{"podcast":{"title":"The Montclair Pod","slug":"the-montclair-pod-7145507","podcast_index_feed_id":7145507,"rss_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6753786ea8461f164e67bf3a","website_url":"http://montclairpod.com","image_url":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1733523283425-1bc2fce8-9722-407f-a136-49207b766599.jpeg","author":"Montclair Pod LLC","episode_count":81,"summary":"The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-02T18:19:54.567698+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507"},"episode":{"title":"Rethinking Public School in Montclair? The Private Pivot, Preschool Lottery & More #Slushiegate","slug":"rethinking-public-school-in-montclair-the-private-pivot-preschool-lottery-more-slushiegate","published_at":"2026-02-05T10:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507/rethinking-public-school-in-montclair-the-private-pivot-preschool-lottery-more-slushiegate","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507","url":"https://shows.acast.com/the-montclair-pod/episodes/rethinking-public-school-in-montclair-the-private-pivot-pres","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6753786ea8461f164e67bf3a/e/698404781976ad12370aba8e/media.mp3","summary":"Watch the show on YouTube In this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond. We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district. We’re also joined by tech founder-turned-educator Anand Sanwal, who’s launching a new private school in New Jersey and asking a bigger question: if we were designing school for today’s kids — and tomorrow’s world — would it look anything like what we have now? Plus, we cover the rest of the week in Montclair: ICE presence in the area and the state’s response, snow removal rules, the closing of a beloved BBQ spot, a look ahead at the spring housing market in our sponsored Ask an Agent segment — and yes, we finally get to the bottom of #Slushiegate with a real review! Learn more about  Forge Prep Learn more about  Acton Academy Snow Removal:  Read Councilwoman  Susan Shin Andersen's update Sponsor:  Order from  Pendragon’s Smokehouse  for the Super Bowl! Deal:  Use code  MONTCLAIR-POD  for 10% off (Min order $100). Order Deadline: Thursday, Feb 5 at 10 pm ET Sponsor: Karin Diana, Compass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","meta_description":"Watch the show on YouTube In this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young c…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":4631,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-montclair-pod-7145507/episodes/rethinking-public-school-in-montclair-the-private-pivot-preschool-lottery-more-slushiegate/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507/rethinking-public-school-in-montclair-the-private-pivot-preschool-lottery-more-slushiegate.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}