HudPost brings you the voices shaping Hudson County. From candidate forums and public meetings to community interviews and local issues, this podcast features direct audio from events and conversations happening across Hudson County.
From the Streets to the Stove: Hudson Chef on Finding Direction in the Kitchen
“I wasn’t born to fit in, I was born to stand out.” Willie Gonza sits down with Chef Gus Gutierrez aka Hudson Chef, owner of Cubita Cafe and Cubita Food Trucks, to trace his journey from a lost kid on the streets to finding his true passion behind the line. Gus opens up about trading street hustle for culinary heat, why the kitchen is the ultimate sanctuary for misfits, and how cooking gave him the focus and drive to rewrite his story. From earning garbage pay and scrubbing pots to building his own business and mastering the controlled chaos on the […]
31 Aug 2026
Building Local Impact: Emory Edwards on Business Growth, Philanthropy, and the Chamber of Commerce
From growing up as the son of a schoolteacher and a minister in Georgia to leading one of the region’s most prominent business organizations, Emory A. Edwards reflects on the childhood influences, customer service roots, and public relations background that shaped his career. On this episode of the HudPost Podcast, he sits down with Willie Gonza to discuss studying politics at Washington & Lee, earning a Master of Divinity at Yale, and working with major corporate PR clients in New York. Emory shares why targeted public relations, brand authenticity, and clear communication matter far more than quick marketing trends for growing […]
24 Aug 2026
Chris Garces on Finding His Voice, Hudson County & Being Unapologetically Yourself
Chris Garces went from venting about his healthcare job on TikTok to becoming one of Hudson County’s most recognizable social media voices. On this episode, he joins Willie Gonza to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, being kicked out of his home for being gay, finding community in Jersey City, supporting local businesses, gentrification, affordable housing, Christ Hospital, and the unexpected journey that led him to a platform where thousands now listen. His message: Be proud. Be loud. Be unapologetically yourself.
17 Aug 2026
Mayor James Solomon on Jersey City Culture, Policy, & Community
From growing up in Millburn to his student-athlete days as a division-three football player, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon reflects on his early influences, studying public policy, and writing a senior thesis on reproductive healthcare accessibility. He shares his love story with his wife, Gaby, his personal connection to Hudson County, and how his family history shaped his dedication to public service.
13 Aug 2026
Sneaker Room's Suraj Kaufman on Loss, Legacy and Jersey City
His mom’s rent was $110. The Jordans he wanted were $120. That math followed Suraj Kaufman from the Marion projects all the way to founding Sneaker Room, one of Jersey City’s most beloved businesses. On this episode of the HudPost Podcast, Willie Gonza sits down with Kaufman to talk about the road nobody saw. Losing his job while caring for his wife after a stroke. Losing his mother to cancer weeks later, and the framed share of Nike stock she left behind that still pays him every quarter. Losing his first house to foreclosure to keep the business alive. He also […]
10 Aug 2026
Willy Gonza & OneDay
Willy Gonza & OneDay trace HudPost’s evolution from a community social media page into a full Hudson County news outlet, sharing their roots in the local music and comedy scenes and their mission to inform the community that raised them. HudPost’s first video podcast, recorded at Bravery Studios in Jersey City.
5 Jul 2026
The Best Way to Boat in Hudson County?
Ever wanted to hit the water but dreaded the cost and upkeep of owning a boat? Located at Liberty Landing in Jersey City, Freedom Boat Club is changing the game for Hudson County residents. Owner Josh Rosella breaks down how members can enjoy a fleet of 21- to 24-foot powerboats without worrying about storage, insurance, or cleaning. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a total beginner needing free training from their Coast Guard-certified captains, the model is simple: reserve a boat, show up, and hand the keys back when you’re done.
14 Jan 2026
From Union City to University President
This podcast interview features Andrés Acebo, a Hudson County native and son of Cuban immigrants who reflects on his upbringing and his path to leadership at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Acebo discusses how his parents’ sacrifices and his public school background in Union City instilled in him a resilient “hustle” and a deep commitment to education as an equalizer. After becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, he returned to his roots to serve as a lawyer and eventually the youngest leader in NJCU’s history. He details the institution’s recent struggles with debt and enrollment, highlighting […]
15 Dec 2025
Reimagining Education: How Union City High Is Redefining Career Readiness
CTE Supervisor Patrick Oriani shares how Union City High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program is reshaping traditional schooling through student-run businesses, hands-on training, and strategic industry partnerships. From a pandemic-era virtual cooking class to a thriving culinary academy, the program exemplifies how experiential learning, resilience, and community collaboration can prepare students for both college and careers. Learn how a bottom-up approach is empowering students to lead, innovate, and succeed in the modern workforce.
3 Dec 2025
The Rise of Progressives in Hudson County
HudPost sits down with Hector Oseguera to reflect on the 2020 congressional run that helped spark a progressive wave in Hudson County. They discuss the recent election results in Jersey City and Hoboken, the fall of machine politics, and the structural changes that allowed progressive candidates to break through. Oseguera also shares insight into the origins of the movement, challenges faced by early progressive candidates, and what the future may hold for local politics.
14 Nov 2025
Interview with Emily Jabbour
Hoboken councilmember and mayoral frontrunner Emily Jabbour joins HudPost to reflect on her path from social work to city hall, the values shaping her campaign, and her vision for more responsive, hyperlocal leadership in Hoboken.
19 Oct 2025
Alvarez Seeks to End 120-Year Republican Drought in Sheriff’s Office
Elvis Alvarez, a 25-year law enforcement veteran and candidate for Hudson County sheriff, joins the show to discuss his run to become the county’s first Republican sheriff in over a century. Alvarez reflects on his upbringing in West New York, his years as a police officer and detective, and the community values shaping his campaign. He also addresses misconceptions about his political affiliation and speaks on key endorsements from North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and outgoing Sheriff Frank Schillari.
17 Oct 2025
Interview with Bill O'Dea
Longtime public servant and Jersey City mayoral candidate Bill O’Dea joins us for an in-depth conversation about his life, career, and vision for the city. O’Dea shares stories from his childhood growing up on Baldwin Avenue, attending St. Joe’s and St. Peter’s Prep, and how early experiences—from delivering newspapers to working in Lincoln Park—shaped his view of politics as a way to help people. Now in his ninth term as a Hudson County Commissioner, O’Dea reflects on decades of service and how those experiences inform his campaign to become Jersey City’s next mayor.
16 Oct 2025
Interview with Mussab Ali
We speak with Mussab Ali, the youngest person ever elected in Jersey City and now a mayoral candidate. Ali reflects on his journey from a high school student at McNair to a Harvard Law graduate, cancer survivor, and now a progressive contender in one of New Jersey’s most competitive local races.
14 Oct 2025
How the Gov’t Shutdown is Affecting Health Care in Hudson County
HudPost spoke with Giovanni Ahmad, Board Chair of North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC), and Rebecca Acosta, NHCAC’s Executive Vice President, about how the ongoing federal government shutdown is threatening access to critical health and social services in North Jersey. Together, they highlight the urgent need for public advocacy and continued community support during this uncertain time.
14 Oct 2025
Interview with Councilman James Solomon
In this episode, we sit down with Ward E Councilman and Jersey City mayoral candidate James Solomon for a refreshingly personal and grounded conversation. Solomon opens up about his childhood, family, and the life-changing battle with lymphoma that inspired his commitment to public service. From his wife Gaby’s love for Jersey City to his fight for affordable housing, government transparency, and small business growth, Solomon shares what drives him to challenge Hudson County’s political machine and push for meaningful change.
10 Oct 2025
Hoboken Mayoral Forum
Hosted by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, this special episode brings you the full recording of the 2025 Hoboken Mayoral Forum, held on September 10 at Hoboken Grace Church. Moderators Emory Edwards (Hudson County Chamber of Commerce) and James de los Santos (Founder of HudPost) guided an engaging discussion on the key issues shaping Hoboken’s business and community landscape — including affordability, economic growth, transportation, tourism, and workforce development. Featuring all five declared candidates in the Hoboken mayoral race: Tune in to hear each candidate’s vision for Hoboken’s future, their plans to support local businesses, and their ideas for […]
8 Oct 2025
Jersey City Mayoral Forum
As Jersey City prepares for its next chapter, declared mayoral candidates will take the stage to share their vision for the city’s business community. This special forum offers local employers, professionals, and stakeholders the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead Jersey City—on topics including economic development, small business policy, infrastructure, and quality of life.
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