Mastering Mitzvahs

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This is a podcast intended both for families planning bar/bat mitzvahs as well as an outlet for mitzvah industry professionals to speak about trends, topics, and the overall state of the bar/bat mitzvah industry.

Xplosive Entertainment


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 156 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Mastering Mitzvahs

    Episode 156 - A Barn Mitzvah with Horses, Cowboys and a Donkey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 24:20


    Yes, you read the title right. In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we discuss a recent bar mitzvah which took place in a barn. But that wasn't what made this unique. The most impressive part was that the theme carried over throughout the entire celebration with cowboy inspired elements from the start to the very end. Tune into this episode to learn more about this incredibly unique and memorable celebration.#XEevents#barnmitzvah#westerntheme

    Episode 155: The most misunderstood enhancements

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 25:01


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we discuss some of the most important event enhancements that we offer yet they are often over looked by families who simply do not understand the value or impact of these items. Want to learn which items we think are devalued? Tune in for more details. Do you have any questions or items to add to this list, let us know! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 154: Evaluating Core Values when planning your Mitzvah

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 12:46


    Core values are often discussed in the sense of a business' beliefs. However... when planning a bar or bat mitzvah, we believe that a family should start by outlining the core values of the celebration they envision. This will give them framework and reference points for the rest of the decisions to follow. Check out our blog on this topic along with associated worksheet: https://www.xeevents.com/planning-with-purpose-why-core-values-matter-in-bar-bat-mitzvahs/Tune in to learn more!

    Episode 153: 2025 NYC Mitzvah Trends with Hector from Total Entertainment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 28:32


    In this episode, Mike interviews special guest and friend Hector, the Director of Business Development at NYC's Total Entertainment. Total Entertainment is a trend setting Mitzvah leader responsible for hosting some of the most lavish and show stopping celebrations in the country. Tune in to learn about the hottest trends in NYC and be prepared to watch these commonalities make their way to surrounding cities. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is one not to miss!

    Episode 152: Can AI plan a mitzvah?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 21:31


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we talk about AI and provide nearly a dozen tips on how to use AI tools to make your mitzvah planning process easier, less costly and mostly save you time! This is an episode you won't want to miss. If you have any other thoughts or tips on how to use AI in your planning process, please let us know!

    Episode 151: A rebuttal to the Inquirer's Story about Mitzvah Spending

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 16:40


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we dive into a recent story from the Philadelphia Inquirer that sparked a wide range of emotions surrounding the cost of bar and bat mitzvah celebrations. The article highlights the growing trend of $50K – and even six-figure – mitzvah budgets, raising questions about what's considered "normal" spending. But it wasn't just the article that caught our attention — the heated online comments revealed frustration, judgment, and assumptions of extravagance and waste. We took this opportunity to share our own insights, opinions, and industry perspective on the evolving mitzvah scene.Check out the original article here:Philadelphia Inquirer – Mitzvah Ceremony Costs

    Episode 150: The Directors Cut a Deep Dive into the 2025 Super Bowl Showcase

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 28:13


    Episode 150 of MASTERING MITZVAHS is a SPECIAL EDITION! Step behind the scenes of the 2025 Super Bowl Mitzvah Showcase in this exclusive Director's Cut featuring Michael Langsner and Dylan Weisman as they break down the biggest mitzvah event of the year!In this 30-minute deep dive, we recap everything that made this showcase an unforgettable experience—high-energy entertainment, jaw-dropping production, interactive enhancements, and cutting-edge event technology that set the stage for the ultimate mitzvah celebration.

    Episode 149: Super Bowl Showcase 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 22:17


    Just days before the highly anticipated Super Bowl Showcase, Dylan and Mike discuss the importance of visiting a mitzvah showcase and give tips on how to get the most out of attending a showcase. www.XEevents.com RSVP at www.SuperBowlShowcase.com

    Episode 148: Two kids, Two very different parties

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 30:55


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we bring back a second time guest, Andrea Hecht. Andrea is a mitzvah mom who has entrusted Xplosive, now, twice with her family's most precious days. Her son and daughter each celebrated their mitzvahs within roughly three years of each other. The two parties were at different venues, had different themes, different guest counts, but both were incredible celebrations and both entrusted Xplosive to run the show. We encourage you to tune in and hear from a mom's perspective what its like to not only plan one, but to plan two epic celebrations and how you can manage to keep them both feeling different. Thanks for tuning in! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 147: 2024 year end review. Our favorite mitzvahs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 31:37


    In this December 2024 recording of mastering mitzvahs, Dylan and Mike revisit the last 12 months of mitzvahs and discuss their favorite celebrations of the year. This fun and fast paced episode of Mastering Mitzvahs not only talks about these parties, but also highlights specifics on what makes these celebrations raise to the top of mind! Tune in, take the suggestions and enjoy! www.XEevents.com www.masteringmitzvahs.com

    Episode 146: Unique Venues

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 24:25


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Dylan and Mike chat about unique venues and all the considerations that come with this decision. From timeline changes to distractions, costs, menu and attire, we discuss it all. Tune in to learn more! www.MasteringMitzvahs.com

    Episode 145: Dessert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 17:37


    Everyone loves dessert at catered parties, especially bar and bat mitzvahs. In this episode, we chat about how dessert timing and placement play a big part in the success or outcome of the final hour or so of your celebration. Tune in to learn more! www.masteringmitzvahs.com

    Episode 144: Two parties, same friends, same day and time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 19:17


    In towns with a high population of Jewish kids, it seems that every once-in-a-while there are select dates with multiple parties taking place simultaneously. How can this be avoided? How can this be best tackled? In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we discuss some strategies both for guests attending two parties in the same day and for families facing a reduced guest count as result of another party in town. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 143: National Sporting Event on During Your Mitzvah

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 15:47


    What happens when your party is the same day and time as a big NFL game, Kentucky Derby or Baseball Playoff? This can have a serious impact on your son or daughter's day. In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we share some past stories and offer some tips on how to avoid some troubles. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 142: Mitzvah Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 26:39


    Should your DJ play for the kids or the adults? Is there a happy median? In this episode, Mike and Dylan discuss the challenges of music programming and offer some tips to a successful celebration from a musical standpoint. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 141: Being the Best Mitzvah Parent!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 18:54


    After a Summer Long Hiatus on podcast recordings, Dylan and Mike get right back at it and discuss what it takes to be a great mitzvah parent. There certainly are things we see week after week that make some parents true rock stars while others tend to be unorganized, sloppy and overwhelmed. Let us help you be a rock star! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 140: Photography Tips and Trends with Veronica from VeroLuce Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 33:41


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Mike and Dylan bring in a guest, Veronica from Vero Luce Photography. Veronica specializes in bar and bat mitzvah photography and has both a great business sense as well as creative style for her art. In this episode, we chat learn about the vetting process to find the right photographer as well as current trends and expectations as they relate to mitzvah photography. For more info or to contact Veronica, visit: https://verolucephotography.com/

    Episode 139: The value and power of planning forms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 28:49


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Mike and Dylan discuss the importance of accurately completing planning forms as well as the timeliness of these forms. www.masteringmitzvahs.com

    Episode 138: Does guest count matter?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 26:43


    In this episode, Mike and Dylan discuss how variable guest counts can affect a party. They share tips on how to have effect small, medium and large events as well as note some cautionary items to be on alert for. www.MasteringMitzvahs.com

    Episode 137: A unique mitzvah lead by karma

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 36:45


    In this episode, we meet Lili, Reese's mom who encountered some major hurdles in her planning process. However, believing her gut and trusting the right partners, Reese had the most incredible celebration! Check out this episode to learn more.

    Episode 136: A conversation about mitzvah games (and a celebrity party too)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 33:46


    In this Episode, Mike and Dylan open with a discussion about two high profile events which took place this past weekend. From there, the conversation went into a deep dive of games and activities at parties. Check out this episode and let us know your thoughts! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 135: Meet MC Semaj Hazzard

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 31:22


    MC Semaj Hazzard has become one of Xplosive Entertainment's most requested performers. In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Dylan and Mike chat with Semaj and discuss his very unique background, his musical passions and some suggestions he has for those planning a party. He also provided a great bonus tip for young adults looking to get into this industry. For more about Semaj, visit: https://www.xeevents.com/talent/semaj/

    Episode 134: Timelines... love 'em or hate 'em?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 32:42


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we dove into the importance of having a timeline as well as the times to disregard a timeline. Take a listen to this podcast and learn more! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 133: Booking inclusive services vs hiring multiple vendors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 20:30


    This episode of Mastering Mitzvahs comes as a reaction to a post on a Facebook mitzvah planning group. A parent posted a question looking for dancers as the DJ he or she hired said "the dancers he normally uses were not available." While we feel horrible for this family, who is now stuck in a sticky situation, we also realize this topic should be expanded upon and dissected. Did the client hire the wrong company? OR did the DJ mislead from the beginning? What if the topic wasn't dancer related and instead was about a photo booth? In this episode, we dive deep into the value or pitfalls of hiring an inclusive business for all or most of your mitzvah related needs.

    Episode 132: The Super Bowl Showcase Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 24:11


    Just 24 hours after the Super Bowl Showcase, Xplosive owner's Dylan and Mike recap the showcase, discuss the unique feel of the event and highlight some of the most impressive attractions. For more info, visit: www.XEevents.com

    super bowl xplosive
    Episode 131: Leveling up your mitzvah. When Average just isn't good enough!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 31:23


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Mike and Dylan provide dozens of tips on ways to raise the bar of the mitzvah celebration. (Pun intended). Starting with booking tips, the two give examples all the way through the process to ensure an elevated experience. For more info visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 130: The importance of Mitzvah Showcases with guest Jazmine from H.Y.P.E. Productions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 28:13


    Xplosive is proud to be an industry leader in the bar and bat mitzvah world. That said, we still have peers who we admire and learn from. In this episode, we bring back Jazmine Gonzalez from H.Y.P.E. Productions out of the Chicago area. Jazmine runs an incredible venue called Loft 21 as well as H.Y.P.E. Productions which features 12 MCs and hosts approximately 250 bar/bat mitzvahs annually. This episode is an open discussion with Xplosive owner, Michael Langsner and Jazmine regarding the importance of visiting a bar/bat mitzvah showcase. For more info about H.Y.P.E. or to contact Jazmine, visit: https://hypeproductionsinc.com/ And as always... please, like, share and comment on this podcast!

    Episode 129: 24 Tips for Mitzvahs in 2024 (part two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 40:04


    This is the follow up episode to last week's episode (part one) of 24 tips for 2024. There are some great tips here. Tune in. Like, listen and share! For more info... visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 128: 24 Tips for 2024 (part one)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 33:02


    With the start of 2024, we found this a perfect opportunity to offer 24 quick but effective suggestions to maximize your bar/bat mitzvah planning. In this one of two episodes, we tackle 12 helpful suggestions. Questions, comments or to provide tips you've learned across your planning, please share with us at info@XEevents.com

    Episode 127: Great dance parties don't happen by accident

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 23:32


    In this episode, Mike and Dylan discuss the need for formalities and the sometimes unrealistic request for a non-stop dance party. Tips, suggestions and details are shared in this episode with best practice options for optimal bar and bat mitzvah flow. for more info visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 126: Forms.... help us, help you.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 29:27


    In this episode we talk about the reasons why completing event forms are so accurate are important.

    Episode 125: Mitzvahs Trick or Treat

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 29:36


    In the spirit of Halloween being, we are analyzing recent mitzvahs and talking about all the GREAT "treats" we've been seeing and some of the "tricks" or hurdles we've encountered so far this season. There's nothing overly spooky about this episode besides our hosts, Dylan and Mike getting real and removing the masks that often hide the truths. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 124: Boston Vs. Jersey... who does mitzvahs better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 32:53


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, our hosts, Mike and Dylan bring in a friend and esteemed guest, Michael Siagel the owner of Siagel Productions from the Boston Mass area. Michael's team produces over 250 bar/bat mitzvahs per year and is a second generation entertainment firm which started in 1976. In this fun episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we banter back and fourth about the trends, styles and possible different mindsets between Xplosive's NJ/PA based company and Siagel's Boston based company. You can learn more about Siagel Productions by visiting this link: https://www.siagelproductions.com/ And as always, we appreciate shares, likes and comments... for all things Xplosive visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 122: Ten Minute Enhancements: Social Zaps

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 10:59


    In this new format for our podcasts, Dylan and Mike spend ten minutes discussing a new and super cool event enhancement called Social Zaps. This is an upgrade to the traditional Zap Photos and a hybrid of zap photos merged with the roaming photo station. Check out the podcast to learn more! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 123: Understanding Bar and Bat Mitzvah Entertainment Pricing

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 43:51


    Understanding the bar and bat mitzvah pricing is a topic we can chat about for hours. In this 40 minute episode, we condensed our most top thoughts and shared them for clients (and other industry peers) to learn from. There are plenty of great nuggets to learn from this podcast. We hope you enjoy and if you would like to chat further on this topic, please connect with us! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 121: Balancing the "Jewish-ness" of your celebration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 34:43


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we have a guest, Jamie who just a few days before recording this episode, celebrated her own daughter's bat mitzvah. Instantly, we knew we wanted Jamie to be a guest on this podcast since her party was not only spectacular, but it also had a very unique feel with a great balance of modern tradition and Israeli music paired with the contemporary, upscale East Coast bar/bat mitzvah flair we've come to expect. This is a really fun and informative podcast for those planning bar and bat mitzvahs. Thanks for tuning in... for more info contact: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 120: Should your child be part of the planning / booking process.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 32:29


    There are plenty of items that your son or daughter should be working with you on making decisions. However, there are some pricy and sometimes sensative topics within the planning process which should be adult only decisions. In this podcast, we discuss these details. For more info, questions or to propose a topic for another episode of Xplosive Entertainment's Mastering Mitzvahs find us online at: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 119: Are formalities dead?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 40:33


    In this episode, Mike and Dylan discuss the different formalities which generally take place at a bar or bat mitzvah and give a thumbs up or down signaling to keep or ditch these traditions. As always, we encourage and appreciate feedback. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 118: Prioritizing Mitzvah Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 38:36


    We estimate there are well over 100 decisions to make when planning a bar or bat mitzvah. Dylan and Mike selected their the top ten, debated them, compared them and ultimately made a single list to share with those planning a bar/bat mitzvah. Within this podcast, there are some great tips and suggestions to consider during the planning process. For more info visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 117: Do you pick the entree before the restaurant? An analogy to the booking process.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 31:12


    As we come off the high from our annual Super Bowl Showcase, we are busy now booking new events and working with existing clients to add enhancements to their current booked events. The analogy to "do you pick the entree before the restaurant" is a great comparison to the entertainment booking process. Ideally, you should pick your favorite vendor whom is trusted, consistent, well-reviewed and reliable before selecting entrees, appetizers, drinks and desserts. However, all too often, client fascinate too much on the menu (or available services) before deciding where they will eat (who whom to book). In this episode, we reference the 2023 Super Bowl Showcase. Here's the video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_M9C8K4yWQ&t=2s For more info visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 116: Getting the most out of showcase attendance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 25:54


    Xplosive Entertainment's annual Super Bowl Showcase is taking place just days from today. On Sunday, Feb 12th, we bring out the big guns and put together an inspiring, informative and interactive party showcase. In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, we provide tips and thoughts on attending showcases and maximizing the experience. to register for the showcase visit this link: www.SuperBowlShowcase.com

    Episode 115: What make a party a 10?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2023 24:44


    Dylan just came off a weekend with his first mitzvah of the New Year. When Mike asked him about it, he said it was a 10 out of 10. Let's learn why... www.XEevents.com

    Episode 114: Does size matter? (Guest count, room size, crew size, number of enhancements, etc)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 33:03


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs we hit a new topic... the provocative title "Does Size Matter" really is not intended to be suggestive in this case. Rather, we discuss guest count, room size, number of dancers, quantity of games or activities, etc. This is our last recording for 2022. We appreciate our followers. Please like, share, and comment on this podcast to help our algorithms.

    Episode 113: What we are Thankful for!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 16:56


    With Thanksgiving coming up tomorrow, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to publically share our gratitude for those people and those things we value so much. This is a heartfelt and fun episode. As always, thanks for tuning in. Please like, share and comment! www.XEevents.com

    Episode 112: An interview with a recent mitzvah family and a perfectly executed Disney Theme

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 34:01


    In this episode we have a guest, Shari Pine, who recently celebrated her daughter's bat mitzvah with us at Xplosive Entertainment. Shari embraced the Disney Theme and executed it to the fullest! This party was a great example of a family who invested in embracing a theme and allowing the entertainment to use their ideas in a way most fitting to ensure an incredible celebration. We also invited Jaymie to join us on this podcast since she was responsible for the coordination and advanced detail of the party. For more details, visit: www.XEevents.com

    Episode 111: Distractions at events.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 23:05


    In this episode of Mastering Mitzvahs, Mike and Dylan chat about about distractions at events. These can come in the form of sporting events happing while the party takes place, divorce situations, games, craft stations, etc. We encourage you to listen to this podcast to get a better understanding of the distractions that can take place at your event and how to manage them in advance. www.XEevents.com Xplosive Entertainment is a NJ DJ based entertainment company.

    Episode 110: Mike had a hard weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 31:34


    This episode of Mastering Mitzvahs provides a glimpse behind the scenes into a weekend in which we ran into some troubles. While we sometimes feel like super heroes, we are not 100% invincible. Take a look into a tough weekend experienced by Mike. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 109: The mitzvah booking process and timeline

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 28:19


    So much to do and so little time! Is that the mantra when planning a mitzvah? The answer is, that it shouldn't be. You know for years that you have a party coming up. And you have ample time to get prepared, plan accordingly, etc. In this episode, we point out some suggested tips as you schedule out your planning needs. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 108: Party Give Aways

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2022 29:58


    The good, the bad and the ugly with party give aways. In this episode, we chat about the differences in favors, prizes and give-aways. We discuss quantities, specific item suggestions and an overall method of making the right decisions to be setup for success. We hope you enjoy this episode and are available to answer any questions. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 107: Tips to Enjoy the Bar or Bat Mitzvah you are planning!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 28:56


    Within this podcast, we chat about the many different things you can do to ensure you enjoy the party you are planning. With all the stresses and obligations involved in hosting an event, there are many tips and tricks we offer in this 28 minute episode to help ensure you get to maximize your time celebrating your son or daughter. As always send us any feedback or suggestions for podcast episodes. www.XEevents.com

    Episode 106: Expected trends for the Fall 2022 mitzvah season.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 35:07


    Within this podcast, Mike, Jordan and Dylan chat about the expected trends within the bar/bat mitzvah world for the Fall 2022 season and upcoming winter months. Things like colors, food trends, photo booth options, themes, balloons and even bounce houses have been explored within this episode. As always, thanks for tuning in. For more mitzvah tips, tricks and trends be sure to like and follow our podcasts! www.XEevents.com

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