Weird New Jersey

Welcome and Introduction
- Host Mike Ham welcomes listeners to another episode of Greetings with the Garden State, powered by the New Jersey Lottery.
- Mike introduces guests Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman, the creators of Weird New Jersey.
Origins of Weird New Jersey
- Mark Sceurman discusses the early days of Weird New Jersey, starting with newsletters and evolving into a magazine.
- The decision to collaborate on the project was made at a bar, highlighting the grassroots beginnings.
Early Challenges and Distribution
- Mark Moran describes the initial issues, which were Xeroxed and typed on a typewriter.
- The magazine's early distribution relied on friends and bootlegging, which helped spread its reach.
Investigative Journalism and Local Legends
- The guests explain their process of gathering stories through local libraries, microfilm, and community interactions.
- They emphasize the difference between urban legends and local legends, often finding historical bases for the latter.
Evolution of the Magazine
- Transition from black-and-white issues to full-color, glossy pages.
- The role of bookstores like Barnes & Noble in the magazine's distribution.
Community Engagement and Reader Contributions
- The importance of reader submissions and how they have shaped the magazine's content.
- Stories often evolve with additional information from readers, leading to updates rather than rehashes.
Adventures and Risks
- Mark and Mark share anecdotes about their fieldwork, including encounters with armed individuals and dangerous explorations.
- The dedication to verifying stories by visiting locations personally.
Impact and Legacy
- The magazine's influence on multiple generations, with families using it as a guide for local adventures.
- Weird New Jersey's role in documenting and preserving local history and legends.
Expansion and Media Presence
- Discussion of the national book series and the History Channel show.
- The collaborative effort in creating state-specific books with local authors.
Maintaining Relevance in the Digital Age
- The transition to online platforms and social media while maintaining the magazine's core essence.
- Weird New Jersey's website as a hub for all their content and social media links.
Audience Interaction and Events
- The guests highlight the importance of live events for gathering new stories and engaging with readers.
- The diverse and enthusiastic audience that attends their events.
Closing Remarks
- Mike Ham thanks Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman for joining the show.
- Shoutout to the Great Notch Inn for hosting the recording session.
- Listeners are encouraged to visit Weird New Jersey's website and social media for more content.
Links and Resources
- [Weird New Jersey Website](weirdnj.com)
- [Great Notch Inn]( / greatnotchinn )
- [Greetings with the Garden State Website](greetingswithth...)
weirdnj.com
Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com
Thank you to our sponsors:
New Jersey Lottery: njlottery.com
Make Cool Sh*t: makecoolshit.co
Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com
Mayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendar
Contact the show: [e-mail]
Support the Show.
00:00:24: Introduction and Welcome
00:02:02: How Weird New Jersey Started
00:03:01: Early Days and Distribution
00:04:44: Bootlegging and Early Traction
00:06:08: Investigative Journalism Approach
00:07:24: Gathering Local Legends
00:09:55: Research Methods Before the Internet
00:10:04: Evolution of the Magazine
00:12:55: Unconventional Investigations
00:14:51: Transition to Full-Color Issues
00:16:49: Distribution Challenges
00:17:57: Will They Ever Run Out of Material?
00:20:04: Receiving Mail from Prisons
00:22:02: Sponsor Messages and Acknowledgements
00:25:29: Memorable Investigations and Encounters
00:29:11: Focus on Different Areas in New Jersey
00:32:02: Documenting Local History
00:33:31: Evolution to Digital and Social Media
00:36:40: Impact on Generations of Readers
00:39:30: Reflecting on Their Body of Work
00:41:22: Memorable Moments and Celebrity Encounters
00:44:24: Is New Jersey the Weirdest State?
00:46:29: Where to Find Weird New Jersey
00:47:09: Closing Remarks and Thanks

[@SleevieGShow]

I love Weird NJ !! I would love to talk to these guys !!