Hidden gems to popular shows and books, hear our reviews for what to watch and read this month. And learn why we think Robert Downy Jr. jumped the shark in The Sympathizer. TV Show and Movie Reviews The Sympathizer loved the book but had mixed feelings about the show, particularly Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles. Unfrosted Think Spaceballs…

Join us today for quizzes and laughs. We took the New York Times, "Butterfly or Firefly: What's Your Friendship Style?" quiz and live to tell about it. We also took a look at the comments section and were shocked at the intensity of the feedback! Why do humans love taking tests to tell them about themselves? Partly because......it's fun! Our conver…

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Yana Collins Lehman, the CEO of Trevanna Post, a film post-production company based in New York City. Yana shared her fascinating journey from growing up in a small forest in Northern California to becoming a significant figure in the post-production industry. We delved into the intricacies of po…

Meet the multi-talented Elinor Blake, also known as April March, in this episode of Lost in Jersey. She shares her journey from being an animator on iconic shows like Pee Wee's Playhouse and The Ren & Stimpy Show to becoming a successful musician known for her French-inspired music. She discusses her creative process, collaborations with directors …

Meet Stephen Winters a life-long Jerseyan and learn where to get the best pizza, ice cream, and "Taylor Ham" sandwich in New Jersey! You do not want to miss this episode: - Have you ever watched The Sopranos? Tune in to hear how Tony Soprano should have ordered the ice cream, not the onion rings. Stephen makes this famous ice cream at Holsten's. - …

Discover the story behind Montclair Brewery, where every beer brewed carries a meaningful tale. Join Denise and Leo as they share their journey of building a community through craft beer. Leo credits his mother for teaching him the art of brewing beer, which was traditionally done by women in West Africa. Denise emphasizes the importance of storyte…

In this episode, hosts Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian interview Mo Riza, an incredibly talented and versatile Indonesian American artist based in New Jersey. Mo shares his journey from Indonesia to New Jersey, his passion for creativity in various mediums, and his unique approach to teaching and mentorship. From digital art to street photogra…

Hello, everyone! In this episode, we dive into our latest reads and TV shows and help you pick your entertainment for the month of May. It is a fun mix of recommendations, critiques, and a little bit of nostalgia. We discuss: BOOKS "The Women" by Kristin Hannah "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner "James" by Percival Everett "The Housemaid" by Fre…

Have you ever stumbled upon a list that could change your life? That's exactly what happened to Laura Carney when she discovered her late father's bucket list. In this episode, we talk with Laura Carney, author of "My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free." Laura's father passed away from an accident involving a young driver who was…

Lost in Jersey's Montclair election special 2024 features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Renee Baskerville, a candidate running for mayor of Montclair. Dr. Baskerville shares her deep connection to Montclair, her background as a pediatrician, and her extensive experience serving on the council as well as many town boards. She discusses her accom…

Lost in Jersey's Montclair election special 2024 features an insightful conversation with Chrissy Thomas, one of the mayoral candidates for Montclair. Chrissy shares her background, highlighting her family's journey to New Jersey and her passion for bringing accountability and transparency to local government. She discusses key issues such as traff…

Lost in Jersey's Montclair Election Special 2024 features an interview with Bob Russo, a seasoned councilor-at-large running for his final term. Russo discusses his extensive experience in the Montclair government, his passion for problem-solving, and his dedication to serving the community. He highlights key issues such as reducing speed limits, a…

Lost in Jersey's Montclair Election Special 2024 features an insightful interview with Susan Shin Andersen, a candidate running for councilor-at-large. Susan shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania to law school at Rutgers in New Jersey, highlighting her passion for public service and community involvement. She discusses her priorities i…

Lost in Jersey's Montclair Election Special 2024 features an interview with Carmel Loughman, a candidate running for councilor-at-large. Born in Barnet England, with a unique connection to Montclair, Carmel shares her experience growing up in New Jersey, her career in risk management, and her experience on the Montclair township planning board. She…

We're taking Earth Month by storm with an insightful chat with Annette Batson, exploring the plant-based movement that's gaining ground in Montclair's local dining scene. Throughout April, our "Plant-Based for The Planet" initiative introduces you to Montclair's culinary gems dishing out eco-friendly eats. This episode highlights the importance of …

Meet Chalvar Monteiro and Christopher Taylor, two incredible New Jersey born dancers with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Chalvar Monteiro, a seasoned member of the Alvin Ailey company, shares his journey from Montclair to the global stage. Growing up, Chalvar's dance aspirations were nurtured through church activities and the liturgical dance …

Explore the fascinating journey of Maria Afsharian, an award-winning journalist whose life took an unexpected turn when she had to return to her father's homeland, Iran. From her roots in Tehran and Texas to her current role as a big-hearted realtor for Christie's in New Jersey, Maria's story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication…

Janette and Rachel share their monthly recommendations, including Stream Deadlock on Amazon Prime Constellation on Apple American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders on Netflix The Gentleman on Netflix Shogun on FX Palm Royal on Apple TV The New Look on Apple Maybe Skip The Regime on HBO True Detective: Night Country on HBO Movies Revolution on Canvas …

Anthony Frasier's journey as a podcast superstar is a testament to his creativity, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact through his content. His innovative approach to podcasting and dedication to creating meaningful content for children set him apart in the industry. "I had to change my mindset." Discussing the hurdles faced by y…

Margot is the owner of one of the most successful local bookstores just outside of NYC for the last 28 years. She tells us how she's keeping it thriving and how staying close to her family values has a lot to do with its success. Stepping through the doors of Watchung Booksellers, you're immediately embraced by that unmistakable scent of paper and …

Dive into a lively discussion with Liz Vaccarello, the editor-in-chief of Women's World and First for Women magazines. They explore Liz's fascinating career journey, from interviewing rock stars in Cleveland to leading two weekly magazines for women in New York. The conversation touches on topics like magazine publishing, journalism, and the challe…

We used to drop our episodes early Monday mornings....We are trying something wild and crazy and dropping our episodes on Tuesday mornings instead! Don't miss tomorrow's episode with the one and only Liz Vaccariello, Editor in Chief and Publishing Powerhouse! Find ya tomorrow, Lost in Jersey :-) xo, Rachel & Janette Follow us: Website | Apple | Spo…

Need help deciding what to binge next on Netflix or which book to crack open? Fear not! We've got you covered from animated series to murder mysteries. From bestsellers to airport book buys. Our picks for 2024 Best Books and Best Shows ... at the moment! Not just that, we're letting you in on a little secret: how to download your Netflix viewing hi…

Meet two chefs who found themselves working in the top restaurants in NYC, bumped into each other, and started a chocolate factory that everyone loves! Move over Willy Wonky. Tune in to hear Julia and Roger's journey to this sweet dream job of starting a chocolate business. They discuss their background as pastry chefs, Roger's unique expertise as …

In this episode, a panel of linguists from Montclair State University discusses their diverse research areas and the intersection of linguistics with AI and computer science. They delve into topics such as accents, phrasing, second language acquisition, and the use of emojis in different cultures. They share their backgrounds and how they became in…

Dive into the caffeinated universe with our latest episode featuring Jonathan Echeverry, the visionary behind Paper Plane Coffee Co. From Colombian coffee fields to NYC's fine dining scene, unlock the secrets behind crafting the perfect brew. This episode is your express ticket to becoming a coffee connoisseur! Discover the art, heritage, and innov…

Is 2024 going to be your best year? Or just a year? What helps you get through the day? Our latest episode is a freewheeling conversation about wellness, self-help as in "helping ourselves", and the art of not being an "ask・hole." Someone asks for advice but never takes it. We've all been there. We make bold statements, not backed by science such a…

Join us in celebrating our 50th episode and meet Jonathan Koppell, the transformative leader at the helm of Montclair State University. In an era where Higher Education faces heightened scrutiny, discover the refreshing perspective of a dynamic leader who not only brings transparency to the forefront but also actively engages with students and the …

Happy 2024 People! We are back and ready to bring you more exciting conversations with people around the great state of New Jersey! This episode is with a lovely father-daughter duo Jill and George Ruthauser, the creators of the podcast Talks To-Go. We chat about George's life trajectory as a voiceover artist to NJ Jackals Public Address Announcer …

We always ask our guests, what are some things that they love in New Jersey and there are a few places that keep coming up. So we thought we'd give them our shout-out and let them know that, um, they are very much loved in New Jersey. Many other wonderful places were mentioned that might not be as known, but we picked 10 that were repeatedly mentio…

Meet award-winning sports reporter Matthew Stanmyre. Host of the podcast “Lights Out” which covers the fallout from the devasting loss of one of the biggest high school games in history. Enter Montclair High School 1990 New Jersey, “the most anticipated high school state championship game ends mysteriously. More than 30 years later, players from th…

Helping others has been the bright spot for a local community organizer after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Tune in to meet Jessica, the heart and soul behind the Instagram community, We Are Montclair. Jessica's passion for her hometown and eagerness to support its growth is heartening. Jessica shares her story with us from growing up in…

Get motivated to get up and get movin'! Lloyd takes us through his journey of inspiring people to move and groove their way to health. His lively spirit caught our attention on social media, and now he's here, sharing his experiences, from teaching dance classes to training Bobbi Brown, to shaking it on the Sherri Shepherd TV show. His genuine pass…

Ever noticed how a fantastic outfit can change your entire mood or how a unique piece of fashion can make your day brighter? This week, we're all about fashion, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Meet Arlinda McIntosh, the genius behind Sofistafunk, an inclusive fashion brand. You don't have to be a celebrity to wear her creations or even a model. Y…

The last time we spoke to Peter Yacobellis he was feeling the social media heat. A lot has happened since then. This conversation illuminates the journey of a council member at large during COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. Peter is back to discuss why he left his position before his term was over, his cross-country road trip to a new home, and his new p…

Tune in to meet Jo LaMarca Mathisen, a former executive producer for the Today Show and current leadership coach. We discuss Jo's impressive career journey and her transition into coaching and menopause awareness mentoring. Jo shares her personal experiences and the importance of raising awareness about this often overlooked stage of life. She also…

How did Jorge Aguirre become a writer for popular kids' shows on PBS, Nick Jr., Netflix, Amazon, Fred Rogers Productions, and Disney Junior and author of celebrated graphic novels all kids love? Join us as we delve into his unique path that includes a few wrong turns. Memorable Quotes: "Every time I step outside of my comfort zone, I get rewarded."…

Michael D. Stifelman, MD, is an expert in robotic surgery and the chair of urology at Hackensack University Medical Center. Michael shares insights into robotic surgery and its advancements in treating cancer. So sit back, relax, and prepare to get educated on robotic surgery in New Jersey. The episode delves into the increasing use of robotics in …

Meet Montclair Art Museum's Executive Director! With an MFA in Photography and a sterling business background, he masterfully blends art and leadership. Discover his journey to New Jersey and his passionate mission to foster community. Tune in TODAY and ignite your inspiration! Topic & Links: You say Yonkers, I say Riverdale Banking to Photography …

Ever felt like you're on a path that doesn't quite feel right? Allison, our guest for this episode, knows that feeling. With a riveting journey from the dot com boom to hosting TV shows, onto becoming a life and career coach, she's had her fair share of twists and turns. Allison's journey is a testament to taking the road less traveled and finding …

Meet Sarah Damaskos, a practical Midwesterner in New Jersey who inspires with her get-things-done approach to family, friends, and community. Self-described 'ordinary person,' Sarah Damaskos, takes us on an inspiring journey that is extraordinary. She's an Ohio native who found herself in New Jersey, raising kids, becoming an unofficial foster pare…

Just outside New York City, there's a gem of a film festival, the Montclair Film Festival! We talked with Tom Hall, the festival artistic director and co-head who shared some of this year's exciting featured films, his film festival background, and what it takes to pull off a festival that appeals to everyone. Don't miss out on this cinematic conve…

Tune in to meet our good friend Alex Hall and how he went from being a PA to editing, directing, and producing shows like Law and Order, The Wire, The Deuce, True Detective, and Treme. Plus, he's very cool and the nicest! Lots of laughs in this one, Enjoy! Takeaways: ⭐ Philly to RI to Brooklyn to Montclair ⭐ How to make it in Hollywood! The only ad…

Tune in to our talk with acclaimed author Warren Zanes about his, journey, inspiration, and approach to writing music biographies, including his outstanding new book, "Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.” The album "Nebraska" was recorded by Springsteen on a simple cassette recorder, with just his guitar and harmoni…

The founder of Craigslist, Craig Newmark shares his remarkable transition into philanthropy dedicated to helping veterans, ethics in journalism, cyber security and so much more. In our interview, he revealed that the journey hasn't been easy. Telling us that learning your weaknesses can be traumatizing but if you're lucky, you grow. Tune in to hear…

Meet Kimberly Latortue, the President of Friends of the Howe House, an organization that came together to save and preserve this house built in 1780, the first home owned by a former slave in Montclair, New Jersey. Unbelievably, it was for sale on Zillow! Join us as she shares with us how they saved the house from disappearing and the history and s…

Liz George has successfully led Montclair, New Jersey's beloved and longstanding news blog Baristanet. And now there's an exciting new chapter as Baristanet, the renowned news outlet, has merged with Montclair Local News, and Liz assumes the role of Publisher, overseeing this dynamic union. With her at the helm, the future of local news promises to…

Feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you prepare to send your child off to college? We certainly did. Join us as we reflect on our recent experiences of pushing out our fledglings from the nest and into the world of dorm living and dining halls. A heartfelt conversation, filled with laughter and useful advice. We unearth our own college memories, exp…

We dive into the stressful process of college admissions and college applications. From finding the right fit for your child to navigating the ever-changing landscape of applying to college, could AI help in college selection? We cover it all with Allison Baer. As one of the top college admission consultants around, she shares her insights and advi…

Learn the basics of creating a perfect cheese board in this delicious chat with Mary Connolly, a cheese expert and food columnist known as Marie Fromage. The French Culinary Institute graduate shares insights into cheese-making history and offers tips for crafting the perfect cheese board to delight both the cheese aficionado (Rachel) and their les…