We sit down with John Cozz, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Cozz Coffee. John, a native of Nutley, New Jersey, shares his fascinating journey from his roots in Essex County to becoming a prominent figure in the local coffee scene. He delves into his early life, influenced by the vibrant culture of his hometown, and his initial foray into architecture at NJIT, which he eventually left to pursue his true passion—coffee.

John recounts his experiences working various coffee jobs during college, which ignited his interest in coffee roasting. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic provided the perfect opportunity to launch his own coffee business, starting with an online mail-to-order service featuring unique artwork from local artists on the coffee bags. This creative branding approach, inspired by his love for skateboarding and its artistic culture, set Cozz Coffee apart in a crowded market.

The conversation also explores John's musical journey, from his early days playing guitar influenced by punk rock to his current endeavors in the local music scene. He discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing his multiple passions, including skateboarding, which has taken him on explorative adventures across New Jersey.

John shares insights into the evolution of Cozz Coffee, from its humble beginnings to the addition of a mobile espresso cart and eventually a coffee truck, which now serves customers at various events and farmers markets. He highlights some of his unique coffee creations, such as birch beer espresso and hot honey lemonade espresso, which reflect his innovative approach to the coffee business.

Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the importance of community and creativity in his work, drawing inspiration from his family and friends. He also hints at future projects, including the potential for ready-to-drink coffee cans and expanding his brand's presence.

Listeners will enjoy John's candid storytelling and the inspiring tale of how he turned his diverse interests into a successful and multifaceted career. Tune in to discover more about John Cozz's journey, his creative process, and his vision for the future of Cozz Coffee.

@john.cozz
@cozzcoffee

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
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We welcome musicians Natalie Farrell and Lou Panico for an engaging conversation about their musical journeys and experiences in the New Jersey music scene. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter about the New Jersey Lottery, setting a relaxed and friendly tone.

Natalie and Lou share their backgrounds, with Natalie recounting her move from Brooklyn to New Jersey and her early passion for music and dance. Lou talks about his upbringing in a music-loving family and his early experiences with choir and theater. The duo discusses their serendipitous meeting and how they eventually formed a band, with Lou joining as the bassist and later becoming Natalie's husband.

The conversation delves into their memorable performances, including opening Jersey Fest and playing at iconic venues like the Stone Pony. Natalie reflects on the evolution of their music, from bluesy improvisations to the pop-influenced tracks on their latest EP, "Mantra." They emphasize the importance of live performances and the unique energy they bring to their shows.

Looking ahead, Natalie and Lou express their aspirations for the future, including touring and creating new music that blends various genres. They also highlight the supportive and collaborative nature of the Asbury Park music scene, which has played a significant role in their growth as artists.

Throughout the episode, the camaraderie between Mike, Natalie, and Lou is evident, making for an entertaining and insightful listen. The episode wraps up with a shout-out to their fans and a look at what's next for Natalie Farrell and her band.

nataliee_farrell
loupanico

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
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Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com

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In this special episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham is joined by Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, Co-Host City Managers of the New York New Jersey 2026 World Cup Host Committee, at MetLife Stadium. They discuss the excitement and extensive planning involved in hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™, including youth soccer initiatives and large-scale fan festivals. The episode also features insights from Steve Sansonese, VP of Operations at MetLife Stadium, on the logistical preparations for the event. Finally, Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, talks about the community and business impact, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and readiness for the influx of visitors.


Youth Soccer Camp and Community Engagement

Youth Soccer Day and Community Engagement

- Discussion about the NYNJ youth soccer day happening at MetLife Stadium.

- Lauren LaRusso explains the initiative by the New York New Jersey 2026 World Cup Host Committee to engage the community, partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, New Jersey Youth Soccer, and local YMCAs across NYC and NJ.

Host Committee and Organizational Efforts

- Bruce Revman elaborates on the formation and responsibilities of the host organizing committee.

- The committee handles logistics such as transportation, security, marketing, and community events.

- Emphasis on the strong working relationship between New Jersey and New York, which was crucial in securing the World Cup final.

New York and New Jersey Collaboration

- The collaboration between New York and New Jersey is highlighted as a key factor in winning the bid for the World Cup final.

- The unified effort involved various sectors including marketing, media, tourism, business, and security.

World Cup 2026: Scale and Impact

- Lauren LaRusso discusses the magnitude of the 2026 World Cup, which will be the largest event ever, with 48 countries participating and 104 matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.

- The event is expected to draw 3 billion viewers globally.

Community and Economic Impact

- The importance of engaging local communities and businesses in the lead-up to the World Cup.

- Plans for large-scale fan festivals in New York and New Jersey to create a World Cup atmosphere beyond the stadium.

MetLife Stadium Preparations

- Steve Sansonese talks about the extensive preparations at MetLife Stadium, including expanding the pitch to meet FIFA requirements.

- The stadium will undergo significant modifications to accommodate the World Cup, including seating adjustments and infrastructure enhancements.

Operational Challenges and Solutions

- Managing construction projects while maintaining regular events at the stadium.

- Collaboration with other stadiums and international consultants to ensure compliance with FIFA standards.

Visitor Experience Enhancements

- Efforts to ensure a top-notch experience for visitors during the World Cup.

- Special hospitality and brand activation areas will be set up to enhance the fan experience.

Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce Initiatives

- Jim Kirkos discusses the role of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce in supporting local businesses and communities.

- The chamber is actively preparing businesses to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the World Cup.

nynjfwc26.com

meadowlands.org

metlifestadium.com

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
New Jersey Lottery: njlottery.com

Make Cool Sh*t: makecoolshit.co

Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com

Mayo Performing Arts Ce

Support the Show.