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Governor Phil Murphy Reflects on Leadership, Legacy, and What’s Next

Facts to Fiction: Neal Lipschutz Writes a Killer Debut

Michael Uslan: From New Jersey to Hollywood

Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University

Laurie Woolever Author of Care and Feeding

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

What do Inclusivity, New Jersey, and Iron Maiden Have in Common? Andrew Lacey!

The ACLU’s Role in Safeguarding Civil Liberties

Carla Gutiérrez, the Director of “FRIDA”

The Wellmont Theater

Director Julie Cohen’s Road to Film & The Path Forward

Jennifer Tripucka

Montclair’s History with Angelica Diggs

Warren Zanes

Yana Collins Lehman

Jonathan Koppell

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

Peter Yacobellis

Joe Colangelo

Dionne Ford

Wendy Lacey

No results found.

Just Spent My Morning Listeing!

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

a

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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.

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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

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

The Camera Became My Bridge Back to Society

byRachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

The surprising power of a camera to tell stories and to connect you and us to the community. We sit down with Montclair photographer Armando ”Out There” Diaz to discuss his recent proclamation award from Mayor Renee Baskerville and his journey as a community documentarian. Through his powerful photography, Armando captures the essence of Montclair's Fourth Ward and diverse communities that are often overlooked.

• Armando shares how photography became his path back to social connection after struggling with mental health issues and isolation
• Using his camera to observe and gradually reconnect with his community
• Transitioning from graphic design and music production to photography
• Creating art exhibits that intentionally bring together diverse people and energies
• Focusing on documenting musicians, community events, and everyday life in Montclair

Visit Armando's current photography exhibit, which is running until the end of the month!

Armando ”Out There” Diaz Instagram

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

The Camera Became My Bridge Back to Society

Episode play icon

The Camera Became My Bridge Back to Society

May 20, 2025

Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

Episode play icon

The Devil and Murder Ballads – It’s Jersey Baby

May 13, 2025

Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

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