Maplewood, NJ 07040
EPISODE 20 - Nubia Duvall Wilson, Published Author
Nubia and I discuss surviving sexual abuse and therapeutic experiences
December 16, 2018
📚We had a soulful conversation about her book, the Survivor’s Club.
🤝Nubia shared her experience as a survivor of abuse and her work to help other survivors get the support they need.
💛This is the perfect book for a “Book Club for Busy People” - it’s a short read that will lead to a big conversation.
This episode is fully an immersion into the interview with Nubia. She is candid about her experiences and all of the emotions that she felt and still feels when there is a triggering event, like the Supreme Court Justice nomination a couple of months ago. Our focus moved to mental health, having compassion for oneself and others, and coping with the strong emotions that come long after the trauma is over. We both hope that this podcast helps you understand, start a conversation, or gives you hope that you can survive and thrive after trauma.
$5.00 from each book sold goes to charity:
The NY Center For Children
Stop Child Predators
Thank you for your continued support of SIP in SOMA!
👉SUBSCRIBE to the podcast where ever you listen to your favorite shows!
The studio is up and I am producing live shows, events, and recording the podcast at the SOMA General Store Holiday Pop-Up Shop located at 14 South Orange Avenue in South Orange, NJ.
Reading the Survivor’s Club was a treat - talking to Nubia all about it - even better.
EPISODE 19 - LULU FRENCH OF ROCKET IMPROV
Yes... and... Talking improvisation with Lulu!
December 1, 2018
🎭 Lulu and I talk about improv - her life experience, the benefits of Improv, and how much she enjoys teaching people of all ages and levels.
⭐️ There of lots of events going on for you, date night or for your family!
🧣Come shop and then check out a Rocket Improve teen troupe perform improv tonight from 8pm - 9pm. It will be fun and interactive!
💛Lulu and I knew each other in the community before I ever got to see her on stage in a Chuckle Patch show this year. We connected as parents of children on the autism spectrum, meeting up to share our experiences and give each other support. It was awesome to see Lulu perform and get to know her in a whole new way. I even got to play an improv game!
Check Lulu out on the web: https://www.rocketimprovcomedy.com/
Or check in with her on Facebook and Instagram @RocketImprov
🎤The studio is up and I am producing live shows, events, and recording the podcast at the SOMA General Store Holiday Pop-Up Shop located at 14 South Orange Avenue in South Orange, NJ.
👉SUBSCRIBE to the podcast where ever you listen to your favorite shows!
Hanging out with Lulu at the SOMA General Store! Rocket Improv events at the store were amazing!
EPISODE 18 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME & TAKE THE CAKE
Donate to TAKE THE CAKE for my birthday!
🎂Happy Birthday to me!
💛Take the Cake Birthday Fundraiser and Interview Replay
🛍Let’s celebrate being a wonderful community this year! Have some local fun!
It’s a pleasure to replay an amazing interview with Janine and Laura, the amazing women behind the Take the Cake non-profit organization bringing birthday parties to children who might not be able to have a birthday party.
We are still constructing the studio for SIP in SOMA and getting ready for our big reveal on Black Friday! Thank you for your support and your patience!
Getting a haircut at one of my favorite Springfield Avenue establishments, Fringe!
EPISODE 17 - SOMA GENERAL STORE POP-UP and MEND NJ REPLAY
Exciting Pop-Up Shop News
🌟Holiday POP-Up Shop Prep
💛MEND NJ Reprise
🚗Electric Cars and Coffee and Jeopardy at South Next 2018!
I am really thrilled to bring you a great episode and repeat an awesome interview with Robin Peacock from MEND NJ. Check out the website for more info: https://mendnj.org/
I will be doing some construction on the podcast during the next two weeks! Stay tuned for updates and announcements!
In front of the awesome MEND NJ Green Bean Bus!
EPISODE 15 - Order Grabbers
Hyper-Local Restaurant Delivery Service that aims to support local biz & educate college students.
Episode 15 is here!
🍟NEW food delivery service - OrderGrabbers
💛Confronting fear
🍎Fall fun!
This week I share an interview with Aman Wilkerson, the founder and owner of OrderGrabbers. Aman shares his new business venture that supports local restaurants and his vision to support and grow young leaders at Seton Hall. Our conversation taught me so much about the restaurant delivery service business that I never knew!
📓 Aman wants to help young people by giving them the responsibilities that go beyond classroom “projects” and help students become entrepreneurs or secure jobs after having real-world experience. I 💛 to brainstorm about growing future leaders! Follow @ordergrabbers on Instagram and check out their website: www.Ordergrabbers.com
⬇️Download the OrderGrabbers app through the App Store for Apple or Get it on Google Play.
💡I had a big “aha moment” this week after the police investigation in our town. Fear is painful in my body, but it’s also here to remind me to LIVE my life and my purpose. And it helped me talk to my kids about fear - it can teach us to live more thoughtfully and carefully when we go out, but we still have to live our lives. My thoughts are with the victim as she heals, her family, friends and neighbors as they try to make sense of this and support her. Sending you all good energy to process this news and, to all of you struggling, please talk to friends, family or a professional to get some support.
Mentions in the show:
BGR - www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com
Falafel-ly Yours - www.falafellyyours.com
Dancing Blender - www.thedancingblender.com
Work and Play - www.workandplaynj.com
Sadie’s - www.shopsadies.com
Take the Cake - www.take-the-cake.org
Wild Ginger - www.wildgingernj.com
Sabatino’s - @sabatinospizzagram on Instagram
DataDreamers - www.datadreamers.com
Insight Timer - Meditation app with over 10,000 free meditations follow @insighttimer on instagram
Chatting with OrderGrabbers Founder, Aman Wilkerson, to discuss his new restaurant delivery service.
EPISODE 12 - The Community Coalition on Race
Integration is key and a continuous work in progress
September 20, 2018
Let’s talk about race! A New Episode of SIP in SOMA:
⭐️I spoke with leaders of the Community Coalition on Race in South Orange and Maplewood.
📓Getting involved in the School Board Election
✨Upcoming events - education, culture and music - SOMA has it all!
This week’s conversation:
I chatted with Executive Director Nancy Gagnier and Program Director Audrey Rowe about the Community Coalition on Race. Our conversation was expansive - telling me about the history of the organization, the mission, and the action-oriented ways that the coalition drive the mission.
Listen to our discussion where you listen to your favorite podcasts.
CALL TO ACTION:
DONATE - resources help the Coalition on Race do important advocacy, education, and relationship-building!
VOLUNTEER - events occur regularly and your gifts and talents are warmly welcome!
BE PRESENT - attend the events and then discuss with your friends. Let’s make sure we all know the goals and become advocates of integration in our Two Towns.
For more details, check out www.
http://www.twotowns.org/ and @communitycoalitiononrace on FB and Instagram to learn more!
💙Get involved in the local elections - the School Board Election is upon us and it’s a hot topic!
ATTEND a debate
ENGAGE in dialogue to learn about candidates!
LISTEN to my podcast because...
I invited the school board candidates to meet up with me and have a conversation about the state of the district. I have THREE interviews lined up so far and TWO promises to make appointments. It’s my goal to have ALL candidates come to meet with me and have a chat.
I am dropping ALL INTERVIEWS at one time and all candidates have been given the same questions.
SOMA Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, September 22nd - We Rise, We Resist, We Raise our Voices Book Signing at Words Bookstore at 4pm in Maplewood.
- Tuesday, September 25th - Special Education PTO meeting at 7:30 in the District meeting room at 525 Academy Street in Maplewood.
- Tuesday, September 25th - Community Coalition on Race hosts a Coffee House Discussion entitled Race and the Latinx Community at 7:30 pm in the Woodland Parlor, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
- Tuesday, October 2nd - Community Coalition on Race brings speakers Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Professor Elise Boddie together to discuss school integration. Check the website for details.
Thank you for listening and engaging!
❤️💙💛SHOUT OUT: Thank you to those of you who inspired me to start doing more video and keep on sharing. Some days/weeks/months we need to hear it more than others. Launching a podcast feels like a huge vulnerable undertaking - I am okay with receiving love, kindness and encouragement! - #learningandgrowing
Executive Director, Nancy Gagnier and Program Director, Audrey Rowe interviewed by SIP in SOMA.
EPISODE 11 - ACHIEVE FOUNDATION, Newstead 5K
The Achieve Foundation fundraising for South Orange Maplewood Students!
September 13, 2018
It’s September and I am starting to wear sweaters and enjoy my morning runs again - this Saturday marks the return of my favorite run of the year - the Newstead 5K. It’s a great event that raises money to support the Achieve Foundation and their mission to provide access and equity for all students in our district. I interviewed Monique Lurie and Mutlu Bascillar, the co-chairs of the Newstead 5K race and we discussed the amazing work being done, the events and fundraising efforts of the foundation - check out https://achievefoundation.org to register for the race and @AchieveFoundation on FB and Instagram to learn more!
💙BE KIND without expectation.
What would the world be like if we made one new conscious choice each day to CHOOSE KINDNESS? I think it would be the most beautiful domino effect the world has ever seen. When you are kind it’s a win-win-win - you feel good, the person you are kind to feels good and, if others are present, the people witnessing your kindness feel good. AND THEY PASS IT ON! How cool is that... so here is my call to action:
BE KIND, without expectation - give that gift of your kindness without expecting anything in return. OOOOH how good does that feel? Tell me all about your experience!
MORE SOMA EVENTS!
In Maplewood:
- The Robert J. Miller Oysterfest is on Saturday, Sept 15th from 1pm - 9pm at The Woodland in Maplewood! Let’s #shuckcancer with friends. The Oysterfest celebrates the life of Bob Miller and raises Melanoma awareness. After having skin cancer this year, I am all the more aware of the importance of screenings - you can get screened at this event from 1-5pm by a dermatologist. And there is a lot more fun to be had - shucking oysters, face painting for kids, music and friends to connect with - get tickets and join me!
- Shout out to local businesses, Keller Williams Midtown Direct and St. James Gate for being platinum sponsors.
- South Orange Play Day - Come out and play in South Orange on Sunday, September 16th! There are 10 PLAY AREAS, I cannot wait to check out the Ninja Warrior challenge, inflatables for ALL AGES, and do some hula hooping to the music - it’s a party in the streets!
- Shout out to local businesses - Stop and Shop, Natalie Farrell, Tap into SOMA, Jeff Lake Camp, Sparkhouse Toys, South Orange Country Day School, The Y and Overlook Medical Center for sponsoring the play areas.
Honorable mentions:
Meadowlands Park in South Orange
Jackie and Son
Maplewood Memorial Park
Runners of all ages at the Newstead 5K race to support the Achieve Foundation students in SOMSD.
EPISODE 10 - KARI’S KITS
Kari’s Kits is just the beginning...
September 6, 2018
Back to school! Back to school!
And this week’s episode is full of education for entrepreneaurs - it’s a fun-filled episode with Kari Capone, of Kari’s Kits, Simple Gorgeous Knitting. Kari and I talked about her love of knitting and the kits that she loving makes and sells. She has recently gathered a group of knitters in a community, Knitters Unwind, to discus their lives and their craft - Kari opened up and shared how knitting saved her life - really. And I learned all about her kickstarter campaign to help knitters organize their patterns and all of their knitting paraphenalia.
What made this interview SO SPECIAL was the discussion on drift and how if we let our inner critic have it’s way, we can easily fall into traps that prevent us from following our dreams. It was a pleasure and privilege to chat with Kari and talk about different ways to keep our fingers on the pulse of our dreams!
Check Kari out at:
Website: https://www.kariskits.com/
Facebook: Kari’s Kits
IG: @kariskits
⭐️Check out some great events coming soon:
- RENT PARTY PICNIC on Saturday, Sept 8th - fun for a good cause. The proceeds from live concerts help fight hunger problems in our community. The non-profit also created the Backpack Pals program that provides backpacks full of food for the weekend to kids in our schools who are in need.
- NEWSTEAD 5K on Saturday September 15th - run to support the Achieve Foundation. The non-profit does amazing work in our community supporting tutoring programs, providing grants to teachers for classroom materials, and supporting professional development of district employees. And those are just the tip of the iceberg! Check out their website to learn more.
ENJOY THE SHOW!
Honorable mentions:
Marie Forleo
Life Hack Bootcamp
GRIT by Angela Duckworth
Kitchen Ala Mode
Able Baker
Great interview with Kari Kapone of Kari’s Kits!
EPISODE 8 - JANE LEE HOOKER
Jane Lee Hooker
August 25, 2018
Loved going back to the archives to pull out some Maplewoodstock interviews. It’s funny that I am calling interviews from two months ago “my archives” but I feel like time is passing with so much content, it’s as if July 2018 happened about two years ago!
This interview with Jane Lee Hooker was beautiful. We shared similar thoughts about young people, being a mentor, and how to support our young musician friends and artists by giving them love andbeing role models by having a lot of fun!
Website: https://www.janeleehooker.com/
Facebook: Jane Lee Hooker
IG: @janeleehooker
⭐️Check out some great events coming soon:
PORCHFEST is coming!
ENJOY THE SHOW!
Backstage Pass for Maplewoodstock and GIDDINESS at being able to interview Jane Lee Hooker!
EPISODE 7 - MARRY THE SEA
Marry the Sea
August 17, 2018
This week was tough. I am in the midst of some major personal transitional life changes and I have launched this BABY podcast in the mix of it all. Because it’s my dream. Because it’s my passion. Because it breathes life into me.
BUT - it was a hard week. And so I am late dropping this podcast, but I am not feeling any shame. Self-doubt gets in the way and due to my constant meditation practice, therapy, and my ability to TUNE into my depressive thoughts, I am moving through it and made time to get the podcast out. Which feels amazing.
So, depression gets it’s own part of the show notes because I talk about it in the show! I hope that my story can help someone else know they are not alone.
Behind the scenes at Maplewoodstock yielded another fantastic opportunity to interview an incredible local band - Marry the Sea. Rebecca and Kat chatted with me after their set. Ryan Bhandari asked amazing questions - you can bet that he will be on the show again soon!
Website: https://www.marrythesea.com/music
Facebook: Marry the Sea
IG: @Marry_The_Sea_Music
⭐️Check out some great events this weekend:
🏃🏽♀️Run, donate, support
Check out 10 Days of 10Ks hosted by Able Baker and the Will Run for Coffee running group. They partnered to host this running challenge to support MEND NJ - the non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to 17 food pantries in Essex County - including two in Maplewood and South Orange.
📚The MAPSoWhite Project Forum is hosting a discussion on race and privilege in Maplewood and South Orange - this is an ongoing discussion and the founders will be sharing the whiteboard statements and video interviews they conducted. Come listen and converse on Saturday, August 18th at the Maplewood Memorial Library at 1pm.
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode made possible because of Alan Friedman - www.audiolifer.com - he did the audio editing on the interview and saved my ASS!
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
Ryan Bhandari - my co-host
Able Baker
Will Run for Coffee
MendNJ
MAPSoWhiteProject
Marry the Sea played beautiful music in Maplewood NJ at Maplewoodstock music festival.
EPISODE 5 - TAKE THE CAKE
Take the Cake
August 2, 2018
This year is about finding my purpose and this week, my purpose fornthis podcast was illuminated in a way that brought me to tears. I am so grateful that Laura and Janine, the founders of Take the Cake gave me their thoughts and shared their work in providing birthday parties for kids - from explaining the reasons why a child might not have a party, how they host parties, and how you and I can DONATE and VOLUNTEER to Take the Cake and support Birthday Parties year round!
Website: http://www.take-the-cake.org/
Facebook: Take the Cake
IG: @takethecakenj
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode was sponsored by www.TheCuteCouture.com and Russell Olesh, the composer of our theme music.
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
The Maplewood Ice Cream Parlour
Able Baker (Elizabeth Antoine)
Cedar Ridge Cafe and Bakery
Palmer’s Sweetery
Words Bookstore
Sparkhouse Toys
Toy Division
Paper Hat
Mod Studio
Eagle Rock Lanes (bowling)
Carvel
Cold Stone Creamery
Mark and Julie’s Ice Cream
K Kakes
Sadie’s in South Orange
Cathy Roma
Pam Holland
Take the Cake founders, Janine Kavner Territo & Laura Himmelein, during a bake sale at Sadie’s.
EPISODE 4 - COACH LISA MORGAN
Young Track and Field Stars in the Making...
July 26, 2018
This week I spoke with Coach Lisa Morgan, an all-star coach of talented Olympians and young athletes in our two towns. Her roots to South Orange and Maplewood run deep - she coached track and field at Columbia High School, where she graduated from years ago.
In our show, Coach Morgan shares wisdom about working with young athletes and promotes her Great American Track Camp that she has been running for 11 summers! Not only do the coaches teach the fundamentals of running, but there will also be some special guest runners, including Olympic athletes!
Check out the podcast and hear the warmth and spirit that Coach Morgan brings to running, her joy at providing jobs to young people she has coached, and her joy in being able to give scholarships to those who need them!
Check out her camp:
Coach Morgan’s Great American Track Camp
Aug. 6th - Aug. 10th
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Bell Stadium, Orange, NJ
Website: http://www.greatamericantrackcamp.com/
Facebook: Coach Morgan’s Great American Track Camp
IG: @greatamericantrackcamp
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode was sponsored by www.EveryoneLovesPiano.com and Russell Olesh, the composer of our theme music.
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
Olympic Athlete, Sydney McLaughlin
Collegiate Champion, Olivia Baker
Village Trattoria
Sunny’s Bagels
Flood’s Hill - for running Hills!
Coach Lisa Morgan gives advice to young runners before the 4th of July races.
EPISODE 3 - MEND NJ
Unseen Challenges in our Communities...
July 19, 2018
We don’t always know the challenges people are facing when we see them on social media OR in person. It’s having deep conversations that show us what is beneath the surface and also give us an opportunity to help others. It was a pleasure to speak with Robin Peacock, the Executive Director of MEND NJ. MEND is an acronym standing for”Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity” and is a non-profit that supports 17 interfaith food pantries in Essex County.
Robin shared insight on the “Green Bean”, the donated school bus that has become a beautiful green food shuttle that is being used in a transformative way to alleviate hunger. The bus is outfitted with shelves and coolers and used for “Stuff the Bean” events at supermarkets, schools, and farms! She explained how the organization is ensuring that donations to food pantries are more targeted, how the Green Bean is used as an educational tool, and how YOU CAN VOLUNTEER!
Robin made sure to let us know that there are two food pantries in Maplewood at St. Joseph’s Church and in South Orange at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. These pantries serve our communities, supported by MEND NJ and other non-profit groups and organizations. One active Facebook group in our community is Feed SOMany - they post immediate needs and events to support the pantries.
Website: www.mendnj.org
Facebook: MEND is Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity
IG: @MEND.green.bean
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode was sponsored by www.EveryoneLovesPiano.com and Russell Olesh, the composer of our theme music.
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
Village Coffee - 3/3 interviews!
Fierce Females
Jackie & Son
Cornbread
Falafelly Yours
Four Elbows
Stop and Shop in South Orange
Robin Peacock of MEND NJ and I talk about food pantries, community volunteering, and job changes.
EPISODE 2 - MAPLEWOODSTOCK AND AMISH INTERNET
Maplewoodstock is HERE!
July 12, 2018
MAPLEWOODSTOCK is the mainstay of my summer life - I feel like it anchors me - I am actually fantasizing about seeing my framily, friends, and vendors this coming weekend, July 14th and 15th.
It’s incredibly exciting that I was able to get a VERY LAST-MINUTE interview with an incredible band, Amish Internet! The band was the brainchild of guitarist Hudson Pollock and drummer Lucas Dalvi - after they decided to mend fences from a long-standing feud. Later on, pianist Misha Nicholas and bassist Marley Striem signed on to make amazing music together. Three of the band members (Hudson, Lucas, and Misha) sat down with me mid-rehearsal on Tuesday afternoon - sharing their love of music and explaining their process, what they learn from each other and their musical influences.
To say that the interview was inspiring and eye-opening is an understatement. If you know anything about me it’s this - talking to young people is an ultimate thrill for me - it was really fascinating to hear their advice for parents on support their kids’ musical ambitions or lack thereof and their excitement at playing the ultimate gig in Maplewood - Maplewoodstock!
They also shared the bands and vocalists they are looking forward to hearing at this weekend’s festival giving special shout outs to Mia Gladstone and Autumn Jones!
Amish Internet will be playing at noon on Saturday, July 14th - DON’T MISS IT!
You can find Amish Internet on Instagram @AmishInternet
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode was sponsored by www.EveryoneLovesPiano.com and Russell Olesh, the composer of our theme music. Special thanks to Russell for doing some awesome last-minute editing of this episode!
Special thank to Vanessa Pollack and Charlie Pollack who chatted with me at the pool and let me know that Amish Internet would be playing Maplewoodstock!
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
Able Baker
Village Coffee
Village Trattoria
Tito’s Burritos
Bob Muskus - (Luke’s drumming teacher)
Summer Nights - Amish Internet would like to play this summer - just putting it out there!
School of Rock
Isrelli Disco - (Misha’s other band)
Vanessa Pollack
Charlie Pollack
Amish Internet plays at Maplewoodstock July 14th 2018 at noon!
EPISODE 1 - CHUCKLE PATCH
Chuckling in SOMA, NJ
July 5, 2018
Looking for laughter and fun in your own backyard? Look no further than the Maplewood pool where we all pee together – you can hook up with Abby Sher and Molly Reisner – a creative team of comedians who are producing The Chuckle Patch shows at the Bergdorf Center in Maplewood. They would love to try out some jokes on you or talk you into doing a set at their next show.
I asked the two friends about their partnership, their comedic journeys, and their connection to SOMA. Their last show was produced in partnership with Benny Campa of The Maplewood Artist Collective and featured a plethora of local talent including Lulu French, Kate Nichols, Erin Maguire, and Kim Ritter Kassnove. They also sourced talent from “Maplewood East” aka NYC! We name-dropped so much I lost count of all of the awesome people we worked with in the past, present and future… but listen now and you can hear it all!
I definitely gushed and became an even bigger fangirl of Molly and Abby than I was before… who knows, maybe you will see me on stage with them soon – Abby, I do play the ukulele too… just sayin’!
ENJOY THE SHOW!
This episode was sponsored by www.EveryoneLovesPiano.com and Russell Olesh, the composer of our theme music. Special thanks to Alan Friedman from www.audiolifer.com for the audio editing of this episode.
PS – Honorable Podcast mentions:
Benny Campa and The Maplewood Artist Collective
Kate Nichols
Lulu French
The Maplewood Library
South Orange Library
Cedar Ridge Café and Bakery
Able Baker
Village Coffee
Gary the UPS Guy – hey Gary, would love to know your handle
PROMO
SIP IN SOMA airs this week!
July 1, 2018
Where does Abby Sher like to hang out in town?
Do people say “no” to us in Maplewood and South Orange?
How does Abby feel right before a comedy show?
Listen to the promo for the first episode!
The first full episode drops THURSDAY, JULY 5th!
