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Life Is Jazz: In the Pocket with Christian McBride
Jim Axelrod: From Jersey to War Zones — And Finding His Why
Crisis Mode: Karen Kessler on Saving Reputations
Lost in Jersey Live at Montclair Film Festival with Shine Global
Montclair Film Festival 2025 | Highlights & Must-See Films
Garden State Greatness: The New Jersey Hall of Fame
John Schreiber on NJPAC and Newark’s $336M Arts Boom
Thinkable Speaker Series in New Jersey
Evie Colbert Talks Jersey, Film, and What’s Next!
Do Protests Still Work in 2025? What Two Women in New Jersey Are Teaching Us
Michael Uslan – Batman Executive Producer
REPLAY: Warren Zanes on Nebraska, Springsteen, and the Art of Restraint
The Book Doctors: Publishing Secrets Revealed
Laurie Woolever – Care and Feeding – NYT Best-Selling Memoir
Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University
Governor Phil Murphy: Talks Jersey, Trump & The Future
Facts to Fiction: Neal Lipschutz Writes a Killer Debut
Rolling Into NJ’s First Film Expo
Kate Greenfield
From 30 Rock to NJ: Holly Palmieri & Alfred Schulz on Life and Media
Impact of a Prank – Surviving the Seton Hall Fire – Shawn Simons
Craig Newmark – Craigslist Founder
What do Inclusivity, New Jersey, and Iron Maiden Have in Common? Andrew Lacey!
The ACLU’s Role in Safeguarding Civil Liberties
Craig Dubitsky Takes on Coffee
Carla Gutiérrez, the Director of “FRIDA”
The Wellmont Theater
Director Julie Cohen’s Road to Film & The Path Forward
Jennifer Tripucka
College Drop Off
Montclair’s History with Angelica Diggs
Yana Collins Lehman
Jonathan Koppell – President Montclair State
Liz Vaccariello
Craig Dubitsky 
Maria Afsharian
Watchung Booksellers
Alex Hall
Kate Zernike, Pulitzer Prize Author of The Exceptions
Jorge Aguirre
Road to Excellence – Alvin Ailey
MO RIZA
Renee Baskerville
APRIL MARCH
Tom Hall
Charles Rosen
Jo LaMarca Mathisen
IRA WAGNER
Jeff Jarvis
Liz George
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ALL EPISODES
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EPISODES

  • All
  • New
  • Coming
  • Episode
  • Spotlight
  • Arts
  • Biz,Ed,Tech
  • Politics
  • Lifestyle
  • OpEd
Life Is Jazz: In the Pocket with Christian McBride
Jim Axelrod: From Jersey to War Zones — And Finding His Why
Crisis Mode: Karen Kessler on Saving Reputations
Lost in Jersey Live at Montclair Film Festival with Shine Global
Montclair Film Festival 2025 | Highlights & Must-See Films
Garden State Greatness: The New Jersey Hall of Fame
John Schreiber on NJPAC and Newark’s $336M Arts Boom
Thinkable Speaker Series in New Jersey
Evie Colbert Talks Jersey, Film, and What’s Next!
Do Protests Still Work in 2025? What Two Women in New Jersey Are Teaching Us
Michael Uslan – Batman Executive Producer
REPLAY: Warren Zanes on Nebraska, Springsteen, and the Art of Restraint
The Book Doctors: Publishing Secrets Revealed
Laurie Woolever – Care and Feeding – NYT Best-Selling Memoir
Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University
Governor Phil Murphy: Talks Jersey, Trump & The Future
Facts to Fiction: Neal Lipschutz Writes a Killer Debut
Rolling Into NJ’s First Film Expo
Kate Greenfield
From 30 Rock to NJ: Holly Palmieri & Alfred Schulz on Life and Media
Impact of a Prank – Surviving the Seton Hall Fire – Shawn Simons
Craig Newmark – Craigslist Founder
What do Inclusivity, New Jersey, and Iron Maiden Have in Common? Andrew Lacey!
The ACLU’s Role in Safeguarding Civil Liberties
Craig Dubitsky Takes on Coffee
Carla Gutiérrez, the Director of “FRIDA”
The Wellmont Theater
Director Julie Cohen’s Road to Film & The Path Forward
Jennifer Tripucka
College Drop Off
Montclair’s History with Angelica Diggs
Yana Collins Lehman
Jonathan Koppell – President Montclair State
Liz Vaccariello
Craig Dubitsky 
Maria Afsharian
Watchung Booksellers
Alex Hall
Kate Zernike, Pulitzer Prize Author of The Exceptions
Jorge Aguirre
Road to Excellence – Alvin Ailey
MO RIZA
Renee Baskerville
APRIL MARCH
Tom Hall
Charles Rosen
Jo LaMarca Mathisen
IRA WAGNER
Jeff Jarvis
Liz George
Load More
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Lost in Jersey Live at Montclair Film Festival with Shine Global

Lost in Jersey Live at Montclair Film Festival with Shine Global

by lostinnj | Oct 5, 2025 | Coming, Episode, Spotlight

Thursday, Oct 23 • 7:00 pm Location:  Audible Lounge • Claridge Mezzanine • 488 Bloomfield Ave • Montclair, NJ 07043 Get Tickets Tickets are FREE but required for entry.Limit of 2 per person Event Overview Resilience in Film: A Conversation with Oscar &...
  • Portrait of Christian McBride wearing glasses, a black cap, and a white jacket against a red background. Text: "Without Further Ado: Christian McBride’s Road to Jersey. Life Is Jazz—Lost in Jersey Podcast.
    Life Is Jazz: In the Pocket with Christian McBride
  • Jim Axelrod appearing in three side-by-side portraits during his Lost in Jersey interview. Text on image reads: “Jim Axelrod — Talks Jersey, Journalism, Ambition.”
    Jim Axelrod: From Jersey to War Zones — And Finding His Why
  • Karen Kessler, crisis PR powerhouse, featured on the Lost in Jersey Podcast — “Crisis Mode: Saving Reputations.”
    Crisis Mode: Karen Kessler on Saving Reputations
  • Lost in Jersey Live podcast at Montclair Film Festival – Resilience in Film panel with Shine Global.
    Lost in Jersey Live at Montclair Film Festival with Shine Global
  • Montclair Film Festival 2025 brings bold premieres, Spike Lee with Stephen Colbert, Pam Abdy on Hollywood’s future, and Sydney Sweeney in Christy — covered by Lost in Jersey.
    Montclair Film Festival 2025 | Highlights & Must-See Films
a
ADVERTISE
PRESSKIT
CO-HOSTS
M

Lost in Jersey was created by Janette Afsharian and Rachel Martens, two NYC expats who traded their shoebox apartments for the Garden State. Like many newcomers, they initially felt "Lost in Jersey" but have since embraced it as their home sweet home.

Through engaging interviews and lively discussions, they explore all things New Jersey—unearthing fascinating stories connected to the state. From "What's your connection to New Jersey?" to news, politics, family, arts, food, movies, and books, no topic is off-limits.

Pop on your headphones and join us as we celebrate the unique charm of New Jersey. Get lost in Jersey with us!

Rachel Martens

Rachel Martens

Co-Creator, Co-Host & Editor

Voice-over artist, writer, violinist, Montclair Story Salon member, reads a lot, and is the podcast sound engineer. Grew up in Long Island. Moved from Brooklyn to NJ. 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

Janette Afsharian

Co-Creator, Co-Host & Visuals

Graphic artist, coder, painter of an excessive amount of straight lines on canvas, and titan of digital design with a few awards. Does the tech and art for the podcast. Grew up in Iran/Texas. Moved from NYC to NJ. 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. 

REVIEWS
M

Reviews!

Five Stars on Apple Podcast! Thank you! 

{
Loved today’s (Yana’s) podcast! So fascinating not only her life but the fiance arm of the industry. Learned lots! Thank you!!!
5
Michelle N.
{

Cousin in Australia: “Hola primo! I’m listening Lost in Jersey Podcast, it’s such a great interview. Very funny as well”

5
Aguirre Family - Cousin
{

“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.

5
Aguirre Family - Sister 3
{

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!

5
Liz
{

Just spent my morning listening to this amazing first episode! So inspiring to spend my morning with three talented, creative, and cool women.

5
Georgette
{

Okay, what do I have to do to be a guest on this? What a great idea!

5
Julie
{

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.

5
Maria
{

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. 😘 👏

5
Elizabeth
{

We need part 2 of Roger’s episode.

5
Steve
{

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.

5
Maria
{

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!

5
Kim
{

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!

5
Roger
{

Nice work on the Zanes’ podcast.

5
William B.
{

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. ”

5
Aguirre Family - Sister 1
{

Thank you for providing the opportunity to listen to mtc candidates. It’s been very helpful and informative about the candidates and their positions (and ability/lack of ability to articulate them)

5
kpny - Spotify
{
Loved today’s (Yana’s) podcast! So fascinating not only her life but the fiance arm of the industry. Learned lots! Thank you!!!
5
Michelle N.
{

Cousin in Australia: “Hola primo! I’m listening Lost in Jersey Podcast, it’s such a great interview. Very funny as well”

5
Aguirre Family - Cousin
{

“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.

5
Aguirre Family - Sister 3
{

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!

5
Liz
{

Just spent my morning listening to this amazing first episode! So inspiring to spend my morning with three talented, creative, and cool women.

5
Georgette
{

Okay, what do I have to do to be a guest on this? What a great idea!

5
Julie
{

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.

5
Maria
{

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. 😘 👏

5
Elizabeth
{

We need part 2 of Roger’s episode.

5
Steve
{

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.

5
Maria
{

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!

5
Kim
{

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!

5
Roger
{

Nice work on the Zanes’ podcast.

5
William B.
{

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. ”

5
Aguirre Family - Sister 1
{

Thank you for providing the opportunity to listen to mtc candidates. It’s been very helpful and informative about the candidates and their positions (and ability/lack of ability to articulate them)

5
kpny - Spotify
CONTACT

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Lost in Jersey LLC  | All Rights Reserved 2024 | Website Design by Bluemarker LLC

Shine Global, Young Filmmakers, And The Power Of Impact Docs
byRachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

At the Montclair Film Festival, Lost in Jersey sat down with Shine Global—the award-winning team behind War/Dance and Inocente—to explore how real stories drive change far beyond the screen. Co-founders Susan MacLaury and Albie Hecht trace their journey from a family trip to a war zone that inspired War/Dance to an Oscar win for Inocente and a mission to put children’s voices at the center of storytelling.

We unpack two decades of hard-earned lessons: how The Wrong Light unraveled a “rescue” narrative into a deeper truth, why The Harvest brought child labor realities to Congress, and how the team’s newest work investigates the troubled teen industry’s hidden abuses with The Business of Trouble. Along the way, we meet this year’s Resilience Award winners—young filmmakers whose short In Case You Forgot proves that creativity, even music created on a kid’s DJ toy, can carry real emotional power.

If you care about documentary ethics, storytelling as advocacy, and how art moves policy, this live conversation maps both the playbook and the pitfalls of making stories that matter.

Thank you to Montclair Film Festival for having us!

Follow us:   Website  |   Apple  |   Spotify |   Audible  |   Youtube  |    Youtube  |  Instagram  |   Facebook  |   Tiktok

Shine Global, Young Filmmakers, And The Power Of Impact Docs
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Shine Global, Young Filmmakers, And The Power Of Impact Docs
November 4, 2025
Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian
Episode play icon
Christian McBride’s Road to Jersey
October 28, 2025
Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian
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