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 an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber—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 has long defined itself by its district-wide magnet system—a model built on choice, diversity, and integration by design. But today, that system is under unprecedented strain. Facing a $20 million budget deficit and rising transportation costs, Mike and Farnoosh go back in time to explore the system’s roots in activism and legal battles, while asking hard questions about its future. Is the promise of equity being met, and what happens when our ideals stay the same but our resources don’t?
Show Notes & Links
- Watch Our Schools, Our Town: A Short History of the Montclair Magnet School System produced by Masiel Rodriguez-Vars.
- UCLA Civil Rights Project Report: A 2017 analysis finding New Jersey is the 7th most segregated state for Black and Latino students.
- Patricia Hampson Eget’s Research: “Challenging Containment: African Americans and Racial Politics in Montclair, New Jersey, 1920-1940“
- The Lonnie Brandon Story: Read the Wagner College article by Lee Manchester detailing the history of athletic recruitment and institutional hurdles in the 60s and 70s.
- 1960s Legal History: The New York Times article on the 1960s Glenfield suit and the State Supreme Court’s 7-0 ruling on integration.
- Significant Achievement Gap Persists in Montclair – Asad Jung’s article in the Montclair Local
- Budget Feedback: Weigh in on the future of school funding via Superintendent Turner’s Budget Survey (Deadline: January 30th).
New Branded Series: Farnoosh & Mike Get Healthy
- This installment is sponsored by The Bar Method Montclair.
- Offer: Get a FREE CLASS using code MONTCLAIRPOD at checkout on the Bar Method website or download the app. (Code expires Feb 28, 2026). Limit one per person. The studio is also running a winter promo: Receive 30 days of unlimited classes for $78.
Local Headlines & Weekend Plans
- Municipal Complex Forum: Public forum regarding the new $50M town hall proposal on Wednesday, Jan 14 at 7 PM at 205 Claremont Avenue.
- Lunar New Year Performance: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company presents “Red Firecrackers” at Jersey City Theater Center on Sunday, January 18 at 4 PM.
- Live Music at Tierney’s: Join Mike’s band BARD and special guests Ümläüt this Saturday night.
- 7 PM: Ümläüt
- 8 PM: BARD
- Late Night: 80s Danceteria Dance Party with DJ Rafe Gomez (Twitch: DanceteriaRewind).
- Proceeds benefit Toni’s Kitchen.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
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