The Montclair Pod

The Montclair Pod
Podcast Description
The Montclair Pod is your deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on a range of local topics such as Montclair's real estate market, school system dynamics, and political identity with episodes examining housing challenges, the impact of national politics on community sentiment, and the redevelopment of iconic locations like Lackawanna Plaza.

The Montclair Pod is your deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—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.
Montclair is facing a growing crisis: homelessness. As of the latest count, there are 93 homeless people (sheltered and unsheltered) in Montclair, according to a study by Monarch Housing. That’s the fourth highest number in Essex County. And while the need for help has never been more urgent, the community’s response has never felt more complicated.
In this episode, co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike take listeners deep into the story behind MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), a local nonprofit operating out of a former restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. MESH provides meals, shelter, and vital services six days a week. But its presence in Montclair’s Bloomfield Avenue has become a flashpoint, sparking praise, concern, and a larger reckoning with how the town addresses visible poverty and mental health on its streets.
You’ll hear from:
- Joe Granger, MESH’s Executive Director, who shares stories of struggle, hope, and the hard choices he and his team face daily.
- Letrice and Tammy, two guests of MESH, who open up about losing stability and what dignity and community look like now.
- Local business owners, Eddie Peralta of Powerhouse Tattoo and Matt Jenkins of Smoke and Mirrors, who say they’re sympathetic but feel unsupported as public disturbances increase near their storefronts.
- Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville and Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen, who speak to the town’s efforts to balance compassion with public safety.
- Lt. Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department, on their role in addressing street-level crises, and why enforcement alone isn’t the answer.
More: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Montclair’s 2025 Budget
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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