In this conversation with master storyteller Thaler Pekar, we explore how stories connect us to places, how buildings hold collective memories, and why asking "tell me about a time" might be the most powerful way to understand our communities.

In this episode, musician and cultural historian Tris McCall shares three decades of insights on Jersey City's evolving arts landscape. From the legendary 111 First Street arts center to the current gallery scene, Tris explores how place shapes creativity and how creative communities in turn define our city. Discover his unique perspective on "living horizontally" versus "vertically," the ghosts of lost creative spaces, and his passionate call to recognize overlooked musical pioneers like PM Dawn as essential to Jersey City's cultural heritage.

In this episode, we explore how art can preserve forgotten histories and create a sense of belonging through conversation with visual artist Jin Jung, whose WERE HERE project places handmade blue ceramic markers throughout Jersey City to commemorate overlooked historical figures and events.

Preservation expert Kelly Carroll joins Nat to discuss how community-driven historic preservation strengthens neighborhoods even when buildings can't be saved. Kelly shares success stories from Brooklyn's diverse communities and draws intriguing parallels between Jersey City and Brooklyn through their industrial heritage, legacy businesses, and built environment.

In this episode, Nat speaks with longtime Jersey City advocate Charlene Burke about her journey from magazine publisher to neighborhood preservationist. Learn how Charlene helped establish the West Bergen-East Lincoln Park Historic District, her practical wisdom on civic engagement, and why speaking up at public meetings matters—even when you're nervous.

In this premiere episode, host Nat Kalbach introduces her journey from artist to storyteller, sharing how her paintings of Jersey City architecture led to deeper questions about neighborhood history and community connections. Learn how researching her own historic home inspired a book project and ultimately this podcast, where we'll explore the intersection of place, preservation, and personal stories.