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The Heart of Jersey Pride. A podcast about the people and places that shape New Jersey! Powered by the New Jersey Lottery. Hosted by Mike Ham
231 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, we welcome acclaimed author and cultural critic Peter Ames Carlin, who joins us to discuss his latest book Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run. Carlin takes us deep into the pivotal 20 months leading up to the release of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary third album, Born to Run. At that time, Springsteen was at a career crossroads — beloved by critics but struggling commercially, with Columbia Records questioning his...
Send us a text We visit Steve Bauer, owner of Ghost Hawk Brewing Company in Clifton, NJ. Mike and Steve try several beers while learning about Steve's background, difficulties he has faced in life, and how he's overcome those. We also learn the meaning behind the name "Ghost Hawk" which is more than just a cool name, it has significant meaning to Steve and his story makes you appreciate it even more. Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.: 321 River Rd #6, Clifton, NJ @ghosthawkbrewingco www.ghosthawk...
Send us a text In this episode, join entrepreneur and oyster farmer Matt Matusky as he shares his fascinating journey into oyster farming with Love Oysters. Recorded at Captain Mike's Marina in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, located in the Great Bay, one of the Northeast's largest preserved wetlands, Matt discusses his transition from marine biology to oyster farming right out of college. Discover the unique challenges and learning curve of oyster farming, as Matt sheds light on the impact of...
Send us a text We head to Freehold, NJ, to visit the headquarters of New Jersey Youth Soccer for a conversation about Every Kick Counts—a unique FootGolf fundraiser supporting Top Soccer programs for athletes with disabilities. First, NJYS CEO Evan Dabby and Vinny Nasuda, President of Toms River FC, share how Top Soccer provides free, community-based soccer opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, supported by passionate volunteers and partners like RWJ Barnabas Health. Vinny deta...
Send us a text This week on Greetings from the Garden State, powered by the New Jersey Lottery, we’re at the New York Red Bulls training facility in East Hanover talking with two Jersey-born standouts — Daniel Edelman (Warren) and Peter Stroud (Chester). We dive into: ⚽ Their early days growing up in New Jersey soccer culture — from local fields to PDA to the Red Bulls Academy 🏆 What it’s like to play professionally for your hometown team with friends and family in the stands &nbs...
Send us a text In this inspiring episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham welcomes Eric LeGrand at LeGrand Coffee House in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Eric shares his remarkable journey, having overcome a paralyzing injury sustained during a college football game. The episode unfolds with warm greetings and highlights LeGrand Coffee House's commitment to quality coffee that aligns with Eric's high standards. The conversation explores Eric's upbringing in Woodbridge, his passion...
Send us a text This week’s episode brings you straight to the sand as Greetings From the Garden State hit the beach for a special live broadcast from the 17th Annual Jetty Coquina Jam in Brant Beach on Long Beach Island! 🌊☀️ Hosted by Mike Ham as part of the Radio Garden State Roadshow, this episode features highlights and interviews from a six-hour beachside broadcast celebrating community, surfing, and some seriously good causes. The Coquina Jam, a female surf competition and fundraiser, be...
Send us a text Mike Ham sits down with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy inside the Choose New Jersey offices to talk about all things Garden State. From his international economic missions to bring jobs to NJ, to his deep love for Monmouth County, to the growing impact of the film and soccer industries in New Jersey — this conversation touches on the past, present, and future of one of the most iconic states in the U.S. Governor Murphy shares his thoughts on: Why New Jersey is a global destina...
Send us a text Live from the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ — it’s the Radio Garden State Roadshow! On this special episode of Greetings From the Garden State, Mike Ham and Chris Vaglio broadcast for three hours from one of New Jersey’s most unique beer festivals: Brew at the Zoo. With 2,400 tickets sold out and dozens of local breweries pouring everything from hazy IPAs to dry ciders, this episode brings the full Jersey flavor to your ears. 💬 In this episode: Mike and Chris talk live mus...
Send us a text Mike Ham brings the noise from the 10th annual Jetty Rock Foundation Hop Sauce Festival in Beach Haven, NJ! Broadcasting live from the Taylor Avenue waterfront, this episode captures the essence of one of the most beloved summer events at the Jersey Shore. With over 50 craft beers, a spicy selection of hot sauces, and vendors bringing the heat, Hop Sauce is where food, music, and community collide. Mike kicks things off solo while waiting on co-host Danny Coleman, who’s battlin...
Send us a text In this milestone 180th episode of Greetings From the Garden State, host Mike Ham takes you deep into one of New Jersey’s most fascinating hidden gems: the South Side of Ellis Island. Joined by Jim Dessicino, Director at Save Ellis Island, they explore the forgotten history, powerful stories, and untold legacy of this rarely seen side of one of America's most iconic landmarks. While most people associate Ellis Island with New York and the famed Immigration Museum, Jim breaks do...
Send us a text In this jam-packed episode, Mike sits down with Savvy Seats founder Tommy Gucciardo at Radio Garden State HQ to dive into the chaos, strategy, and heart behind one of the area's most ambitious ticketing and event brands. From running massive tailgate activations outside MetLife to redefining customer service in the secondary ticket market, Tommy keeps it real about what it takes to build a brand that’s about more than just selling seats. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: How Savvy Seats go...
Send us a text This week, host Mike Ham heads to the stunning Park Château Estates & Gardens in East Brunswick to sit down with three legends of New Jersey hospitality — Barry Maurillo, Joe Maurillo, and Vito Cucci. These lifelong friends and business partners are the visionary team behind three of the state’s most celebrated event venues: Nanina’s in the Park, The Park Savoy Estate, and Park Château. In this warm, wide-ranging, and often hilarious episode, the guys dive into: The story b...
Send us a text In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, Mike heads to Whippany to sit down with Yael Averbuch West, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations at NJ/NY Gotham FC. A proud Montclair native and former U.S. Women’s National Team player, Yael shares her journey from Jersey youth soccer fields to global tournaments—and now to the front office of one of the most ambitious clubs in women’s soccer. They dive into the unique soccer culture of New Jersey, what it takes to ...
Send us a text In this episode, we step behind the curtain at Sushi by Sea, a private omakase dinner experience hidden in plain sight in Ridgefield, NJ. Mike sits down with co-founder Jay Powles to talk about how a global business consultant from South Africa partnered with a master sushi chef to build one of New Jersey’s most exclusive and community-driven dining spots. Jay shares the journey from underground pop-ups during the pandemic to earning a coveted spot on USA Today's Top 24 Restaur...
Send us a text In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, host Mike Ham sits down with Matthew Chappina, chef and founder of Perla Oyster Bar in Maplewood, New Jersey. What began as a mobile oyster truck has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most talked-about new restaurants, known for its raw bar, creative small plates, and vibrant atmosphere. Matthew shares the story of how Perla grew from backyard oyster parties to a thriving food truck and eventually to a full-service restaurant. ...
Send us a text On this episode of Greetings From the Garden State, powered by the New Jersey Lottery, Mike Ham heads to Angry Papa Entertainment in Wallington, NJ to sit down with the powerhouse rock band Reality Suite — Kimmii Heart, Brian King, Joe Padula, and Jeff Luke. They dive into the band's Jersey roots, their evolution over the past decade, and how their sound has grown through lineup changes and shared influences. From their early days jamming in 2008 to headlining venues and openin...
Send us a text On this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, I sit down with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for an honest, wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from her time in the Navy to her decision to run for governor of New Jersey. What We Cover: Finding Her Way to Jersey Mikie shares how she settled in Montclair over 15 years ago, what makes New Jersey feel like home, and why she’s embraced the state’s energy, community, and—yes—its volume.A Life of Service From her ea...
Send us a text We’re back in Atlantic City for one of the most electric events of the year—the Million Dollar Replay at the Golden Nugget, hosted by the New Jersey Lottery. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a day full of second chances, big energy, and even bigger prize money. We kick things off with a breakdown of how Million Dollar Replay works, what’s up for grabs, and how even non-winning tickets can still pay off in a big way. We also talk about some upcoming events and up...
Send us a text In this week’s episode of Greetings From the Garden State, host Mike Ham is joined by the full lineup of Hickory, a rising New Jersey folk-rock band that’s quickly carving out a name for themselves across the state and beyond. What started as a few friends trading GarageBand tracks during downtime has grown into a six-piece powerhouse fueled by years of shared history, tight musicianship, and a deep love for original music. The group dives into how Hickory came together after y...
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