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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 future on the label. With his back against the wall, Bruce faced an all-or-nothing moment that would ultimately define his career and launch him into global stardom.

We cover:

• Why Springsteen’s first two albums didn’t initially resonate on the radio.
• How Born to Run became the breakthrough that turned Bruce into a household name.
• The painstaking detail of researching this period in Bruce’s career, down to the day-to-day struggles and triumphs.
• Why Carlin has returned to Springsteen as a subject after already publishing a full biography in 2012.
• Stories of Bruce playing to nearly empty rooms before ultimately filling stadiums across the world.

Carlin also shares details about his book tour stops across New Jersey and his upcoming appearance at the Born to Run symposium at Monmouth University.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves Springsteen, American music history, or the story of an artist fighting to define his place in the world.

Links

• Pick up a copy of Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run wherever books are sold.

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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.ghosthawkbrewing.com

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Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com

Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

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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 weather, tides, and lunar cycles on his day-to-day operations. Learn about the distinct-tasting oysters cultivated in the Great Bay region, influenced by factors such as salinity, algae, and environmental conditions.

Explore the pivotal role of the Barnegat Oyster Collective, a consortium of oyster farmers simplifying distribution and marketing processes. The podcast unravels the diverse flavors of oysters from different Great Bay regions and the thriving renaissance of oyster farming in New Jersey.

As the episode concludes, join the host and Matt in a tasting session featuring six random Love Oysters, showcasing the exceptional products and the quality harvested from the bountiful waters of the Great Bay. Don't miss this insightful journey into the world of oyster farming, highlighting its impact on the environment, the unique flavors of regional oysters, and the collaborative efforts of the Barnegat Oyster Collective.

To learn more about Matt's Love Oysters NJ, visit loveoysters.farm, or explore the Barnegat Oyster Collective at barnegatoysters.com. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and more exciting insights into diverse topics on the podcast's website.

Love Oysters: loveoysters.farm
@loveoystersnj

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
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Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

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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 details Toms River’s thriving program, which includes drills, giant soccer balls, pizza, and a dedicated crew of “buddies” who return year after year to make game day special.

Next, event founder Zack Dabby explains how his friendship with fellow athlete Jack inspired the first Every Kick Counts, bringing together over 50 participants and raising nearly $10,000. Zack talks about the challenges of launching an event from scratch, the importance of community support, and his vision to expand the program statewide and beyond. Jack and his mom Michelle join in to share what inclusion, teamwork, and lasting friendships mean to special needs families.

Finally, legendary U.S. soccer player and coach Tab Ramos reflects on his own journey through New Jersey soccer, why giving back matters, and how events like Every Kick Counts unite communities through the universal language of sports.

Whether you’re a soccer fan, a parent, or someone who loves seeing sports used for good, this episode will leave you inspired by the teamwork, passion, and heart that power New Jersey’s youth sports community.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What Top Soccer is and how it supports athletes with disabilities across New Jersey
• The story behind Every Kick Counts and how FootGolf is making a difference
• How community volunteers create lasting impact in youth sports
• Why inclusivity and friendship matter both on and off the field
• Insights from Tab Ramos on the growth and future of New Jersey soccer

Resources & Links:

• New Jersey Youth Soccer: njyouthsoccer.com
• Top Soccer Program Info: NJYS Top Soccer
• Follow Every Kick Counts on Facebook & Instagram
• Greetings from the Garden State: greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

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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
🔥 Their MLS Cup Final run and the moments that meant the most to them on the pitch
🇺🇸 How the 2026 World Cup could change the trajectory of soccer in the U.S., and why Jersey is ready to represent
💪 Why playing in front of a passionate Jersey crowd hits different

Whether you’re a soccer fan, a New Jersey lifer, or just love hearing stories of homegrown success, this one will get you hyped for the future of the sport in the Garden State.

🎧 Listen now to hear why these two believe Jersey soccer is stronger than ever — and why they wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.

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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 for football, and his decision to attend Rutgers University to represent his home state.

As the podcast delves into Eric's football career at Rutgers, his Denver Broncos fandom, and the origins of his jersey numbers, the host applauds Eric's dedication to the local community and his businesses. The discussion transitions to the life-changing injury on October 16, 2010, where Eric describes the moments of paralysis on the field and the subsequent uncertainty about his future. Despite the challenges, Eric emphasizes the unwavering support from his community during hospitalization and recovery.

The episode covers Eric's post-injury challenges, including his three-month stay with family during house reconstruction and his commitment to continuing education through online classes. The unexpected opportunities that emerged, such as his broadcasting career, public speaking engagements, and a book deal, are explored. Eric's motivational speaking journey takes center stage, highlighting his refined storytelling skills, connection with diverse audiences, and finding purpose in his experiences.

The first segment concludes, paving the way for a deeper exploration of Eric LeGrand's impactful post-injury endeavors and contributions to the community in subsequent podcast episodes. Throughout the interview, Eric's dedication to quality products under his name is evident, spanning LeGrand Coffee House, Grand Whiskey, and potential future business ventures. LeGrand Coffee House is poised for national expansion and franchise plans, while Eric's foundation, associated with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, continues to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

The episode encapsulates Eric LeGrand's resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to making a positive impact, offering listeners insights into his ongoing recovery efforts, dedication to physical activity, and future business expansions and collaborations. The episode serves as a testament to Eric's journey and his unwavering determination to inspire and support those affected by spinal cord injuries.

ericlegrand52.com

GET YOUR JERSEY FEST TICKETS NOW! https://www.seetickets.us/event/jersey-fest/588283

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
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Thank you to our sponsors:
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Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

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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, benefits both the Jetty Rock Foundation and David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation—organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and holistic support for families impacted by cancer.

🎧 In This Episode

• 🏄‍♀️ Live from the beach! Cam kicks off the show with vibes, waves, and tunes
• 🏌️‍♂️ Ryan from Nine Iron Golf shares how golf can be accessible, fun, and community-focused—even on the beach
• 🎗️ Tim from David’s Dream & Believe walks us through the inspiring story of the foundation and its deep roots in the LBI community
• 🦪 Danielle & Isabelle from High Tide Oyster Co. talk oysters, sustainability, and the joy of shucking shellfish at weddings, parties, and now Coquina Jam!

Whether you were there or just wish you were, this episode captures the energy of the day and the people behind the magic. Huge thanks to Jetty, David’s Dream & Believe, and all the amazing guests and attendees for making it unforgettable.

📲 Follow & Support:
Radio Garden State — @radiogardenstate
Jetty Rock Foundation — jettyrockfoundation.org
David’s Dream & Believe — ddbcf.org
Nine Iron Golf — 9irongolf.com
High Tide Oyster Co. — hightideoysterco.com

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on events, new shows, and everything loud and local in New Jersey.

🎙️ Keep New Jersey Loud.

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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 destination for business and talent
• His family's decision to plant roots in Monmouth County
• The booming film industry and Netflix's billion-dollar investment at Fort Monmouth
• New Jersey's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Club World Cup 2025
• The importance of small businesses and local legacy
• His passion for soccer, local wine, and the “you talking to me?” Jersey attitude

Whether you're a lifelong resident or just Jersey-curious, this episode celebrates the diversity, grit, and cultural power of the Garden State. Don't miss Governor Murphy's reflections on his legacy and why he believes “New Jersey is unlike anywhere else in America.”

🎧 Listen now and learn why we’re from Jersey, baby — and you're not.

🌐 Links & Resources:

• Choose New Jersey
• FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Tickets
• Mayo Performing Arts Center
• New Jersey Wine Growers Association
• Radio Garden State
• https://nj.gov/governor/
• Facebook, Instagram, X

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