Episodes

  • Stornelli D’esilio (Story of the Exiles)

    Stornelli D’esilio (Story of the Exiles)
    Jul 8 2025
    Today Sara is joined by Steve Cerulli, a PhD student at Fordham University, whose work focuses on the Italian diaspora to the United States. His research dives into themes like assimilation, settler colonialism, and Italy’s role in supporting colonialism abroad. In addition to his doctoral work, Steve is a researcher at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute and teaches at Hostos Community College of The City University of New York.* A brief note that Steve mistakenly mentions Jessica Barbata Jackson in relation to the book, Whom We Shall Welcome, but the author is Danielle Battisti. More about this episode in a personal note from Sara:I first came across Steve’s work while doing my own deep dive into this subject—trying to make sense of the stories I was raised with, and why certain versions of history always seemed to rise to the surface while others stayed buried. The more I learned—especially about Italy’s anti-fascist and anarchist movements—the more I realized how much had been left out.Steve’s work helped fill in those gaps. He sheds light on the progressive and leftist roots of Italian American identity—histories often erased or overshadowed by a dominant narrative of conservatism and white nationalism.In our conversation, we talk about the ways Italian-American history has been manipulated to serve political and economic agendas, where Christopher Columbus fits into that narrative, and, as Steve powerfully puts it, why “Italian Americans went from a group that was being lynched to a group that did the lynchings.”This was an incredibly informative and thought-provoking conversation for me—and as you’ll see from our extensive show notes, Steve brought all his receipts.Our conversation pushed me to think more deeply about my own cultural roots—and left me with a renewed commitment to examine the stories I’ve inherited, especially the ones I’ve never thought to question.And even if Italian-American identity isn’t your own, I hope this episode offers you a moment to reflect; to ask yourself:What have I been taught about who I am?Why do I believe what I believe?And who does that story really serve?A heartfelt thank you to Steve Cerulli for joining us on today’s episode.About Steve CerulliSteve Cerulli is working on a PhD at Fordham University in the Modern History track. He is a researcher at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/CUNY. He sits on the board of the American Italian Cultural Roundtable, Italian Enclaves Historical Society, Casa Lago Press, and the Giovanni Schiavo Series. He is interested in the development of historic and international Italian identities, transatlantic fascism and anti-fascism, and anarchist and socialist thought and movements within the Italian diaspora.Follow Steve on Instagram ➜ Learn more about this episode’s (song) title and listen to Stornelli D’esilio ➜ Final Call! Contribute to The Mourning PapersSubmissions are now open for The Mourning Papers, our new quarterly print publication centered on community, care, and connection. It’s inspired by our core themes—grief, joy, resistance, and New Jersey—and we’re looking for contributions from writers, artists, organizers, and anyone with a story to tell.While we’re prioritizing voices from New Jersey, we also welcome submissions from beyond the state that resonate with our mission.The first issue drops on the autumn equinox—September 22, and submissions are due by July 24. All the details are at burymeinnj.com.And if you’re someone who’s been questioning the power of your voice—your ability to create meaningful work—or even just the desire to make anything at all in a time that feels so heavy with grief and noise...Join Us Live! And Write for Your Life We invite you to a space that honors that feeling, and gently makes room for something new. Join us for a one-day creative retreat in South Jersey, led by our beloved Operations Chief, Katel LeDu, founder of the creative consulting practice Liminal Bloom.This retreat is designed for anyone looking to restore their creativity during times of resistance—a space to reconnect with yourself, your voice, and the collective power we hold when we choose to create, even in the midst of chaos.We’ll gather on Saturday, September 13th, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, for a day rooted in meditation, writing practice, and community care.Morning refreshments and lunch are included, and we’re offering sliding scale tickets and two scholarship seats to help make this space accessible for all who need it.If your creative spark feels dim—or if you’re simply longing for solid ground while carrying your grief—we’d be honored to hold that space with you.Spots are limited, and you’re hearing about it here first! Learn more about the retreat and secure your spot ➜Credits + GratitudeBury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of our sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head ...
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • DtFM

    DtFM
    Jun 24 2025

    Today Sara is joined by Lupe Diaz, an end-of-life care specialist and death doula based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Lupe moved to the Midwest in 2022 to gain a new perspective on how different communities face death, grief, and healing. Lupe brings a deeply intentional approach to death care—shaped by her experiences in close-knit Indigenous communities, and a belief that living true to our values helps reduce suffering for ourselves and for others.

    In our conversation, we talk about what it means to build community with people from different cultural backgrounds, how living in alignment with your values sometimes means going against the grain, and why Lupe believes that accepting death can help us live more intentionally. Lupe's insights on life, death, and community offer a powerful reminder that the way we live is deeply connected to the way we face the end and that authenticity is the key to building true community.

    Listen to Bad Bunny’s DtFM ➜

    Follow Lupe on Instagram ➜

    About Lupe Diaz

    Born in Mexico City, Lupe (She/Her) has a strong cultural connection to death and dying. Receiving her education from Going With Grace, studying under the renowned death doula, Alua Arthur, Lupe aspires to help not only with the dying process, but also with grieving and the deep psychological aftermath of loss and death.

    In February of 2019, Doula Damn Thing was founded. An organization committed to serving the BBIPOC, LGBTQ+, lower income, and other marginalized communities with all of their end of life care needs.

    About This Show

    Bury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head mensch and husband Bradley Nussbaum, and operations chief Katel LeDu. Our theme music is Grief on Repeat by New Harm. You’re getting an exclusive first listen to their material–their debut EP will be coming out soon!

    Drop us a line at hello@burymeinnj.com if you’d like to share feedback or ideas for an upcoming episode!

    A special shoutout to Anjanette R., Sergey K., Molly E., and Kim H, Erin and Bill H, Fluffy Farms, Lauren L., Fairacres Organic Produce, Katel, Holly, Stacy G., Sam J, Anjanette R, Kerrie, and Colleen C. We’re back on the air because of Kickstarter contributions like yours, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.

    If you’d like to keep up to date with the other work we’re doing to support Bury Me, please consider subscribing to our Substack at burymeinnj.com. It’s absolutely free to read our content, though we do offer paid membership options which help us to continue producing more grief content.

    Visit our website, burymeinnj.com, to learn about all the ways you can support the show. Thanks.



    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Solidarity Forever

    Solidarity Forever
    Jun 10 2025
    In this week’s episode, we talk to historian Gabe Christy and musician Young Sam James, the duo behind The Labor Jawn podcast, which blends history, storytelling, and music to shine a light on labor movements rooted in Philly and beyond. During this conversation, they shed light on a labor movement with Jersey roots, the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike; discuss the power of solidarity among working folks through collective action; and explore the role music has played in uniting and energizing workers through labor songs. If you’d like to hear more about what Gabe and Sam are doing, visit their website, laborjawn.com. Their site includes links to their podcast on various platforms, in addition to their YouTube and Discord channels and social media pages.Music things we talked about* Mill Mother’s Lament, lyrics written by Ella May Wiggins and performed by Pete Seeger* I am a Union Woman, lyrics by Aunt Molly Jackson and performed by Bobbie McGee* The Red Flag, anthem of the British Labour Party* The 8-Hour Day, Pete Seeger* Little Red songbook, published by The Industrial Workers of the World, illustrated by Jeannette Gysbers, and printed by Red Sun Press* Review of the musical Pins and Needles\Strike and labor rights-related things we talked about* The General Strike and partners * Strike for Our Rights* Shawn Fain, Labor Daddy* May Day 2028 - (May 1) when all UAW contracts are going up* The 3.5% Rule - when demanding change from a government, success is reached when 3.5% or more of a population join together to strike.About Sam and Gabe + Labor JawnHistorian Gabe Christy and musician Young Sam James explore the who, what, when, where, and whys of the labor movement of Philadelphia and the surrounding world.Labor Jawn is a podcast and research project covering the working class history of Philadelphia and the surrounding world.Co-hosted by longtime friends, Gabe Christy and Sam James, Labor Jawn has recorded over 100 podcast episodes, hosted several live events, and disseminated working class history and music to tens of thousands of listeners since 2021.In November 2022, Labor Jawn hosted In Story & Song at the Philadelphia Folksong Society. The event also featured the release of Labor Jawn, an album of music that Sam recorded for the podcast.In 2024, Gabe opened the Digital Lyceum in order to preserve the heritage of the labor movement, share original research, and promote discussion on impact, tactics, and strategies.In February 2025, Sam released the second album of songs from the podcast.About This ShowBury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head mensch and husband Bradley Nussbaum, and operations chief Katel LeDu. Our theme music is Grief on Repeat by New Harm. You’re getting an exclusive first listen to their material–their debut EP will be coming out soon!Drop us a line at hello@burymeinnj.com if you’d like to share feedback or ideas for an upcoming episode!A special shoutout to Anjanette R., Sergey K., Molly E., and Kim H, Erin and Bill H, Fluffy Farms, Lauren L., Fairacres Organic Produce, Katel, Holly, Stacy G., Sam J, Anjanette R, Kerrie, and Colleen C. We’re back on the air because of Kickstarter contributions like yours, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.If you’d like to keep up to date with the other work we’re doing to support Bury Me, please consider subscribing to our Substack at burymeinnj.com. It’s absolutely free to read our content, though we do offer paid membership options which help us to continue producing more grief content.Visit our website, burymeinnj.com, to learn about all the ways you can support the show. Thanks. Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    57 mins
  • Til Ungdommen

    Til Ungdommen
    May 28 2025

    Today, Sara speaks with Norwegian artist, storyteller, and influencer Kim Diaz Holm. Known online under the handle Den Unge Herr Holm, Kim has built a passionate following by sharing videos of the creation process behind their striking ink monsters while discussing topics ranging from mythology and music to mental health and politics.

    In this episode, Sara and Kim discuss Kim’s portrait project, where they offered free custom paintings to followers as a way to practice their craft and connect more personally with their community; the decision to make more than 4 GB of their artwork freely available for individuals to use without being limited by cost or copyright; and the collective grief currently being felt on a global scale.

    You can hear the song Kim talks about, Til Ungdommen, via YouTube:

    * A version sung at the memorial of the Utøya massacre in 2011: video link

    * A rock version from danish artist Kim Larsen from 1979: video link

    And explore an English translation of the song lyrics using a rhyming scheme.

    About Kim

    Kim Diaz Holm is an artist from Bergen, Norway, creating art for free use. With ink and in video they tell stories and draws dark art delving into topics of mythology, horror, mental health, politics, and humor. Support Kim’s art by following them (@denungeherrholm) on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok—and by subscribing to Patreon.

    About This Show

    Bury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head mensch and husband Bradley Nussbaum, and operations chief Katel LeDu. Our theme music is Grief on Repeat by New Harm. You’re getting an exclusive first listen to their material–their debut EP will be coming out soon!

    Drop us a line at hello@burymeinnj.com if you’d like to share feedback or ideas for an upcoming episode!

    A special shoutout to Anjanette R., Sergey K., Molly E., and Kim H, Erin and Bill H, Fluffy Farms, Lauren L., Fairacres Organic Produce, Katel, Holly, Stacy G., Sam J, Anjanette R, Kerrie, and Colleen C. We’re back on the air because of Kickstarter contributions like yours, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.

    If you’d like to keep up to date with the other work we’re doing to support Bury Me, please consider subscribing to our Substack at burymeinnj.com. It’s absolutely free to read our content, though we do offer paid membership options which help us to continue producing more grief content.

    Visit our website, burymeinnj.com, to learn about all the ways you can support the show. Thanks.



    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Fight the Power

    Fight the Power
    May 13 2025

    Today, we’re sharing our conversation with Kara Perez—founder of Bravely Go, a financial education company—and author of the newly released book Money For Change: Reduce Waste, Build Wealth, and Build a Better Future for All. Kara’s work explores personal finance through the lenses of environmental sustainability and community, offering actionable steps to not only improve your financial health, but also create a more equitable, planet-friendly future.

    In this episode, Kara opens up about her personal journey to becoming debt-free, the key lessons she learned along the way, and how those insights continue to shape her life and work. We also explore the emotional weight of financial insecurity—especially how it disproportionately affects vulnerable communities—and discuss tangible ways we can organize and advocate for meaningful change.

    About Kara

    Kara Perez is the founder of Bravely Go, a sustainability focused financial education company. Bravely focuses on bringing actionable, intersectional and accessible financial education to people who never learned the language of money. She is the author of the book, Money For Change. Kara has been featured in the New York Times, Good Morning America, Forbes, NPR, Glamour, ABC Nightline News, and US News and World Report as a financial expert. Additionally, for two years Kara cohosted the award winning podcast The Fairer Cents, which has been named the top money podcast for women by Forbes and The Balance.

    You can find Kara on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok—and you can (and should!) buy her book, Money for Change: How to Reduce Waste, Build Wealth, and Create a Better Future for All.

    About This Show

    Bury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head mensch and husband Bradley Nussbaum, and operations chief Katel LeDu. Our theme music is Grief on Repeat by New Harm. You’re getting an exclusive first listen to their material–their debut EP will be coming out soon!

    Drop us a line at hello@burymeinnj.com if you’d like to share feedback or ideas for an upcoming episode!

    A special shoutout to Anjanette R., Sergey K., Molly E., and Kim H, Erin and Bill H, Fluffy Farms, Lauren L., Fairacres Organic Produce, Katel, Holly, Stacy G., Sam J, Anjanette R, Kerrie, and Colleen C. We’re back on the air because of Kickstarter contributions like yours, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.

    If you’d like to keep up to date with the other work we’re doing to support Bury Me, please consider subscribing to our Substack at burymeinnj.com. It’s absolutely free to read our content, though we do offer paid membership options which help us to continue producing more grief content.

    Visit our website, burymeinnj.com, to learn about all the ways you can support the show. Thanks.



    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Make Tiny Changes

    Make Tiny Changes
    Apr 22 2025

    After a very, very long hiatus, we're happy to welcome you back to a new episode of Bury Me in New Jersey! This podcast is still a space for exploring grief, but we’ve spent some time reflecting on how we want to show up in these conversations—and that’s led us to a new focus, summed up in our new tagline: Grief. Resistance. Joy. New Jersey.

    This season, we’ll explore the ways that people are navigating grief in all its forms—whether it’s tied to injustice, economic hardship, and the ways the systems fail to support us. It’s also a chance to acknowledge that while some grief is inevitable, some of it isn’t—and that’s where the “resistance” part of our tagline comes in. We’ll explore how people are pushing back, challenging what’s broken, and finding ways to reclaim agency in the face of pain. We’ll also look at the historical roots of these struggles, and highlight the ways communities have come together across generations to grieve, resist, and rise.

    While I’ll be returning to the host seat for our future episodes, our first conversation features Bradley Nussbaum as our guest host. As a hospice social worker and Bright Dawn Buddhist lay minister, Bradley is very familiar with navigating difficult conversations relating to grief, and finding ways to evolve these conversations into deeper reflections on life.

    Bury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, with the help of sound guy Nick Rumaczyk, head mensch and husband Bradley Nussbaum, and operations chef Katel LeDu. Our theme music is Grief on Repeat by New Harm. You’re getting an exclusive first listen to their material–their debut EP will be coming out soon!

    If you'd like to provide us feedback directly or have ideas for an upcoming episode, please reach out at hello@burymeinnj.com

    A special shoutout to Anjanette R., Sergey K., Molly E., and Kim H, Erin and Bill H, Fluffy Farms, Lauren L., Fairacres Organic Produce, Katel, Holly, Stacy G., Sam J, Anjanette R, Kerrie, and Colleen C. We’re back on the air because of Kickstarter contributions like yours, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.Visit our website,burymeinnj.com to learn about ways you can support the show. Thanks.



    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    56 mins
  • Watch Me Rise: New Season Teaser

    Watch Me Rise: New Season Teaser
    Mar 25 2025

    Reach out to us at hello@burymeinnj.com.

    Music by New Harm.



    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    4 mins
  • Great Expectations

    Great Expectations
    Nov 16 2021

    This week, I’ll be sharing my interview with my long-time friend Kristen Fowler as we both speak candidly about our shared grief experience in a topic not often discussed: the grief that comes after divorce.

    During our conversation, we discuss some of the complicated aspects of loss related to divorce that go beyond the dissolution of the marriage, including the other relationships that become collateral damage during the split; attempting to navigate blindly into a new normal, and reconciling with the fact that so many life decisions are based on a script we’re following without fully understanding the implications of that script.

    Bury Me in New Jersey is recorded in Hammonton, NJ, and is produced by Nick Rumaczyk. Our theme music is P to the A, by Anonymous Novels. Check out their page on SoundCloud to hear more of their work.

    If you like what you hear, you can subscribe to Bury Me in New Jersey on your favorite podcasting app. And while you're there, please consider leaving us a review to let us know how we're doing! If you'd like to provide us feedback directly or have ideas for an upcoming episode, please reach out at sara@burymeinnj.com.

    Visit our website, burymeinnj.com to learn how you can support the show.





    Get full access to Bury Me in New Jersey at www.burymeinnj.com/subscribe
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    53 mins