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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

Thank you to our sponsors:

New Jersey Lottery

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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