After decades of friendship built on a foundation of respect, Pascack Valley History teachers Jeff Jasper and Ken Sarajian started an unscripted podcast titled “A Road Less Traveled With Jasper and Saraj.” Through their discussions, the two aim to provide insight, to entertain, and to have fun with each other.

Jasper and Sarajian have a history of going into each other’s classes, leading to discussions among themselves and their students. Jasper says that they tend to “[play] the devil’s advocate” with one another, which he believes stimulates their thoughts in a healthy manner. 

As the class discussions continued over the years, their students began to suggest that they record their conversations. As this idea was realized, an opportunity arose to get the equipment to do so. 

“We went to a workshop and learned how to [use the podcast equipment]. Here we are. That’s how it came,” Jasper said. 

In this day and age, it can be difficult to engage in successful conversations on topics with differing opinions. However, Jasper and Sarajian, better known as “Saraj” at PV, believe that their discussions accomplish this.

“I think we give each other different perspectives at times,” Sarajian said.

The differing opinions in their conversations prompt interest between the two history buffs. Jasper believes that these discussions allow them to expand their horizons while also providing a sense of entertainment.

However, Sarajian says that their ultimate goal is “to talk about what interests us and people who interest us.” 

In one of their episodes, they brought in three PV seniors—Tori Criscuolo, Hunter Hein, and Brandon Flanagan—who Jasper believes “epitomize the building” through their spirit. 

Jasper and Saraj also brought in Valley English teacher Tina Marchiano-Rauscher and Physical Education teacher Ron Villone on the podcast’s fifth episode and Superintendent Sarah Bilotti and Board of Education President Joseph Blundo on its sixth.

By bringing in special guests, Jasper and Saraj believe they can uphold their desired purpose of entertainment. 

As they have been members of the Valley community for many years, Jasper and Saraj find that their relationships with their students keep them returning to Valley every year. They believe that PV holds a special energy among the people. 

“I always say that this place is just a building until the kids get in here,” Sarajian said. “They’re the blood that runs through the veins of these halls. And they’re the lifeblood of what makes this place work.”

As the two continue to come back every year, the podcast has become an opportunity for them to share their stories and friendship with the community at Valley. 

Closing out the year, the pair will have published eight episodes; the eighth and final episode of the year will be “a lengthy fun-filled extravaganza with multiple seniors in front of a live audience!” Jasper said.

Jasper and Saraj plan to pick back up on the recording in the fall. As they will continue their show in the future, Jasper hopes that the audience finds a way to connect with their podcast.

“Whether they listen to a few minutes of it, listen to us laughing a little bit, if it brings them a little insight, a mild bit of entertainment, if it’s just a distraction from whatever else is going on, or if it inspires them to think about something else, then I think we’ve accomplished something,” Jasper said.