Lost in Jersey Podcast
Life just outside NYC in Jersey
Welcome to “Lost in Jersey,” the podcast hosted by Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian. After outgrowing their New York City apartments, they made the leap to New Jersey with their families, embarking on a journey of discovering the perks and quirks of life just outside NYC.
Join them as they sit down with local friends, business owners, celebrities, parents, and tourists to explore life in New Jersey. Dive into stories, the paths that led their guests to New Jersey, their current or dream occupations, and what they love most about the Garden State.
Our topics span the spectrum: from Local Events, New Books, Folks like Us, Famous People in New Jersey, Tech, AI, Journalism, Startups, Health, Family, Education, the Best Food in Montclair and across the state, Parenting, School, Health, and even some New Jersey Local News and Trivia!
Tune in on Spotify, iTunes, Audible, Buzzsprout, and YouTube, and join the journey produced by Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian.
Explore life just outside New York City! Meet the captivating characters of New Jersey, from photographers to farmers. Co-hosted by Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian, two former city dwellers now based in Montclair, NJ.”
Explore the fascinating journey of Maria Afsharian, an award-winning journalist whose life took an unexpected turn when she had to return to her father's homeland, Iran. From her roots in Tehran and Texas to her current role as a big-hearted realtor for Christie's in New Jersey, Maria's story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. Join us as we delve into her impactful trip to Iran, her passion for aiding children, and her thriving career in journalism and real estate.
Maria is cohost Janette Afsharian's sister, a VIP!
Contact Maria at Christie's Realtors
New Jersey Persian Restaurant Episode Shoutouts from Maria:
Zaffron Bloom with Chef Shahin in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Kebab on the Cliff in Rutherford, NJ
Gandom Bakery in Patterson, NJ for Persian
Keywords:
Journalistic Career, Cultural Transitions, Humanitarian Work, Personal Growth, Dateline, Lubbock Texas, Tehran, Iran, Shiraz, Montclair, Dateline, Christies, Real Estate
Follow us: Website | Apple | Spotify | Audible | Youtube | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok
Reviews!
Please tell us what you liked! Thank you for making us in the rank of podcasts. Nice reviews make the world a better place.
One week after launch we have, 5 -Stars on Apple Podcast! Thank you!
Jorge's Family Reviews Are In!
Oldest Sister: “Oh wow, Jorge. I’m watching now! I loved that they could pronounce your name properly. Both ladies are cute and smart.” Btw I’m following their podcasts now because I loved it. ”
Second Youngest Sister: “This was great!”
Youngest Sister: “Loved that podcasts! Your hostesses were funny and nice! Loved your story telling!!! Feel like you should have more quickly clarified you DID NOT get a dui 😆 I learned some about you and that was fun! I think you were prob very good at accounting. You downplayed this. “
Cousin in Australia: “Hola primo! I’m listening Lost in Jersey Podcast, it’s such a great interview. Very funny as well”
Warren's Episode, Nice Work
Nice work on the Zanes’ podcast.
Really great episode!
I listened to the Craigslist’s episode on the way home and was so impressed by Craig’s openness to share about his growth to becoming a better person. Great episode!
You're my new favorite people!
You’re my new favorite people. I actually smiled the entire time I was listening. Thanks again for having me. It was a lot of fun chatting. – It’s Kimmunity approved!
One of my favorite podcasts!
I’ve listened to all the episodes and it might be one of my favorite shows. Every Monday, I want to hear who is on.
You guys did a great job!
We need part 2 of Roger’s episode.
Listened to every episode of Lost in Jersey
We were driving back from Vermont today and listened to every episode of lost in jersey. Rob described it as an introvert’s dream – it’s like being at a fascinating dinner party. Congrats to you, Rachel, and all your guests. 😘 👏
I meant to tell you...
I thought the funniest thing you said was that you time how long it takes you to get home from the city, let people know, and that you are in your jammies. I truly laughed out loud on that one. It is hard to believe this is your first podcast. Stay the same, don’t change.
What a great idea!
Okay, what do I have to do to be a guest on this? What a great idea! – Julie
Just spent my morning listening!
Just spent my morning listening to this amazing first episode! So inspiring to spend my morning with three talented, creative, and cool women. – Georgette
I am blown away!
Whoa! Ladies! Just finished listening to your first episode and I am blown away! I giggled with you, I learned so much and it was really fun. Great interview with Chanda and great voices all around! Everyone needs to hop on and listen! – Liz
Enjoying the convo
I’ve listened to 25 mins of the podcast so far! 👏 👏 👏 I have no notes so far. Enjoying the convo and getting to know your friends! – Yana
What did think? Was it okay?
Guest Interview
Life just outside NYC in Jersey
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Christopher Taylor
Coming Soon
THE ROAD FROM NEWARK TO ALVIN AILEY - Meet Christopher Taylor, hailing from Newark, NJ, is a ...
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Chalvar Monteiro
Coming Soon
THE ROAD FROM MONTCLAIR TO ALVIN AILEY - Meet Alvin Ailey dancer, Chalvar Monteiro, whose road to ...
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Maria Afsharian
Listen Now, NEW
This former Dateline Emmy Award-winning journalist hails from Iran but found herself in Texas at the young ...
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Our TV Show Picks and Skips for the Month!
NEW, Listen Now
Discover the best TV shows, movies, podcasts, and books to stream this month! From dark comedy to ...
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Anthony Frasier
NEW, Listen Now
CEO, ABF Creative (Award Winning Kids & Family Podcast Company) Discover the inspiring journey of podcast superstar ...
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Watchung Booksellers
NEW, Listen Now
Meet Margot and Maddie, the mother-and-daughter duo behind Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. Explore the world of ...
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Liz Vaccariello
Listen Now, NEW
Meet a magazine powerhouse! Liz Vaccariello, the Editor-in-Chief of Woman's World and FIRST For Women magazines. A ...
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Holsten’s
Coming Soon, Booked
We stopped by the world-famous Holsten’s today and spoke with Eric, the owner, and Carl, the manager, ...
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Our Picks & Skips – Best Shows, Movies, Books, and Podcast
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Do you need help deciding what to binge next on Netflix or which book to crack open? ...
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VESTA Chocolate
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Learn why OPRAH, Martha Stewart, & GOOP have all mentioned this NJ couple's Vesta Chocolate factory! Meet ...
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The Linguists
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What are VERY popular words among cult leaders? Why do some people learn a second language faster ...
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Leo and Denise
Scheduling, Coming Soon
Driving Force Behind a Local Favorit – Montclair Brewery Leo and Denise, partners in both marriage and ...
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Jonathan Echeverry
NEW, Listen Now
PAPER PLANE COFFEE CO. FOUNDER – Dive into the caffeinated universe with our latest episode featuring Jonathan ...
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Jeff Jarvis
Scheduling, Coming Soon
Joining us to talk about AI in Journalism is one of the most visionary voices in journalism. ...
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Jonathan Koppell
Listen Now, NEW
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT - Discover the role of a university president and the challenges of higher ...
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Tara Tersigni
Coming Soon
A dynamic entrepreneur who's reshaping the beauty industry. Co-founding the popular brand Jones Road. And now YAWN, ...
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Craig Newmark
Listen Now
CRAIGSLIST FOUNDER & PHILANTHROPIST – We had the honor to speak with Craig Newmark about his Craigslist ...
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Self-Help: What Really Works?”
Listen Now, NEW
Is 2024 going to be your best year? Or just a year? What helps you get through ...
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Jo LaMarca Mathisen
Listen Now
TODAY SHOW EXEC. PRODUCER TO LEADERSHIP & COACH - Meet Jo LaMarca Mathisen, a media pro with 25+ ...
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Sarah Damaskos
Listen Now
Meet Sarah Damaskos: A practical Midwesterner in New Jersey who inspires with her 'get things done' approach ...
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Kate Zernike
Listen Now
Discover the powerful and eye-opening book "The Exceptions" by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Kate Zernike. A Top Book ...
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Warren Zanes
Listen Now
Tune in to hear Warren Zanes, a New York Times best-selling author and Musician discuss his new ...
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2023 Shout-Out Awards
NEW, Listen Now
2023 Top 10 Best Restaurants and Places in Montclair, New Jersey Over 60 Favorite Spots Celebrated! – ...
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Talks To Go
NEW, Listen Now
FATHER DAUGHTER PODCAST DUO – Stay tuned to meet this delightful duo that interviews father and daughters. ...
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IRA WAGNER
Listen Now
MAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - From Finance to Photography to Museum Leadership: Discover how Ira Wagner's transformative career ...
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Tom Hall
Listen Now
Get the insider scoop on what will be showing at the 2023 Montclair Film Festival (Oct 20-29) ...
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Matthew Stanmyre
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Meet award-winning sports reporter Matthew Stanmyre. Host of the podcast "Lights Out" about the devastating Montclair High ...
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Jessica
Listen Now
WE ARE MONTCLAIR FOUNDER - Discover the inspiring story of Jessica, creator of "We Are Montclair," a ...
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Lloyd Pearson
Listen Now
RISING STAR FITNESS INSTRUCTOR AND DANCER - A quick look at Lloyd Pearson's Instagram and you see ...
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Liz George
Listen Now
Liz George has successfully led Montclair NJ's beloved and longstanding news blog Baristnet and now sets into ...
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Arlinda McIntosh
Listen Now
FASHION DESIGNER - Discover the inspiring journey of Arlinda McIntosh, a fearless fashion designer who celebrates diversity ...
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Jorge Aguirre
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WRITER - Jorge Aguirre, a talented author and children's TV show writer discusses his journey in the ...
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Michael Stifelman
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DIRECTOR OF ROBOTS SURGERY - Join us in this episode as we dive into the fascinating world ...
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Peter Yacobellis
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LIFE AFTER LOCAL POLITICS - Peter Yacobellis returns to the podcast to take a look back at ...
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Allison Task
Listen Now
Life Coach Life Coaching: Allison’s Inspiring Tale of Personal and Professional Transition Ever felt like you’re on ...
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Alex Hall
Listen Now
Alex Hall discusses his road from Editor to Director/Producer on acclaimed TV series. The Wire, Law & ...
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Kimberly Latortue
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Meet the President of Friends of Howe House and how they saved this landmark historical New Jersey ...
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College Drop Off
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From Home to Dorm: Managing the Emotional Transition - Feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you prepare ...
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Craig Dubitsky
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Craig Dubitsky recently achieved an astounding feat by selling his Hello Products LLC for a $351 million ...
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Allison Baer PhD
Listen Now
We dive into the stressful process of college admissions. From finding the right fit for your child ...
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Mary Connolly
Listen Now
CHEESE EXPERT & FOOD WRITER Learn the basics of creating a perfect cheese board in this delicious ...
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Ken’s Crisis – Raising Boys Today
Listen Now
No spoilers but in the movie Barbie, Ken's character storyline resonated with a conversation we have been ...
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Dr. Mary Thomas
Listen Now
Meet Dr. Mary Thomas, a wonderful friend, and pediatrician at Nuheights Pediatrics in Clifton and Montclair, NJ. ...
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Angelica Diggs
Listen Now
Uncover Montclair's captivating history with Angelica Diggs, Director of Montclair History Center in this fun episode of ...
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Joe Colangelo
Listen Now
There's a very nice new bus service in these parts! We spoke with Joe Colangelo, the very ...
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Carole HOPSON
Booked, Coming Soon, Scheduling
AIRLINE PILOT – She is a BIG DEAL! She is known for being the first African-American woman ...
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Lex LeBlanc
Listen Now
HGTV DESIGNER & FITNESS ENTREPRENEUR – Looking for some motivation to pursue your passions and dreams? Look ...
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Eric Roston
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Award-winning Bloomberg journalist Eric Rosten joins hosts Rachel and Janette to discuss the pressing issue of climate ...
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Yael Averbuch West
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Meet the General Manager of NJ/NY Gotham FC, one of the top-ranked women's professional soccer teams. Join ...
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Annette Batson
Listen Now
Restaurants in a town known for its top chefs were asked to spotlight plant-based meals to customers ...
Rachel Martens
Co-Host
Voice-over artist, writer, violinist, Montclair Story Salon member, and former engineer. Has some kids, one husband, and a decent amount of friends. Finds life is okay most of the time, other times, it’s hilarious. Lives – in Jersey, just outside of NYC.
Janette Afsharian
Co-Host
Graphic artist, coder, painter of an excessive amount of straight lines on canvas, and titan of digital design with a few awards. Has some kids, one husband, and a decent amount of friends. Finds life is okay most of the time, other times, distractions are needed. Lives – in Jersey, just outside of NYC.