{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6753786ea8461f164e67bf3a/6902a87ae5f14b41314bd8ee?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Immigration, Art, and County Commissioner Brendan Gill on the School Fiscal Crisis","description":"<p>Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at <a href=\"http://montclairpod.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">MontclairPod.com</a>. Follow on <a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/themontclairpod\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a> and send us a tip: <a href=\"mailto:hello@montclairpod.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">hello@montclairpod.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>This week on <a href=\"http://www.montclairpod.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>The Montclair Pod</em></a>, Farnoosh and Mike head straight into Montclair’s creative heart, from film to storytelling to live theater, before zooming out to the pressing issue shaping our town right now: the future of our schools.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Montclair Film Festival</strong></p><p>We begin at the <a href=\"https://www.montclairfilm.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Montclair Film Festival</a>, where Farnoosh and Mike hosted a live conversation with the filmmakers behind <a href=\"https://www.brendathefilm.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Brenda</em></a>, a moving short documentary about a Montclair woman’s journey from Honduras seeking asylum for herself and her children.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Montclair Story Salon</strong></p><p>Farnoosh catches up with actor and storyteller <strong>Liz Samuel</strong>, the founder of <a href=\"https://www.montclairstorysalon.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Montclair Story Salon</em></a>, a growing community event where residents share personal stories, songs, and art, all in support of local nonprofits. Liz shares how creativity, connection, and giving back intertwine in these intimate gatherings that have become a Montclair favorite.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>At Luna Stage</strong></p><p>Mike brings us to <a href=\"https://www.lunastage.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Luna Stage</em></a> in West Orange for a look at <a href=\"https://www.lunastage.org/mrs-stern-wanders-the-prussian-state-library\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian Library</em></a>, a riveting play inspired by philosopher Hannah Arendt’s arrest in 1933 Berlin. He connects the story’s themes of courage, censorship, and resistance to our current cultural and political moment.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Farnoosh &amp; Mike Eat Food</strong></p><p>In this week’s <em>Eat Food</em> segment, sponsored by <a href=\"https://www.twocents.io/?utm_source=partner_montclairpod&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=eatfood\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Twocents</strong></a>, the hosts grab breakfast at <a href=\"https://raysluncheonette.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ray’s Luncheonette</strong></a> on Walnut Street. Expect iced coffee, secret menu finds, and some serious bacon envy.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>The School Deficit Debate</strong></p><p>Finally, Farnoosh and Mike break down the latest on the district’s <strong>$19.6 million budget shortfall</strong> and the upcoming <strong>December 9 referendum</strong> with insights from Essex County Commissioner <a href=\"https://www.brendanwgill.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Brendan Gill</strong>,</a> who shares how Montclair’s crisis fits into the wider county picture and what’s at stake for local control.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Ask Our Agent</strong></p><p>Compass real estate agent <a href=\"https://thehomecollectivenj.com/team\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Karin Diana</strong></a> answers whether renting your home to a film crew is worth it, and how to tap into New Jersey’s booming production scene without losing your sanity (or your floors).</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Credits:</strong></p><p>Hosted by Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber</p><p>Edited by Bob Raynor</p>","author_name":"Montclair Pod LLC"}