{"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":"Schools, Liquor Licenses & Fraud with Former AG Matt Platkin. Plus: Are We Really Still a Magnet System?","slug":"schools-liquor-licenses-fraud-with-former-ag-matt-platkin-plus-are-we-really-still-a-magnet-system","published_at":"2026-01-22T10:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507/schools-liquor-licenses-fraud-with-former-ag-matt-platkin-plus-are-we-really-still-a-magnet-system","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-montclair-pod-7145507","url":"https://shows.acast.com/the-montclair-pod/episodes/schools-liquor-licenses-fraud-with-former-ag-matt-platkin-pl","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6753786ea8461f164e67bf3a/e/69716336a6c658f183565136/media.mp3","summary":"Watch the show on YouTube This episode of The Montclair Pod moves between local crisis and statewide context . School Budget Crises: Montclair and Hackensack We dig into the growing reality that Montclair is not alone in facing financial trouble in its school district. We look closely at what’s unfolding in Hackensack , where an independent audit revealed a staggering $15 million budget deficit , prompting lawsuits against former administrators and vendors. State Power, Schools & Segregation Former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin helps explain how the state approaches oversight of local governments, consumer protection and fraud, and ongoing legal challenges tied to school segregation, including litigation involving district boundaries and magnet systems We also ask the uncomfortable but necessary question: Are we still operating a true magnet school system—or has that promise quietly eroded? New Jersey Politics: A Transition Moment We preview our upcoming conversation with Terrence McDonald , editor of New Jersey Monitor , including a brief tease of our discussion about Mikie Sherrill’s first week as governor—and what her early moves could signal for education, oversight, and state-local relationships. Local News & One Big Thing Ani Ramen ’s tutoring initiative for students and teachers A look at Montclair’s shuttle bus survey results—and why even drivers want another option New restaurant renderings, new town hires, and old intersections that keep causing accidents Grab tickets for Ian Frazier and Jamaica Kincaid, in conversation at Watchung Booksellers (Children’s Room)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","meta_description":"Watch the show on YouTube This episode of The Montclair Pod moves between local crisis and statewide context . School Budget Crises: Montclair and Hackens…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":4430,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-montclair-pod-7145507/episodes/schools-liquor-licenses-fraud-with-former-ag-matt-platkin-plus-are-we-really-still-a-magnet-system/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/schools-liquor-licenses-fraud-with-former-ag-matt-platkin-plus-are-we-really-still-a-magnet-system.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}