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: pork roll or Taylo...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min
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 Peloton instructo...
Apr 08, 2025•53 min
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 restaurant and beco...
Apr 01, 2025•42 min
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. From cooking at W...
Mar 25, 2025•55 min
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—it’s a whole vi...
Mar 18, 2025•46 min
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, including their expe...
Mar 11, 2025•40 min
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 up on what you w...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min
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, fitness isn’t ju...
Feb 25, 2025•49 min
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 physical and emot...
Feb 18, 2025•48 min
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. But Dutch’s is mo...
Feb 11, 2025•47 min
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 in transforming his life...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 35
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 cooking in the...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min
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 navigating the fast-pace...
Jan 14, 2025•36 min
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 blend of experti...
Jan 07, 2025•51 min
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 made Belgiovine...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min
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 sitting down with He...
Dec 03, 2024•45 min
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 started and where he hopes...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min
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 sat down with Jodi ...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min
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 the upcoming re...
Nov 05, 2024•37 min
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 provides to its c...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min
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 the chance to s...
Oct 15, 2024•24 min
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 model for her two...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min
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.
Jun 11, 2024•54 min
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 unwavering love for th...
May 29, 2024•36 min
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.
May 14, 2024•37 min
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 he has rediscov...
Apr 30, 2024•45 min
While most people think Frutta Bowls is just a "chain" type of store, Frutta Bowls Livingston is anything but that! I sat down with owner Gionna Marotta who bought this franchise when she was the young age of 22 years old. As a former athlete, learning the challenges of being a young female business owner gave her a competitive drive to prove to herself and others that she could be a successful entrepreneur. This Frutta Bowls not only gives the feels of a "mom and pop store",...
Apr 16, 2024•37 min
In my first "where are they now" episode I got to sit down, again, with Bagels By Jarrett owner Jarrett Seltzer. Jarrett goes into a full and honest review of where his restaurant is now after his one year (or four year anniversary) and where he sees his future with his business. He also goes into what chefs mentor him and where he eats when he finally gets a chance to have a date night with his wife. Jarrett is known for his wild menu, outrageous food, huge personality, raw honesty an...
Mar 29, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 18
I got to sit down with the amazing women behind NJ Hipsturbia. Nj Hipsturbia is one of the most followed social media accounts in NJ where they deliver content that is the "pulse of the suburbs". We went behind the counter to understand how NJ Hipsturbia came to be, what their mission is and what is coming up in the future. With over 75,000 followers, these women manage to keep NJ Hipsturbia and all things NJ cool, exciting and community focused.
Mar 12, 2024•29 min
I sat down with Livingston’s own Amy Selling who is also the founder and creator of the Lulu & Lattes social media brand. Amy has developed her brand, which started out as a blog, into many territories which somehow matched the phase of life she was in. Her latest spinoff is Lulu & Lux. This brand is a vehicle to create parties/happy hours for single adults to meet in a fun setting and to bypass the awkwardness of the dating apps. We discuss her very first blog to her latest singles even...
Feb 27, 2024•29 min
