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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 build a world-class roster, and how Gotham FC is carving out its own path—separate from the traditional models of women’s teams riding the coattails of men’s clubs. Yael also opens up about the ongoing learning curve of being a GM, the importance of community engagement, and how Gotham FC is growing its reach as both a competitive franchise and cultural movement.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Yael’s upbringing in Montclair and New Jersey’s reputation as a soccer hotbed
• The evolution of her playing career and transition into club leadership
• Building a team with international stars and world-class talent
• How Gotham FC is redefining what it means to be an independent women’s sports brand
• The club’s vision to become a globally recognized name in women’s soccer
• Game day experiences, theme nights, and community initiatives like “Keep Her in the Game”
• Why New Jersey and the NYC metro area offer something for everyone
• How fans, from casual supporters to die-hards, help shape Gotham FC’s future

Resources & Links:
🎟 Tickets, newsletter sign-up, and more: GothamFC.com
📱 Follow Gotham FC on Instagram and Twitter: @GothamFC

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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 Powell 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 Restaurants list. They dive into the restaurant's secretive (but not-so-secret-anymore) location, how Chef Chris commands a 14-seat sushi counter with precision and personality, and why dry-aged fish and direct sourcing from Japanese auctions make Sushi by Sea truly stand out.

More than just a meal, Sushi by Sea is about connection, energy, and community — offering guests a chance to arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Jay and Mike also discuss the power of partnerships, building a brand without traditional marketing, and what’s next for this growing culinary concept.

Highlights Include:

• The origins of Sushi by Sea during the COVID pandemic
• Why you can’t just “make a reservation” — and how to really get in
• Jay’s transition from nightlife and finance to high-end hospitality
• Chef Chris’s global background and mastery at the counter
• The art of dry-aging fish (and why it’s not just for steak)
• Creating community through collaboration — even dessert is a local partnership
• What makes true omakase different — and how Sushi by Sea keeps it real
• Hints at expansion, new concepts, and a request for liquor license leads
• The custom password for Greetings listeners to skip the waitlist

🎟 Exclusive Listener Password: MikeHam — use this when registering at sushibysea.com to bypass the waitlist and book your experience.

Follow Sushi by Sea:
📷 Instagram: @sushibysea
🌐 Website: sushibysea.com

Presented by:
🎭 Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) — visit mayoarts.org for world-class entertainment in Morristown, NJ.

New Jersey Lottery - Anything Can Happen in Jersey!

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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. He discusses the challenges of launching a business during the pandemic, the creative influences behind the menu, and why hospitality and community are at the heart of Perla’s success.

Key topics covered:

• The revitalization of Maplewood’s dining scene
• How Matthew’s background in theater and creative writing shapes his culinary approach
• The transition from food truck to restaurant
• Lessons in adaptability, creativity, and small business growth
• The importance of hospitality and creating memorable customer experiences
• Future plans for Perla, including outdoor seating and private events

Perla Oyster Bar has quickly become a standout destination in Maplewood for oysters, tapas-style dishes, and a unique, communal dining experience.

For more about Perla Oyster Bar, visit eatperla.com or follow on Instagram at @eatperla.

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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 opening for major acts like Nickelback, the Reality Suite journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and relentless creativity.

The band also shares the story behind their name (hint: it involves a Howard Stern episode and a crumpled napkin) and reveals what drives them to keep making music. Plus, they give a sneak peek at their brand new single, "These Fears," dropping the same day this episode airs!

And of course, they're gearing up to bring the loudest set of the night at Jersey Fest on May 17 at White Eagle Hall.

• How Reality Suite formed and found their identity
• Blending classic rock roots with modern influences
• Joining the band and putting a personal stamp on the sound
• Their defining moments of success (pre- and post-pandemic)
• Collaborating on a track for WWE Superstar Liv Morgan
• The importance of evolving without losing authenticity
• New single "These Fears" release announcement
• What fans can expect at Jersey Fest 2024

🎸 "We call our writing a metamorphosis — everyone puts their touch on it and it transforms into something totally Reality Suite-ified." – Kimmii Heart
🎤 "We all bring our influences, but at the end of the day, we serve the song." – Jeff Luke
🔥 "When we rock, it sounds authentic. It kicks ass — that's who we are." – Brian King
🌎 "Our biggest love sometimes came from places halfway around the world — and that's when we realized, this really means something." – Joe Padula

• Kimmii Heart – Lead Vocals
• Brian King – Drums
• Joe Padula – Guitar
• Jeff Luke – Bass Guitar & Background Vocals

🔗 Website
📸 Instagram
📹 YouTube
🔍 Search "Reality Suite" on Facebook and YouTube!

(Reminder: it's "Suite" — like a hotel suite — not "Sweet.")

🎟️ See Reality Suite LIVE at Jersey Fest
🗓️ May 17, 2024 | White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ
🎫 Tickets: radiogardenstate.com/jerseyfest

This episode is powered by the New Jersey Lottery – Anything Can Happen in Jersey!
Also brought to you by the Mayo Performing Arts Center — the heart of arts and entertainment in Morristown, NJ. Visit mayoarts.org for upcoming shows.

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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 early inspiration to fly to graduating from the Naval Academy as part of the first class of women eligible for combat roles, Mikie reflects on how military service shaped her mindset, her leadership style, and her approach to adversity.
• Career Shifts and the Call to Serve Again
  After nearly a decade in the Navy, Mikie went to law school, worked as a federal prosecutor, and helped launch reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Eventually, that path led her to politics—and a run for Congress rooted in public service, not partisanship.
• Why She’s Running for Governor
  Mikie talks candidly about her frustrations with Washington, what she’s proud of in her time in Congress, and why she believes real progress—especially for small businesses, infrastructure, and affordability—starts at the state level.
• Keeping It Jersey
  We wrap with a lighter side: hiking Eagle Rock, grabbing subs from Belgiovanni’s (long hots required), and why Star Tavern still hits the spot after a long day.

Whether you’re a policy nerd, a small business owner, or someone just trying to make sense of the moment we’re in, this episode gives you a real look at the person behind the headlines—and what drives her to fight for New Jersey.

mikiesherrill.com

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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 updates from the NJ Lottery, including the Rock Paper Scissors Throwdown at American Dream, the Rockin’ Riches Fast Play game, and changes coming to Mega Millions in 2025.

From there, we hit the floor to talk with players, guests, and lottery representatives. You’ll hear real stories from finalists—some who’ve been entering for years, some attending for the first time, and even one who walked away with the $1 million grand prize. We also touch on the importance of responsible play with help from the Council on Compulsive Gambling, who joined the event to offer resources and support.

Whether it's tales of $5,000 wins off forgotten tickets, lucky numbers drawn from snowblowers, or entire families making a weekend trip out of it, this episode is full of the human moments that make events like this feel so special.

Even if you’re not a lottery player, this one’s worth the listen—it’s about hope, joy, and the thrill of taking a chance.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Enter the Million Dollar Replay: njlottery.com
• Problem Gambling Resources: 800gambler.org

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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 years of playing in different cover bands, how they balance creative drive with day jobs and families, and the challenges—and rewards—of pushing original music in a cover band-heavy market. With one album already under their belt and a second slated for September, Hickory isn’t just here to play shows—they’re building something bigger.

We cover:

• The band’s origin story and collaborative songwriting process
• Navigating the NJ music scene as an original act
• The shift from playing covers to building a library of original work
• Their growing catalog, including Postcard Picture Show and a new album on the way
• Upcoming gigs at Stanhope House, Cricket Hill Brewery, Hidden Track Records, and more

Stick around after the interview for a special performance. If you love honest songwriting, tight harmonies, and the kind of band that clearly loves playing together, Hickory is one to watch.

🎶 hickoryband.com
📱 Instagram: @hickory_music]

Thank you to the NJ Lottery for supporting the show!

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines

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This week, Mike heads to Church Street in Montclair to sit down with Amir Kamal, the man behind Dutch’s Sandwich Shop — one of the most talked-about sandwich spots in New Jersey. What started as a late-night idea and a tribute to Amir’s dog, Dutch, has grown into a full-blown destination for people who take their breakfast sandwiches seriously.

Amir shares how his background in hospital food service, his New York City upbringing, and a drive to do something different all came together to shape Dutch’s. He talks about launching in one of the most competitive food towns in the state, the realities of running a small business post-COVID, and how customer service and creativity are the backbone of everything they do.

They also dig into the story behind the viral Dutch Daddy sandwich, collaborations with other local food spots, building a team, and how social media helped take Dutch’s to the next level. This is a full look at the hustle behind a local favorite and the mindset it takes to stand out.

In This Episode:

• Starting a sandwich shop with zero experience
• Naming the business after his late bulldog, Dutch
• The Dutch Daddy origin story
• What makes Montclair such a competitive food scene
• Social media, influencers, and going viral
• Lessons from the restaurant equipment industry
• The ups and downs of staffing
• Collaborating with competitors and why it matters
• Yankees win total predictions and some baseball takes

Links:
Dutch’s Website: dutchsmontclair.com
Instagram: @dutchsmontclair
TikTok: @dutchsmontclair

Check out Amir’s new podcast coming soon: Dab Dads with Dan from Quarry Grill.

Shoutout to our partners:
New Jersey Lottery – Must be 18 or older to play. Please play responsibly.
Mayo Performing Arts Center – See upcoming shows at mayoarts.org

Subscribe, leave a review, and keep supporting the people and places that make New Jersey what it is.

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