Send us a text Ever wonder how influencers/content creators who take over our social media algorithm, breakthrough, and become one of the most followed and trusted? Becoming one of the best in this ever changing space is not as easy as it seems. In this episode we talk to Eric Hammer—aka @theerichammer—who is one of the most recognizable faces in the food content world today, but the path he took to get there is anything but ordinary. Growing up, Eric wasn’t an adventurous eater, and that did no...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Kunz, the founder and owner of The Truffleist, a unique company dedicated to creating elevated truffle products. Born into a culinary household, Jimmy's father was a celebrity chef, giving him a front-row seat to the high-stakes world of fine dining. However, after witnessing the intense time commitment it took to run a restaurant, Jimmy knew he didn’t want to follow in those same footsteps. Instead, he took a different path—starting wi...
May 13, 2025•52 min
Send us a text Step into the heart of downtown Newark and through the doors of Hobby’s Delicatessen, a century-old institution where tradition, family, and flavor come together. In this episode, we sit down with brothers Marc and Michael Brummer, second-generation owners of the iconic Jewish deli their father purchased in 1962. Raised among the clatter of plates and the aroma of corned beef, Marc and Michael share what it was like growing up at Hobby’s, learning the ropes from their dad and watc...
Apr 29, 2025•59 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Nick and Michael Conforti , the incredible brothers behind Angeloni’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Caldwell, NJ—home of the legendary "Thinny Thin" pizza. Growing up in Bloomfield, NJ, as two of four siblings, family has always been their foundation. Their journey began in Nutley, NJ, with Michael’s Pizza , but it was their mom’s homemade ultra-thin pizza recipe that became the inspiration for their signature Thinny Thin . Nick and Micha...
Apr 22, 2025•48 min
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer for an open and informative conversation. Staying true to this podcast’s mission, I remain neutral—because being governor means representing all New Jerseyans. Josh shares his Jersey roots, growing up in the Garden State and what inspired him to run for office. We dig into his agenda, priorities, and how he plans to fight for the people of New Jersey. And yes, we also tackle the age-old debate: por...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min
Send us a text In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we sit down with Pam Sunshine and Jenn Sherman—also known as Sunny and Jenn—to dive into the story behind their 40-year friendship and the exciting new chapter they’re embarking on together as content creators. From their shared history to pivoting into the world of digital content, they open up about the evolution of their bond and how they found a unique way to fill the void of creative fulfillment in their lives. As Jenn, a beloved Pe...
Apr 08, 2025•53 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Lauro , the owner of Anthony’s Cheesecake in Bloomfield, NJ. Born and raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, Anthony’s journey into the restaurant world was anything but traditional. After realizing accounting wasn’t for him, he took a bold leap—opening his first restaurant at just 21 years old with zero experience. While that venture didn’t last, it ignited his passion for the industry, leading him to work every position in a rest...
Apr 01, 2025•42 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Cliff Crooks , a renowned chef whose career has taken him from top-tier kitchens to the bright lights of television. Raised in Livingston, NJ, Cliff’s path to the culinary world wasn’t always clear—he once planned to become a physical therapist. But after working at Panevino in Livingston during high school and later stepping into his first cooking role at Marado Blu in Caldwell , he discovered a passion for the kitchen that changed everything. Fr...
Mar 25, 2025•55 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Adam Goldberg , the founder of PopUp Bagels , to hear how a pandemic hobby turned into a full-blown bagel empire. Born and raised in Livingston, NJ , Adam started baking sourdough bread at home, but through a series of happy accidents, he discovered his passion for bagels. What began as a small pop-up quickly gained a cult following, leading to multiple locations and a unique approach to bagel culture. But PopUp Bagels isn’t just about the bagels—...
Mar 18, 2025•46 min
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Anthony and Gino Pascarella, the dynamic duo behind Pascarella Brothers Deli in Chatham, NJ. More than just deli owners, these brothers are true community champions, deeply rooted in the town they were born and raised in. From an early age—Gino started working for Anthony at just 10 years old—their bond has been unbreakable, built on hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to serving their neighbors. Known for their incredible food, inclu...
Mar 11, 2025•40 min
Send us a text In this special live-recorded episode, we sit down with the one and only Max Cohen , better known as Murray Hill Boy , in front of an amazing audience at Temple B’nai Abraham on February 27, 2025 . Max, a content creator known for his hilarious and heartfelt skits, shares his journey—how he got to where he is today, the struggles along the way, and the messages he weaves into his comedy. Through humor and authenticity, Max tackles themes of staying true to yourself, never giving u...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min
Send us a text Known throughout the tri-state area as a top fitness expert, Jersey-born Kenny Santucci has returned home to open his second gym, The Strength Club NJ in Caldwell. After years of success with The Strength Club NY, Kenny is bringing his passion for health, fitness, and community back to where it all began. In this episode, we dive into his journey—his no-nonsense approach, his dedication to helping others, and his belief that failure is just another step toward growth. For Kenny, f...
Feb 25, 2025•49 min
Send us a text In this special episode, I sit down with my close friend, Kaan Erpanur—a renowned fitness expert whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with hereditary heart disease at the age of 39. Despite a lifetime dedicated to health and fitness, Kaan underwent a triple bypass surgery, a moment that changed his life forever. Together, we explore his deeply personal story of resilience, recovery, and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way. Kaan opens up about the ph...
Feb 18, 2025•48 min
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the story behind Montclair’s hottest sandwich spot: Dutch’s Sandwich Shop. Meet Amir Kamal, a New York native with deep culinary roots — his father owned a NYC pizza shop, and Amir cut his teeth in hospital kitchens and catering before taking the leap to open his own place. Now, Dutch’s is the talk of the town, known for its incredible variety of sandwiches, especially the legendary breakfast options like Amir’s signature creation, the Dutch Daddy. Bu...
Feb 11, 2025•47 min
Send us a text As we embrace the start of a new year, many of us are embarking on health journeys or setting resolutions to improve our well-being—an endeavor that can often feel overwhelming and stressful. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hunter Stoler, widely recognized on social media as "Health with Hunter," to discuss practical strategies for starting and staying consistent on your lifestyle journey. Hunter, a certified health coach with personal experience...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text Chicken nuggets have been an American favorite since their introduction in 1983. But have you ever visited a restaurant entirely dedicated to them? Enter The Nugget Spot, a unique concept that started in New York City and has since found a new home in Chatham, NJ. In this episode, I sat down with owner Jason Hairston to dive into the story behind this simple yet ingenious restaurant idea. Jason’s journey is nothing short of fascinating—from training under Michelin-starred chefs to...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min
Send us a text Do you remember the joy of eating Zeppoles at the Jersey Shore boardwalk as a kid? The irresistible smell, the cloud of powdered sugar, and, of course, that unforgettable taste? In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the vibrant and charismatic Maria Pucillo, the visionary behind Boardwalk Zeppoles in Livingston, NJ. Maria's journey to building her wholesale and retail Zeppole business is nothing short of inspiring. From working in a dentist's office to...
Jan 14, 2025•36 min
Send us a text In this episode, I sat down with Josh Berman, better known as @joshsfoodnstuff on social media. With nearly 60,000 followers, Josh has become one of New Jersey’s most prominent food reviewers, and I was eager to learn about the journey that brought him here. From a desk job to becoming a certified sommelier, from his passion for cooking and baking to filming honest, in-the-moment reviews from his car throughout the state of NJ, Josh’s story is both unique and captivating. With a b...
Jan 07, 2025•51 min
Send us a text Belgiovines Italian Deli in Montclair, NJ has been a cherished community favorite since it opened its doors in 2008, thanks to the Dimatteo family. In this episode, I sit down with Petey Dimatteo, the next generation to help manage this thriving local institution. Petey shares the story of his family’s journey to owning the deli, his own career path, and the passion that led him to take on the role of manager. We also dive into the delicious array of Italian specialties that have ...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min
Send us a text This episode shines a spotlight on Table to Table , New Jersey’s first food and most successful food rescue organization. Dedicated to reducing food waste and feeding those who need it most, Table to Table partners with restaurants, supermarkets, and other food providers to rescue fresh, high-quality, and nutritious food. This rescued food is then delivered to Table to Table's community partners like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and senior centers. I had the pleasure of ...
Dec 03, 2024•45 min
Send us a text Some might say lightning in a bottle doesn't exist, but after listening to this episode with Dom Calise, owner of Bucky’s Pizza, you’ll think twice. What began as a pop-up at local breweries and events in the summer of 2023 quickly turned into a beloved destination for pizza lovers, thanks to their unique and mouthwatering Detroit and NY style pizzas. Now, Bucky’s has a brick-and-mortar location in Chatham. In this episode, Dom shares the story of how his pizza journey starte...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min
Send us a text This episode explores the profound power of a mother's love for her daughter, whose life was tragically cut short after a courageous battle with cancer. It highlights the strength of community, coming together to uplift and support each other through the darkest times. It’s a story of transforming grief into action, turning tragedy into a movement that gives the “gift of life.” And, it shows how something as simple as a delicious cookie can spark change, one bite at a time. I...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min
Send us a text Although some may jokingly call me the “mayor” of Livingston, I had the privilege of sitting down with the true Mayor, Al Anthony. In this special Election Day episode, we focus on community matters in a non-political discussion. We delve into the role of the town council, the exciting developments happening in town, and how you can get involved. We also highlight the incredible work of our first responders, who bravely tackled a significant fire to keep our town safe, along with ...
Nov 05, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Do you recall the thrill of the ice cream truck’s bells ringing as it made its way to your house? The joy of dashing outside with money in hand is a memory many hold dear. That nostalgic experience has been reimagined with Scream Truck! In this episode, I chat with President Jason Black about how this timeless concept has been modernized. We dive into the delightful array of ice cream cones, toppings and sundaes that Scream Truck offers, as well as the exceptional experience it pr...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min
Send us a text Do you remember back in 2022 when Wonder Trucks brought gourmet meals from world-renowned chefs and top-tier restaurants straight to your doorstep? Well, those mobile restaurants have evolved into something even bigger—Wonder, a new type of food hall featuring 20 diverse restaurants, all curated by some of the best chefs from across the country is now focused on opening brick and mortar locations across the country. At the Grand Opening of the Wonder location in Livingston, I had ...
Oct 15, 2024•24 min
Send us a text Bagel Nosh in Livingston may have opened its doors in 2022, but it feels like it’s been a cherished part of the community for ages. This warmth is thanks to the incredible owner, Diala, with whom I had the pleasure of speaking for this episode. Diala shared her remarkable journey from Jordan to America, arriving with no knowledge of English and a dream of building a better life. Through determination and hard work, she not only became a successful business owner but also a role mo...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Millburn deli…enough said! In this episode, I had the pleasure to sit with Andrew Morgan and Rich Nemet, the dynamic duo behind Millburn Deli. We discuss the history of the deli, the origin of their many iconic sandwiches, their expansion plans and of course, the wild day before April Fools Day 2024 prank that lit social media on fire. There’s a reason Millburn Deli is an institution in the tri-state area and beyond and will be for many generations to come. Thank you for listening...
Jun 11, 2024•54 min
Send us a text In many towns, franchise restaurants are a staple, but what sets some apart is having a local touch. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dave Delinko, the owner of The Salad House of Livingston, who not only runs the franchise but is also a proud native of the area. With deep roots in the community, Dave's journey to becoming the first franchisee of The Salad House on the State Highway he drove up and down as a child is a story of hometown pride and dedication. His unwave...
May 29, 2024•36 min
Send us a text Another rumor, another podcast! I sat down with THAVMA Grill's owner Alex Diamantopoulos to discuss the rumors about THAVMA closing, which it's not and won't be for a long time! Alex talks about the history of the restaurant, how he got into the business, his Greek roots and of course the delicious mediterranean food. THAVMA is in great hands and I know it will be a Livingston staple for years to come. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't...
May 14, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Autodidact Brewery in Morris Plains recently celebrated its first anniversary, and I had the pleasure of chatting with owner Ron Scouten. Ron's journey, from his punk rock roots to venturing into homebrewing with his partner and co-owner, Ron Cassel, culminating in the opening of their taproom, exemplifies how passion and inspiration can pave the path to success. He reminisced about the tight-knit camaraderie of the punk scene, which instilled a sense of community—a sentiment...
Apr 30, 2024•45 min
