East Brunswick is changing, and so is the way people see it. On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Mayor Brad Cohen to talk about what makes this town tick and where it’s headed next.

Brad never planned on being mayor. In fact, his career started in medicine, not politics. But a few moments pushed him to step up, first for the schools, then for the whole community. “Public service, if you’re doing it right, is solving people’s problems,” he says. And you can hear how much that drives him as he talks about his vision for the town.

From a two-rink ice complex to new neighborhoods that feel like real communities, Brad shares just enough to get you curious about what’s coming. There’s also a bigger conversation here about what it means to grow without losing your roots and why East Brunswick feels like home to so many different people.

Jose and Kate bring their own stories to the table, asking the questions you’d want to know if you’ve ever driven down Route 18 and wondered what’s next. And yes, there’s even a surprising moment or two that might change the way you think about how a town works behind the scenes.

Here are the key takeaways:

(7:22) Brad’s Journey to Becoming Mayor

(13:51) Leadership and Teamwork

(15:18) Public Service vs. Politics

(16:56) Why People Move to East Brunswick

(23:30) Designing Unique Communities

(27:17) Balancing Growth and Character

(36:15) Business Growth and Competition

(39:25) Buying Into a Community

(42:32) First-Time Homebuyer Window

(44:01) Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund

(47:12) Why Move to East Brunswick

(53:42) Most Rewarding Part of Serving

This isn’t just about buildings or roads. It’s about people, pride, and the future of a place that’s right in the heart of Central Jersey. Tune in and hear East Brunswick through the eyes of the people shaping it.

About Mayor Brad Cohen

Brad Cohen has served as Mayor of East Brunswick since 2016. He began public service in 2010 on the East Brunswick Board of Education, later becoming Board President. A longtime resident, he is a practicing gynecologist with offices in East Brunswick and Somerset. He lives in East Brunswick with his wife and their two children.

Connect with Mayor Brad Cohen:

Website

https://www.eastbrunswick.org/360/Mayor-Administrator

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

Dreaming of your first home in Monmouth County?

We want to highlight this clip from our recent episode where we explored Freehold’s hidden gems, housing market wins, and the journey from your first home to your first mansion…one move at a time!

There are programs that could cover your entire down payment and even part of your closing costs, up to $22,000 in grant money. Freehold has every type of home imaginable, letting you grow, move, and upgrade without ever leaving the community you love.

Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. With Freehold’s strong appreciation rates and diverse neighborhoods, that starter home can open the door to your dream home in just a few years. This episode dives into local housing programs, real estate trends, and why now is the perfect time to start building equity.

If you missed it, catch up and listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0R7kOD1rDJ147xEIwU8iPb

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep06-what-makes-freehold-special-brooke-brianna-lundquist/id1822771174?i=1000721512672

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aqPl4-SDXR0

See you on our next episode!

Martial arts is more than self-defense. It’s a tool, like a carpenter using a hammer. At Tiger Schulmann’s in East Brunswick, martial arts rests on three pillars: confidence, discipline, and community.

On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Sensei Andrew Katz to hear how a passion that started with a movie at age twelve became a lifelong mission.

Sensei Katz shares how he left his full-time job to make martial arts his career, what makes Tiger Schulmann’s culture unique, and why the “non-quitting spirit” is the most important lesson for kids and adults alike.

From kids finding confidence and standing up to bullies, to adults trading stress for strength, martial arts here goes far beyond the mat. And if you think it ends at the local level, think again. Tiger Schulmann’s has produced fighters like Lyman Good, Jimmy Rivera, Nick Pace, and Louis Gaudinot, names that stepped from East Brunswick’s mats into the UFC spotlight.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) Sensei Katz’s Martial Arts Journey

(4:10) History of Tiger Schulmann

(5:00) Tiger Schulmann’s Culture

(6:51) Martial Arts as a Tool

(7:50) The Non-Quitting Spirit

(12:27) Opening East Brunswick School

(16:35) Advice for First-Time Students

(18:55) The Black Belt Myth

(24:49) Stress Relief & Everyday Benefits

You’ll also hear stories of students who started out struggling and went on to excel, including one who became both a black belt and a Princeton scholar before becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

For New Jersey families looking for something deeper than a sport, this episode shows why martial arts is about more than training; it’s about building stronger people, stronger families, and stronger towns.

About Sensei Andrew Katz

Sensei Andrew Katz is the head instructor at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts in East Brunswick, New Jersey. With decades of experience in training and teaching, he has guided students of all ages through martial arts practice. His work focuses on helping kids, teens, and adults build discipline, confidence, and real-world self-defense skills. He continues to grow the East Brunswick school as a place for families and individuals to train together.

Connect with Sensei Andrew Katz:

Website

https://tsk.com/locations/nj/east-brunswick/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-katz-7159a81b/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.