We catch up on TV shows and books worth watching and reading now that everyone's moved beyond White Lotus and Severance theories.

• 'The Recruit' offers espionage, thrills, and international city envy
• 'Love on the Spectrum' (season 3) provides heartwarming joy
• Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey explores love and survival in Alaska
• The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles takes readers on a 1950s roadtrip with recently released juvenile offenders
• Care and Feeding: A Memoir shares Laurie Woolever's experiences as assistant chef to Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali
• The Pitt improves after a rough first episode, showing the chaotic world of emergency medicine

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Meet Kathy Costa McKeown as she takes us behind the scenes of DanceWorks Studios, revealing how dance education builds resilience, community, and lifelong connections for students of all ages. Through her 27 years as a studio owner, choreographer, and "Mama Kath" to over 467 students, she demonstrates how movement becomes both art and therapy.

In this episode you will learn:

• Kathy's dance origin story
• Danceworks Studios philosphy
• How dance style and teaching have changed through the years
• How to help students navigate body image issues and emotional development through dance
• To balance technical training with an emotional connection to movement
• To encourage students to process disappointment as a temporary part of life
• Preparing for the inaugural Montclair Dance Festival on May 31st

Danceworks Studios Instagram

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Michael Stefanelli, the New Jersey division leader for Best Version Media, reveals how hyperlocal publishing is thriving while building community connections through positive storytelling and neighborhood focus.

• Hyperlocal print media is experiencing significant growth
• Magazines focus on positive local stories about neighbors, families, and community events
• Each magazine is free to residents and financially supported by local business advertising
• Local businesses benefit from consistent brand awareness that builds trust with potential customers
• Content comes from various sources including content coordinators, community submissions, and neighbor recommendations
• BVM's acquisition by HIG Capital aims to expand services to become full-service marketing agencies for small businesses
• The ideal publisher candidate doesn't need sales experience—many people have become successful by following the model

If you're interested in submitting a story to your local BVM magazine, check page three of your local magazine for publisher and content coordinator contact information. Business owners looking for marketing advice can reach out even if they don't plan to advertise.

Montclair Neighbors Magazine

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Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jaco, Max Roach... legends hung out at her club in the village. Tune in to meet the forever-cool Kate Greenfield.

Kate Greenfield shares her behind-the-scenes stories of co-owning the legendary Seventh Avenue South jazz club in the Village of New York City with the famous Brecker Brothers.

Turning the chapter, we learn how she went on to get her Master's and use all her experiences to help guide teens.

Her warmth, love for people, and passion for caring shine through her story.
Kate's story is a blend of music, food, and education.

Tune in to hear about her unique path and the impact she has had on those around her.

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Zane Keys: "Barbershops aren’t just about looking fresh—they’re where conversations happen, where connections are made. You might walk in for a cut, but you leave with advice, support, and a sense of belonging. That’s why I started hosting a free men’s mental health group every month. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued."

The humble barbershop has always been more than just a place for haircuts – it's a cultural institution, a sanctuary for conversation, and in many communities, the beating heart of local connection. In this fascinating conversation with Zane Keyes, owner of Keycuts on Church Street in Montclair, we dive deep into the rich history and evolving future of barbershop culture.

Zane's journey from a 14-year-old boy shaping his own hairline between professional cuts to becoming a pillar of Montclair's business community reflects the very essence of his entrepreneurial spirit. Raised by a single mother who instilled creativity and work ethic in everything he did, Zane transformed necessity into passion, cutting friends' hair throughout high school before perfecting his craft at Rutgers University where he serviced everyone from professors to future NFL stars from his dorm room.

What truly sets Key Cuts apart is how it honors barbershop traditions while innovating for today's community needs. As one of the first Black-owned businesses with a sustained presence on Church Street, the shop represents an important cultural milestone for Montclair. Beyond offering exceptional haircuts for all hair textures, Key Cuts uniquely combines traditional barbering with braiding and dreadlocking services under one roof. Most remarkably, Zane hosts free monthly men's mental health sessions with licensed therapists – a deeply personal initiative following his family's experience with suicide.

The conversation reveals how barbershops function as social anchors where lifelong relationships form, crucial conversations happen, and intergenerational wisdom is shared. From hosting whiskey tastings to mini-concerts with Broadway stars, Zane has reimagined what a modern barbershop can be while preserving its essential community-building function.

Visit Key Cuts on Instagram @keycuts or book your appointment at www.keycuts.co – where you might just leave with more than a fresh cut.

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Media power couple Holly Palmieri and Alfred Schulz share their journeys from radio beginnings to podcasting, reflecting on career paths, family transitions, and the future of audio storytelling.

• Holly's career progression from Martha Stewart radio intern to The Today Show
• Alfred's experience in public radio, political coverage, and podcasts
• Their transition from Brooklyn to suburban Montclair after the pandemic
• The creation and concept behind Alfred's Pizza Pod Party podcast
• Industry insights on the current podcasting landscape and its evolution
• Holly's vision for personalized family podcasts that preserve voices and memories
• Discovering unique "weird New Jersey" restaurants and experiences

Subscribe, share, and don't forget to Get Lost!

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Have you ever sat in your car alone, contemplating your work life, new job, career change, or second act? Do you feel unfulfilled in your professional life? Do you want to start a business?

We dive deep into Shannon Russell’s journey from a television producer to a career coach, exploring how personal experiences influence professional choices. Topics include the power of reflection, assessment tools for career clarity, and the supportive community needed to embrace change.

• Shannon's transition journey from TV to career coaching
• The pivotal moment of reflection that sparked her career change
• Exploring the YouMAP assessment as a tool for clarity
• Balancing financial stability with the desire for fulfillment
• The importance of support and community in navigating career shifts
• Emphasizing the necessity of asking oneself "Am I happy?"

Contact Shannon Russell for personalized advice and guidance if you're seeking support during your career transition!

Second Act Career Success Podcast

Start Your Second Act, How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create your Best Life by Shannon Russell. Book will launch May 7, 2025!

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If you want to get a feel for Montclair, NJ head to Radio Free Montclair. We are happy that you can also hear our podcast in their rotation!

In this episode, you will get to know the OG's - the founding fathers - John Sullivan, James Cotter, and Scott Gurian. Theirs is a labor of love, building a radio station fueled by the diverse passions of a community. Together, they are not just broadcasting but also weaving the very fabric of Montclair into their shows.

Curious about how to keep something as dynamic as community radio running? We tackle the logistical hurdles like securing funding and licenses, all while ensuring the station remains a sanctuary for local voices. With an eclectic mix of contributors ranging from bird watchers to DJs, Radio Free Montclair will let you know what people are talking about and what makes this town unique.

Radio Free Montclair

Far From Home Podcast

Colias Cafe

23 Skidoo Cafe

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