Ridgewood Talks: Business Spotlight on Sophisticated Hearing with Dr. Ann Marie Olson Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine Present the Business Spotlight, Featuring Sophisticated Hearing. Join Jeanne Johnson, founder and co-host of Ridgewood Talks, as she sits down with Dr. Ann Marie Olson, founder of Sophisticated Hearing. In this episode, they discuss the importance of hearing tests across all ages, the impact of untreated hearing loss, the intricacies of tinnitus, and how modern hear...
Jul 02, 2025•22 min
Resilience, Community & Legacy: Ridgewood Life-Coach Jim Stroker’s Inspiring Journey Join us on Ridgewood Talks as we dive into the life and legacy of the legendary Life-Coach and Leadership Trainer, Jim Stroker. Hosted by Ridgewood Talks founder Jeanne Johnson and guest-host Rosie McCooe, this episode explores Coach Stroker's profound impact on the Ridgewood community. Hear heartfelt stories of resilience, family, and community, including the incredible tale of Coach Stroker's Grandmother a...
Jun 24, 2025•48 min
Navigating Education Support, Student Success and Community Leadership with Ridgewood's Cara Murray | Ridgewood Talks In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, co-host Jordan Kaufman introduces Cara Murray, a Ridgewood resident, volunteer, and business owner. They delve into Cara's extensive involvement in the Ridgewood community, including her leadership roles in the Willard HSA and the Library Foundation, as well as her ownership of multiple local and regional Huntington Learning Centers. Cara share...
Jun 16, 2025•40 min
Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine present the “Business Spotlight” on West Bergen Mental Healthcare. Host Jeanne Johnson sits down with Michael Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare, to explore the critical issues surrounding mental health support in the Ridgewood community. Michael shares the rich history of West Bergen Mental Healthcare, its evolution since 1963, and its current impact on over 3000 lives. The conversation covers the persistent stigma around mental health, t...
Jun 02, 2025•59 min
Ridgewood Talks on Ridgewood Public Schools Incredible Arts Education with Chris McCullough In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, host Jeanne Johnson sits down with Chris McCullough, the district Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for Ridgewood Public Schools. Chris, a Ridgewood High School alum and a driving force behind the district's K-12 art, music, and dance programs, shares his insights on the evolution of arts education. They discuss the vital role arts play in fostering community, cr...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Welcome to this episode of Ridgewood Talks! Join Jeanne Johnson, founder of Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Walks, as she hosts a fascinating discussion with Paul McCarthy, President, and Kathy Marshall, Vice President of the Ridgewood Education Foundation. Learn about their mission to support Ridgewood Public Schools through grants and fundraising events like Oktoberfest. Discover the stories behind their dedication and the impressive contributions they have made to the community. Don't miss this...
May 16, 2025•45 min
Ridgewood Talks Meets Our Village Manager and the Ridgewood Police and Fire Chiefs Welcome to Ridgewood Talks, hosted by Jeanne Johnson and Jordan Kaufman. In this episode, Village Manager Keith Kazmark guests on the show to help introduce Police Chief Forest “Cenzo” Lyons, and Ridgewood Fire Chief John T Judge. Discover their crucial roles, the challenges they face, and their initiatives to keep Ridgewood safe. Learn about the community's ongoing efforts to improve police and fire department se...
May 08, 2025•57 min
Ridgewood Talks: Supporting Bergen County Families in Need with Bergen Family Promise and Bergen CASA In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, hosts Jeanne Johnson and Rosie McCooe engage in enlightening conversations with leaders from two impactful Bergen County organizations. First, Jeanne interviews Amy Ebling from Bergen Family Promise, a nonprofit providing housing and support to working families facing homelessness and addressing food insecurity. Amy discusses their mission, various support ser...
Apr 24, 2025•36 min
Join Jeanne Johnson and Jordan Kaufman on Ridgewood Talks as they dive into the remarkable story of Mark Kossick, President of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association, and Co-Founder / CEO of GroupSpot. Discover how Ridgewood's community came together during a family challenge, and learn about Mark's dynamic career, including his tenure at the NBA and his successful tech startup, GroupSpot. Mark also shares incredible insights into the transformative initiatives and events spearheaded by th...
Apr 19, 2025•45 min
Welcome to Ridgewood Talks! In this episode, guest host Rosie McCooe interviews New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis about her latest book, 'The Stolen Queen.' Joined by her publicist Kathleen Carter, Davis dives into the intricacies of her historical novels centered around iconic New York City buildings. Discover the inspirations and challenges behind crafting compelling stories about strong female characters, along with the fascinating real-life histories that fuel her fiction. Tune i...
Apr 08, 2025•45 min
In this educational episode of Ridgewood Talks, host Jeanne Johnson and guest-host Rosie McCooe welcome Dr. Melissa Donahue, a licensed relationship and sex therapist, for an open and insightful conversation about intimacy, communication, and building stronger connections in relationships. Dr. Donahue shares expert advice on navigating challenges in romantic relationships, improving emotional and physical intimacy, and fostering healthy conversations about sex and connection. Whether you’re in a...
Apr 01, 2025•29 min
Join Ridgewood Talks host Jeanne Johnson as she dives into the incredible renovation of a historic Ridgewood home that caught the attention of This Old House! Homeowners Kay Bhothinard and Peter Field share their experience of transforming their 1930s Colonial Revival, while Zack and Camille Detmore of Detmore Home Improvements give us the inside scoop on working with This Old House, overcoming renovation challenges, and bringing new life to an old home. Topics Covered: · How the renovation land...
Mar 20, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, co-host Jordan Kaufman sits down with long time friend Louis Gerber, a seasoned family attorney at DAME Legal. They discuss essential family law topics for families in Ridgewood. Louis shares insights on navigating legal challenges, protecting your assets, and his journey from New Orleans to Ridgewood. Louis Gerber is a partner at DAME Legal: Dario, Albert, Metz, Canda, Concannon & Ortiz. You can find DAME Legal at: www.Damelegal.com 🔹 Topics Covered: ✔️ ...
Mar 10, 2025•44 min
🚨 Ridgewood Updates: Veterans Field, Town Garage, Water Quality and more with Keith Kazmark on Ridgewood Talks! Join Jeanne Johnson on this episode of Ridgewood Talks as she sits down with Ridgewood Village Manager, Keith Kazmark to discuss major developments in our town! 🏡 🔹Veterans Field Lighting Project – New upgrades for Ridgewood’s athletes! ⚽⚾ 🔹Town Garage & Environmental Cleanup – What's next for Franklin Ave? 🚜 🔹Budget & Village Priorities – How Ridgewood is funding major i...
Mar 05, 2025•47 min
Welcome to the Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine Business Spotlight! Megan Murphy is Transforming Ridgewood Real Estate, Community & More! Today, we welcome back Megan Murphy, a powerhouse in real estate and community service! Megan, an agent with Keller Williams Village Square Realty, shares her insights on Ridgewood’s housing market, home improvement tips, and the challenges of buying and selling in today’s competitive landscape. But real estate is just one piece of Megan’s imp...
Feb 26, 2025•21 min
Inside Ridgewood Living with Martha Fickinger | Ridgewood Talks Join host Jeanne Johnson on Ridgewood Talks as she sits down with Martha Fickinger from Ridgewood Living magazine. Discover how this hyper-local publication connects the community, supports local businesses, and keeps residents informed about the latest happenings in Ridgewood. From its unique distribution model to exclusive community stories, Martha shares the magazine’s impact and its growing presence in Bergen County. Plus, Jeann...
Feb 25, 2025•14 min
Ridgewood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz Joins Ridgewood Talks In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Host Jeanne Johnson is joined by Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz. Dr. Schwarz talks about a number of great updates on our schools; including the upcoming RPS budget presentation, the RPS social media efforts, the strategic planning initiatives, school district budget processes, special education efforts and much more. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Be sur...
Feb 18, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 3
A Conversation with Village Manager Keith Kazmark In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Co-Host Jordan Kaufman sits down with Village Manager Keith Kazmark for a great conversation about many of the most important topics impacting the Village of Ridgewood. Jordan and Keith cover many items, including Veterans Field athletics lighting project, the Ridgewood Mobile App, the Ridgewood Avenue Theater and Performing Arts Center Project, Schedler Park, the Town Garage… and so much more. Be sure to follow R...
Feb 08, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Guest Host Rosie McCooe (in for Jeanne Johnson) sits down with two incredible institutions of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Jamboree and Dads Night. Part one of this episode features Jamboree 2025, Viva Las Vegas with guests Tom Devita, Ann Wheaton and Dana Feeney. Jamboree 2025 is happening on February 6th, 7th and 8th at Ben Franklin Middle School. You can find out more information by visiting RHS Jamboree.org. Part two of this episode features Dads Night 81: DadBoys,...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Sheila Brogan, a candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. Sheila shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, focusing on key issues facing the district, her experiences, and her commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for all students. Tune in to hear Sheila’s insights on educational priorities, fiscal responsibility, student well-being, and how she plans to bridge communication between parents, teachers...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min
In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Mary Lou Handy, candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. With a background in education and a strong passion for community involvement, Mary Lou shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, her stance on key issues affecting our students, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Join us as we explore her plans to bring positive change to our district and hear firsthand what drives her d...
Oct 29, 2024•39 min
Ridgewood Talks sits down with Muhammed Mahmoud, a candidate for Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education, to discuss his vision for education, student well-being, and community engagement in Ridgewood. Muhammed shares insights into his background, his priorities as a board member, and the changes he hopes to implement to enhance the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Tune in to hear about Muhammed’s goals for academic excellence, student support services, and building a mor...
Oct 28, 2024•40 min
MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Paul Vagianos. Visit paulvagianos.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2024•35 min
MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Pamela Perron. Visit perronforcouncil.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2024•44 min
MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Frank Mortimer. Visit MortimerforCouncil.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22, 2024•28 min
In this episode, we sit with the inspiration and powerhouse behind Ridgewood's League of Women Voters. Co-presidents Anne Burton Walsh and Ann Melone are two of the driving forces behind this nonpartisan organization. The LWV empowers local voters, promotes civic engagement, and advocates for fair policies. Learn about the League’s voter education efforts, including the upcoming Ridgewood Village Council Candidate Forum on 10/16 at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on the Village of Ridgewood YouTube channel...
Oct 16, 2024•20 min
Meet Our Leaders - Village Manager Keith Kazmark, Police Chief Forest Lyons, and Superintendent Mark Schwartz share their thoughts about their first year on the job. Learn about their efforts to strengthen community relationships through increased communication. Find out how Ridgewood Public Schools are helping students thrive and flourish, the Police Department’s compassionate approach to patrolling, and the Village’s initiatives to address flooding and improve the water supply. Tune in for a c...
Oct 11, 2024•55 min
Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner, discusses the growing issue of food insecurity in Ridgewood and sheds light on how it has escalated in recent years. She shares her ideas for tackling the county's broader challenges, such as affordable housing and mental health services, and highlights the actions she’s taking related to energy and infrastructure improvements. Tune in to this informative interview, and remember to cast your vote on Nov. 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Oct 10, 2024•38 min
Are you hoping to find a stimulating summer program for your child? Look no further than Be Brain Bright! It offers fun, hands-on workshops in engineering, entrepreneurship, neuroscience, teen empowerment, and leadership that stretch kids' thinking. Be Brain Bright has programs for children of all ages, so sign up today and help position your kids for the future. Listen to founder Alina Swanson and log on to BeBrainBirght.com to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
May 30, 2024•35 min
The 13th Annual Ridgewood Guild Film Festival is in full swing! Listen in and learn about the exciting upcoming events! Get ready to dress up for a Zombie Wedding – a film written and produced by local resident Greg Del Alessandro. Find out more about Harlan Coben, the New York Times best-selling author of thirty-five novels and the creator and executive producer of several Netflix television dramas. Hear about Lynn Clements's legacy as a long-time Ridgewood Guild board member, prolific voluntee...
Apr 16, 2024•29 min
