Republican Jack Ciattarelli sits down with 2024 UFC Hall of Fame inductee Frankie Edgar & co-host Roger Mathews on Labor Day Weekend 2025 at Rivs Toms River Hub
Frankie Edgar and Roger Mathews, co-hosts of the Champ and the Tramp Podcast, welcomed Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey, for a live recording this past Saturday. The August 30, 2025 interview, which is set to officially release sometime soon and featuring a political and pop-culture crossover, was held at Rivs Toms River Hub at 1850 Hooper Ave in Edgar’s hometown.
Ciattarelli, who came within three percentage points of unseating Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in the 2021 election, used the platform to reintroduce himself to voters and outline his vision for the state. He spoke candidly about New Jersey’s reputation for having the highest property taxes in the nation, arguing that tax reform is at the heart of his campaign.
Alongside policy discussion, Ciattarelli shared details of his background and emphasized the urgency of addressing affordability issues that continue to challenge families and businesses across the Garden State.
The event drew a lively crowd, with supporters lining up for campaign t-shirts and informational cards distributed by Ciattarelli’s staff. Their visible energy reflected both grassroots enthusiasm and a growing appetite for alternative leadership as the 2025 race gains momentum.
For Edgar, the night was also about community pride. A native of Toms River and a UFC Hall of Famer inducted in 2024, Edgar has remained deeply tied to his hometown. Earlier this year, he opened Iron Army Academy, a mixed martial arts training facility that quickly became a hub for youth and local athletes. His presence on the podcast offers both star power and a personal connection to the venue’s hometown audience.
Mathews, best known for his role on MTV’s Jersey Shore through his former marriage to Jenni “JWOWW” Farley, brings his own brand of New Jersey celebrity to the podcast. Originally from Maine, Mathews has firmly planted his roots in the state and continues to blend entertainment with everyday local issues through the duo’s ongoing series.
The night at Rivs captured what Champ and the Tramp Podcast does best: bringing together sports, culture, and politics in a format that resonates with fans across New Jersey. With Ciattarelli back in the mix for governor, challenging Democrat candidate Mikie Sherrill after Murphy completed his two-term, eight-year tenure, the conversation was not just entertainment, but a local glimpse into the coming weeks and fall months of a closely watched campaign.
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