Salt Bridge Farm Podcast

Host Dennis welcomes Saltbridge Farm intern Dustin Wilf for a semester wrap-up conversation about the non-clinical internship program with Bright Harbor Healthcare. Dustin reflects on joining the project from “ground zero,” combining academics, hobbies, and hands-on plant work in Toms River, and enjoying the intern team and video production crew. They discuss aligning interns with their passions, being communicative and “nerdy” about interests, and how the internship strengthened Dustin’s teamwork skills as a sustainability student. Dennis notes interviewing over 100 candidates, thanks Glen and Rebecca, and highlights plans for summer growth, including a documentary, new programs, and interns from multiple universities. Dustin advises future interns to take advantage of the project’s many paths, shares lessons on spreadsheets, breaking big projects into manageable work, and creating documents to “pass the torch,” and they close on staying in touch and returning for a July ribbon cutting.

Dennis hosts Salt Bridge Farm Podcast and interviews intern Dani Vajtay as he finishes his semester, reflecting on hands-on work clearing trees and brush, learning chainsaw safety, and seeing the property’s transformation. They discuss mushroom log inoculation at a volunteer event and plans to grow oyster mushrooms plus varieties like lion’s mane, reishi, and shiitake. Dani shares how the internship inspired him about sustainable greenhouses, aquaponics, and the farm’s potential to feed many people with the right plan, team, and funding. Dennis explains how they pursue grants by staying plugged in through LinkedIn, using tools including AI, researching funders’ language, and creating pitch-style videos like a recent Kubota grant application. They also cover networking, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advice for future interns to work slowly, deliberately, and find fulfilling roles.

Host Dennis welcomes special guest Pat Lewis, former homeowner of the 1525 blue farmhouse and red barn property, to share the farm’s history and its new chapter. Pat explains the house was built in 1928, how her family bought the small farmhouse after seeing it for sale in 1976, moved in during 1977, added two wings, and raised the roof in 1990 as their family grew. She describes their early commitment to organic gardening, becoming Rutgers-certified to run an organic herb farm, and how friends helped build the barn behind the house. Pat recounts selling the property after being approached through connections involving her daughter Heather and Kim (CEO of Bright Harbor Healthcare), and expresses gratitude that the current project aligns with what her family hoped for. Dennis shares updates on barn repairs, plans for a butterfly garden, produce sales space, workforce skills for young adults, greenhouse restoration, a roadside sourdough “bread shed,” and upcoming events including a July grand opening.

Dennis hosts the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast with guest Bob Opitz, owner of Spire Coffeehouse, discussing Spire’s origins after he and his wife left corporate careers to build a community-focused business. Bob shares how they opened Spire in December 2022, chose the name and lighthouse-inspired logo, and partnered with roasting company Crimson Cup. They discuss Spire’s involvement with the Toms River Chamber of Commerce, its two locations (Hooper Avenue in Silverton and a grab-and-go Main Street shop), and events like chamber meetups, networking, live music, and community festivals. Dennis announces a partnership where Spire donates used coffee grounds for Salt Bridge Farm to grow culinary mushrooms and then compost, plus a mushroom workshop on Saturday, April 25th, 12–4, at saltbridgefarm.org. They also cover staffing youth, Bright Harbor Healthcare’s programs, and upcoming farm events including “One Night On the Farm.”Spire Coffeehouse: https://www.spirecoffeehouse.com/https://www.facebook.com/SpireCoffeehouseTRhttps://www.instagram.com/spirecoffeehousetrOne Night on the Farm: https://onenightonthefarm.org/

Host Dennis welcomes Jack Harris, an assistant teaching professor and sustainability program director at Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), to discuss SEBS as Rutgers’ land-grant unit and its mission to serve New Jersey communities through teaching, research, and extension. They describe how their connection began through grant work and led to placing two Rutgers interns at Salt Bridge Farm to fulfill SEBS’ required experiential learning credits. Jack outlines SEBS history from the Morrill Act and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, plus career paths for students in policy, planning, nonprofits, business, government, law, marine science, biotechnology, environmental and plant sciences, and animal sciences. He shares internship advice focused on clear goals, openness, and adaptability, and they explore expanding collaboration via internships, community-engaged projects, and grants, along with Rutgers’ statewide experiment stations and extension presence.Learn more about the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences here: https://sebs.rutgers.edu/

Host Dennis welcomes Susan Emhardt-Servidio, Senior Horticulturist and Rutgers Master Gardener Program Coordinator for Ocean County, to discuss Rutgers Cooperative Extension services in Toms River, including agriculture, 4-H, marine, and family and consumer health sciences, plus gardening education. Susan explains how to become a Master Gardener through at least 60 hours of training and 60 hours of volunteer service, with ongoing annual requirements, and describes volunteer roles such as the helpline, tick identification, and “Ask a Master Gardener” library tables. They highlight upcoming events including an August butterfly tent, a May plant sale featuring annuals, vegetables, native plants, and blueberries, and local outreach across the county. Susan emphasizes starting gardens with soil testing, offering in-office pH tests and Rutgers lab kits with detailed recommendations, and shares seasonal spring garden cleanup and soil improvement tips.Visit their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGOCinc

Host Dennis welcomes Dennis Morolda to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast to discuss Morolda’s nonprofit, Stay in the Fight, created in honor of his late brother Anthony Morolda. Anthony, a fitness trainer who struggled with anxiety, depression, and depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR), sometimes couldn’t afford therapy and relied on lifestyle practices like sleep, hydration, journaling, meditation, sunlight, and exercise. Anthony died on September 26, 2024 after being hit by more than one vehicle while heading to a rideshare following a Giants–Cowboys game. The nonprofit provides free counseling/therapy—offering 10 sessions to those without insurance or financial resources—and is developing mental-health resource materials based on what Anthony believed in. Morolda shares upcoming fundraising plans including a golf outing on September 10, 2026 at Galloping Hill in Kenilworth, with proceeds supporting therapy, and notes inspiration from the organization Bigger Than the Trail, which raises money for free therapy through running initiatives and partnerships like BetterHelp and Calmerry. The conversation also focuses on reducing stigma around mental health—especially for men—highlighting the importance of connection, mentorship, and intergenerational community. Dennis and Morolda discuss mentoring young men, the need for role models, and statistics about screen time versus time spent in conversation with adult male role models, and they explore collaborating through Salt Bridge Farm volunteer projects and events. Morolda explains the charity’s name came from a “stay in the fight” tag found on Anthony’s keychain, and he outlines the nine-person board, including family members and professionals contributing events, communications, mental-health expertise, legal, accounting, and public service support.Stay In The Fight: https://www.stayinthefight.am/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayinthefightajm

Welcome to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast with your host, Dennis! In this episode, we introduce Dr. Caelin McCallum, the director of the Young Adult Bridge Housing Project. Tune in as Caelin shares the incredible journey and vision behind the farm, which provides a unique transitional housing solution for young adults facing homelessness and housing instability. From discussing the project's inception and development to taking you on an exclusive tour of the farm's properties, this episode dives deep into the dynamic and innovative solutions being created. Learn about the obstacles, creative ideas, community involvement, and future plans that make the Salt Bridge Farm an inspiring example of social impact and sustainable living.

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis sits down with Tom Jara, owner of Wonder Washers. Tom shares his inspiring journey of overcoming mental health struggles, hitting rock bottom, and seeking help from Bright Harbor Healthcare. Today, he runs a successful business and gives back to the community in various meaningful ways. Tom provides valuable insights on the importance of mental health care and personal accountability, and he discusses his company's charitable endeavors. This episode is a testament to resilience and the power of seeking help when it's needed.https://www.wonderwashersnj.comhttps://www.facebook.com/p/WonderWashers-61556718070564/https://www.instagram.com/wonderwashers_nj/

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes special guest Jessica Gahm, a holistic wellness clinician. They discuss Jessica's multifaceted role, which includes trauma therapy, yoga, and organizing wellness expos. Jessica shares insights into her therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, breath work, and the mind-body-soul connection. They also explore potential collaborations on the farm, including integrating wellness events and sustainable farming practices. Tune in to learn about the intersections of mental health, holistic healing, and community-based wellness initiatives.

In this episode, Rebecca Kaul discusses the process for securing an internship at Bright Harbor in various fields such as clinical, sustainability, agriculture, video production, and social media. She outlines the steps to apply, including submitting a resume through the careers page on our website and choosing specific internship opportunities for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. We also highlight our flexibility in allowing students to switch internship positions if they find their initial choice unsuitable. Tune in to learn more about maximizing your internship experience with Bright Harbor!Visit the career portal here: https://apply.workable.com/brightharbor/

Join Dennis and special guest Kim Veith, CEO of Bright Harbor Healthcare, as they discuss the incredible vision and progress of Salt Bridge Farm. In this episode, they explore the farm's mission of providing housing, community, and skill-building opportunities for young adults and the broader community. Learn about the unique challenges and exciting developments in creating a sustainable and supportive environment for all. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how Bright Harbor is reshaping community care and integration.

In this special episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes Maryanne VanDeventer, the Community Outreach Specialist for the Brew Grounds Cafe—a remarkable program of Bright Harbor. Maryanne shares insights on the 'Brew Grounds Cafe,' New Jersey's first Recovery Cafe, part of the Recovery Cafe Network. They discuss providing a safe, supportive community space for individuals recovering from various forms of trauma, substance use disorder, mental health issues, and more. Discover the unique membership-based model that offers peer support, resources, and holistic healing, and learn about the many sponsored activities, groups, and partnerships that make Recovery Cafe a hub of empowerment and wellness.https://brewgroundscafe.com/https://www.facebook.com/p/BREW-Grounds-Cafe-61575673586851/https://www.instagram.com/brewgroundscafe/

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes a special guest, Tom Normile, the principal of Ocean Academy. They discuss their exciting partnership, where students from Ocean Academy will volunteer on the farm to learn about agriculture and sustainability. Tom shares his extensive background in education, while both he and Dennis explore the benefits of hands-on learning with chickens and gardening. The duo also talks about the broader impact of these activities on students' lives and the sense of community they foster. Join us to learn about this unique collaboration and the wonderful initiatives at Salt Bridge Farm and Ocean Academy.Learn more here: https://brightharbor.org/ocean-academy

Welcome to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast! In this special episode, host Dennis speaks with Vinnie Pizzimenti, Program Coordinator for 'The Nook' — Nourishing Others Opportunity Kitchen. They discuss the impactful work The Nook does to combat food insecurity in Ocean County, including supporting about 145 households each month and providing food for hundreds of animals. They delve into the current challenges posed by the government shutdown and how communities are pooling resources to support those in need. Vinnie also takes listeners on a grand tour of The Nook, highlighting its various sections, from pantry staples to a pet pantry. Dennis and Vinnie explore potential collaborations and how the public can contribute through monetary donations, volunteering, and more. Tune in to learn how you can help this vital community resource.https://brightharbor.org/the-nook/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenookocnj/Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the very first episode of Salt Bridge Farm Podcast! Hosted by Dennis, this episode features a conversation with Kelli Chiarello, the visionary behind Salt Bridge Farm. They delve into the innovative housing model designed for young adults aged 18-24 who would otherwise be homeless in Ocean County. Kelli explains the unique approach that combines housing with personal development, including skills building and personal capital development. The discussion highlights the importance of breaking generational trauma, sustainability, and the therapeutic impact of farming and animal care. Tune in to learn about the transformative vision of Salt Bridge Farm and its potential to make a significant impact in the community.Learn more about Salt Bridge Farm at https://saltbridgefarm.com