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.
In this episode of The Montclair Pod, Mike and Farnoosh dive into the first week of September in town, with plenty of local updates and a few personal confessions.
Highlights include:
- Back to School Drama – Montclair renews its $1.5M contract with food service provider Southwest Food Service Excellence. Will new “healthier” options and salad bars outweigh student complaints?
- Gas Below $3? – Prices hit five-year lows in Montclair, with one Valley Road station leading the way. Plus, what’s next for electric car buyers as the federal tax credit winds down?
- Dining Outdoors – Montclair ranks #102 on a national survey of best places for al fresco dining. Princeton and Cape May beat us out—but Farnoosh and Mike share their own dining adventures.
- Town Borrowing Plans – Montclair considers a $10 million bond for roads, pools, and even a new firetruck. Why can’t these be budgeted for in advance?
- Fleet Feet Returns – After a devastating fire and $600K in losses, the local running store reopens thanks to insurance.
- Real Estate Talk – A neighbor’s home hits the market at $2.375M—$700K above its 2016 purchase price. Will buyers bite? Taxes alone top $57K a year.
- Weekend Plans – From a Jets game at MetLife to Bard’s performance at the South End Business District Festival, Montclair’s social calendar is full.
All this plus: skipping to the bus stop, Uber Eats in the high school lunchroom, lobster rolls (or lack thereof), and Mike’s new fitness commitment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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