The Montclair Pod

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 EducatorsCVS Shoplifting Highlights Cost-of-Living PressuresA Local Family Caught in the Immigration DebateLinks & 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.comFollow The Montclair PodThe Montclair Pod WebsiteInstagram @themontclairpodJoin our Newsletter

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 PlazaResources & MentionsMontclair 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

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 SaleWe 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 SaleLongtime 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 CoffeeWe 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 ResultsNick 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 & MentionsSubscribe: 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

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.

This week, we’re looking at what happens when the budget crisis hits the playing field. With freshman sports on the chopping block at Montclair High, we sit down with the parents leading the charge to save the program. We also hear from a graduating senior about his journey through the MHS athletic system and take a stunning trip back in time to the 1960s "Golden Age" of Montclair football.The Fight for Freshman Sports: The Blue & White ClubThe elimination of freshman sports at MHS isn't just about missing games; it’s about a loss of community and socialization. We speak with Kevin Price and Laura Quiros, leaders of the newly formed Montclair Athletics Blue & White Club. Learn more and donate at MontclairBlueWhite.org.Student Spotlight: Dylan Kaelin PanicoGraduating MHS senior Dylan Kaelin Panico (Football/Lacrosse) joins us to talk about his path from a nervous freshman to a collegiate athlete heading to NJIT. He provides a crucial "primary source" perspective on why those early high school years in the athletic department changed his life.Living History: The Raccoon Coat EraIn partnership with the Montclair History Center, we air a 2018 oral history from Brenda Smith Williams who shares memories of standout players, raccoon coats and more."What the Hell is Even Happening with That?": The CornerFarnoosh went undercover (well, she just had breakfast) at The Corner (Grove & Walnut) to get the latest intel on their much-anticipated expansion.Special Ed Town Hall (April 22 Recap)The Good News: IEP and 504 services are federally mandated and cannot be cut.The Reality: The Montclair Counseling Services (MCS) program is being eliminated due to budget constraints.Accountability: The district committed to fixing "unintelligible" numeric-coded progress reports for the 2026-27 school year.Analilia Mejia Sworn InOn April 20th, Analilia Mejia officially took her seat in Congress (NJ-11), filling the vacancy left by Mikie Sherrill. Amid chants of "Sí, se puede," she delivered a powerful floor speech invoking her roots as the daughter of factory workers and calling for a just economy. Read more at Morristowngreen.com. Mountainside Medical Center Wrongful Death LawsuitA family from East Orange has filed a $40 million wrongful death lawsuit against Mountainside Medical Center, alleging that a liver biopsy killed their 65-year-old loved one, Phyllis Burrell, a civil servant. More: NJ.comAlso in the showOddfellows Ice Cream: Coming to 450 Bloomfield Ave. Get ready for 500+ flavors, including Miso Cherry and Chorizo Salted Caramel.Oggi Gelato: Opening at 40 Church St. This creates a "Gelato War" with the longtime staple Benvenuti just steps away.Ju-Ichi Japanese: Expanding their Morristown success to 512 Bloomfield Ave with their signature 24-hour pork bone ramen broth.Montclair Literary Festival: (May 2-11). 60+ authors including Colm Tóibín and Joyce Carol Oates. Most events are free! Full Schedule Here.Walnut Street Fair: (Sunday, May 3, 11am-4pm). 250 vendors, food trucks, and Touch-a-Truck.Mike’s Gigs: Catch Bard at Cricket Hill Brewery on Friday night, or see Mike and Jamie sit in with Workingman's Jed on Saturday.Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YoutubeJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the know

This week, we’re clearing the air on the school budget "heist" rumors and diving into the incredible backstories of two women with ties to Montclair. We sit down with Jennifer Tripucka, the founder of The Local Girl Media Group (and our own The Montclair Girl), to talk about building a local media empire in a shifting landscape. Then, we hear a story that sounds like a movie: Nikki Mammano joins us to discuss her memoir, Breaking Good, which follows her journey from the criminal underworld in Hawaii to finding a new life in Montclair. Plus, we investigate that unfinished eyesore on Church Street and celebrate a major national win for our favorite local bookstore, Watchung Booksellers.The $20M Deficit: Heist or Overspending on Credit?Following our "Supper with the Super" session with Ruth B. Turner, Mike and Farnoosh address the persistent rumors that the school district's $20 million deficit was a "heist." We break down why the "credit card analogy" is the most accurate way to describe years of overspending, uncollected bills, and structural math problems that date back to previous administrations."What the Hell is Even Happening with That?": 65 Church StreetYou’ve seen it—the five-story building near Park Street that’s been sitting half-finished for years. We dig into the 35-year history of development limbo at the old Hahne’s parking lot, from the failed hotel plans to the recent foreclosure. We look at where the building stands now.Guest: Jennifer Tripucka (Founder, The Local Girl Media Group)How do you build a hyperlocal news empire with 4 million readers and no outside investors? Jennifer Tripucka shares her journey from being a school counselor in Bloomfield to running six regional outlets. We discuss the demise of traditional print media like the Jersey Journal and why the demand for local information is actually higher than ever.Guest: Nikki Mammano (Author, Breaking Good)Standing in line at the Montclair supermarket, you’d never guess Nikki Mammano’s history. She joins us to discuss her raw and inspiring memoir, Breaking Good, detailing her past as a cocaine dealer on Hawaii army bases, her time in prison, and her ultimate redemption as a Montclair mom.Local Beat: Awards & ElectionsBookstore of the Year: A massive congrats to Watchung Booksellers for being named Publishers Weekly’s 2026 Bookstore of the Year! We discuss the legacy of Margot Sage-El and Maddie Ciliotta-Young.NJ-11 Results: Analilia Mejia soundly defeated Joe Hathaway in the special election to fill Mikie Sherrill’s seat. We discuss what this progressive victory says about the current political climate in the suburbs.One Big ThingThe College Women's Club of Montclair Semi-Annual Book Sale (April 24-26). With 100,000 items and most books under $3, it's a treasure hunter's dream that has funded over $1.5 million in local scholarships. Meet Mike at 26 Park Street!Links & ResourcesGuest: Follow Jen Tripucka and the team at The Montclair Girl. Learn more about their courses and coaching here. Guest: Buy Nikki Mammano’s memoir, Breaking Good. Book Sale: Get the details for the College Women's Club Book Sale. School Budget: Read Andrew Rice's deep dive into the math at My Montclair Education. Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on Youtube Join our weekly newsletter and stay in the know

In this second installment of Supper with the Super, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for a candid, wide-ranging conversation—this time over Ethiopian comfort food at Mesob, a beloved local institution on Bloomfield Avenue.We dig into the realities behind the district’s budget crisis, the difficult decisions shaping the next school year, and what it will take to rebuild trust with families. Turner speaks openly about the pressure of the role, why transparency matters more than ever, and how she’s approaching leadership in one of Montclair’s most challenging moments.We also get specific about what parents and students can expect - from middle school consolidation and cuts to sports and clubs, to changes in language offerings, transportation, and more. Plus, we bring your questions directly to the table, covering everything from “Where’s the money?” to the forensic audit timeline, the search for a new business administrator, and whether a state monitor could still step in.Beyond the numbers, we talk about the human side of this story: the students advocating for their schools, the parents stepping up in meaningful ways, and the superintendent’s own commitment to seeing this through.Plus in this episode:A closer look at how budget cuts will impact elementary, middle, and high school studentsWhy the “missing money” narrative persists—and what’s actually trueUpdates on the forensic audit and key district hiresThe debate over Lackawanna Plaza PILOT funds and school fundingWhether another school tax vote could happenLocal news, including the NJ-11 election and Renaissance Middle School deadlinesA deep dive into Montclair’s oldest restaurantsAnd a classic Montclair “One Big Thing,” from pizza debates to weekend plansWatch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YoutubeJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the know 

Spring break is over and we have stories.In this episode of The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh and Mike recap their very different getaways. From delayed flights and unforgettable meals in Los Angeles to a low-key beach escape in Miami, it is a tale of two trips and a reminder that sometimes the best part of traveling is coming home.Then, we shift gears and head into town for a spring shopping adventure with The Montclairnista, Wendy Tiburcio. We explore local boutiques, standout finds, and what makes Montclair’s retail scene feel so personal.Plus, we go inside the booming resale economy with the founders of Jersey Girl Thrift, a sold-out clothing swap that is turning secondhand shopping into a full-on community experience.And in local news, Mikie Sherrill is officially leaving Montclair for the governor’s residence at Drumthwacket. What it means, what comes next, and what voters need to know ahead of the upcoming special election.In This EpisodeSpring Break RecapFarnoosh shares highlights from a family trip to Los Angeles, including standout meals, theme park takeaways, and the reality of navigating LA traffic.Mike breaks down his Miami Beach escape, from the Fontainebleau experience to great food and a much-needed reset.Shopping Montclair with The MontclairnistaA walk through downtown Montclair with Wendy Tiburcio, aka The Montclairnista, spotlighting local shops, spring trends, and why shopping small still delivers a different kind of joy.The Rise of ThriftingInside Jersey Girl Thrift, a fast-growing clothing swap redefining how people shop, save, and connect.Why resale is booming and what it says about how people want to spend today.Ask an AgentSponsored by Karin Diana of Compass Real Estate.What real estate agents actually do day to day and how Montclair’s housing market compares to national trends.Local NewsMikie Sherrill prepares to move to Drumthwacket in PrincetonSpecial election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District is underway, with early voting now openA proposed World Cup sales tax hike could impact dining, hotels, and transportation across the stateOne Big ThingFarnoosh and Mike preview their next Supper with the Superintendent featuring Montclair Schools leader Ruth B. Turner at Mesob Ethiopian restaurant.Links & ResourcesDownload our free guide to shopping small in MontclairLearn more about Jersey Girl Thrift and upcoming eventsFollow The Montclairnista on InstagramConnect with sponsor and real estate agent Karin Diana of Compass  Early voting details for NJ’s 11th Congressional District election Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YoutubeJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the know