The Montclair Pod

Montclair Pod LLC

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 co-founder 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. 6d ago

    Farnoosh's Commencement Speech, a Brookdale Park Surprise & Montclair's $4 Million Market

    With 36 hours' notice, Farnoosh was asked to deliver the commencement address at Montclair High School — and we play you the full speech. We also debrief all the "this is so Montclair" moments from graduation day, debut our new Saturdays in the Park series with a remarkable chance encounter at Brookdale Park, and catch up on spiking real estate prices, a school principal shuffle, a stolen car on Bloomfield Ave, new e-bike rules, and everything happening this Fourth of July. In this episode: Principal Freeman called Farnoosh 36 hours before graduation and asked her to give the commencement speech — her first thought was that she was in troubleFarnoosh's full address to the Class of 2026: the theme was "don't hang up on yourself," drawing on her own stories of nearly leaving Penn State, being told to change her name to Tina, and getting laid off ...twice.Graduation day chaos: a two-line debacle at the amphitheater, a photographer form emailed at 4:26 p.m. for a 6 p.m. ceremony, a wave of graduating seniors smoking cigars, and a mystery bus ride to an adventure park in Williamsburg that ran until 4 a.m. — Project Graduation turns 46 this yearNew series: Saturdays in the Park — Mike kicks it off at Brookdale Park (formerly a golf course) and has a chance encounter with a veteran named Michael Jackson who is walking the park as part of his rehabilitation after six strokes, and who it turns out may have been aboard the USS Kennedy the same day Mike toured it as a kidMike rode the elevator at the MC Hotel with members of the German national team, corrected one player on the difference between New York and New Jersey, and his stepdad Barry sent them off with an Auf Wiedersehen — Germany lost the next dayNext week: what the hell is going on with the lack of World Cup marketing in downtown Montclair? Local business owners are frustrated, and we start digging into who's responsible and whether the town missed a once-in-a-generation opportunityThe median sale price for Montclair homes hit $1.4 million this spring — up 40% from a year ago — with at least one home going $1 million over asking; to buy the median home and keep housing at 30% of income, you need to earn over $350,000 a yearMaria Francisco, beloved principal of Renaissance at Rand Middle School, is moving to a district-level role on special assignment as the school closes and the district navigates a nearly $20 million deficit — the community has questionsAn Uber Eats driver parked on Bloomfield Ave on Juneteenth, ran inside to grab an order, and came back to find his 2022 Toyota Corolla gone — keys were in the cup holder; the car was recovered in Newark the next dayNew NJ e-bike rules are now in effect: registration with the MVC is required, riders must be 15+, helmets are mandatory, and motorized bikes now need insuranceFourth of July in Montclair: parade at 11 a.m., town picnic at Edgemont Park at 1 p.m., Fam Fest at Montclair Brewery from 2–10 p.m., and fireworks in Bloomfield and Millburn — full guide at MontclairPod.com Resources & LinksFarnoosh's book: A Healthy State of PanicFourth of July Guide — MontclairPod.comNJ MVC E-Bike RegistrationCar stolen in Montclair while driver picked up Uber Eats order — PatchRenaissance principal lands new district role as Montclair school faces closure — Montclair LocalQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.com Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  2. Jun 25

    The Endless BOE Meeting, Toni's Kitchen Under Pressure & Is Montclair an “Interracial Wakanda?”

    This week on The Montclair Pod, we go inside a Board of Ed meeting that ran past 1 a.m. — and somehow still ended with a discussion about how to make meetings more efficient. We also hear from outgoing student rep Wyatt Foster, who's heading to Brown in the fall and has plenty to say. Then we sit down with Anne Mernin, Executive Director of Toni's Kitchen, about what the SNAP cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill actually mean for families in Montclair. Plus: a viral Substack post has labeled us "interracial Wakanda," Pride Fest has a new new date, Eclectic Chic Boutique is closing, the Fieldstone tree story gets an update, and a Father's Day dinner at Sam's Table. Oh, and it's graduation day. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! In this episode: The BOE meeting that would not end — executive session ran 2+ hours before the public meeting even started, and the whole thing wrapped past 1 a.m.Student rep Wyatt Foster on the board, the budget crisis, district consolidation, and what he's taking to BrownAnne Mernin of Toni's Kitchen on SNAP cuts, food insecurity in the suburbs, and what communities can actually doThe CBO projects up to 47,000 NJ residents could lose SNAP benefits in a given month — a number larger than Montclair and Glen Ridge combinedA public comment session on the district's use of the IHRA antisemitism definition drew a broad coalition of critics — including representatives from both CAIR and J StreetTech updates from the district: internet upgraded to 10GB (free), e-rate-funded network switches, new security cameras, Chromebooks going cart-based in K–5, predictive text disabled, AI guidelines in the works, and a student-built data dashboardFieldstone trees update: the township responds, four trees confirmed removed, a new tree protection ordinance in the worksEclectic Chic Boutique closing July 24 after eight years on Bloomfield AvePride Fest has a new new date: October 11, National Coming Out Day, at Lackawanna StationStay Sassy Substack's Jersey suburb power rankings: Montclair = "interracial Wakanda." We'll take it.Father's Day dinner recap at Sam's Table — Cape Verde tied Uruguay, the lobster pasta was great, and the burger got a very enthusiastic endorsement Featured in this episode:Toni's KitchenMESH MontclairHuman Needs Food PantryOut Montclair / Pride FestEclectic Chic BoutiqueSam's TableStay SaaSy: Jersey Suburbs PostJune 17 BOE Meeting AgendaOur Fieldstone tree storyOur earlier Pride Fest coverage Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the knowFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  3. Jun 18

    Supper with the Super: Tax Hike, Juneteenth Mishap & the Stalled Forensic Audit. Plus: Jackie's Reopens & Java Love Celebrates 15

    This week on The Montclair Pod, we're serving up a packed episode featuring school budget questions, local food news, community concerns, and a few major updates from around town. For the latest installment of Supper with the Super, we sat down with Montclair Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner at Turtle + the Wolf for an honest conversation about the issues residents are talking about most: the forensic audit, the Juneteenth lunch menu controversy, the search for a permanent business administrator, and the school tax increase that's moving forward despite voters rejecting Question 2. Plus, Mike accidentally becomes Montclair's unofficial tree correspondent after witnessing the removal of several large trees in the Fieldstone neighborhood—and hearing firsthand from residents who are upset about what happened. And because this is Montclair, we spend plenty of time talking about food. In this episode: Why school taxes are rising despite voters rejecting Question 2The latest on the stalled forensic audit, business administrator search, and upcoming tech policiesUpdates on special education, transportation changes, and the Juneteenth lunch menu controversyThe debate over tree removals in Fieldstone and Montclair's proposed tree preservation ordinanceNew developments in the ICE detention cases involving pastry chef Leonardo Argoti Rubio and Montclair resident AlbaA look inside Montclair's food scene: Java Love's 15-year journey, the reopening of Jackie's, and Mike's review of Ani Ramen's new sushi menuNew features on The Montclair Pod website, including our community events calendar Featured in this episode:Turtle + The WolfJava LoveJackie'sAni Ramen Have a question for a future edition of Supper with the Super? Send us a DM or email us—we're collecting listener questions now for our next conversation with Ms. Turner in August. Follow us•Watch the Show: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. •Join our weekly newsletter and stay in the know •Follow us on Instagram @themontclairpod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m

  4. Jun 11

    Clementina Opens Uptown & We're Obsessed. Plus: Sushi at Ani + Ultimate Frisbee in Montclair

    We have a very food-forward episode this week. We dive into our unforgettable dinner at Clementina, the new Adriatic-inspired Italian restaurant on Valley Road, and explain why we think it's one of the most exciting openings Montclair has seen in years. We share the remarkable origin story of chef and co-owner Michele Rocchi, whose dream of opening his own restaurant was sparked by an unexpected conversation with a guest while working on a luxury cruise ship. We also share the news that sushi is coming to Ani Ramen. Mike spotted signage inside Ani Ramen announcing an upcoming sushi program and spoke with partner Kat Reyes about what's coming next. And we spend time with the players, parents, and coaches behind Montclair Ultimate Frisbee, one of the town's fastest-growing youth sports communities. Farnoosh visits a middle-school practice at Brookdale Park and explores how a small local program grew into a thriving community that now competes at high levels and has launched its first girls team. In What the Hell Is Going on with That…We discuss the terms surrounding the date change for Pride Fest 206 in Montclair, organized by Out Montclair. In local news, we discuss Montclair State University's selection to operate New Jersey's public television stations, replacing the outgoing NJ PBS management arrangement. We also review the Historic Preservation Commission awards, and the latest updates involving ICE detentions affecting members of the local community. Resources and Links ClementinaMontclair Ultimate Frisbee162 Union Street ListingMontclair Historic Preservation CommissionGoFundMe campaign supporting Alba and her familyGoFundMe campaign supporting Leonardo Argoti ("Chef Leo") and his legal defense fund Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  5. Jun 4

    Montclair’s Best Bacon Egg and Cheese, World Cup Preview and What’s Up with the Forensic Audit?

    This week on The Montclair Pod, we tackle some of the biggest conversations happening in town—from breakfast sandwiches to PrideFest, the World Cup, school finances, and a local immigration case that has touched many residents. The Great Montclair Bacon, Egg & Cheese Taste TestAfter asking listeners for recommendations, we embarked on a highly scientific (and cholesterol-heavy) tour of six local favorites: Dutch’s, Hot Bagels Abroad, Ray’s, Minia’s, Sunrise, and Jefferson’s. We sampled them side-by-side, debated the merits of rolls versus bagels, crowned favorites, and explored what each sandwich says about Montclair itself. PrideFest PostponedOut Montclair has postponed PrideFest from June 13 to August 1, citing rising costs, declining sponsorship support, and public safety concerns related to the opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup in New Jersey. We discuss the challenges of producing large-scale community events and what the late change means for vendors, attendees, and the broader community. Forensic Audit UpdateMontclair Public Schools continue moving forward with a forensic audit tied to the district's nearly $20 million budget deficit. Superintendent Ruth B. Turner tells us the district is reviewing proposals and interviewing firms, but details remain limited for now. We discuss what residents hope the audit will uncover and invite listeners to submit questions for our upcoming installment of "Supper with the Super." OddFellows Arrives in MontclairFarnoosh visits the newly opened OddFellows Ice Cream downtown, talks with the co-owner about why they chose Montclair, and explores some of the shop's more adventurous flavors. The Brooklyn-born brand officially opened its doors last weekend and is already generating buzz. The World Cup Is ComingWith the FIFA World Cup arriving in New Jersey, we explore what it means for Montclair. We spotlight Sam's Table's transformation into a World Cup Café and welcome Montclair resident Greg Kahn, founder of GK Digital Ventures, to discuss the business, tourism, and economic opportunities surrounding one of the largest sporting events in the world. We also talk about traffic, visitors, local businesses, and whether World Cup ticket prices may actually come down. Java Love PartnershipWe're excited to announce a new collaboration with Java Love. Look for co-branded Montclair Pod stickers on iced beverage cups around town featuring a QR code to learn more about the show and enter to win a $50 Java Love gift card. We'll also be partnering on several fun community stories throughout the summer. This Week's News RoundupMFEE Honors Outstanding Educators CVS Shoplifting Highlights Cost-of-Living Pressures A Local Family Caught in the Immigration Debate Links & ResourcesSam's Table World Cup Café Reservations GK Digital VenturesWeston Winners Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE)GoFundMe for Alba  Send Us Your QuestionsEmail: hello@montclairpod.com Follow The Montclair PodThe Montclair Pod WebsiteInstagram @themontclairpodJoin our Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  6. May 28

    Montclair Football Hits Refresh with New Coach. Plus: A New Uptown Music Fest + Pricier Parking

    This week on The Montclair Pod, we dive into a surprisingly emotional episode about football, parking and civic spirit. First: Montclair parking is officially getting more expensive. Meter rates are rising for the first time in eight years, evening enforcement hours are expanding until 10 p.m., and surge-style pricing is coming to parts of downtown Thursday through Saturday nights. Mike and Farnoosh unpack what’s changing, why residents are frustrated, and why the “after 7 p.m. is free” era is officially over. We also get into the failed valet parking ordinance, the mysterious Warman Street overnight parking vote, and Farnoosh’s own parking ticket saga involving ParkMobile, the wrong car, and an upcoming possible Zoom court appearance. Then: Montclair High School football enters a new era. New head coach Manj Singh — a Montclair native and member of the 1994 state championship team — joins the show to talk about restoring the spirit of Mountie football, building a new feeder system, creating a true home-field atmosphere at Woodman Field, and why sports matter far beyond wins and losses. Plus: Freshman sports funding is officially saved after the Blue and White Club raised more than $176,000Farnoosh reports from freshman sports orientation night at MHSA new Uptown music festival is coming to Bellevue Avenue this fallDan Campeas previews Farmhouse Fried Chicken, opening soon in Upper MontclairA disturbing assault involving a 14-year-old bicyclistAnother attempted luxury car theft tied to a Bloomfield Avenue car washMFEE’s “Minute to Win It” fundraiser returns to Lackawanna Plaza Resources & Mentions Montclair parking ordinance updates and council meeting coverageContesting a parking ticket in Montclair: Township parking portalMontclair Blue and White Athletics Club fundraising informationMFEE “Minute to Win It” fundraiser: mfee.orgMontclair Police Detective Bureau: 973-509-4721Montclair Police non-emergency line: 973-744-1234 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  7. May 21

    Yard Sales, Transit Woes, and Farewell, Colbert

    It's 90 degrees in May, NJ Transit has heard from Montclair, and this Sunday there's a townwide yard sale (not to be confused with a garage sale). We've got the story behind the two tag-sales, a packed NJ Transit survey, and a Montclair coffee truck that could keep you up at night for two reasons. Plus: a farewell to a neighbor who’s repped Montclair to the world honorably and hilariously… and is not allowed to leave (at least not entirely). The Townwide Yard Sale We talked with Valentin Guerin, the Montclair dad who organized this Sunday's town-wide yard sale in partnership with Downtown Montclair—weather permitting! The Original Garage Sale Longtime resident and realtor Penny Patnaude, who started Montclair's town-wide garage sale in 2023 as a fundraiser for the Human Needs Food Pantry, shares why she ultimately decided to sit this year out—and what she's seen change in 30 years in town. Possessed by Coffee We got a tour inside the orange coffee truck that launched on Halloween and has been turning up at Walnut Street Station, Brookdale Park, and Montclair High School ever since. NJ Transit: The Survey Results Nick Giglia, founder of ROUTE (Restore Our Transit in Essex), breaks down what more than 2,300 respondents said—over 80% want more weekend trains—and what it could mean for service on the Montclair-Boonton line, the World Cup, and beyond. Local News: Car crashes into chinese restaurant T.S. Ma on Bellevue; Dodge Durango stolen from a Bloomfield Avenue car wash; Belleville elects a 24-year-old mayor; Stephen Colbert's Late Show finale; and Montclair Pride is June 13th. Resources & Mentions Subscribe: The Montclair Pod on YouTubeFollow the Townwide Yard Sale on Instagram for updates — Sunday, May 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m… weather permitting.ROUTE (Restore Our Transit in Essex): EssexRoute.orgROUTE on Instagram/Threads: @EssexRouteHuman Needs Food PantryNJ Transit World Cup travel informationStephen Colbert on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m

  8. May 14

    Local History, Home Discoveries, and Last-Minute Summer Camps

    Is history just a boatload of fun, or a series of anxiety-inducing tests? This week, we argue it’s the former as we take a field trip to the Montclair History Center. We explore 250 years of township secrets—from the "Montclair Situation" at the segregated YWCA to the names of the people who slept in our bedrooms 100 years ago.We tackle our inboxes, including a high school hibachi lunch that hit a rain delay right in the middle of a $20 million budget deficit. We also have your final guide to summer camps and a heavy-hitting news update on why your school taxes are officially going up.The Hibachi FiascoMontclair High School scheduled an outdoor hibachi dining event—sponsored by Sodexo—amidst massive staff layoffs and budget cuts.The Montclair History CenterWe sat down with Angelica Diggs, Executive Director of the Montclair History Center, to tour a site that is a "treasure trove" of our town’s identity. A Last-Minute Summer Camp GuideIf you haven't booked by February, options are slim—but not gone. We have a whole breakdown of day camps within a 5-mile radius here.Local News: The school budget, new hyperlocal podcasts, and the latest from MESH Resources & MentionsSubscribe: The Montclair Pod on YouTube.Official Documents: 2026-27 User Friendly Budget and Sullivan's April 29 Presentation Deck.History Center: Archives & Farm Camp.Read the Montclair Pod’s Complete Guide to Day Camps Within 5 Miles of Montclair.Support MESH: wearemesh.org.Athletics Fundraising: montclereblueandwhite.org.New Pods: Check out the Glenfield Pod and the MPACT Pod on Spotify and read their report, Budget Process 101. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
76 Ratings

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 co-founder 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
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Montclair Pod LLC
  • Show Website
    The Montclair Pod

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