Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.

In this special episode, we celebrate the official launch of the Montclair Pod, featuring over 100 attendees at Tierney's Tavern. Special guest Jon Fortt, co-anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell: Overtime” and Monclair resident, joins the conversation, setting the stage for an engaging discussion about the podcast's mission and vision.

Hosts Michael, Farnoosh, and Ali dive into the inspiration behind the Montclair Pod, emphasizing their commitment to addressing local issues such as education, real estate, and community concerns. They highlight the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and announce future episodes that will cover important topics like local politics, small business costs, and intriguing local ghost stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at The Montclair Pod Launch Party at Tierney’s Tavern for live music, giveaways, and a live taping! Proceeds support Toni’s Kitchen. Grab your tickets here.

Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail with your ideas and questions at MontclairPod.com

Montclair schools are back in the spotlight. After our first deep dive into the state of the district went hyper-local viral, we’re continuing the conversation with new updates, expert insights, and community reactions. In this episode, we unpack the latest poll results from Montclair parents on their biggest school concerns, break down how the $188 million bond referendum is being allocated, and examine the ongoing debate over Chromebooks in the classroom. We also take a closer look at school security disparities, discuss the fallout from a recent teacher arrest at Northeast Elementary, and try to make sense of Montclair’s school calendar chaos—could classes really stretch into July?

Featured Guests & Contributors:

• Sean Long – Former Montclair Board of Education member, Montclair parent
• Jamie Bedrin – Substitute teacher, journalist, and Montclair parent shares thoughts on Chromebook usage
• Melissa Mehl – Northeast Elementary School parent, sharing firsthand experiences
• Rohit Dave– A listener from neighboring Millburn
• Montclair parents & community members – Sharing insights from our Facebook poll

Additional References:

• Read Jamie Bedrin’s Op-Ed in Business Insider
• $188M Bond Referendum Details

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us at Tierneys on February 18 to celebrate The Montclair Pod launch! Reserve here.

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.

On today's episode: Montclair’s real estate market feels more like The Hunger Games—with buyers battling in fierce bidding wars for limited homes, only to be priced out or forced to walk away. In this episode, we break down the sky-high prices, low inventory, and the relentless competition that defines the market. We also explore the charm—and challenges—of Montclair’s historic architecture, where 100-year-old homes demand costly renovations to fit modern needs. But the market’s shortcomings don’t stop there—Montclair also faces a critical lack of housing options for its aging population, leaving longtime residents with few choices to downsize or stay in the community. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just curious about the town’s shifting real estate landscape, this deep dive is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we hear personal stories from residents Trae Bodge and Cory Sylvester of Michael Andrews Bespoke. We speak to realtors Heather Kandawire of Keller Williams and Jillian Nolan of Compass and finally, we hear from local architect Courtney Rombough.

Additional References:

• New Jersey MLS
• Montclair Real Estate Prices and Stats
• RSVP for our launch party at Tierney’s!

The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.