsible when that happens in New Jersey? We dig into the law — including a real Clifton, NJ case — and the insurance math that made us think twice about filing a claim.Sights & Sounds of the Montclair Jazz Festival: A recap of the festival, including the Christian McBride Big Band's tribute to Philadelphia, a electrifying set from Patrice Rushen (yes, "Forget Me Nots," yes she's 71), Dianne Reeves, and a chat with Jelly Joseph of the Take Me to the River New Orleans All-Stars. Full video on our YouTube.In the News: A wrongful termination lawsuit against the Board of Education and board member Jada Roman; the latest twist in the fight over the removed Church Street community piano; and another delay for the proposed SwimQuest swim school in Upper Montclair.Around Town: Ribbon cuttings at Clementina and Farmhouse Fried Chicken, and Farnoosh's eventful second trip to see Spider-Man.One Big Thing: Mike drops his daughter Rea off for her first year of college. Resources & LinksHousing Bubble: Montclair 07042 Named Second Hottest ZIP Code in the Country (montclairpod.com)Guest: Prof. Joshua Harris, Fordham Real Estate InstituteBuilding Sale: Net-Leased Montclair Restaurant Building Trades for $1.8 Million (re-nj.com)Real Estate: Aaron Rodgers Lists Home for $15 Million (New York Post)Tree Law Case Reference: Burke v. Briggs, 239 N.J. Super. 269 (App. Div. 1990) — the controlling NJ case on liability when a tree falls onto a neighbor's propertySchool Lawsuit: Former Montclair Schools Employee Sues, Alleges Board Member Had Her Fired (Montclair Local)Church Street Piano: Council Meeting Clip — Instagram | Council Meeting Clip — FacebookSwim School: Montclair Planning Board Delays Vote on Swim School Proposal (Jersey Digs)Clementina: our original episode & article on how Clementina came to Montclair Jazz Fest: watch the full sights-and-sounds segment on our YouTube Channel Follow UsWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the knowFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreakRegister 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.

  8. Aug 13

    The Future of Uptown, Montclair’s Bunny Boom & Our Favorite Restaurant

    What does Upper Montclair need — and what should it look like in the years ahead? This week, we’re digging into the conversation about Uptown’s future, following a community meeting where residents and business owners weighed in on what’s working, what’s missing and what they want to see next. We’re also catching up on a busy stretch of Montclair school news: the long-awaited forensic audit is moving forward, the district has hired a new communications director, there’s some encouraging news about district reserves, and new data offers a window into just how much students are using AI. Plus: Why does it seem like there are rabbits everywhere this year? We went looking for answers. Mexicali Rose is making a comeback, a road rage incident on Park Street turns physical, and Jazz Fest is on the way. And stick around for the food recommendations: our junior correspondents Coco and Priya share picks from around town, and Farnoosh and Mike reveal the Montclair restaurant currently at the top of their list. Featured in this episode:Montclair's Master PlanMontclair School District UpdatesMexicali Rose to Reopen - The Montclair GirlInstagram Rabbit PollA Guide to This Year's Jazz Fest Coco and Priya's Report: Fave Restaurants in Montclair Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the knowFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreakRegister 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.

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4.8
out of 5
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About

The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed founder and CEO Michael Schreiber—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Montclair Pod LLC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Montclair Pod LLC
  • Show Website
    The Montclair Pod

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