In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a candid conversation about his administration’s enduring partnership with organized labor. Governor Murphy reflects on eight years of landmark achievements: from raising the minimum wage and expanding apprenticeship programs to strengthening collective bargaining, protecting workers from misclassification, and making full pension payments for public employees. He also shares the stories behind recent legislation requiring labor history in public school curriculum and banning “captive audience” meetings, ensuring the next generation understands the legacy of labor rights in America. As he prepares to leave office, Governor Murphy discusses what comes next for labor in New Jersey, the culture shift his administration sparked, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for the future of working families.

https://nj.gov/governor/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of Governor Phil Murphy and overview of his partnership with labor
02:08 – Discussion of new legislation on labor history curriculum and “captive audience” meetings
03:56 – Governor reflects on the importance of labor education and Peter J. McGuire’s legacy
04:55 – How Murphy’s administration built a comprehensive pro-labor agenda
06:17 – Key achievements: minimum wage, earned sick leave, project labor agreements, and pensions
07:03 – Governor’s advice for the future: stay at the table regardless of political change
08:42 – Reflecting on bipartisan progress and labor’s ongoing influence in New Jersey
09:52 – Major wins for public sector workers and pension reform
10:35 – Misclassification enforcement and whole-of-government approach to worker protection
11:18 – Record investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation
12:04 – How culture change and policy combined to strengthen worker protections
13:14 – The next generation of apprenticeships and workforce development
14:07 – Building lasting change: minimum wage, sick leave, and project labor agreements
15:28 – Governor discusses what’s next after leaving office and plans for the future
17:46 – Closing reflections and gratitude for his legacy with New Jersey’s working families

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop. He is the Founder and CEO of Maplewoodshop, a leading provider in woodworking education solutions for schools, camps, Maker spaces, and community centers. Mike created Maplewoodshop in 2016 with the mission of developing life skills in all children through woodworking. He started by teaching hundreds of students directly, then developed a portable and safe program which contains proprietary equipment, hand tools, and a training program for any classroom teacher. Prior to Maplewoodshop, Mike was an Internet pioneer, building websites in 1995. He led marketing efforts on major accounts at several advertising companies before helping WebMD develop and execute its mobile strategy. Later, Mike helped the publisher, Wiley, develop new digital business models. He sits on the boards of The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Congregation Beth El, and the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board.

https://www.maplewoodshop.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of guest Mike Schloff and overview of Maplewoodshop
02:26 – Mike explains Maplewoodshop’s mission to build life skills through woodworking
04:20 – Mike shares his early background and how woodworking became his calling
06:00 – Founding of Maplewoodshop and development of the portable classroom model
07:31 – Collaboration with the Carpenters Union and expansion into schools
08:47 – How the program works for teachers without trade backgrounds
09:51 – Benefits for students: learning math, problem-solving, and teamwork
11:13 – Lessons in resilience and confidence from hands-on learning
12:56 – Connecting woodworking to broader life and career skills
14:08 – How non-CTE teachers successfully run woodworking programs
15:11 – Breaking barriers and making woodworking accessible in all schools
16:35 – The need to rebuild respect for trades and hands-on education
18:29 – How early exposure builds confidence, purpose, and opportunity
20:13 – Mike’s experience on the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board
23:09 – National expansion and digital training that scales Maplewoodshop’s reach
26:14 – The transformation kids experience through hands-on woodworking
29:52 – Closing reflections on trades education, career pathways, and partnership success

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast goes LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

https://brandgroupies.com/

00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session
01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team
02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms
03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began
05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR
06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show
08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast
09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients
11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification
12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting
14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like
16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast
17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance
18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits
25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand