The Montclair Pod

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

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.

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.