Princeton Podcast

05/07/2026

In episode 73 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda talks with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman about her life, her extensive career in public service, and her recent decision to retire.

Visit https://princetonpodcast.com/ to listen to the episode!

Bonnie Watson Coleman shares touching stories of growing up in Ewing Township, where her family's generosity and her grandfather's decency deeply shaped her character. She never planned to run for office. Instead, she entered electoral politics to honor her late father, a decision so profound that she felt his presence beside her during her very first Assembly speech.

During her time in the New Jersey General Assembly, Bonnie Watson Coleman championed fair housing and second-chance reentry legislation. After moving to Congress in 2015, she maintained a fierce focus on her district and worked tirelessly to elevate the issue of youth mental health. She managed to prioritize these critical needs despite navigating an increasingly partisan environment.

Congresswoman Coleman will be retiring at the end of this year to spend more time with her family. She leaves future candidates with a powerful piece of advice: public service is a demanding job that must remain centered on constituent needs, always valuing everyone equally.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio, video and website design services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

04/07/2026

In episode 72 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Dana Caragine, President and CEO of the Princeton Federal Credit Union, for an engaging conversation about the organization’s history and community-focused mission.

Dana shared the inspiring story of the credit union’s founding in 1972 by a diverse group of Princeton University administrators and professors determined to make credit more accessible in Princeton. She explained the core differences between banks and credit unions, highlighting how the Princeton Federal Credit Union’s member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative structure allows them to offer higher savings rates and lower loan rates to their members. Dana also described the Princeton Federal Credit Union’s recent Juntos Avanzamos designation, which recognizes their commitment to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media,
providing audio, video and website design services here in Princeton since 1999.
If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://princetonpodcast.com/dana-caragine-princeton-federal-credit-union-president-ceo/

03/10/2026

In episode 71 of the Princeton Podcast, mayor Mark Freda welcomed Jim Ferry, Princeton’s Animal Control Officer, for an illuminating conversation about the diverse wildlife and domestic animal concerns in our town.

Jim explained that his primary objective is rabies control, a position created to manage this endemic zoonotic disease in New Jersey. He shared fascinating stories from his day-to-day work, including rescuing a great horned owl from a driving range net and assisting a deer that had fallen through the ice.

He also detailed the essential support systems provided by the SAVE Animal Shelter and the Mercer County Wildlife Center. Furthermore, he provided vital advice on staying “coyote aware” and explained the different levels of rabies exposure residents might encounter.

Listen to the episode here: https://princetonpodcast.com/jim-ferry-princetons-animal-control-officer/

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio, video and website design services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

02/04/2026

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In this episode, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Kevin Wilkes, Founder and Managing Partner at Princeton Design Guild.

Kevin shares his experiences in local governance, including his tenure on the Borough Council from 2008 to 2013. He also discusses his involvement with Princeton Future, a citizen advocacy group focused on town planning and the successful preservation of the public library downtown.

Kevin delves into his architectural work, including the significant renovation of the former post office into Triumph Brewery. He also shares his passion project: the restoration of Paul Robeson's birthplace into a community center. Finally, Kevin talks about his architectural firm, Princeton Design Guild, its evolution, and its upcoming projects, including a new building for the YWCA.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media. Subscribe to the Princeton Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

02/03/2026

The Podcast Production Team at HG Media just produced a new episode of the Princeton Podcast. Mayor Mark Freda welcomed Kevin Wilkes, Founder and Managing Partner at Princeton Design Guild, to discuss his experiences in local governance, his architectural work on landmarks like Triumph Brewery, and the restoration of Paul Robeson’s birthplace. Great insights! Great episode! Check out the Princeton Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you get your podcasts!

https://princetonpodcast.com/kevin-wilkes-founder-managing-partner-at-princeton-design-guild/

Mayor Mark Freda speaks with Helene Lanctuit, CEO of Share My Meals, about recovering meals, reducing food waste, and feeding communities in New Jersey.

01/28/2026

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda welcomes New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about the Governor’s path into public service, his years in office, and the work that has defined his administration.

https://princetonpodcast.com/phil-murphy-new-jersey-governor/

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

Mayor Mark Freda speaks with Helene Lanctuit, CEO of Share My Meals, about recovering meals, reducing food waste, and feeding communities in New Jersey.

08/07/2025

Just Released: The Latest Episode of The Princeton Podcast

As Producer of The Princeton Podcast, I’m proud to share our newest episode featuring Princeton Councilman David Cohen discussing Princeton’s Vision Zero safety initiative with host Mayor Mark Freda.

This episode is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton and produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, helping organizations and professionals share their news and expertise with clarity and impact.

Interested in starting a podcast for your business or organization? Visit our website to learn more.

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05/02/2025

https://princetonpodcast.com/derek-bridger-joins-mark-freda-as-guest-on-the-princeton-podcast/

In Episode 61 of The Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda welcomes Derek Bridger, Princeton Zoning Officer to discuss the important and timely topic of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs.

Mark and Derek explore how ADUs offer new housing options in Princeton, supporting affordability, aging in place, and the “missing middle” in our fully developed housing market. Derek explains the positive impacts ADUs can have, such as providing rental income and broadening the town’s housing diversity, while also addressing residents’ concerns about neighborhood density, construction impacts, and zoning complexities. They dive into the regulations surrounding ADU size, setbacks, parking, and stormwater management, and how Princeton’s evolving ordinances are adapting to the needs of the community.

Whether you’re a homeowner curious about adding an ADU or just interested in Princeton’s growth strategies, this conversation offers valuable insights into one of our town’s most talked-about topics.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media,
providing audio, video and website design services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us
on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

12/04/2024

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda welcomes Lori Rabon, Palmer Square & Nassau Inn Vice President on the latest episode of the Princeton Podcast.
https://princetonpodcast.com/episode-56-lori-rabon-palmer-square-nassau-inn-vice-president/
Lori and Mark discuss the Nassau Inn’s recognition as a Historic Hotel of America, highlighting its preservation of traditional architecture and its significant history dating back to 1756. Lori elaborates on her role as Palmer Square Management Vice President, overseeing hotel operations, retail, and residential spaces, and emphasizing community involvement and strategic planning for Princeton’s development. This episode also touches on challenges and opportunities in retail, office space, and future prospects for Palmer Square and the Nassau Inn in Princeton.

In this episode of the Princeton Podcast, our host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Lori Rabon, Palmer Square & Nassau Inn Vice President.

11/13/2024

We just published the latest episode of the Princeton Podcast featuring Richard Rein as our guest. https://lnkd.in/euu6jCUH

Our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Richard Rein, Editor of TapInto Princeton and a lifelong Princeton area journalist. In their conversation, Rich shared the origins of his journalism career, reflecting on his early inspiration and passion for storytelling. He discussed his experiences at the Daily Princetonian and Time magazine, his founding and editing of US1 Newspaper for more than 35 years, and his current work with TapInto Princeton.

Rich offered insights into the value of local journalism, the role of community involvement, and his thoughts on the evolving media landscape in Princeton.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.