The Montclair Pod

Happy Spring Break, Montclair. While Mike and Farnoosh are away, we are opening the archives to revisit two significant segments that explore the unique history and the evolving economy of our town.This special compilation includes a deep dive into the Magnet School Explainer and an update on the local cannabis industry with Genuine Grow.Segment 1: The Magnet School ExplainerMontclair’s school system is unique and often misunderstood by those outside the district. Born from a landmark 1970s desegregation plan, the magnet system avoided the "forced busing" conflicts seen in other cities by offering specialized themes—from STEM and the arts to global studies—to incentivize voluntary integration across the township. In this comprehensive package, we break down the history of this educational model and explore the current fiscal crossroads, examining how a structural $20 million deficit and the controversial shift toward universal Pre-K are forcing the community to rethink the future of its schools.Listen to the original full episode: The History of the Magnet SystemSegment 2: Genuine Grow UpdateWe first interviewed Andrew Marshall of Genuine Grow when the local cannabis industry was in its early regulatory stages. Now that his products are officially available in local dispensaries, we are re-airing his original interview regarding his vision for craft cultivation in Montclair and its impact on the local economy.Listen to the original full episode: The Genuine Grow InterviewOn the News Front: Montclair’s Town Council has approved a 30-year PILOT agreement for the Lackawanna Plaza redevelopment, a major milestone that moves the project—featuring 300+ apartments, a grocery store, and expanded retail—closer to final approvals and construction. Meanwhile, Oso Felipe has closed after just over a year, marking the second recent shutdown tied to chef Damon Wise, as rising costs and declining alcohol sales continue to challenge local restaurants.Links & ResourcesLocal Business: Learn more about Genuine Grow at genuine-grow.com.Lackawanna Plaza: The Latest on the Redevelopment and Tax Deal & Listen to our recent interview with David Placek of BDP HoldingsThrowback! (Sponsored): Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Oso Felipe Watch the Show: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.Newsletter: Sign up for the Montclair Pod Weekly.

Are you feeling "squeezed"? This week, we’re tackling the "Sandwich Generation"—that unique, often exhausting stage of life where you’re simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. We’re joined by Senator Andrew Kim, who shares his firsthand experience navigating his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis while parenting two young boys.We also bring in the experts: Elder Law attorney Laurie Hauptman gives us the "Sandwich Generation" survival guide for estate planning, and psychotherapist Maris Pasquale Doran teaches us how to regulate our nervous systems when the world feels like it’s on fire. Finally, we sit down with Lynda Hollander, President of Aging in Montclair, to discuss how our town is (and isn't) supporting its seniors.Senator Andy Kim: The Personal Side of PolicySenator Kim opens up about the "catastrophic" financial reality of elder care. He discusses the emotional weight of moving his father out of his home and why he’s fighting for policy changes that support the millions of families currently being squeezed by the healthcare system.The "Granddude" OdysseyMike shares the deeply personal story of his father, the "Granddude." Ten years ago, a fainting spell led to a decade-long medical journey involving brain bleeds, multiple surgeries, and the staggering expense of long-term care. It's a raw look at how these life-changing events never happen on your own schedule.Expert Advice: Pockets & PresenceLaurie Hauptman: Why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to start elder care planning. She breaks down VA benefits and the five things every family needs to do now.Maris Pasquale Doran: How to handle the "fight or flight" response when a parent is in decline. Plus, her advice on having the "Being Mortal" conversation with your parents before it's too late.Local News: The BOE Meltdown & LackawannaThe Results are (Finally) In: After weeks of legal challenges and manual recounts, the March 10th school referendum results are officially certified. We break down the final tally and what this means for the district's borrowing power.Renaissance Closes: We recap the emotional "meltdown" at the last Board of Education meeting where the vote to close Renaissance Middle School was finalized.Lackawanna Delay: Why the tax deal for the Lackawanna Plaza redevelopment is stalled again—and the potential for PILOT money to be diverted to our schools.Porchfest 2026: Mark your calendars for May 16th!Links & ResourcesGuest: Learn more about Senator Andy Kim at kim.senate.gov.Legal Help: Find resources and free articles at HauptmanLaw.com.Wellness: Connect with Maris Pasquale Doran at marispasqualedoran.com.Senior Support: Join the conversation at AgingInMontclair.org.Lifelong Montclair: Access Township senior services, the Do-Drop-In schedule, and the Senior Bus at MontclairNJUSA.org/Senior-Services.The MILL: High-level classes for adults 55+ at PartnersFDN.org.BOE Coverage: Read the full story about the reaction to the Renaissance closure at TAPinto Montclair.Read: My Mother’s Money by Beth Pinsker, CFPWatch the Show: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.Newsletter: Sign up for the Montclair Pod Weekly.

In a candid sit-down interview, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for the first installment of a new series we’re calling “Supper with the Super.” Over pizza and pasta at Italiana by Zod, we talk about the controversial school referendum, the district’s financial challenges, a potential school “reinvestment”, and what comes next for families, students, and taxpayers.We also share Part Two of our interview with U.S. Senator Cory Booker, where the conversation expands beyond Montclair schools to the cost of living, immigration policy, healthcare costs, political fundraising, and the future of independent media.Plus in this episode:Why some Montclair voters supported the “Yes–No” referendum outcomeThe district’s plan to convert Renaissance Middle School into a Pre-K centerA student walkout at Montclair High School protesting ICE policiesA visit to a local wellness business, Mend, for our sponsored series, “Farnoosh & Mike Get Healthy”A very Montclair “One Big Thing” featuring comics, retro sci-fi, and a hometown artistLinks & ResourcesWatch the Show: Subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YouTubeSubscribe to our weekly newsletter (no spam, just the good stuff.)

This week on The Montclair Pod, we bring you one of our most important episodes yet.We tackle a deeply emotional and urgent issue: street safety. NPR's David Folkenflik joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his mother to a preventable traffic collision right outside his Upper Montclair home, followed by a conversation with Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director, Jacob Nieman. Then we sit down with Senator Cory Booker to discuss his new legislation, independent media, and his time under a state monitor in Newark. Plus, we break down the district-wide school lockdown, the results of the massive school referendum (and the lawsuit trying to stop it), and Mike shares a brilliant YMCA membership hack.The Tragic Reality of Street SafetyWe sit down with NPR media reporter and longtime resident David Folkenflik, who experienced the unthinkable in October 2023 when his mother was killed crossing the street outside his house. He shares his warnings about Montclair's dangerous intersections, the aggressive driving culture plaguing our residential neighborhoods, and the frustration of warning the town before tragedy struck. We follow this up with a discussion featuring Jacob Nieman, Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director, about how the town plans to fix a broken system.We Booked Booker!Senator Cory Booker joins the pod! In Part 1 of our interview, we talk about the power of independent local media, his new bill to raise the standard deduction to $75,000 for families, and his experience dealing with a state educational monitor back when he was Mayor of Newark.Local Beat: Lockdowns, Lawsuits & The YMCA HackIt was a chaotic week in Montclair schools. We cover the terrifying district-wide lockdown sparked by a threat to the high school. We also dive into the results of the long-awaited school referendum—which might be on hold thanks to a new lawsuit by David Herron alleging electioneering by district principals. Plus, we talk about the search for a new, permanent Business Administrator, and Mike reveals the ultimate "money coach" hack for joining the Montclair YMCA.Links & ResourcesWatch the Show: Subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YouTubeSubscribe to our weekly newsletter (no spam, just the good stuff.)Guest: Follow David Folkenflik's reporting at NPR.Guest: Learn more about Senator Cory Booker’s Keep Your Pay Act.Street Safety: Learn more about Montclair's Complete Streets Department.School Lawsuit: Read Matt Kadosh's coverage on the principals and the electioneering allegations.YMCA: Learn about the Montclair YMCA.Party @ Lackawanna: Soniashyk, Burgers • Donuts • Potatoes & Ironbound Farm Market

With the high-stakes school vote looming—or maybe not, thanks to a new lawsuit—we sit down with New York Magazine journalist Andrew Rice to figure out exactly where the school district's money went. We also talk a bit about local news collaboration and why it benefits everyone. Plus, a heartbreaking preview of next week's street safety episode with NPR's David Folkenflik, and a packed local news roundup.The "Missing" Money: Andrew RiceNew York Magazine contributing editor and local dad Andrew Rice joins us to discuss his new Substack, My Montclair Education. We dive deep into his look at the district's budget crisis, exploring the structural math, the impact of COVID-era hiring sprees, soaring transportation costs, and the chaotic tenure of the former Business Administrator.A Tragic Warning: Street SafetyWe share a powerful preview of next week's interview with NPR media reporter and longtime resident David Folkenflik, who experienced the unthinkable when his mother was killed crossing the street outside his house. He shares his warnings about Montclair's dangerous intersections and the aggressive driving culture plaguing our residential neighborhoods.Local Beat: Gill Won’t Seek Reelection, Fire Cuts & FestivalsIn our news roundup, we cover Brendan Gill’s announcement that he won't seek re-election to the Essex County Board of Commissioners after 15 years. We also break down the controversial staffing cuts hitting the Montclair Fire Department, driven by a massive $3.7 million spike in municipal health insurance costs. Finally, mark your calendars: we've got the dates for Montclair Pride, the Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree, and the African American Heritage Parade.Links & ResourcesSubstack: Subscribe to Andrew Rice's deep dive into the schools at My Montclair Education.New York Mag: Read Andrew's recent piece on schools in America and another one how a new Hollywood is being built in New Jersey. Here’s more about his book, The Year That Broke America Commissioner News: Read about Brendan Gill not seeking re-election; The Montclair Local also covered this.Fire Department: Read the Montclair Patch coverage of the Township's fire department cuts.Summer Festivals: Find all the dates for Montclair Pride, the Jazz Festival, and more at montclairpod.com/festivals/. You can also visit the official sites directly: Montclair Pride and the Montclair Jazz Festival.Sponsor: Need real estate advice? Reach out to Karin Diana of Compass and her team at thehomecollectivenj.com.Tribute: Remembering Coleman McCarthyNewsletter: Subscribe and join our email community at montclairpod.com.

Watch and subscribe on YoutubeThis week, so much is in flux.First, Mike has to face the music after literally falling asleep at a recent Town Hall meeting. He also issues a formal apology to the MSU Men’s Basketball team for jinxing their perfect season.But it’s not all fun and games—we get down to serious business with three major interviews. Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner invites us into her office to discuss the high-stakes March 10th special referendum, while developer Dave Placek gives us an update on the long-awaited Lackawanna Plaza project and addresses his critics. Plus, we hear part two of our conversation with Montclair legend Lonnie Brandon, detailing his civil rights activism in college. Finally, Farnoosh confronts her fears of injectables in our latest installment of Farnoosh and Mike Get Healthy, this week sponsored by SkinSplendid, and we break down a massive news week including a new lawsuit trying to stop the upcoming school vote.The Superintendent SPEAKSWe sit down with Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner at the District offices on Valley Road. After busting Mike for snoozing, we dive deep into what’s at stake on March 10th: the cuts, the potential for a State Monitor, the bond referendum, and why she believes the schools deserve a cut of the town’s PILOT tax revenue.LACKAWANNA UPDATE WITH Dave PlacekLackawanna Plaza has felt a bit more alive lately, but the massive redevelopment—complete with housing and a grocery store—is still creeping along. We check in with developer Dave Placek about the timeline, the PILOT program, and how he handles the intense public scrutiny.Living History: Lonnie Brandon (Part 2)Former Montclair Parks & Rec Director Lonnie Brandon returns to share an incredible story from his days at Wagner College. He recounts his time with the student group “Black Concern,” a building occupation, expulsions, a federal court case, and a run-in with the Students for a Democratic Society.Farnoosh & Mike Get Healthy: SkinSplendid (Sponsored)In our newest segment, we head to Skinsplendid in Upper Montclair. While Mike chickened out, Farnoosh sits down with founder Nurse Christy to rethink her stance on aesthetics, learning about the “Sprinkle-tox,” ultrasound safety, and why skin care is healthcare.News Roundup: Lawsuits, Hacks & PoolsHold onto your hats: Local activist David Herron is suing to stop the March 10th referendum. We also cover the town’s massive $2.3 million tech upgrade (a lingering hangover from recent cyberattacks) and the new SwimQuest aquatic school proposed for Valley Road that has the local business association concerned about parking.Links & ResourcesExtended Interviews: Watch our full conversations with Dr. Turner and Dave Placek on YouTubeSchool News: Read Andrew Rice’s new Substack, My Montclair Education.Tech Upgrades: Read the Montclair Local story on the $2.3M Township Tech Upgrades.Development News: Read about the SwimQuest proposal on Valley Road.Sponsor: Visit SkinSplendid at One Bellevue Plaza, Suite 5, or online at skinsplendid.com. Follow them on IG: @skinsplendid & @nursechristynyc.Newsletter: Subscribe and don’t miss out.

Watch and subscribe on Youtube!This week, we welcome back Township Manager Stephen Marks to discuss how the town might intervene in the school budget crisis and the latest on Lackawanna Plaza. Then, we take a trip back in time with Lonnie Brandon—historian, former Parks & Rec director, and Montclair High football alum—who shares a powerful story from the 1960s involving legendary coach Clary Anderson.We also cover the "Cutover"—the month-long disruption to the Montclair-Boonton train line as work begins on the Portal North Bridge (hope you like the ferry!). We also break down the latest MPACT report on what a State Monitor actually does (spoiler: nobody really knows).Links & ResourcesMPACT report: Read about state monitorsMike Crowley's coverage of the recent School Budget Town HallYMCA History: Join the Zoom on March 26thEvent: Saturday Night Bard at Luna StageNewsletter: Subscribe at montclairpod.com.The History of Our Magnet System on The Montclair Pod

Watch and subscribe on Youtube!Montclair is freezing - literally and politically.This week, Mike and Farnoosh break down the surprise NJ-11 primary win by Analila Mejia, and take a deep dive into growing immigration fears across Montclair. Immigration law expert Dr. Jackie Vimo, a professor at Montclair State University, joins the show, alongside local leaders Masiel Rodriguez-Vars, President of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence and Emily Kraft, founder of Craftivists, to separate rumor from reality and explain what families need to know right now.Plus: student walkouts over ICE, Paterson’s school closures and what they could mean for Montclair’s March 10 referendum, and a burst pipe that displaced MESH at the height of winter.Links & ResourcesRegister: Farnoosh and Mike's Free Podcasting Webinar (Feb. 13)Donate to support MESH relocationTickets for February 12th's Montclair Story SalonRSVP for Craftivists' Melt the ICE Knit Night on Feb 19th at Lackawanna Plaza

Watch the show on YouTubeIn this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond.We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district.We’re also joined by tech founder-turned-educator Anand Sanwal, who’s launching a new private school in New Jersey and asking a bigger question: if we were designing school for today’s kids — and tomorrow’s world — would it look anything like what we have now?Plus, we cover the rest of the week in Montclair: ICE presence in the area and the state’s response, snow removal rules, the closing of a beloved BBQ spot, a look ahead at the spring housing market in our sponsored Ask an Agent segment — and yes, we finally get to the bottom of #Slushiegate with a real review!Learn more about Forge PrepLearn more about Acton AcademySnow Removal: Read Councilwoman Susan Shin Andersen's updateSponsor: Order from Pendragon’s Smokehouse for the Super Bowl!Deal: Use code MONTCLAIR-POD for 10% off (Min order $100).Order Deadline: Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 pm ETSponsor: Karin Diana, Compass