Lost in Jersey

Hosted by Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

Society Culture ArtsInterviews guests

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Episodes

140

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

So close to NYC, New Jersey is a melting pot of creativity, ambition, and culture. Everyone has a Jersey story and on Lost in Jersey , we’re here to share them with you.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 4, 2025Episode 4853 min

Shine Global, Young Filmmakers, And The Power Of Impact Docs

At the Montclair Film Festival , Lost in Jersey sat down with Shine Global —the award-winning team behind War/Dance and Inocente —to explore how real stories drive change far beyond the screen. Co-founders Susan MacLaury and Albie Hecht trace their journey from a family trip to a war zone that inspired War/Dance to an Oscar win for Inocente and a mission to put children’s voices at the center of storytelling. We unpack two decades of hard-earned lessons: how The Wrong Light unraveled a “rescue” narrative into a deeper truth, why The Harvest brought child labor realities to Congress, and how the team’s newest work investigates the troubled teen industry’s hidden abuses with The Business of Trouble . Along the way, we meet this year’s Resilience Award winners—young filmmakers whose short In Case You Forgot proves that creativity, even music created on a kid’s DJ toy, can carry real emotional power. If you care about documentary ethics, storytelling as advocacy, and how art moves policy , this live conversation maps both the playbook and the pitfalls of making stories that matter. Thank you to Montclair Film Festival for having us! Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

October 28, 2025Episode 4739 min

Christian McBride's Road to Jersey

Nine-time Grammy winner Christian McBride says life is jazz —part preparation, part improvisation, and pure rhythm. In this conversation, the bassist, composer, and longtime NJPAC Jazz Advisor shows how listening deeply, reacting honestly, and staying curious keep his music (and life) in time. We discuss the surprising bass that travels the world with him, the art of arranging compositions for singers, and the balance between leading big bands and blending in with small ensembles. McBride shares the making of his new album, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 —a project that captures live energy across studios in New York, L.A., and London—and previews this year’s TD James Moody Jazz Festiva l. Get tickets to see Christian McBride's Big Band on November 21st , featuring Andra Day, José James, Ledisi, and more. It’s a masterclass in rhythm, resilience, and what it really means to find your groove. Book your jazz vacation cruise with Christian at McBridesWorldatSea.com Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

October 14, 2025Episode 4639 min

Jim Axelrod: From the White House to War Zones—And Finding His Why

What if the moment that nearly ended your life became the one that finally made sense of it? Veteran CBS reporter Jim Axelrod joins us for a raw, free-flowing conversation that moves from Iraq’s war zones to quiet moments with Bruce Springsteen. He reflects on how growing up in New Jersey—and summers working the Shore—taught him the art of connection. This one’s about resilience, reflection, and the question that keeps him grounded: Why are you doing what you’re doing? In the Long Run, A Father, a Son, and Unintentional Lessons in Happiness by Jim Axelrod Harvey Cedars Shellfish Company Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

October 7, 2025Episode 4535 min

Crisis Mode: Karen Kessler on Saving Reputations

What happens when your reputation is on the line? Karen Kessler has been in the room for some of the toughest calls in crisis PR—guiding clients through scandals, lawsuits, and the headlines they never wanted. In this episode, she shares why she walked away from Roger Ailes, how her firm later supported the women who spoke out, and what drives her firm's every decision. We discuss the anatomy of a genuine apology, the distinction between accountability and performance, and how to prepare for conversations that no one plans to have—such as telling a spouse about an affair, a board about a breach of trust, or a team about layoffs. Karen explains why most “crises” burn out in 48 hours, the cases that don’t, and the quiet work of rebuilding reputation when headlines fade. We dive into outrage ecosystems around Middle East commentary, doxxing, Karen also traces her path into high-stakes crisis communications with no business plan, just curiosity and persistence—and explains how she’s now helping turn New Jersey into a booming film and TV hub. If you care about leadership, resilience, and handling tough moments with integrity, this conversation is packed with lessons you can use right now. Subscribe , share with a friend who needs media-savvy guidance, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway! Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

September 30, 2025Episode 4439 min

Awards Buzz, Spike Lee & Springsteen: Montclair Film Festival 2025

The Bellevue Theater is back and so is the Montclair Film Festival . We sit down with Montclair Film’s Artistic Director, Tom Hall, to break down the 14th edition: what’s bold, what’s risky, and what’s bound for awards season. Highlights include opening night's Jay Kelly , Noah Baumbach’s meta comedy starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Nicholas Britell who scored the film will be there for a Q&A. Get tickets for headline events with Spike Lee and Stephen Colbert , and Pam Abdy on Hollywood’s future. Cinephiles can dive into Rebecca Miller’s Scorsese portrait , Richard Linklater’s black-and-white Godard homage, Jesse Plemons in Bugonia , and Palme d'Or winner It Was Just An Accident by Jafar Panahi. Docs bring the emotional punch with Come See Me In the Good Light (Tig Notaro + Ryan White), while Saturday pairs the deeply moving ( Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value ) with the urgent ( Laura Poitras’s Cover Up ) . Brendan Fraser shines in Rental Family , and the festival closes on Christy , a fierce Sydney Sweeney performance that refuses the easy sports-biopic arc. Grab your tickets , join the Q&As, and meet us in the dark—this year’s festival promises films to argue over, cheer for, and remember long after. Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

September 16, 2025Episode 4335 min

Garden State Greatness: The New Jersey Hall of Fame

What does it really take to turn dreams into reality? In this inspiring episode of Lost in Jersey , we talk to Steve Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame , to uncover the success secrets he’s gleaned from interviewing over 100 of the state’s most extraordinary achievers. Born and raised in Jersey (on the very same date as Bruce Springsteen and Jason Alexander!), Edwards has dedicated his life to celebrating the Garden State’s legacy of grit, creativity, and resilience. From the Hall of Fame’s cutting-edge exhibits at American Dream Mall —including interactive holograms with Frankie Valli and Judy Blume—to its mission of inspiring children with real-life role models, Edwards shows how honoring the past can spark the future. Along the way, he shares personal reflections from his new documentary Lucky Jack , which tells the incredible story of his father’s journey from high school dropout to neurosurgeon. His insights reveal a simple but powerful truth: perseverance, imagination, and consistency are the keys to achievement. Whether you’re a lifelong Jersey fan, a seeker of inspiration, or someone who loves a great underdog story, this episode will leave you believing in the power of dreams—and the Garden State spirit. Want to experience New Jersey's extraordinary legacy for yourself? Visit the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream Mall or attend their 17th induction ceremony on November 21st , hosted by Danny DeVito and featuring the Jonas Brothers among this year's honorees. Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

September 9, 2025Episode 4232 min

More Than Music: How NJPAC Is Changing Newark

What if the arts could transform not just audiences, but entire cities? In this episode of Lost in Jersey , we sit down with John Schreiber, President and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) , to explore how a lifelong passion for music and culture became the engine behind Newark’s cultural and economic revival. From his early days as an 11-year-old Broadway superfan to producing jazz festivals with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan, Schreiber has spent five decades reimagining how arts institutions can thrive. His groundbreaking approach married corporate sponsorship with authentic cultural programming, reshaping how the arts are funded and experienced across America. At NJPAC, John has built more than a venue—it’s a movement. The center anchors Newark’s downtown, sparks residential and business growth, and provides life-changing opportunities for 100,000 students each year. Through the celebrated TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition , and bold new partnerships like film studios and arts-focused schools, NJPAC proves that culture is both community and catalyst. This is a conversation about vision, impact, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table. As Schreiber puts it: “Come on down. You all are welcome.” NJPAC Christopher Taylor's Road to Alvin Ailey Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

September 2, 2025Episode 4122 min

From Childhood Creations to Museum Masterpieces: Tom Nussbaum

What does it take to dedicate sixty years to a life in art? Artist Tom Nussbaum has been answering that question since childhood—first by tinkering in his dad’s Minnesota workshop, later by filling New York lofts with his whimsical, deeply human creations, and now through monumental public works that thousands encounter every day. With his first major retrospective opening at the Montclair Art Museum this fall, Tom sits down with us to reflect on the arc of his career—from playful childhood inventions to intricate welded steel works crafted in his East Orange studio at Manufacturer’s Village . Along the way, we talk about the duality in his art: the bold, planned installations that brighten public spaces and the improvisational studio explorations that dig into memory, psychology, and narrative. We also explore how New Jersey became Tom’s creative home, why community matters as much as craft, and how his lifelong curiosity continues to fuel new work. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just curious about the creative journey, this episode offers a rare look inside a six-decade practice still evolving with joy and purpose. Montclair Art Museum Tom Nussbaum: But Wait, There's More! Tom Nussbaum's website Instagram Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

August 26, 2025Episode 4040 min

From Civil War to Civil Discourse: Desh Amila’s Mission to Get Us Talking

What happens when you grow up in a war zone and decide the solution to division is… more conversation? For Desh Amila, witnessing the devastation of civil war in Sri Lanka shaped a lifelong mission: bringing people together to talk across differences with honesty, nuance, and humanity. From reinventing the way Australia engages with big ideas—marketing philosophers and scientists like rock stars—to launching Thinkable in Montclair, New Jersey, Desh has built a global platform for curiosity and connection. His speaker series will feature voices as diverse as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Richard Dawkins, Cornel West, John Wood Jr., Steven Pinker, John McWhorter, and Masih Alinejad, drawing thousands to venues that feel more like concerts than lectures. At the heart of it all is Desh’s belief: when you give people a chance to listen deeply—even to those they disagree with—you create not just understanding, but community. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of dialogue, why ideas need stages as much as songs do, and how Montclair is becoming the latest home for this global movement. Buy Tickets to the Season Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

August 19, 2025Episode 3926 min

Headlines, Harmonies & Medieval Magic: The Many Lives of Dana Hawkins-Simons

This week, our guest Dana Hawkins-Simons takes us on a journey that’s anything but ordinary — from her roots in rural Kansas to adventures around the globe. A celebrated journalist, singer, and tireless advocate, Dana’s story is equal parts grit, globe-trotting, and groove. We talk about her career in international journalism (including the Barcelona Olympics!), her battle with Pernicious Anemia, and the Wall Street Journal article that turned her into a voice for patients everywhere. And of course, we get into her passion for music — from belting the blues to Montclair Early Music's MedievalFest , where knights, hurdy-gurdy's, and costumes collide. Mark your calendar for August 24th from 11am-5pm at the Montclair Art Museum and prepare to be transported back in time as Dana shares how music, history, and community come together for a day that’s more than just an event. It's an experience you don't want to miss! Get Tickets for MedievalFest! Pernicious Anaemia Society Montclair Early Music Dana's Wall Street Journal article about Vitamin B12 Deficiency Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok

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