Podcasts about Montclair

Johnny Mac discusses a mishap with his hard drive that led to a different theme music for the episode. He touches on various topics including Ricky Gervais' humorous new billboard for his whiskey company, Nikki Glaser's contribution to an East St. Louis animal shelter, and the longevity discussion of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' Additional segments include Pete Davidson's visit to Sally's Pizza, a brief confrontation between Jack Whitehall and Lewis Hamilton, Adam Sandler's stay in Montclair, New Jersey, and Michael Palin performing Monty Python material on a podcast.01:02 Ricky Gervais' Billboard  01:31 Nikki Glaser's Animal Shelter Rescue02:12 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Insights04:09 Comedy Stars at Nantucket Film Festival 06:25 Gossip Corner: Pete Davidson and More07:34 Adam Sandler's New Jersey Adventures09:18 Michael Palin's Monty Python Performance10:04 Tim Minchin's London ShowGet the show without ads. Five bucks.  For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.    Contact John at john@thesharkdeck dot com  John's free substack about the media:  Media Thoughts  is mcdpod.substack.com DCN on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailycomedynews https://linktr.ee/dailycomedynews You can also support the show at www.buymeacoffee.com/dailycomedynewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news--4522158/support.

[REBROADCAST FROM May 28, 2025] Artist Nanette Carter grew up in Montclair, the daughter of the city's first Black mayor, Matthew G. Carter. The Montclair Art Museum has organized a new homecoming solo exhibition of Carter's work, "Nanette Carter: A Question of Balance," on view through July 6. Carter discusses revisiting her art from throughout her career for this show, which is her first major museum survey. 

When Deb Looney left her high-powered career in advertising, she wasn't running away — she was coming home to herself. As the founder of Loopwell, a women's wellness community in Montclair, NJ, Deb is reimagining what it means to gather, reflect, and heal in a chaotic world. In this fireside chat recorded live at our women's retreat, Deb shares her journey from burnout to bold reinvention — and how she's helping others do the same. We talk about the power of ritual, what it takes to pivot with purpose, and why rest is a radical act for women today. If you've been craving a reset, this conversation is your permission slip. Learn more at loopwithus.com. MEET MY GUEST: LOOPWELL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Our guest today Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD.  She is the founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services, based in Montclair, New Jersey, where she provides in-person care and telepsychiatry across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical approach integrates psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-informed complementary modalities—including lifestyle medicine, light therapy, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Fajgenbaum-Teslja is committed to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care and frequently collaborates with psychotherapists and interdisciplinary teams to support comprehensive treatment planning. Today, Sarah discusses her unconventional path to psychiatry, her integrative approach, and observations on changing attitudes toward neurodiversity and mental health stigmas - stigmans which we are here to help permanently remove through using education, community encouragement, care, and entertainment. Enjoy! [You are now safely here, too]  01:00 - Introducing and welcome Dr. Sarah Fajgenbaum-Tesja! 01:45 - Could you please share a bit about your background and education? 03:20 - Was your path to this career revolving around Psychiatry what you expected? 03:39 - Why do you think ADHD diagnoses have increased, especially among parents and their children? 04:44 - Despite progress, why does stigma around mental health, especially for kids, still exist? 08:16 - What trends are you seeing in neurodiversity and ADHD treatment? 10:10 - How do you help new patients who feel anxious, or even ashamed about seeing a psychiatrist? 12:22 - How can people find you? @integrativepsychiatrynj on INSTA  Facebook  LinkedIN  YouTube and via her company's website: Integrative Phychiatric Services aka https://njips.com/ 12:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon! Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

In this episode, we catch up with Wes Adams—positive psychology researcher, author, and founder of SV Consulting Group—during a walk through his hometown of Montclair, New Jersey, for a powerful conversation about what makes work meaningful. Wes shares insights from years of research into why some workplaces thrive while others burn out, and how great leaders create meaning—not just through mission statements, but through everyday moments of community, contribution, and challenge. From casual team check-ins to stretch assignments, Wes explains how small, consistent actions can build cultures where people actually want to show up. We explore what it really means to lead with purpose, how to support others without micromanaging, and why meaning—not perks—is the key to retention, engagement, and performance. Huge thanks to Wes Adams for sharing his perspective—and for helping reshape how we think about leadership and the future of work. Connect with Wes Adams Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesadams1/

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, we sit down with a powerhouse advocate who's helping families shift from surviving to thriving—Sharon Webber.Sharon, 55, is a proud mother from Montclair, New Jersey. She's a divorced mom of two: a daughter who graduated from Emerson University, and a teenage son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and lives with limited communication skills.Sharon's journey as a parent led her to a deeper calling—advocating not only for her son but for families across the country. She quickly realized the importance of having a plan at every stage of a child's life, especially when navigating the financial strain that often comes with raising a child on the spectrum.Now, as a financial services professional, Sharon helps families eliminate debt, build wealth, and secure the future of their children. Her passion doesn't stop there—she's also a published author and Co-Founder of Indigo Kidz, Inc., an organization that provides a safe and nurturing space for families impacted by special needs. Indigo Kidz is rooted in empowerment, education, and spiritual growth for both parents and children.Whether you're overwhelmed by expenses or unsure of how to prepare for your child's future, Sharon's guidance and personal experience will leave you feeling both seen and supported.Want to connect with Sharon?FB: @sharonwebberBe sure to connect with our badass tribe on social media:IG: @theabmpodcastFB: @theabmpodcastYouTube: @theabmpodcastTik Tok: @autismforbadassmomsWebsite: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com

Artist Nanette Carter grew up in Montclair, the daughter of the city's first Black mayor, Matthew G. Carter. The Montclair Art Museum has organized a new homecoming solo exhibition of Carter's work, "Nanette Carter: A Question of Balance," on view through July 6. Carter discusses revisiting her art from throughout her career for this show, which is her first major museum survey.

Send us a textIn this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, Mike heads to Whippany to sit down with Yael Averbuch West, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations at NJ/NY Gotham FC. A proud Montclair native and former U.S. Women's National Team player, Yael shares her journey from Jersey youth soccer fields to global tournaments—and now to the front office of one of the most ambitious clubs in women's soccer.They dive into the unique soccer culture of New Jersey, what it takes to build a world-class roster, and how Gotham FC is carving out its own path—separate from the traditional models of women's teams riding the coattails of men's clubs. Yael also opens up about the ongoing learning curve of being a GM, the importance of community engagement, and how Gotham FC is growing its reach as both a competitive franchise and cultural movement.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Yael's upbringing in Montclair and New Jersey's reputation as a soccer hotbedThe evolution of her playing career and transition into club leadershipBuilding a team with international stars and world-class talentHow Gotham FC is redefining what it means to be an independent women's sports brandThe club's vision to become a globally recognized name in women's soccerGame day experiences, theme nights, and community initiatives like “Keep Her in the Game”Why New Jersey and the NYC metro area offer something for everyoneHow fans, from casual supporters to die-hards, help shape Gotham FC's futureResources & Links:

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, librarians Laura Sims and Kerri Sullivan discuss their alternate jobs as writers and editors and how the two careers mesh together.Laura Sims is the author, most recently, of How Can I Help You, a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, and CrimeReads Best Book of the Year. She works part-time as a children's librarian in Millburn, New Jersey.Kerri Sullivan is the founder of Jersey Collective, one of New Jersey's most popular Instagram accounts. The project has over 34,000 followers and has been featured by the Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Monthly, CBS Philly, and News 12 NJ. Her writing has appeared in McSweeney's, Catapult, Podcast Review, NJ Indy, and elsewhere. She is from Monmouth County but now lives in Essex County.Resources:Diane Arbus Archive Jersey Collective Laura Sims' Poetry Publisher's Weekly Kerri Sullivan Other Writing New Jersey Go Fish NJ Book Crawl Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Son parti, La Libertad Avanza, s'est placé en tête d'une élection locale à Buenos aires, bousculant les formations conservatrices qui y régnaient depuis 20 ans. Ce scrutin local d'hier représentait un premier test pour Javier Milei depuis son élection à la présidence. Car s'il a remporté le scrutin suprême fin 2023 grâce aux voix de la droite traditionnelle, il avait jusqu'ici eu du mal à transformer l'adhésion à sa personne en suffrages au bénéfice de son parti.Hier, son candidat, Manuel Adorni, qui est aussi le porte-parole du gouvernement, est arrivé en tête avec 30% des voix. Il devance le candidat de l'opposition péroniste de gauche de 3 points, mais surtout, il écrase la candidate de la droite traditionnelle qui n'a recueilli que 16% des suffrages.En tant que tel, le résultat de cette élection qui visait à renouveler la moitié du Parlement local de Buenos Aires ne va pas changer la dynamique communale, mais il envoie un message fort, résumé par Manuel Adorni dans son discours de victoire : « Nous sommes l'instrument du changement. Nous invitons tous ceux qui veulent soutenir ce projet d'un réel changement pour notre pays à rejoindre La Libertad Avanza, qui est l'instrument que la société a choisi pour transformer l'Argentine ».Victoire politique, succès personnelÀ titre individuel, le président argentin jouait gros car il avait fait le pari de « nationaliser » ce scrutin local. Avec pour objectif d'asseoir son hégémonie sur la droite argentine, incarnée depuis 20 ans par le PRO, le parti de l'ancien président Mauricio Macri. Et de phagocyter son électorat dans la perspective des élections législatives nationales qui auront lieu au mois d'octobre.Pour cela, Javier Milei s'est impliqué personnellement dans la campagne, accompagnant son candidat à plusieurs reprises sur le terrain et renonçant même à la messe inaugurale du Pape Léon XIV à Rome, afin de se trouver à Buenos Aires au moment des résultats.Pari gagnant, puisque sur la carte de Buenos Aires, le violet de sa formation, La Libertad Avanza, a totalement remplacé le jaune de la droite traditionnelle qui régnait sans partage depuis près de 20 ans sur la capitale argentine. À l'annonce des résultats hier, Javier Milei a voulu y voir le signe d'un changement d'époque.« Il est important de prendre conscience qu'aujourd'hui est un jour charnière pour les idées de la liberté. Aujourd'hui le bastion jaune a été peint en violet, et bientôt c'est tout le pays qui va se teindre de violet ! »Les élections législatives au bout du cheminLe scrutin d'octobre reste l'enjeu majeur de cette bataille, car depuis son élection à la présidence, Javier Milei est ultra-minoritaire au Parlement, ne pouvant compter que sur 15% des députés et 10% des sénateurs. Ce qui l'oblige à négocier en permanence avec la droite traditionnelle et à faire des concessions, ce qui n'est pas vraiment dans sa nature. Avec cette victoire hier, Javier Milei espère que son parti deviendra le vote « utile » à droite au mois d'octobre, condition nécessaire pour avoir une majorité propre qui lui donnera les coudées franches pour approfondir son plan « tronçonneuse » de dérégulation et de réduction des dépenses publiques. Joe Biden atteint d'une forme agressive de cancer de la prostateCe cancer a métastasé et s'est propagé à la structure osseuse de l'ancien président américain. La tumeur maligne a été découverte la semaine dernière, après que Joe Biden s'est plaint de douleurs urinaires. Un nodule logé sur sa prostate est apparu lors des examens médicaux, qui ont mis en évidence une maladie ayant déjà atteint un stade avancé. Ses équipes indiquent que ce cancer est hormono-dépendant, ce qui signifie que les hormones sexuelles jouent un rôle dans la prolifération des cellules cancéreuses. Il est dans ce cas possible de ralentir leur développement, par le biais de l'hormonothérapie, qui consiste à bloquer la testostérone produite par le corps de Joe Biden pour lui faire gagner du temps.Les médecins interrogés par le New York Times soulignent que, dans les années 1980, il n'y avait d'autre option pour y parvenir que de pratiquer une ablation des testicules. Ce n'est plus le cas de nos jours, avec l'apparition de traitements par injection ou par voie orale qui coupent la production de testostérone.Chances de survie ?Ses chances de survie sont impossibles à quantifier sans accès à son dossier médical, mais la recherche a beaucoup progressé ces dernières années. Là où, il y encore 20 ans, Joe Biden n'aurait eu que quelques mois à vivre, les thérapies modernes peuvent lui permettre de survivre 5, 7, voire 10 ans. « Il a encore des chances de mourir de cause naturelle, avant que le cancer n'ait raison de lui », juge un oncologue interrogé par le New York Times, selon lequel le taux de survie a presque triplé en l'espace d'une dizaines d'années.Ces progrès doivent d'ailleurs beaucoup à Joe Biden lui-même, qui a fait de la lutte contre le cancer l'un des thèmes-clé de sa vie politique. Elle figurait déjà parmi ses dossiers prioritaires lorsqu'il était encore le vice-président de Barack Obama. Le Guardian note que Joe Biden a déjà subi dans le passé une intervention en février 2023, pour une lésion cancéreuse au niveau de la poitrine. Mais c'est surtout le décès en 2015 de son fils Beau Biden d'un cancer du cerveau qui a provoqué la mobilisation de l'ancien président. Pendant son mandat, il s'était fixé comme objectif de réduire de 50% d'ici à 2047 le taux de mortalité dû au cancer aux États-Unis, et il n'a pas jamais lâché ce dossier. Encore six mois avant de quitter le pouvoir, il a débloqué une enveloppe de 150 millions de dollars sur les fonds fédéraux pour accompagner les travaux de huit instituts spécialisés. Revers pour la politique migratoire de Donald TrumpLa Cour suprême refuse d'entériner à nouveau l'usage d'une loi d'exception pour expulser des étrangers, celle que Donald Trump avait mise en avant au moment de l'envoi spectaculaire de plus de 200 personnes au Salvador au mois de mars. Décryptage avec Fanny Lauby, professeure associée en Science politique à l'Université d'État de Montclair, dans le New Jersey. L'actualité des Outre-mer avec nos confrères de la 1èreLe ministre français de la Justice, Gérald Darmanin, propose d'ouvrir un quartier de haute sécurité dans la prison de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, à l'ouest de la Guyane, où il est en déplacement. Réactions indignées aussi bien dans les états-majors des partis politiques que sur les réseaux sociaux.

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Anne Berest and Claire Berest discuss their novel, Gabriële, with moderator Violaine Huisman during a partnership event with the Montclair Literary Festival, the Montclair Public Library, and the Montclair Campus of L'Alliance-New York. Anne Berest's first novel to appear in English, The Postcard (Europa, 2023), was a national bestseller, a Library Journal, NPR, and TIME Best Book of the Year, a Vogue Most Anticipated Book of the Year, winner of the Choix Goncourt Prize, and runner-up for the 2024 Dayton Literary Peace Prize. It was described as “stunning” by Leslie Camhi in The New Yorker, as a “powerful literary work” by Julie Orringer in The New York Times Book Review, and as “intimate, profound, essential” in the pages of ELLE magazine. Her new novel, Gabriële (Europa Editions, 2025) is based on the life of Gabriële Buffet, whose extraordinary impact on 20th century avant-garde art and whose remarkable life have largely been obscured. Berest lives in Paris.Claire Berest is the author of the novels Mikado (2009), The Empty Orchestra, Bellevue (2016), Rien n'est noir, winner of the ELLE Readers Grand Prize, and two works of nonfiction, Class Struggle: Why I Resigned from National Education, and Lost Children: An Investigation in the Minors Brigade. Her most recent novel is Artifices. Violaine Huisman was born in Paris in 1979 and has lived and worked in New York for twenty years, where she ran the Brooklyn Academy of Music's literary series and also organized multidisciplinary arts festivals across the city. Originally published by Gallimard under the title Fugitive parce que reine, her debut novel The Book of Mother was awarded multiple literary prizes including the Prix Françoise Sagan and the Prix Marie Claire. Resources:Francis Picabia Marcel Duchamp Paris Museum of Modern Art Albertine BookshopBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

In this personal, winding, and emotionally resonant episode of Creative Risk, the boys crack open a sacred, formative chapter: high school theater. But this isn't just a nostalgia trip. It's an excavation-of early validation, teenage fragility, creative discovery, social hierarchy, and the kinds of teachers who see something in you before you know how to see it yourself.Told through laughter, real talk, and deeply moving reflection, this episode features intimate interviews with Joshua's former classmates and educators from Montclair's School of Visual and Performing Arts. It's a tribute to the weird, beautiful ecosystem where future artists are born, dreams are crushed or ignited, and identities take shape-often for life.EPISODE #69 of CREATIVE RISKJoin our Patreon for ad-free early access to episodes, exclusive discounts, weekly Q&As, and so much more. Visit https://www.patreon.com/CreativeRiskPodcast today!Submit your story to Raw & Rising, the mini-series spotlighting hustling creatives—those self-producing, diversifying their income, and tackling challenges head-on. Visit www.artists-strategy.com/creative-risk to pitch your story today. —Thanks for listening!Join our email list for our weekly newsletter with deep insight on our personal artistic journeys: www.artists-strategy.com/signupSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-risk/id1706381310Subscribe on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5hzvD8HgCjOo1NcA5zBDN4?si=404a2369523a45cbFollow Us on IG: www.instagram.com/creativeriskpod/Follow Us on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@creativeriskpod— “CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist's Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts.

Are you listening when God speaks? Are you going where He sends you? In this episode, Jeff and Terry discuss: Keeping in touch and maintaining lifetime friends.Seeing God's hand in the paths of our lives.Hearing God's voice and acting on our promises with Him.Business as a platform for faith.  Key Takeaways: If you listen and obey, everything God touches will turn to gold. It won't be through your power, it will be through Him.You don't need to be perfect. God will meet us where we are and work with who we are.God is the owner of everything - our time, our talent, and our treasures.Serve God and He will lead you where you need to go. Start with faith, act in obedience, and be amazed at where He takes you.  "Get into the habit of every day asking God for direction and obeying those instructions. Then watch what happens, because I'm telling you, everywhere He leads you will turn into gold." —  Terry Trayvick Episode References:When Dreams Are Disrupted: A Story of God's Faithfulness by Sandy Ramsey - https://www.amazon.com/When-Dreams-Are-Disrupted-Faithfulness-ebook/dp/B0D9DV4SGT About Terry Trayvick: Terry Trayvick is a seasoned business strategy and transformation leader with over 40 years of experience in the automotive, consumer goods, printing, housing, health care, food, and private funding industries. Terry has earned the respect of global leaders for his ability to align organizations to deliver exceptional results.Terry is the founder and leader of Level Five, LLC (a strategy and execution company focused on helping companies go from good to great) and 5th Level Capital (a private funding company focused on debt and equity investments in the real estate industry). He is co-owner, with his wife Sandy, of Trayvick Private Investments and Trayvick Model Homes. And Terry is co-owner, with his daughters, of Trayvick SFA (a company focused on building multi-family housing in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex).Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Terry spent 20 years in corporate America. In several executive positions.  Terry was the Global President of R.R. Donnelley Financial, a $1 billion business unit. Terry led a diverse team consisting of 5,000 people in 40 locations around the world and spearheaded a transformation that grew market share and improved profitability by $80MM in three years. Prior to the role of Global President, Terry was the Senior Vice President of Strategy for R.R. Donnelley's $5 billion Print Solutions Group. Earlier in his career, Terry held several executive finance positions at R.R. Donnelley, Sara Lee, and Procter and Gamble, and several operations roles at General Motors.Terry is Chairman of the board for Water.org, a board member of Emacx Systems, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the 9000 member Christ Church in Montclair and Rockaway, New Jersey.  Terry's hobbies include playing golf, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working out.  Terry grew up in Dayton, Ohio, lives in Montclair, NJ, has three adult children, and has been married to his wife, Sandy, for over 34 years. Terry has a B.S. in Industrial Management from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Columbia Business School. Connect with Terry Trayvick:Website: https://www.5thlevelcapital.com/  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, we feature a compilation of book recommendations from our customers, recorded in store on Independent Bookstore Day. Enjoy this varied and wonderful list of books!Libro. Fm Audiobook of Walking PracticeBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Comedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman. In this candid and hilarious conversation, Zarna shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edge, and how she's navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor.

The entrepreneurial journey for Dennis Balonze began when he was 12, sweeping floors in his uncle's barbershop in Paterson, New Jersey. He was inspired by the sense of community and business hustle, eventually earning his hairdresser license while still in high school. After graduation, Dennis worked in salons to master his craft and, in 2001, he purchased an 80-year-old barbershop in Montclair, New Jersey. That shop grew into multiple locations and sparked his interest in real estate investing. At 22, Dennis bought his first two-family investment property in Belleville, New Jersey. Managing and renovating it taught him the power of passive income and appreciation. In 2005, he used a 1031 exchange to expand, which led him to Huntsville, Alabama, and the founding investment career. He later invested in Fort Benning, Georgia, and partnered with firms like Borland Capital to underwrite deals and scale his knowledge. After two decades in the barbering business, Dennis sold off his shops to focus fully on real estate—specifically real estate investing. Check out Dennis' YouTube channel, BarberUPP!

Sean Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association and a former mayor of Montclair, talks about his campaign to be the Democratic nominee for governor in the June primary and the issues that matter to voters in New Jersey.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, we share a live recording of a book club discussion of Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt, led by authors Alice Elliott Dark and Dagmara Domińczyk. Alice Elliott Dark is the author of the novels Fellowship Point and Think of England, and two collections of short stories, In The Gloaming and Naked to the Waist. She is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and is a professor at Rutgers-Newark in the English department and the MFA program.Dagmara Dominczyk is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama, and has starred in films, television, and on/off Broadway plays for the past twenty years. Dag was a series regular on the HBO hits Succession and We Own This City. She is the author of The Lullaby of Polish Girls and her essays have appeared in Huffington Post and in the book Pretty Bitches. She is currently finishing her second novel and working on a memoir. She is an avid reader and fierce library supporter, and lives in Montclair with her husband and two teenage sons.Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Send us a textOn this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, I sit down with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for an honest, wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from her time in the Navy to her decision to run for governor of New Jersey.What We Cover:Finding Her Way to Jersey Mikie shares how she settled in Montclair over 15 years ago, what makes New Jersey feel like home, and why she's embraced the state's energy, community, and—yes—its volume.A Life of Service From her early inspiration to fly to graduating from the Naval Academy as part of the first class of women eligible for combat roles, Mikie reflects on how military service shaped her mindset, her leadership style, and her approach to adversity.Career Shifts and the Call to Serve Again After nearly a decade in the Navy, Mikie went to law school, worked as a federal prosecutor, and helped launch reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Eventually, that path led her to politics—and a run for Congress rooted in public service, not partisanship.Why She's Running for Governor Mikie talks candidly about her frustrations with Washington, what she's proud of in her time in Congress, and why she believes real progress—especially for small businesses, infrastructure, and affordability—starts at the state level.Keeping It Jersey We wrap with a lighter side: hiking Eagle Rock, grabbing subs from Belgiovanni's (long hots required), and why Star Tavern still hits the spot after a long day.Whether you're a policy nerd, a small business owner, or someone just trying to make sense of the moment we're in, this episode gives you a real look at the person behind the headlines—and what drives her to fight for New Jersey.mikiesherrill.comSupport the show

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, children's book author Alliah Agostini talks with children's book illustrator Olivia de Castro about taking humor seriously and celebrating black joy in kids' books.Buffalo, NY native Alliah L. Agostini has marketed everything from iconic brands to scrappy start-ups, but motherhood helped her return to her first love: children's literature. She is the author of over a dozen released and upcoming picture books, early readers, and even a cookbook. Alliah and her work have been featured on Oprah Daily, TODAY with Hoda + Jenna, Essence.com, The Washington Post, and more. She strives to center stories that illuminate the diversity of the Black experience at the intersection of joy and truth.Olivia de Castro is a Dominican and Colombian children's book illustrator. She grew up in Verona, New Jersey and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. In her art, she likes to capture the weirdness of everyday life, along with the humor and joy that comes with it. She has illustrated books such as How To Speak In Spanglish, Cute Toot, and Great Idea Malia! Her fourth children's book, Sticky Hermana, comes out on October 28th. Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, we feature a recent book launch discussion with Benjamin Wallace, author of The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto: A Fifteen-Year Quest to Unmask the Secret Genius Behind Crypto, and author Jason Tanz.Benjamin Wallace is The New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire's Vinegar and The Mysterious Mr. Nakamoto. He has been a features writer at New York magazine and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair.Jason Tanz is currently a writer at Salesforce and formerly the editor-in-chief at Lyft. Before that he worked at Wired for many years. He is the author of Other People's Property: A Shadow History of Hip Hop in White America.Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

6 confirmed dead in Hudson River helicopter crash, source says // Tim Lynn, former KTLA Helicopter pilot on Hudson crash // Sneaker store in Montclair robbed three times in one month. Weezer's wife shot at LAPD after hit-n-run on 134 in Eagle Rock // Robbery at Montclair Mall sneaker store – 3rd time this month. Search for suspects who killed store owner's brother in S. El Monte 

Send us a textThis week, Mike heads to Church Street in Montclair to sit down with Amir Kamal, the man behind Dutch's Sandwich Shop — one of the most talked-about sandwich spots in New Jersey. What started as a late-night idea and a tribute to Amir's dog, Dutch, has grown into a full-blown destination for people who take their breakfast sandwiches seriously.Amir shares how his background in hospital food service, his New York City upbringing, and a drive to do something different all came together to shape Dutch's. He talks about launching in one of the most competitive food towns in the state, the realities of running a small business post-COVID, and how customer service and creativity are the backbone of everything they do.They also dig into the story behind the viral Dutch Daddy sandwich, collaborations with other local food spots, building a team, and how social media helped take Dutch's to the next level. This is a full look at the hustle behind a local favorite and the mindset it takes to stand out.In This Episode:Starting a sandwich shop with zero experienceNaming the business after his late bulldog, DutchThe Dutch Daddy origin storyWhat makes Montclair such a competitive food sceneSocial media, influencers, and going viralLessons from the restaurant equipment industryThe ups and downs of staffingCollaborating with competitors and why it mattersYankees win total predictions and some baseball takesLinks: Dutch's Website: dutchsmontclair.com Instagram: @dutchsmontclair TikTok: @dutchsmontclairCheck out Amir's new podcast coming soon: Dab Dads with Dan from Quarry Grill.Shoutout to our partners: New Jersey Lottery – Must be 18 or older to play. Please play responsibly. Mayo Performing Arts Center – See upcoming shows at mayoarts.orgSubscribe, leave a review, and keep supporting the people and places that make New Jersey what it is. Support the show

In this week's episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, booksellers Asia and Caroline chat with longtime favorite customer, Edward. Asia Jannah was born and raised in Montclair, and has worked at Watchung Booksellers for a total of 9 years. She is currently the gift buyer for the flagship location. Her favorite genres include dark fiction, short stories, essays and memoirs. When she's not at the bookstore arranging displays or inquiring about customer's current reads, she enjoys knitting, crafting, and of course, reading.Caroline Shurtleff is the school event coordinator and a bookseller in The Kids' Room at Watchung Booksellers. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in English Literature. Caroline is a poetry editor at MAYDAY online magazine. Additionally, she writes and researches the show notes for the Watchung Bookseller Podcast and is a co-host of the Watchung Booksellers Poetry series. Caroline grew up in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex in Texas, and now lives in New Jersey. Edward is a longtime denizen/aficionado/camp follower of Watchung Booksellers whose primary claim to fame is fixing the toilet.Resources:Watchung Writers Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

(Note: this week's SGV Connect podcast is being broken into two parts. Part 2, which is a series of interview about The People's Cafe in El Monte, will be broadcast tomorrow.) Last week, news broke that bids for the next extension of the Foothill Gold Line - from Pomona to Montclair - would be delayed because the only bid to design and build the project was hundreds of millions of dollars higher than anticipated. Earlier today, Damien Newton sat down with Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority CEO Habib Balian to discuss the causes of the delay and how it impacts the timeline of providing rail service to Montclair. Meanwhile, major construction on the extension from Glendora to Pomona wrapped up earlier this year. Bialin anticipates that Metro will announce next month the exact date that extension of the Gold Line will open to the public - probably sometime later this summer. During the podcast, Bialin uses the terms “design build” and “construction manager at risk“ to discuss the different processes that agencies and contractors can use when making agreements on how a project will proceed and who carries which liabilities. For those interested, the links on the terms above explain what those processes are. A transcript of this podcast is available after the embed of the broadcast.   Streetsblog's San Gabriel Valley coverage is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the A Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places. Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays, and catch past episodes of SGV Connect and #DamienTalks on LibSyn, iTunes, or Overcast. Transcript: This transcript is lightly edited for clarity. Damien NewtonSince the last time we've checked in, there's been a lot of good news, and then last week we had a little bit of concerning news. So let's get the "bad stuff" out of the way, and then we can talk about where we are with the project going forward. Last week, we heard that the next phase of the extension -not the one where the construction is completed, but the next phase - is going to be delayed at least a little bit because bids did not come in as low as hoped. Can you explain what happened there and what the next steps are for the Construction Authority? Habib Balian Over the last three years, in preparation to go out to bid for the next phase of the project from Pomona to Montclair, we did our own independent cost estimate. We brought in outside estimators - people that are very well known in the industry - to look at the project, look at our design, look at the specifications, and help us foresee what a potential bidder might bid on the job. We went about this process, as any owner would, whether you're building a billion dollar light rail or remodeling the bathroom of putting some feelers out there what you think the job is going to cost. We went after it three times over the last three years. We even had Metro look over our shoulder and look at our estimates to come up with a validation of that number. And we rounded out with these estimators and Metro of a range of bids of what we thought the project was going to cost. We then started this procurement. We got some feedback during the procurement that our process to build the project using "design build" was not favorably received by the industry anymore. They don't want to take on that risk. We, as the owners, want to shove that risk off on the contractors. And that's worked very well for us over the last 20 years and the three phases of the project using design-build. But that model was getting some resistance in the building community. We also understood that a lot of potential bidders for the job would not be interested in competing with Kiewit (who had been the incumbent contractor for three consecutive projects that we built on the job from Union Station to Pasadena, Pasadena to Azusa/Glendora, and then the Azusa/Glendora border all the way to Pomona). Bidders were saying, 'Kiewit, seems to know the job so well, we may not be interested in bidding a job and competing with them, since they know it so well and probably could outbid us or underbid us.' So we were very nervous about this. Going into it, we took what we thought were very conservative precautions. We did a lot of outreach to the contracting community. We hosted these forums available for people to ask questions. And we also incentivized potential bidders with $9 million worth of recuperance of the potential bid that any work that they put into it - the design that went into this, the cost of them bidding the job, they would, as a course of a participant, be able to receive a four, three and $2 million payment for the work that they perform. Any design that they had done in furtherance of a bid that they would be able to give that to us, we would buy it from them, essentially based on their submitting a good bid that was responsive to the procurement. So even with all those incentives, Bid Day rolled around and, going into it, we knew we were only gonna have one participant. Which made us very nervous that there would be no other bids coming in. We knew that through the RFP process, and basically held our breath for a couple months until the bid came in. The bid came in, it was substantially higher than we expected, I believe, 54% higher than what our estimators and Metro thought the project would cost. We talked to them, went through a best and final offer and were not able to reach... achieve any substantial reduction in it. Then I took it to the board with the recommendation that we cancel that procurement and instead go out and re-procure through a different contracting method - CMAR (construction manager at risk, as it's known in the industry) - and proceed ahead with the project. It will be a bit of a delay, but it is a plan to get the project built, which is our mandate: to Montclair. We are starting in earnest with that procurement. It'll likely be on the street in June, and we'll be able to hire that designer and then bring on a construction management firm as well, and begin that process. And in furtherance of completing the project, with probably about a year delay we're expecting. Damien So with the year delay, could you outline what the rough timeline looks like now, to get that phase? Habib So we'll go through a procurement process beginning in June, probably June to September or October. We're nailing down the schedule right now, we will go and we'll seek a designer. That designer will engage them. That designer will complete the design, take it from our 20-30% complete and to a complete design. About midpoint of that we will start a procurement for construction manager. That construction manager will look over the shoulder and work with the designer to prepare a bid and confirm that they can build the project for our budget. So that will take about two years from now, and then that'll be a 'thumbs up or thumbs down' with that design, with that builder. If it's within our budget, we'll award the contract to them. And then from that point, it's about a four-year construction project. So roughly, 2030-31. Just as a footnote, should that builder that we bring on - the construction manager - say, 'we need more money,' or 'it's an inadequate budget,' we then have the ability of going out and soliciting a new builder for that project and hiring them and going out for construction based on a new bid. DamienSo it sounds like a lot's going on, but the plan is still to move forward and to keep going. HabibAbsolutely. The mandate of the legislature...back in 2000 they determined that the project would go from Union Station to Montclair. Just so, you know, originally [it] was supposed to only go to Claremont, and then it was later amended by the legislature to take it from Claremont to Montclair. That is our mandate. It's very important for this project to work at its maximum. And that requires it get to these hubs. And the nearest hub for this project is, in fact, getting to Montclair - to the Montclair Transit Center, the bus center. It's very important for ridership and for moving people from the Inland Empire into LA County along the Gold Line route from Montclair. DamienAlright, so that covers last week's news. But since the last time we've talked, there was some good news involving construction of the current extension, so to speak. So why don't we talk a little bit about where we are in that process, which I believe is mostly done. HabibThat's correct: mostly done. We achieved substantial completion by the contractor in early January, satisfied with their work. It was turned over to Metro for them to begin their preparations for operation. They'll start, doing their own testing and training of operators for over the next several months, with the anticipation that they will put it into service some time this summer. Metro - once they get underway with their testing fully - they'll be able to determine, probably in the May period, when they're going to announce a operations date with exactly when they're going to operate it some time this summer. DamienI said "mostly" I know your part is mostly done. It's "Metro's part" now that is still worked on. I just wanted to make it clear that when we said completed, it doesn't mean it's opening tomorrow. It's opening in probably July or August, if things go well. Habib That's correct. And just footnote to that is keyword is "still on the job." There's a long list of punch-list items that they're completing, some landscaping, some wall improvements, fare gates, something that's been a design change. Metro has come up with different fare gates system that is being retrofitted in. Our design originally didn't have them. Now it does, and they're being built as we speak, and installed. So,some of those last minute details are being done. So if any of your listeners actually go along the line and take a peek at what's going on, you're still going to see construction workers out there. There's still activity, nothing to the degree, obviously, of when construction was at full tilt. But right now, there is work going on, some cleanup activities, and handrails and fencing and gating is still going on, DamienI think we covered the two big topics on the checklist. Was there anything else you wanted to say before we before we sign off until July? Habib We're very excited about July. This is going to be very big for the San Gabriel Valley to connect further into the San Gabriel Valley, into Los Angeles, and ultimately to Long Beach. It's going to be very exciting for passengers, I think, and people are really going to enjoy this ride. It's a great system, and the stations look great. The artwork looks great. So we have a lot to show off this summer. DamienWell, we look forward to talking then and when the first phase of the extension open. I got this cool pin set, so I still have my fingers crossed to get another pin… Well, thank you very much. And we will. We'll talk again soon. Habib Okay, take care. Damien, thank you. Bye.

In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Ilene Fishman to explore what it really takes to achieve lasting recovery. We dive into the complex, sometimes uncomfortable truths about healing from an eating disorder, the importance of self-compassion, and why true freedom goes beyond simply “eating normally.” Ilene V. Fishman, LCSW, ACSW, FAED, has maintained a general psychotherapy practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders for more than 40 years in both Montclair, NJ and New York City. Ilene helped found NEDA, serving on its Board of Directors for over a decade. She then served on the board of ProjectHEAL. Ilene speaks widely as an expert on the subject of eating disorders and is the author of the book, THE DEEPER FIX. Note: The podcast is off for the next two weeks! We will be back on April 22nd, with a new episode! Tweetable Quotes "I don't wanna keep people comfortable. People will talk about, ‘Oh that therapist was so nice, she was such a nice person.' But did you get better?” - Ilene Fishman "If we avoid our pain. If we don't suffer constructively, productively, then we're blocking ourselves." - Ilene Fishman "Tell your therapist everything. Try to find a therapist where you can say, 'I'm afraid to start therapy with you, and these are the reasons I'm afraid.' Let's talk about it." - Ilene Fishman "It's about taking the risk and being afraid and not really knowing what's gonna be on the other side and doing it with somebody who's gonna, who's gonna hopefully catch you, but that you need to do it scared." - Rachelle Heinemann "Good therapy should be growthful and empowering." - Ilene Fishman "Recovery is so worth it." - Ilene Fishman Resources Connect with Ilene Fishman Here! Find Ilene Fishman on Instagram Check out Ilene's book: The Deeper Fix: For Your Growth and Empowerment Bergen Mental Health Group Inc. is hiring! If you think you'd be a great fit, check it out! Grab my Journal Prompts Here! Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? Let's chat!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at rachelle@rachelleheinemann.com  

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, children's book author/illustrators Kristine Lombardi and Cat Min talk about their process and love of kids' literature.Kristine A. Lombardi has written and illustrated several books for children, including Lovey Bunny, Mr. Biddles, My Wish for the World and The Grumpy Pets, which garnered an International Literacy Association Children's Choice Selection. She loves quirky characters and tender stories written with lots of heart. Her next book "Crouton" is coming from Random House in 2026! She lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. Cat Min is a Korean American author-illustrator, animator, and twin mom. Cat grew up in Hong Kong, where she spent most of her childhood drawing and making comic books out of printer paper and staples with her best friend. She studied animation and film at NYU Tisch and went on to complete the Illustration & Visual Storytelling Summer Residency Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She is also a member of SCBWI, Women Who Draw, and the Society of Illustrators in New York. Her debut picture book, Shy Willow, was featured in the NYT twice and translated to many different languages. Her other picture books include The Little Toymaker and The Shadow & the Ghost.Resources: ProcreateBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

In this week's episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, journalists Candy J. Cooper and Dale Russakoff share their excitement in the triumphs of journalistic writing.Candy J. Cooper is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting. She is the author, most recently, of Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and A Town that Looked Away, which was recently named a 2025 honoree by the American Library Association's YALSA award for young adult nonfiction. She also wrote Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint Michigan Fought for Their Lies and Warned the Nation, named a 2020 top 10 young adult book by the New York Public Library. She has been a staff writer for four newspapers, including The Detroit Free Press and the San Francisco Examiner. Dale Russakoff spent twenty-eight years as a reporter for the Washington Post, covering politics, education, social policy, and other topics. From 1994 to 2008, she served in the Post's New York Bureau, where she covered the NYC metropolitan area, including Newark, New Jersey. Dale Russakoff grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and began her career as a reporter for The Alabama Journal and later The Atlanta Journal. In 2015 she published THE PRIZE:  Who's in Charge of America's Schools, a New York Times bestseller, and a finalist for the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize for a work of nonfiction. She lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband Matthew Purdy, an editor at The New York Times. Resources:Waiting for Superman Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Join Lissa and Lisa as they delve into subjects psycological and literary. Lisa Williamson Rosenberg is the author of Embers on the Wind and Mirror Me (Little A Publishing 2024). She is a former ballet dancer and psychotherapist specializing in depression, developmental trauma, and multiracial identity. Her essays have appeared in Literary Hub, Longreads, Narratively, Mamalode, and The Common. Her fiction has been published in the Piltdown Review and in Literary Mama, where Lisa received a Pushcart nomination. A born-and-raised New Yorker and mother of two college students, Lisa now lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband and dog. Mirror Me is her second novel.  Synopsis: Eddie Asher arrives at Hudson Valley Psychiatric Hospital panicked that he may have murdered his brother's fiancée, Lucy, with whom he shared a profound kinship. He can't imagine doing such a terrible thing, but Eddie hasn't been himself lately. Eddie's anxiety is nothing new to Pär, the one Eddie calls his Other, who protects Eddie from truths he's too sensitive to face. Or so Pär says. Troubled by Pär's increasing sway over his life, Eddie seeks out Dr. Richard Montgomery, a specialist in dissociative identities. The psychiatrist is Eddie's best chance for piecing together the puzzle of what really happened to Lucy and to understanding his inexplicable memories of another man's life. But Montgomery's methods trigger a kaleidoscope of memories that Pär can't contain, bringing Eddie closer to an unimaginable truth about his identity.  

In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Laurie Lico Albanese and ANastasia Rubis discuss reading and writing historical fiction.Laurie Lico Albanese is a historical novelist, most recently of the acclaimed novel Hester,  which gives voice to Hester Prynne in a retelling of The Scarlet Letter. Hester was a Book of the Month club selection and an Audible and Goodreads Best Books of 2022. Laurie's previous historical novels include Stolen Beauty, about the famed Gustav Klimt portrait known as The Lady in Gold. She lives in Montclair with her husband, where they raised their two grown children. She writes for New Jersey Monthly, teaches writing, and is at work on a new novel.Anastasia Rubis' writing has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, New York Observer, and literary journals. One of her stories, “Girl Falling,” was named a Notable Essay in Best American Essays of 2014. Another, “Blue Pools,” was included in the anthology Oh, Baby published by Creative Nonfiction. She co-wrote and co-directed a 13-minute documentary titled Breakfast Lunch Dinner: The Greek Diner Story. Her latest work, Oriana, is a novel based on the life of journalist Oriana Fallaci. Rubis earned a BA magna cum laude from Brown University and an MA from Montclair State University. She teaches memoir writing and is working on a second novel. She and her husband live in Montclair, where they raised their daughter, and spend summers in Greece, where their parents were born.Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Scott started the LIFERS movie tour last week in St. Louis at the Arkadin Cinema & Bar — and this episode finds him in his hotel after a particularly long day that took him from a showing in Portland, Oregon at the Clinton Street Theater to a showing at the Clairidge Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. The dude was a little rough. (AND there was a fucking Tesla involved!) PLUS!: Micro-cinemas, cat-pigs, Enuff Z'nuff at The Whiskey, The Lumiere in L.A., Gabe's face in IMAX at the Esquire in Sacramento, cineastes, Ryan's nipples, Married Men at the Metro on March 15, the fall Everclear tour, ripping off Amadeus, English accents, and the royal “we” game. (Not discussed, but definitely felt — The Coolidge in Boston and the Film Society Center in Philadelphia.) Remaining dates on the LIFERS movie tour: MARCH 19 — Oriental Theatre — Milwaukee, WI APRIL 6 — Wisconsin Film Festival — Madison, WI APRIL 7 — Screenland Armour — Kansas City, MO APRIL 8 — The Varsity Cinema — Des Moines, IA APRIL 9 — The Trylon — Minneapolis, MN

Season 12 Episode 6 - Writing your story with Ashley TwynamEpisode Description:Welcome to Season 12 of We Go Boldly, the podcast dedicated to celebrating women stepping into their power and living their most authentic lives. This season, we're thrilled to partner with the Power Moms Network, a community empowering mothers to mentor each other to greatness. Join us as we break free from limiting beliefs and intentionally craft our own narratives filled with purpose and authenticity.Join Our Community:Ready to connect with like-minded women? Visit http://www.goboldlyinitiative.com/weeklycircle to learn more about our supportive space where you can share, grow, and thrive. Sign up today and let's boldly embrace the journey together. Introduction to Season 12:Discover how this season focuses on empowering you to take control of your life by rewriting your story with authenticity and purpose.Guest Spotlight: Dr. Ashley Twynam, PT, DPT:Meet Dr. Ashley Twynam, an AtlasPROfilax Specialist known for empowering her clients to live pain-free and confidently.Learn about her approach to health and well-being, and how she provides clients with the tools to take control of their physical health.Explore her expertise in treating headaches, migraines, chronic pain, and more at her private practice in Montclair, NJ.Key Takeaways:1. Empowerment Through Authenticity:  Understand the importance of breaking free from limiting beliefs to craft a life that reflects your true self.2. Health & Well-being: Gain insights into how taking control of your physical health can enhance your overall quality of life.3. Inspiration from Experts: Be inspired by conversations with experts like Dr. Ashley Twynam who share valuable knowledge and resources. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of We Go Boldly Podcast. We hope you found our discussion insightful and that the strategies we covered inspire you to take actionable steps towards your personal development goals. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube, and follow us on IG @goboldlytogether, FB @goboldlytogether, or LI @goboldlyinitiative for more updates and exclusive content. Did you enjoy this episode? We would love to hear your thoughts and more about your personal development journey. Head to Apple Podcasts and then rate, review, and subscribe. This way you will get notified once a new episode goes live. Don't forget to find us and subscribe on YouTube too. CONNECT WITH RIELLY AND TOVAHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goboldlytogether/Website: goboldlyinitiative.com or https://we-go-boldly-podcast.simplecast.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPh8gu_ugJqvvnYiuRSyPQLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/go-boldly-initiativePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/wegoboldlyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBoldlyTogetherPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoBoldlyTogether/

LA Mayor Bass says her text messages are auto–deleted. Daylight Savings // Wango Tango coming up...Jackie & Shadow have baby eaglet # 3—Remember Wild Kingdom? // Pursuit in Montclair ends in Officer involved shooting. Difference between Claremont & Montclair. “InChino” does that exist?  Mistrial declared in case of Orange County judge accused of murdering his wife. Costco is expanding, opening more stores. Man climbs out of storm drain in Stockton. This guy needs a podcast.

In this week's episode, scientists Charles Liu and George Musser find joy in daily observations through science and writing. Charles Liu is a professor of astrophysics at the City University of New York's College of Staten Island and an associate with the Hayden Planetarium and Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on colliding galaxies, starburst galaxies, quasars, and the star formation history of the universe. In addition to his research publications, he writes books and online content for students and general audiences, The Cosmos Explained and The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book. He hosts The LIUniverse with Dr. Charles Liu, a half-hour dose of cosmic conversation with scientists, educators and students about the cosmos, scientific frontiers, scifi, comics, and more. George Musser is a contributing editor at Scientific American magazine, a contributing writer for Quanta magazine, and the author of three books on fundamental physics for the general public, most recently Putting Ourselves Back in the Equation. He is a co-recipient of two National Magazine Awards and sundry other prizes. He lives in Glen Ridge with his wife, his daughter, and his daughter's schnauzer. Resources: Magnum ForceThe LIUniverseNext Stop WonderlandHubble Space TelescopeWendy Freedman InterviewDark MatterDark EnergyJanna LevinSean CarrollRome Song (SNL)D&D LiveBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, journalists Farnoosh Torabi and Grace L. Williams talk about financial writing and books that focus on women and money.Grace L. Williams is a scholar of feminism and economics who moonlights as a financial reporter and podcast co-host. She is the author of the newly released Give Her Credit, a book that spotlights women's banks in the 1970s. She is an alum of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where ironically she wrote a thesis on “Freeganism,” which is the magical art of surviving while buying nothing. Her writing has been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Harvard Business Review, Yahoo Finance, among many others. She is the editor of Montclair Neighbors and lives with her family in Montclair.Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian American journalist and one of the country's leading and most trusted personal finance experts. For more than twenty years, she's dedicated her career to helping people become financially empowered and lead richer lives. She's written multiple books, hosted a CNBC program, and served as the resident money columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine. Today she hosts the long-running, Webby-honored podcast So Money, which has earned over twenty-five million downloads. Her latest book is A Healthy State of Panic, available in paperback now. Farnoosh holds a degree in finance from Penn State and a master's in journalism from Columbia University. She lives in Montclair with her family and just recently began the Montclair Pod, which explores politics, businesses, and community, along with some suburban gossip and drama.Books:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

We spoke with David Amlen and Meg Beattie Patrick as a preview for the upcoming DAVE & THE DIVAS show at Outpost in the Burbs. The show Freedom & Faith: Songs of Jenny Amlen and Elton John, will be March 1st in Montclair - an album release event for the group's FREEDOM album. It's a very special project that brings together core members of the Montclair music community, led by David Amlen in tribute to his late sister Jenny and her songs, that match remarkably well with Elton John's early compositions. The album and show feature a selection of incredible local singers - Julie Dobrow, Iris Schaffer Hall, Meg Patrick, Stacia Thiel, and Cecile Williams, as well as an all-star band. The episode features a preview of the title song ‘Freedom,' an anthemic song from Jenny that was the starting point for the project.

In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, novelists Marcy Dermansky and Hayley Krischer tackle challenges of a writer's life and troubleshoot helpful writing solutions.Marcy Dermansky is the author of the critically acclaimed novels Very Nice, The Red Car, Bad Marie, Twins, and Hurricane Girl. She has received fellowships from the McDowell Colony and the Edward F. Albee Foundation. In March, she'll release her latest novel, Hot Air, which has been named a March IndieNext pick. She lives with her daughter in Montclair, New Jersey.  Haley Krischer  is the author of the young adult novels, Something Happened to Allie Greenleaf, The Falling Girls, and You Belong to Me, releasing on April 15th. Her first novel for adults, Where Are You Echo Blue, came out last summer. She's an award winning journalist who has written for The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Marie Claire, Elle, and more. Resources: Watchung Writers Group The Room Next DoorBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

This episode was filmed as a live event at Loopwell in Montclair, NJ. Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever, joins us to discuss her movement redefining career pauses, the cultural shift in motherhood, and how women can reclaim their identities in and out of the workforce. I was also joined by Loopwell CEO Deb Looney and Director of Spiritual Wellbeing, psychotherapist, and yoga teacher Kanan Kapila. MEET MY GUEST: Website: www.motheruntitled.com Instagram: @motheruntitled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History is an often misunderstood major within the academic community, one that should be discussed more. After all, the connections to the past can be helpful in deciding what to do moving forward. That's the reason why Jessica Pichardo chose History as her major, and why she began working in nonprofits and government sectors. After a decade in Child Protective Services, she moved into a higher-education degree in the education field, hoping to make a difference in the lives of Montclair students. With Armine Khudinyan as this episode's host, Pichardo discusses the passion of the Montclair students, how the Next Generation Service Corps Program changed her life, and how she truly believes that her students' success is her success.   Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities  

In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, poets Alicia Cook and Deborah Garrison share how poetry fosters connection and their own work. Plus, at the end of the episode, listen to some of the poetry readings from our special Valentine's Day Pop-Up Poetry Booth in The Kids' Room. Deborah Garrison began her career at the The New Yorker, where she worked for fifteen years and where her poetry first began appearing in the late 80s. She is the author of the bestselling poetry collection A Working Girl Can't Win, published in 1998, and joined book publishing herself in 2000, as the Poetry Editor of Alfred A. Knopf and a Senior Editor at Pantheon Books. Now editorial director of Knopf poetry, Deb also enjoys working with writers of literary fiction and biography. She is a proud Montclairian and raised her three kids here in town; their childhood and the experience of mothering them is the subject of many of the poems in her book The Second Child. Her poems have also appeared in a number of anthologies, including Garrison Keillor's Good Poems series and Caroline Kennedy's She Walks in Beauty: A Womans's Journey Through Poems.Alicia Cook is a multi-award-winning writer and mental health and addiction awareness advocate based in Newark, New Jersey. Her writing often focuses on addiction, mental health, and grief – sometimes all at once. She is the poet behind Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately, I Hope My Voice Doesn't Skip, Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back, and last year's The Music Was Just Getting Good. Her work has also been published in numerous anthologies and outlets including The New York Times. She received an MBA from Saint Peter's University and a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Georgian Court University, where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Alica has shared her work multiple times at Watchung Booksellers and we are excited to welcome her to the podcast.Resources:American Guild of Musical ArtistsSeptember 1, 1939 by W. H. AudenMosab TohaBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Pastors Don and Ethel Rucker both heard the voice of God when they first laid eyes on each other. Meeting in a church — she was there because church was always her "safe haven" and he was there because he wanted to "appease" his sister — the word reached them as a whisper in their hearts acknowledging they had met their life partner.It wasn't long afterward that they married. But even though they were destined for each other, they admit the first three years of marriage were lousy."I had no positive role models on how to submit to men, how to respect them, how to honor them. What was that?" Pastor Ethel said."I didn't have any tools. And neither did he because his father walked away as well."But the glue they shared was commitment and faith."The turning point for us was that we realized this is not God's will. He did not bring us together for us to be miserable," Don said.The two set out investigating what they needed to build a strong marriage, and with God's help, developed 10 principles that laid the foundation for their union."If you look at your marriage as a business, you have towork that thing. That means there's got to be policies ... to govern that relationship," Don said. "It can failproof your relationship, the principles that God gave us."Now, 41 years married, Ethel and Don teach these principles in couples' workshops. They have also written a book about their journey, From Misery to Marital Bliss.That's not all they achieved. Through a program called "Reach One, Teach One, and Grow One," they are building on God's messages of transformation. In 2014, they founded the Christian Development Center in Montclair, California, and now feed and clothe 600 families monthly. They conductparenting and other educational classes and collaborate with local businesses to serve the greater San Bernadino County. They've even started down the path of investment to build affordable housing that can serve neighbors based ontheir income levels, rather than market value."(God) said, 'You will always have the poor. You will not always have me.' So, from Ethel and our perspective, what we're doing in the community is really doing what He would be doing if He was here," Don said.I met Ethel and Don through Kyle Wilson's Inner Circle group, and I am struck by their ministry and their amazing accomplishments. I do believe they are transforming behaviors and outcomes in the lives of many, helping to build the kingdom of God. You can learn more about them on their website, Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, I hope you click the button below to learn about their journey and enjoy this inspirational episode of Chiseled.

Barbara Peters in conversation with Alison Montclair

Half Waif, the indie-electronic-folk project led by Nandi Rose, returns to Montclair for a special homecoming show at Outpost in the Burbs on February 22nd. This marks the band's first full performance at the venue, following a mini-set at a “new bands” festival in 2016. Since then, Half Waif has released a string of acclaimed albums, including the latest, See You at the Maypole (2024). Ahead of the show, we spoke with Nandi Rose about the power of art, creativity, and nature in navigating life's challenges and transformations. Episode also features "Figurine" from the new album. 

In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, Montclair State Professor Lee Behlman and high school English teacher Nick Hernandez talk about their love of literature and teaching it to their students. Lee Behlman is a professor of English at Montclair State University, where he's taught since 2006. He's a scholar of Victorian literature and his most recent publication is a 2023 book from Palgrave-Macmillan called Victorian Verse: The Poetics of Everyday Life, which he co-edited with Olivia Loksing Moy from Lehman College-CUNY. He teaches classes on nineteenth-century poetry and fiction, the Bible as Literature, The Golden Age of Children's Literature, and most recently, on Detective and Crime Fiction. He grew up locally in Queens and has been a dedicated customer of Watchung Booksellers since the moment he moved to New Jersey.Nick Hernandez teaches English at Montclair High School and loves spending his time rock climbing, playing in a band, and reading. His head is usually in the clouds but he still manages to balance a comically small tea cup on his person throughout the day. His favorite class to teach is dedicated to reading Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis, kindly provided by a generous MFEE grant.Resources:The StrandTheatre of the OppressedThe KrakenThe Dakota 38 by Layli Long SoldierHomie by Danez SmithThe AtlanticMontclair Fund for Educational ExcellenceBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

In this episode, I'm honored to connect with Jessica Tillyer, one of the volunteers who jumped in to start the Montclair bike bus efforts that provide multiple bike buses across this New Jersey township every Friday. We also discuss the potential of school street initiatives and how the Montclair bike bus is helping to change the narrative of what streets are for and helping to kickstart an emerging culture of activity that previously was latent.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for more video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):- Montclair Bike Bus website- Sam Balto and Bike Bus World- Megan Ramey and a bike bus in Hood River, OR- Jordi on the Bike Bus movement in Barcelona- Emily Stutts on a Bike Bus in NYC- My school streets short- My school streets video w/ Prof Billy FieldsIf you are a fan of the Active Towns Podcast, please consider supporting the effort as an Active Towns Ambassador in the following ways:1. Join our Patreon community. Contributions start at just $3 per month2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can also "leave a tip" through "Buy Me a Coffee"3. Make a donation to my non-profit, Advocates for Healthy Communities, Inc., to help support my pro bono work with citiesCredits:- Video and audio production by John Simmerman- Music via Epidemic SoundResources used during the production of this video:- My recording platform is Ecamm Live- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite- Equipment: Contact me for a complete listFor more information about the Active Towns effort or to follow along, please visit our links below:- Active Towns Website- Active Towns on Bluesky- Weekly Update e-NewsletterBackground:Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I'm a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.Since 2010,  I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2025 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome to Season 2 of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast! In this episode bookstore owner Maddie Ciliotta-Young talks with her mom and former owner Margot Sage-EL about the past, present, and future of Watchung Booksellers.Maddie Ciliotta-Young is the owner and operator of Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. Maddie grew up in Montclair and at the bookstore with her mom, Margot. After college she was a teacher and principal for over a decade at a New York City public high school. As a school administrator, Maddie had a focus on equity for underserved schools and a passion for teaching literacy. She joined the Watchung Booksellers team in 2022 and when she's not in the store she can be found enjoying Montclair's restaurants with her husband or on the soccer field cheering on her kids. And, pretty soon, taking care of a sweet new baby.Margot Schwaab Sage-EL, born and raised outside of Boston MA, earned her BA from Barnard College, and arrived in Montclair (after the usual UWS/Brooklyn route) in 1990.  Embraced by a community of spirited souls passionate about art, politics, social justice and literacy, Margot created Great Owl Books, a mail order catalog of multicultural children's books and folded that into Watchung Booksellers in 1996.  She has spent the three decades years growing this community bookstore with the help of amazing booksellers, devoted readers, and a supportive family.  Margot and her husband Barry raised their three children, Trevor, Madeleine and Olivia, through the Montclair public school system and now with the bookstore under Maddie's leadership, Margot is semi-retired, totes her grandchildren around town, and is again pursuing sculpture.Resources:Writers' WorkshopMontclair Speech TherapyWatchung WritersPostmarked PagesBookshop (Ebooks & more)Libro.fm Open Book / Open MindMontclair Literary FestivalBooks:A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events.The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids' Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch!Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.comSocial: @watchungbooksellersSign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

Introducing Farnoosh's latest offering in the podcast universe: The Montclair Pod, a hyper local podcast centered on the news, culture and issues within Montclair, New Jersey. In this episode, Farnoosh and co-hosts explore the local implications of President Donald Trump's second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town's political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey's rightward shift in the 2024 election.The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney's Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump's leadership that resonate with his supporters.The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possible dismantling of the Department of Education. Guests, include Dr. Jackie Vimo, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and Montclair State University and Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman.Finally, the episode spotlights Gabriela Tutalo, owner of the boutique Solano. She shares her concerns about tariffs on imported goods, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of small business owners adapting to economic challenges.**Subscribe, leave a review, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram. Email us at Hello@MontclairPod.com**

Join "Mind Over Murder" hosts Kristin Dilley and Bill Thomas as we discuss our upcoming live podcast event at the Montclair, Virginia Library set for Saturday, January 25, 2025, the December 17 arrest of a Smithfield, VA man with more than 150 pipe bombs, and the frustrating radio silence from FBI and Virginia State Police in the Colonial Parkway Murders.By the Book: A True Crime MiniCon in Montcalir, Virginiahttps://pwcgov.libnet.info/event/12039401?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3GKhwvIBmPODSgx_S8nGt0xls1bsxvjcDaiGVHGuVnixadMPusA1mLpNI_aem_0qgz1Wwvro3BYgdMdhdh9wSmithfield Times:  Foursquare Road suspect in largest-ever FBI seizure of homemade explosives granted $25,000 bondhttps://www.smithfieldtimes.com/2024/12/30/foursquare-road-suspect-in-largest-ever-fbi-seizure-of-homemade-explosives-released-on-25000-bond/WTKR News 3: One year after development in Colonial Parkway Murders, where do things stand?https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/one-year-after-development-in-colonial-parkway-murders-where-do-things-standWon't you help the Mind Over Murder podcast increase our visibility and shine the spotlight on the "Colonial Parkway Murders" and other unsolved cases? Contribute any amount you can here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/mind-over-murder-podcast-expenses?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customerWTVR CBS News:  Colonial Parkway murders victims' families keep hope cases will be solved:https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/colonial-parkway-murders-update-april-19-2024WAVY TV 10 News:  New questions raised in Colonial Parkway murders:https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/new-questions-raised-in-colonial-parkway-murders/WTKR News 3: Colonial Parkway Murders podcast records in Yorktown:https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/colonial-parkway-murders-podcast-records-in-yorktownAlan Wade Wilmer, Sr. has been named as the killer of Robin Edwards and David Knobling in the Colonial Parkway Murders in September 1987, as well as the murderer of Teresa Howell in June 1989. He has also been linked to the April 1988 disappearance and likely murder of Keith Call and Cassandra Hailey, another pair in the Colonial Parkway Murders.13News Now investigates: A serial killer's DNA will not be entered into CODIS database:https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/local/13news-now-investigates/291-e82a9e0b-38e3-4f95-982a-40e960a71e49WAVY TV 10 on the Colonial Parkway Murders Announcement with photos:https://www.wavy.com/news/crime/deceased-man-identified-as-suspect-in-decades-old-homicides/WTKR News 3https://www.wtkr.com/news/is-man-linked-to-one-of-the-colonial-parkway-murders-connected-to-the-other-casesVirginian Pilot: Who was Alan Wade Wilmer Sr.? Man suspected in two ‘Colonial Parkway' murders died alone in 2017https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/01/14/who-was-alan-wade-wilmer-sr-man-suspected-in-colonial-parkway-murders-died-alone-in-2017/Colonial Parkway Murders Facebook page with more than 18,000 followers: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCaseYou can also participate in an in-depth discussion of the Colonial Parkway Murders here:https://earonsgsk.proboards.com/board/50/colonial-parkway-murdersMind Over Murder is proud to be a Spreaker Prime Podcaster:https://www.spreaker.comJoin the discussion on our Mind Over MurderColonial Parkway Murders website: https://colonialparkwaymurders.com Mind Over Murder Podcast website: https://mindovermurderpodcast.comPlease subscribe and rate us at your favorite podcast sites. Ratings and reviews are very important. Please share and tell your friends!We launch a new episode of "Mind Over Murder" every Monday morning, and a bonus episode every Thursday morning.Sponsors: Othram and DNAsolves.comContribute Your DNA to help solve cases: https://dnasolves.com/user/registerFollow "Mind Over Murder" on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderOverFollow Bill Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillThomas56Follow "Colonial Parkway Murders" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColonialParkwayCase/Follow us on InstaGram:: https://www.instagram.com/colonialparkwaymurders/Check out the entire Crawlspace Media network at http://crawlspace-media.com/All rights reserved. Mind Over Murder, Copyright Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley, Another Dog Productions/Absolute Zero Productions

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, Samantha Bonizzi shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy loss, the challenges of trying to conceive, and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating IVF. She emphasizes the importance of community, support, and mental health resources during such a difficult time. Samantha also discusses her motivation for co-authoring a book that shares stories of fertility loss and hope, aiming to help others feel less alone in their experiences. Samantha highlights the significance of self-care, therapy, and trusting one's intuition throughout the journey to motherhood.     About Samantha:   Samantha is a writer with a background in public relations and communications. She spent her early career working in PR for lifestyle brands and has since transitioned to a corporate internal communications role at a tech company.    She grew up in New Jersey, where she's lived most of her life (besides a brief stint in New York City), and now resides just outside Montclair with her husband and mini bernedoodle. She loves the area and has written several stories about things to do and places to go for a local lifestyle website, The Montclair Girl. She also loves reading, working out and doing yoga, hiking and being outdoors, and traveling.    Samantha has always had a passion for wellness and women's health, which has taken center stage in her life since experiencing pregnancy loss and fertility challenges. Now, she wants to pay what she's learned forward and is on a mission to help women who find themselves on similar paths.   IG: @sam.bonizzi  IG: @thelosseswekeep  Website: https://samantha-bonizzi-bookshop.square.site       For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com   Be sure to check out our Fertility Empowerment Holiday Bundle here https://www.michelleoravitz.com/fertilityempowermentbundle before it's gone!    Check out Michelle's Latest Book: The Way of Fertility! https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility   The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/     Transcript:   Michelle (00:00) Welcome to the podcast, Samantha.   Samantha Bonizzi (00:02) Thank you so much for having me. Excited to chat with you today.   Michelle (00:05) Me too. So excited to chat with you and I've worked with you before and I'm excited to have you on and super excited that you co-authored this book. And I would love for the listeners to hear your journey and really what inspired you to share your story with others.   Samantha Bonizzi (00:26) Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So just to take a bunch of steps back and kind of share what led me to this point, I guess to start, know, we, my husband and I wanted to start a family. And so like most of our generation, you know, I was on birth control for 12 years and in talking to my doctor about, you know, starting to try.   It was as simple as, know, get off birth control, start trying and see what happens. It should happen pretty quickly if you're lucky. So that's exactly what we did. Sure enough, we were pregnant within a few months of trying, which we were, you know, very excited about, of course, and, you know, just thought we were lucky in that it happened to us so quickly. We   You know, initially, I've kept the news to ourselves for the first eight or nine weeks. And at that point, things had been going well when we went in for our first initial appointments. You know, we saw the heartbeat. The doctor said everything was looking good. The first big milestone, of course, is that 12, 13 week appointment when you go in for the genetic testing. And, you know,   Like I said, up until this point, we at first were being pretty discreet with the news, but we did start to share with close family and friends. We weren't shouting it from the rooftops yet, but we definitely, you know, we were excited. And so we started to tell some of our immediate circle. and so we went in for that appointment, pretty naive. think, we, I had, of course, as a woman, you're familiar with the fact that miscarriages can happen.   My mom had even had two miscarriages during her, after she had me before my brother. But it wasn't something that we really talked about. And it wasn't anything even in my immediate circle in terms of friends or close family members, anything that they had gone through. So I was pretty naive going in. I think we went into that appointment.   excited to just be in an ultrasound and see the baby. It had been five weeks, I think, since I had been in for an appointment. So we were just, you know, excited to see the baby. And even when the nurse was doing the initial ultrasound, the baby came up on the screen. We were like, we didn't notice anything was wrong. We were just like very excited. And then all of sudden we did notice that the technician went quiet. You know,   Michelle (03:07) Mm.   Samantha Bonizzi (03:16) she was kind of dynamic with us in the beginning when we first came in and then all of a sudden her her demeanor changed right away. And then at that point she left to go get the doctor. The doctor came in and simply told us that we didn't have a viable pregnancy. And it was it wasn't our doctor because it was like this genetic doctor that was doing this particular scan for us. So luckily our doctor was in   Michelle (03:42) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (03:45) the same building. So we're able to be like ushered into see the doctor right away and kind of walk through what our next steps would be. But we were just very shocked. We were not expecting that to happen, especially, you know, getting up until that 13 week mark is where we were at. So we kind of felt like and I think also I didn't understand the concept of a missed miscarriage, which is what happened to us.   Michelle (03:51) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (04:14) When I thought of a miscarriage before, assumed it was something that happened where you started to bleed and it happened at home and you know clearly like you are having a miscarriage. So when I went in there and they told me we didn't have a viable pregnancy, I didn't know what that meant, how that happened, why that happened. So it was all very shocking, I would say. So it was at that point, we talked to our doctor, he recommended having a DNC.   Michelle (04:23) Mm-hmm.   Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (04:42) which is what we did a few days later and you know, you go into the hospital and that was my first time in that hospital where I thought we would be delivering our baby and then you have to go in there and remove the baby. so that was really, I guess, a surreal moment. and you know, to be frank, like the DNC procedure is pretty quick and painless and you wake up and you're just, the baby's gone. It's not.   Michelle (04:53) Wow, yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (05:10) inside of you anymore. And you're just kind of left unsure of what to do next. They don't really provide you with any resources. They just send you on your way. And in talking with my doctor, he was like, you know, we'll follow up with the results. Like that's part of the reason we did the DNC so that they could test the tissue to kind of confirm because they had he had projected it was likely a chromosome issue. But they wanted to make sure of that. So   said they would follow up in a few weeks. And in terms of like getting pregnant again, it was really like, you could start trying as soon as you get your next period. It's up to you in terms of when you're emotionally ready. Like, well, how am going to know if I'm emotionally ready? Like, this is such a shock to the system. So, you know, I think at that point I was shook for sure. And like I said, I didn't have anybody in my   Michelle (05:54) Yeah. Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (06:06) immediate circle who had been through anything like that. So I kind of didn't know where to turn. At the same time, I didn't really go out and seek a lot of resources because I felt like, you know, the way the doctor described it, it was something that could happen to anybody. It was a spontaneous thing. You know, it's not an indication of there being a problem with you being able to hold on to a pregnancy. So just try again.   And so I think I was just determined, you know, I'm a very, I have a very, I think, know, type a personality where I'm like, okay, let's just like get it done. Let's keep trying. We can do this. And so I was sad, of course, but I was also at the same time, like so determined to just make it work the next time. And so we did really jump into trying again right away. And I think we were pregnant three months later.   Michelle (06:44) Hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (07:05) and you know, I think when you deal with a pregnancy after loss, you're robbed of a lot of things. there's no longer like an immediate joy of a positive pregnancy test because it's like quickly followed with fear and anxiety. It's the same thing can happen to you, you know, going, going into an ultrasound is scary because especially if that's where you found out about your miscarriage, there's a sphere that you're going to receive the same news.   Michelle (07:29) Bye.   Samantha Bonizzi (07:34) And, you know, all those things were definitely building up in my head when we found out we were pregnant. At the same time, I just felt like surely it wouldn't happen to us again. You know, I was sure that we had paid our dues and like this was something that just randomly happened to us the first time and that we would be okay. And even as the doctor, you know, he had flagged   a few concerns, things like the fetal heart rate and the size of the sac and those types of things. And he of just had us continue to come back every two weeks to kind of check on those markers. But I still was like, no, this is gonna work. And so when he told us eight weeks that it would again wasn't a viable pregnancy, I think I was even almost more shocked.   Michelle (08:13) you   Well.   Samantha Bonizzi (08:28) than the first time and you would think that, okay, you've been through this, you know how to deal. It wasn't like that because after the second one, it was almost worse because the realization set in that this wasn't just a spontaneous thing that happened to us. Like to have these miscarriages back to back, I felt like, okay, something must be wrong. Either I've done something to deserve this and I'm being punished or something is wrong with us where this isn't working.   Michelle (08:32) Right.   Samantha Bonizzi (08:55) I think especially being in that short time window too. And when you see everyone around you, like I had all my friends were having babies at that time and it worked for them. Why isn't it working for us? So it was again a shock. I think at that point I told myself we need to slow down. We need to kind of understand if   there is an underlying issue we need to kind of reassess before we just jump into trying again. And I don't know if that's, I don't know exactly what led from the first to the second. And if we did try too soon, I'll never know how those answers, but I just felt like we had to slow down and just reassess what was happening. So at that point, I, you know, I started to go to a fertility clinic, started to have all the testing.   that they recommend for recurring pregnancy loss. And that took a few months. And through all of that, they said everything seems to be fine. It's likely due to poor egg quality or bad luck that this happened, which is on one hand reassuring because when there's not a glaring issue, you at least know, okay, well, this is, you know, there's not something, you know, glaring that's   preventing this from happening. But on the other hand, it's like, if it's bad luck, then why is this happening? And that's actually the title of my chapter is, if nothing is wrong, then how do we fix it? Which is how I felt. You're telling me nothing's wrong, well then what is our path forward? And really it was left unclear. It was, you could do IVF and potentially reduce your risk of miscarriage because you could do things like,   Michelle (10:30) Right. Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (10:46) you know, the genetic testing and everything where you have more of a chance of having a healthy embryo. But that's not a guarantee. Or if you feel more comfortable trying it naturally, you can do that. And so there was this sort of leaning recommendation towards IVF. But then you're like, well, this is a fertility clinic. Do they just want me to do the IVF? Is this really what's best for us? So   Michelle (10:53) Right.   Right.   Samantha Bonizzi (11:11) In hearing all that, you you kind of go through, at least for me, I went through sort of a spiral of guilt around, again, why was this happening? If there isn't a, if there isn't a medical reason, what is the reason, you know, kind of searching for answers in all of it? So you, you know, I definitely went through spirals of why me. And I think what helped at that point was just like hearing other people's stories.   And it really took a lot of effort for me to find those people to connect with on the topic who had been through it. Like I said, I didn't have anybody I knew personally who had been through it, at least on a close knit level. So it was like taking to social media and being connected through friends to other women who had been through something similar and who came out on the other side.   Michelle (11:50) Hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (12:09) And I think that was what was most helpful. I did support groups as well. And I think that was also helpful in just having those regular touch points with people who are going through the same thing that you're going through and just got it. So I think between those two things, that, that really helps with those negative spirals of emotion that I was feeling. you know, in considering IVF, which was a big decision,   Michelle (12:09) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (12:38) It was talking to people who had done IVF and really understanding the process from them that sort of gave me the push to give it a shot. think ultimately it came down to just what I thought best in my gut for us, like in talking to my husband about it. And we felt like it was the right call for us. But again, it was a very hard decision.   Michelle (12:55) Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (13:09) I think, yeah, it was tough, but we ultimately decided to go through with the IVF. And I'm very grateful that we did because we were lucky enough where we had a successful retrieval and a successful transfer. And I'm currently nine months pregnant. So that's kind of where I'm at in a nutshell. And what led me to the book,   Michelle (13:30) Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (13:37) I had been connected, the lead author, her name is Jamie Christ. She was somebody I was connected to through my cousin who actually lives in Miami. And when I was in Miami visiting her, my cousin, that's when I wanted to see you and I was going through the fertility treatment. But my cousin connected me with Jamie as one of those women who had been through something similar to what I was going through to kind of talk through different.   Michelle (13:47) Mm-hmm.   Yeah.   Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (14:04) aspects of the journey and resources and things of that nature. And so we kind of just kept in touch and then she was looking for authors to join her on this anthology project that she was working on. And I decided at the time I hadn't found out I was pregnant. I didn't even find out I was pregnant yet. I was just about to transfer when I decided to do it. But it was something, you know, during my journey   Michelle (14:28) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (14:34) I had been journaling a lot and kind of writing about my experience and I always thought, you know, it would be great to share this one day. And so this felt like the right opportunity to do that and to start talking about it and sharing my story. So I joined Jamie and eight other authors, including myself on this book called The Losses We Keep, Our Journey of Fertility, Loss and Neverending Hope.   And it's just a compilation of our stories. So we each have a chapter and we share, you know, what we went through and every story is unique and different. So there's really something for everybody who's either going through, going through it or know somebody who's going through it. So it's really beautiful how it all came together and yeah, kind of what led me there.   Michelle (15:26) I that's so beautiful that first of all, I think there's something therapeutic about sharing your story and getting your story out there. Plus, that is going to help others And it's kind of interesting when you were talking about your experience with a doctor and it was kind of like you went and then they're like, okay, you know, well, it's good luck next time. And then you're off.   with no guidance whatsoever. I hear that story time and time again. I hear it so much that I'm don't they create some kind of like the mental health aspect? Why don't they create some kind of support for people? Because I feel like that's part of the whole process. I feel like it should be part of it. When you're going through a loss like that, and it's often your first loss and   you don't know who to talk to and you might not have a community. Some people don't have anybody like at all. So I just don't understand why I feel like it should be protocol for people going through it. And so that's why I love the fact that you actually wrote the story because I feel like when people hear other people's stories, I think the biggest thing and tell me if this is accurate, it's just knowing that you're not alone, that you're not like alone in this experience.   Samantha Bonizzi (16:24) Yep.   Yeah.   It says that's exactly right. And that was a big part of my why too. was partly being therapeutic and kind of being able to get all of this out there and get it on the page and share it. But it was also being able to help other women feel less alone because that was something I so needed when I was going through it was to have that sense of community or just.   hearing people who had been through the journey and who ended up on the other side. And that's a lot of what Jamie talks about too and why she started this project was because when she was going through it, like, yes, there were resources that you can find in books and things, but at times could feel sort of negative. And she just needed the optimism. And this is really, you know, it's meant to be a beacon of hope for women who are going through it. Yeah.   Michelle (17:25) Mm-hmm. Yeah.   Yeah, I love that. Yeah. It's just, it's something that is so needed. because I think when you're going through that, you really don't have any guarantee. you just don't know how tomorrow is going to be and like how it's going to work out. And it's always kind of like having faith. Okay, well, you know, my past has been disappointment and loss and hurt and pain. And so is my future going to look like that too?   Samantha Bonizzi (17:46) Yeah.   Michelle (17:58) And then what I also thought was really interesting, and I think it's great that you bring up is that when you talked about IVF and you considered it and all the different thoughts that you have, all these things that you think in the back of your head, like, well, are they trying to sell this on me? These are those little thoughts that we all have, but we don't always speak or even acknowledge. It's kind of like sitting there behind everything.   Samantha Bonizzi (18:22) Yeah.   Michelle (18:24) So when you're thinking that what I found really amazing with how you described it is that you assessed, kind of sat with it and you also address the fact that you're like, wait, rather than saying, okay, this is better luck next time, let me try again, again, because there's nothing wrong and kind of going with what you were being told, you let your inner guidance, your inner wisdom, I call it, it's almost like our inner compass leads you to   uncovering more and you're like, wait, I'm not going to put myself through this again, before I get more information. And then also when you got information, you assessed everything and you listened to your gut. always talk to people about that because even I, as a practitioner, cannot bypass that. that's your, you have the intelligence inside your body, inside your mind that guides you to what is right for you.   Samantha Bonizzi (19:22) Yeah, I mean, that was a big, big part of it because it was such a, it was such a heavy decision and you could weigh out the pros and cons all day long. But at the end of the day, it's just what you feel in your gut is right. And I think for us, and I say us, cause it really was a joint decision between my husband and I, even though it was my body, we just felt like we needed to try something different. You know, what we had done historically wasn't working and you know, we trusted   Michelle (19:46) Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (19:51) the doctor that we were working with and we trusted the clinic and I had done a lot of the leg work to get us to that point. I switched fertility clinics, I switched doctors even at that fertility clinic once I was there. So I felt like I had done so much to get us to that point and it felt like the right next step. mean, there was certainly doubt in all of that because I didn't know, I didn't know what was going to happen and the thought of IVF is scary. When you haven't been through it, you don't know.   Michelle (20:07) Mm-hmm.   Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (20:20) And I had never dealt with anything medically before either. So even just like being in and out of the doctor and all of that and dealing with doctors, I wasn't used to that. So that was something I really had to orient myself around and learn how to talk to doctors and advocate for ourselves. know, like with all the testing and everything, there were moments where I really did have to advocate and push for more testing and push for them to test my husband's sperm because there was...   Michelle (20:37) Right. Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (20:48) point one which they didn't want to and you know that would feel good to have it be put on the women. So there was a lot of moments where you kind of have to, I don't know, you kind of learn and grow from it I think and that's at least what I tried to take from it but it was all definitely a challenge but yes I agree that just listening to your intuition at the end of the day is what's gonna push you forward.   Michelle (20:51) Yep.   Totally.   Yeah, no doubt. And I know that the community was like a big thing for you too, is just connecting with other people helped you get strength, but also clarity, I imagine.   Samantha Bonizzi (21:29) Yeah, yeah, definitely. And I think, like I said, it was, was in talking to other women who had been through it. And I think, you know, I, when you envision how you start a family, you never envision there to be challenges like this, miscarriages, fertility treatment, all of that. And so, because it was just such a new concept that you kind of have to orient yourself around, it's helpful to hear from other people who had   been through it and can kind of help shed light on the experience and make you feel like, okay, this is actually a moment of strength and not a weakness. It's not a moment of weakness that we are now having to resort to fertility treatment and we can't get pregnant the natural way, which I hate that concept of natural versus medicated. Yeah, it's all natural, right? And that was what   Michelle (22:24) it's all natural. It's a baby. Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (22:29) I told myself in the end, I don't care the path that we get there anymore, I just want the baby in our arms. And so whatever it takes to get there, I will do it. And that helped me, I think come to terms with IVF as well, is that it's the destination that matters, not the journey.   Michelle (22:36) Yeah.   I love that. actually really love that you're saying that because it's true. It's almost like that. As soon as you surrender the how it seems to make things a lot easier, then you're just like, okay, and then because you you're moving with the flow of the how, rather than resisting it at every point, because that resistance is only going to cause more stress.   Samantha Bonizzi (22:51) No.   Yes.   It does.   Yes, exactly. And I think that was a big part of it. When I was going through the testing and everything, it was like, I was trying to gain so much control over every little aspect. I mean, and not even just with doctors, but in, you know, the lifestyle changes that I was making and putting effort into my diet and the supplements and the environment, all those things that you hear about that are supposed to help the fertility and   I think there's definitely some merit to it, but at the same time, it gets exhausting. Just having to, you want to think that you have, yeah, and you want to think you have some semblance of control over the situation, in which for me, it was very much a coping mechanism, because I felt such at a loss with everything, that I was like, okay, if I do these things and I control these things, at least I can, you know, feel like I'm doing something and I'm making, and I'm getting momentum towards, you know, the end goal here.   Michelle (23:46) It's a lot. It's a lot of pressure.   Yeah.   Samantha Bonizzi (24:08) But I think I became very burnt out by it all. so I think the other appealing thing with IVF was like, can kind of surrender to the process and trust the doctors and just choose this as my path forward. And there was some comfort in that.   Michelle (24:26) Yeah, because it's almost like a plan is in place and you're just like following this plan and then you have a direction to go in.   Samantha Bonizzi (24:32) Yeah, yeah, exactly.   Michelle (24:35) And what are other coping skills that you found doing this? Because I know obviously community is tremendous. I know that that is really because we really need people. We're such social beings. We need people. We need to hear that we're not alone. We're not the only ones thinking certain thoughts or feeling certain feelings. So having that community it eases the load, that kind of personal load.   But what are other things that you've done that you feel have helped you in the process just for people listening?   Samantha Bonizzi (25:06) I think therapy was a big one and finding the right therapist who, for me at least, who understood what I was going through and kind of had a more specialized focus in everything maternal health. I had dabbled in therapy before and I was seeing a therapist when I first got pregnant, but I decided to switch after the miscarriage and find somebody who   Michelle (25:21) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (25:36) like I said, was specialized. And, you know, I felt like could get me through the specific situation that I was going through. And I think that was really important for my healing journey, was having that regular touch point of therapy, of talk therapy, and just having an outlet to get everything out and work through whatever it was that I needed to work through.   you know, it's something where you have your friends and family and your partner, but you at the same time might feel like a, at least for me, I felt like a burden a lot of the time, like not really wanting to put that on everyone else around me. So having that like consistent therapy appointment was just always a good outlet for me to kind of sort through the ins and outs of what I was going through. So I think therapy was a big one. And then just like,   generally self-care, whatever was going to get me through, whether it was like making that massage appointment or whether it was related to fertility or not. think just having, getting out for the walk with the good podcast and like prioritizing that, like there was no limits to my self-care time, I think during that window.   Michelle (26:42) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (27:00) you know, whatever I could do to make myself feel better in the short term or the long term was what I was doing.   Michelle (27:06) That's so important because it's kind of like a self-soothing. I think that that is a really good skill to have, to find ways to make yourself feel better. Sometimes that gets neglected. It's not something that we're actually raised to think about. Oftentimes it's actually quite the opposite. We feel guilty about it. We're like, you know, what are you doing sitting around? You're not doing anything. So you feel almost guilty about it. And it's a conditioning because it's really something that is so important really for   Samantha Bonizzi (27:10) Yeah.   Michelle (27:35) our bodies, for our nervous systems. I often talk about nervous system because it's so important for fertility health, but it's also important for your emotional state as well. And I also love that you brought up therapy, but specifically with somebody who is specialized in your specific needs, which there are out there just for people listening.   And you can find people who are very specifically specialized in this field and understand the process. They understand the grieving process and how, you know, there's patterns to every type of emotion. So I think it's really important. Yeah, for sure. And I think also you'll talk to somebody who understands you specifically and what you're going through.   Samantha Bonizzi (28:12) Yep. Yeah. So important. Yeah.   Yes, yes. And it's that and even now it's all connected. Like she, my therapist understands my journey and what got me to this pregnancy and now helping me through this pregnancy and all the other anxieties and fears that I now feel being pregnant after pregnancy loss. There's a lot of nuance to that. having her as part of...   Michelle (28:42) Mm-hmm.   Samantha Bonizzi (28:49) the lead up and into kind where I am now has been really helpful. And even as I enter into postpartum, you know, I think everything around motherhood, it's all there's, and I don't, I'm almost, I'm about to embark on motherhood. So there's a lot to learn, but there's, you know, there's a lot of fear and anxiety. The worrying never stops. So I'm so grateful that I found the right person.   Michelle (29:03) Mm-hmm.   Yeah, that's true. mean, your emotions and everything that you're going through, doesn't just stop when you get to the place that you're looking to get to, you know? So there's always something and it is really important to address because it will come up sometimes and it legitimately is PTSD. mean, so you're going through something and then you were saying about going back to the doctor's office. Yes, because it's like the sensations, the lights, the visuals, all of the things.   Samantha Bonizzi (29:23) Yeah.   Michelle (29:41) those are all reminding us of the last time we were there and all the things that we went through in that time. So it's really important to at least even acknowledge that and know that those things can come up and that they're normal. Like it happens really, can't even think of one patient that has not gone through that, that I've worked with.   Samantha Bonizzi (29:42) Yeah.   Yeah, and that's been the challenge is sort of having to like relive your past traumas. You know, when it comes to pregnancy after loss, you have to do the things that are hard that remind you of the bad times. You know, like you said, going into those ultrasound appointments and dealing with being in the same room you were in when you found out about your pregnancy loss and how to get through that. And   therapy did really help me with that, kind of being able to ground yourself in reality and like, what do I know is true right now? And I think the fact of keeping, you know, reminding myself that this is a different pregnancy with a different outcome with a different story was really important and a concept I kind of picked up from therapy and also support groups and things like that. So   There are all these coping mechanisms at the end of the day. It's still hard, you kind of, there's no way to go but through yeah, it's so true. And so, you know, in order to get there, I had to get pregnant again, had to go through the first trimester, had to get through the ultrasounds in order to get to where I am now. So.   Michelle (31:01) Yeah.   I love that thing. It's true.   Mm-hmm   Samantha, you are so articulate. You're really good with your words. You're really good at describing your experience I could feel the emotion in your voice, even when you're explaining it, like really, like you really walk us through that exact experience very well. Like you could really, really feel it. So first of all, I think it's just, takes a lot of courage to express things or to speak about things that are so personal.   Samantha Bonizzi (31:21) Thank you.   Thank you.   Michelle (31:45) And I know that you're doing this really for the benefit of people listening. So for that, I really want to commend you. think it's just beautiful. And that's kind of like the beauty of life is when you're able to take something that is so hard and so personal and know that you kind of like, it's like alchemy, know, something that can be so painful could serve a purpose for somebody else hearing it.   And then just to also share in that, I guess, that human So thank you so much for sharing that. And for people who want to read this book, how can they find it? How can they find you?   Samantha Bonizzi (32:21) Yeah, absolutely. So we are available. The book is available on Amazon or really wherever you purchase your books. And we've been out for about two weeks. So it's fairly new out in the market, but we're excited about it and hope you'll, whether you're someone going through it or you know somebody going through it. Like I said, there's a story in there for everybody. So we hope it touches you in some way.   I'm the best place to find me is Instagram. So I'm at Sam dot Benizzi. And yeah, I'm public on there, but send me a DM. I'd love to connect.   Michelle (33:03) Awesome. I'll have all the links in the podcast episode notes. So if anybody wants to go in there, you'll find the website and the Instagram and Samantha, you're just such a doll. Like I always liked you from the beginning when he first came in. You just have such a good energy about you. And I just, I really, yeah, I loved, I love having you on here and having this conversation with you. And then just the fact that you co-authored a book is just amazing.   Samantha Bonizzi (33:14) Yeah.   Thank you. Likewise.   Thank you so much for having me and giving me a platform to continue to share. it's been great to connect with you. Like I said, was one time, but you really left a mark. So I'm glad we can kind of stay in contact about it as well.   Michelle (33:47) Awesome. Well, thank you so much.   Samantha Bonizzi (33:49) Thank you.

Are you exhausted from constant sibling fighting in your household? Do you dream of raising siblings who not just get along but are also genuine friends? This episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens dives deep into the world of sibling dynamics with Dr. Jonathan Caspi, a renowned expert on sibling relationships and author of Raising Loving Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect. With practical insights and relatable anecdotes, this conversation explores why sibling fights happen, the role parents play in fueling or diffusing these conflicts, and actionable steps to foster sibling closeness. Jonathan Caspi, PhD, MSW, is Professor of Family Science & Human Development at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Dr. Caspi is an internationally recognized sibling expert. In addition to research, writing and teaching about families and siblings, he has been a family therapist for over 30 years, with a private practice in NJ. Dr. Caspi is also frequently tapped as a media consultant for family-related matters.  Parents often "wing it" when addressing sibling rivalry, stepping in only when fights escalate, inadvertently giving more attention to negative behaviors. Dr. Caspi emphasizes the importance of catching siblings in their good moments, praising cooperation and kindness to reinforce positive dynamics. He shares how favoritism and comparisons, even when unintentional, can fuel resentment, and why creating clear family rules and proactively addressing high-stress moments like car rides or post-school hours can make a significant difference. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing deeper issues, such as sibling perceptions of favoritism or emotional triggers, through open, validating conversations. Three key takeaways: First, actively recognize and praise siblings when they get along to encourage more of those moments. Second, create structured family rules and plan ahead for high-stress situations to reduce conflict and teach problem-solving skills. Lastly, validate your children's feelings about favoritism or comparisons without dismissing them, and focus on identifying each child's unique strengths to foster mutual respect. This episode reminds moms that sibling harmony is a journey—and that it starts with thoughtful, consistent parenting. Learn more at siblingexpert.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices