06/25/2025
Today’s Anthony Bourdain Day.
I think a lot about how much he shaped the way I interact with the world which led to building Greetings From the Garden State and Radio Garden State.
He made it cool to explore the places other people overlook. He found magic in corner bars, hole-in-the-wall diners, stories from regular people. That’s the spirit I try to carry into everything I do.
It wasn’t just about food or travel. It was about connection. Culture. Curiosity. Respect.
That idea that everyone has a story worth telling, you just have to listen.
He was Jersey through and through. Some of the places he featured on his shows like , , , and are some of my favorite spots to visit. They’re not just restaurants, they’re landmarks. They feel like Jersey. And Bourdain had a way of elevating them without ever making it feel like he was putting on a show. Just telling the truth.
But it’s also impossible to talk about Bourdain without acknowledging the tragedy of how it ended. It’s a harsh reminder that even people who seem like they’re living the dream can be fighting battles you can’t see. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, and I know I’m not alone in that.
So here’s to the storytellers, the explorers, the ones trying to find beauty in the everyday. And here’s a reminder to check in with your people.
