Step back in time with us as we uncover the fascinating history of Montclair, New Jersey, through the expertise of Angelica Diggs, the executive director of the Montclair History Center. Our engaging conversation with Angelica unravels the township's journey from its early colonial days to its present-day diversity. You'll be captivated by tales of local landmarks, including the cemeteries on Church Street and the unique distinctions between Upper and Lower Montclair. Discover how the town’s early settlers and subsequent waves of migration have woven a rich and diverse cultural tapestry.

Explore the dramatic and often poignant moments that have shaped Montclair, including the chilling tales of untimely deaths at the Park Street home, and the resilient stories of African American families during the Great Migration. Angelica also shares the intriguing histories of key figures like Israel Crane and James Howe, whose contributions left lasting imprints on the community. We delve into the architectural landmarks that give Montclair its distinctive character and trace the roots of Upper Montclair's two zip codes to its early colonial origins.

Our discussion wouldn't be complete without addressing Montclair's more challenging past, such as the impact of 1930s redlining practices and the town’s ongoing fight against segregation through its magnet school system. Angelica highlights the vital preservation efforts undertaken by the Friends of the Howe House and other local historical organizations to ensure the stories of Montclair's past are remembered and celebrated. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through history with someone who brings passion and profound insight into every story. Don’t forget to follow the Montclair History Center’s YouTube channel for even more historical gems!

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We both agree Robert Downy Jr. jumped the shark in The Sympathizer. Learn why in this month's edition of what to watch and read.

TV Show and Movie Reviews

• The Sympathizer loved the book but had mixed feelings about the show, particularly Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles.
• Unfrosted Think Spaceballs so bad it's good. A light-hearted, self-aware movie about Pop-Tarts, recommended for a fun family watch.
• Hitman An enjoyable, light watch directed by Richard Linklater.
• Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial Highly recommend. A very compelling documentary on Netflix about the Nuremberg trials, using historical footage and reenactments.
• Billy and Molly Loved it. A heartwarming National Geographic documentary about a homeless otter in Scotland.
• Hacks (Season 3) Starts slow but the new season continues to deliver.
• Ren Faire A new HBO show about a Renaissance festival in Texas, described as "nuts" and compared to Succession. Has more Twitter(X) hype than it deserves.

Book Recommendations

• Funny Stories by Emily Henry - A light, entertaining rom-com about a woman whose perfect boyfriend leaves her before their wedding.
• A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages by Anthony Bale - An engaging listen about medieval travel, covering various regions like India, Persia, and Constantinople.
• Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera - A fascinating but downbeat book about the British Empire, narrated by someone with an upper-crust British accent.
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - Historical fiction based on the diaries of a real midwife, Martha Ballard, set in 1789 Maine. The story involves a murder investigation and a rape trial.

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Join us today for quizzes and laughs. We took the New York Times, "Butterfly or Firefly: What's Your Friendship Style?" quiz and live to tell about it. We also took a look at the comments section and were shocked at the intensity of the feedback!

Why do humans love taking tests to tell them about themselves? Partly because......it's fun!

Our conversation also gets serious for a bit when we turn to the impact of social media on emotional intelligence, the evolving social interactions of younger generations, and the importance of critical thinking in a world dominated by loud voices.

We encourage our listeners to take some quizzes adding a touch of non-toxic Cosmo-style fun to their lives.

QUIZZES
What type of best friend are you?
Brooklyn 99 Personality Quiz
Emotional Intelligence Quiz
How Strong are Your Relationships?
What Color Represents Your Personality?

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