Ridgewood Talks

Ridgewood Talks

Welcome to the Ridgewood Talks Podcast, serving as a voice of the village since 2017. Through this podcast we’ll introduce you to the leaders and legends in our village. We'll keep you updated on fascinating local events, we’ll dig into the towns hot topics, and more. The show is hosted by the amazing Jeanne Johnson - founder of Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Walks. Our goal is to create a kinder, more connected and vibrant community. The show is co-hosted by lifelong Ridgewood resident, Jordan Kaufman, and features a growing number of guest hosts to add new perspectives. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on WHO and WHAT you'd like to learn about in our beautiful hometown. Please comment on who you would like us to interview and what topics we should cover next. As always... be kind, do good… and we hope you enjoy these episodes! The show is produced by and recorded at Ignite Creator Studios, a video podcast and content strategy studio in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Episodes

February 26, 2025 21 mins
Welcome to the Ridgewood Talks and Ridgewood Living Magazine Business Spotlight! Megan Murphy is Transforming Ridgewood Real Estate, Community & More! Today, we welcome back Megan Murphy, a powerhouse in real estate and community service! Megan, an agent with Keller Williams Village Square Realty, shares her insights on Ridgewood’s housing market, home improvement tips, and the challenges of buying and selling in today’s competiti...
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Inside Ridgewood Living with Martha Fickinger | Ridgewood Talks Join host Jeanne Johnson on Ridgewood Talks as she sits down with Martha Fickinger from Ridgewood Living magazine. Discover how this hyper-local publication connects the community, supports local businesses, and keeps residents informed about the latest happenings in Ridgewood. From its unique distribution model to exclusive community stories, Martha shares the magazi...
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Ridgewood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz Joins Ridgewood Talks In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Host Jeanne Johnson is joined by Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz. Dr. Schwarz talks about a number of great updates on our schools; including the upcoming RPS budget presentation, the RPS social media efforts, the strategic planning initiatives, school district budget processes, special education effort...
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A Conversation with Village Manager Keith Kazmark In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Co-Host Jordan Kaufman sits down with Village Manager Keith Kazmark for a great conversation about many of the most important topics impacting the Village of Ridgewood. Jordan and Keith cover many items, including Veterans Field athletics lighting project, the Ridgewood Mobile App, the Ridgewood Avenue Theater and Performing Arts Center Project, Sch...
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In this episode, Ridgewood Talks Guest Host Rosie McCooe (in for Jeanne Johnson) sits down with two incredible institutions of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Jamboree and Dads Night.   Part one of this episode features Jamboree 2025, Viva Las Vegas with guests Tom Devita, Ann Wheaton and Dana Feeney.  Jamboree 2025 is happening on February 6th, 7th and 8th at Ben Franklin Middle School.  You can find out more information by visiting RHS J...
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In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Mary Lou Handy, candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. With a background in education and a strong passion for community involvement, Mary Lou shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, her stance on key issues affecting our students, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Join us as we explore her plans to bring pos...
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In this episode of Ridgewood Talks, we sit down with Sheila Brogan, a candidate for the Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education. Sheila shares her vision for Ridgewood schools, focusing on key issues facing the district, her experiences, and her commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for all students. Tune in to hear Sheila’s insights on educational priorities, fiscal responsibility, student well-being, an...
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Ridgewood Talks sits down with Muhammed Mahmoud, a candidate for Ridgewood Public Schools Board of Education, to discuss his vision for education, student well-being, and community engagement in Ridgewood. Muhammed shares insights into his background, his priorities as a board member, and the changes he hopes to implement to enhance the learning experience for students and teachers alike. Tune in to hear about Muhammed’s goals for ...
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MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Paul Vagianos. Visit paulvagianos.com for more information.
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MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Pamela Perron. Visit perronforcouncil.com for more information.
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MEET THE CANDIDATES Four candidates are competing for three seats on the Village of Ridgewood Council. Tune in to our podcast episodes and learn more about them. You can also view the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and explore Vote411.org for additional information. In this episode, we chat with Frank Mortimer. Visit MortimerforCouncil.com for more information.
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October 16, 2024 20 mins
In this episode, we sit with the inspiration and powerhouse behind Ridgewood's League of Women Voters. Co-presidents Anne Burton Walsh and Ann Melone are two of the driving forces behind this nonpartisan organization. The LWV empowers local voters, promotes civic engagement, and advocates for fair policies. Learn about the League’s voter education efforts, including the upcoming Ridgewood Village Council Candidate Forum on 10/16 a...
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October 10, 2024 55 mins
Meet Our Leaders - Village Manager Keith Kazmark, Police Chief Forest Lyons, and Superintendent Mark Schwartz share their thoughts about their first year on the job. Learn about their efforts to strengthen community relationships through increased communication. Find out how Ridgewood Public Schools are helping students thrive and flourish, the Police Department’s compassionate approach to patrolling, and the Village’s initiatives ...
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October 10, 2024 38 mins
Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner, discusses the growing issue of food insecurity in Ridgewood and sheds light on how it has escalated in recent years. She shares her ideas for tackling the county's broader challenges, such as affordable housing and mental health services, and highlights the actions she’s taking related to energy and infrastructure improvements. Tune in to this informative interview, and remember to cast your v...
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May 30, 2024 35 mins
Are you hoping to find a stimulating summer program for your child? Look no further than Be Brain Bright! It offers fun, hands-on workshops in engineering, entrepreneurship, neuroscience, teen empowerment, and leadership that stretch kids' thinking. Be Brain Bright has programs for children of all ages, so sign up today and help position your kids for the future. Listen to founder Alina Swanson and log on to BeBrainBirght.com to...
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The 13th Annual Ridgewood Guild Film Festival is in full swing! Listen in and learn about the exciting upcoming events! Get ready to dress up for a Zombie Wedding – a film written and produced by local resident Greg Del Alessandro. Find out more about Harlan Coben, the New York Times best-selling author of thirty-five novels and the creator and executive producer of several Netflix television dramas. Hear about Lynn Clements's ...
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April 10, 2024 33 mins
Let yourself be entertained by the dynamic duo Rory Kelsch and Kathleen McKitty Harris. They've created something we all crave – entertaining and enlightening evenings focused on fun, community, and connection. Their What's Your Story? events are intimate, casual, moving, and absurdly funny, with a curated lineup of readers sharing stories based on the evening's theme. The next SOLD-OUT event will be on Saturday, April 13, at the ...
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April 5, 2024 46 mins
Dr. Karen Latimer is a wellness and parenting coach, family physician, writer, wife, and mother of five. Listen in to learn how this busy entrepreneur stays organized. Here’s a hint: She uses her list’m app, and you can too! Karen is a health & parenting advocate who helps people reach their goals of finding peace and fulfillment. She reminds us that “little hinges swing big doors” and helps us stay on track with her podcast, Save...
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March 28, 2024 30 mins
The Ridgewood Arts Foundation is a marvelous organization that celebrates the arts in and around Ridgewood. They host a variety of events to help fund grants and scholarships to benefit deserving artists and organizations. Their signature event and most significant fundraiser of the year is the Honors Showcase. It will be held on Friday, April 5, at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Society on Cottage Place. The evening will include live...
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College Club of Northern NJ is hosting famed New Jersey author Joyce Carol Oats on Monday, March 11, 2024. Tune in to find out more about this incredible event and learn more about College Club from their marketing manager, Martha Fickenger.
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