Sixth & I LIVE

To mark the paperback release of the New York Times bestseller, Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Stephen Breyer offers a provocative analysis of the textualist philosophy of the current Supreme Court's supermajority and makes the case for a more pragmatic approach of the Constitution. In conversation with Neal Katyal, former Acting Solicitor General of the U.S. who has argued 52 cases before the Supreme Court. This program was held on May 13, 2025 in partnership with Politics and Prose. 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The House of the Spirits, A Long Petal of the Sea, and The Wind Knows My Name comes My Name Is Emilia del Valle, a historical novel about a young writer who journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself. In conversation with Dr. Jill Biden, who served as First Lady of the United States from 2021 – 2025 and Second Lady of the United States from 2009 – 2017. Dr. Biden is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir, Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself. This program was held on May 7, 2025 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

Building on “SNAFU”—the award-winning podcast about history's greatest screw-ups hosted by Ed Helms—the actor, comedian, producer, and writer takes you on a wild ride through time that covers the hilarious, head-scratching, and occasionally inspiring blunders that have shaped our world in SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups. In conversation with David Chalian, the Senior Vice President, Washington Bureau Chief, and Political Director for CNN. This program was held on May 1, 2025.

In her debut book The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness, Rabbi Shira—Sixth & I's former long-time and much beloved Senior Rabbi—distills 3,500 years of Jewish wisdom and culture into practical, time-tested strategies that anyone can adopt to find meaning, cultivate good values, and experience joy. In conversation with David Brooks, a New York Times Opinion columnist and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mountain and The Road to Character, among other books. This program was held on March 31, 2025. Thanks to our promotional partners, JWI, GatherDC, Charles E Smith Jewish Day School, Honeymoon Israel, The Experiment, PJ Library, PRX, the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, and Aspen Jewish Congregation.

In Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives, the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before distills key insights into simple truths for living with greater satisfaction, clarity, and happiness for anyone undergoing a major life transition. In conversation with Meghan Keane, the founder and managing producer for NPR's Life Kit, and the author of Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner.  This program was held on April 1, 2025. 

In Abundance, journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson explain how one generation's solutions have become the next generation's problems and offer a call to rethink big, entrenched problems that seem mired in systemic scarcity, from climate change and housing to education and healthcare. In conversation with Jerusalem Demsas, a staff writer at The Atlantic, host of their policy podcast “Good on Paper,” and the author of On the Housing Crisis.  This program was held on March 20, 2025 in partnership with The Atlantic. 

From the bestselling and award-winning author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists comes Dream Count, the story of four women and their loves, longings, and desires. The novel reflects on the choices we make and those that are made for us, on daughters and mothers, and on our interconnected world. In conversation with Glory Edim, the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, a literary community dedicated to Black women, and the author most recently of Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me. This program was held on March 12, 2025 in partnership with Politics and Prose. 

From the host of “Girl Meets Farm” on the Food Network comes Sweet Farm!: More Than 100 Cookies, Cakes, Salads (!), and Other Delights from My Kitchen on a Sugar Beet Farm, a mix of nostalgic sweets and new concoctions drawn from Yeh's Asian and Jewish backgrounds as well as adopted Midwestern traditions. In conversation with Carey Polis, a freelance food editor and consultant, and the author of the “Cheese, Book, Restaurant, Thing” newsletter on Substack.  This program was held on March 6, 2025.

In Super-Italian: More Than 110 Indulgent Recipes Using Italy's Healthiest Foods, the bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning TV host shares the Italian approach to healthful eating—where nothing is off the menu—and you can have your pasta and eat it, too. In conversation with Jamila Robinson, editor in chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious. This program was held on March 5, 2025. 

Memorial Days is a portrait of love and grief from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author in which Brooks reflects on the sudden death of her husband, Tony Horwitz, and explores the ways cultures grieve and what rituals might help to rebuild a life after loss. In conversation with Kara Swisher, the host of “On with Kara Swisher” and cohost of “Pivot,” and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story.   This program was held on February 19, 2025 in partnership with Politics and Prose. 

Calling adults of all ages and anyone who wants to make the world a better place: Celebrate the release of the young adult adaptation of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's memoir, True Gretch: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference. In conversation with Emily Tisch Sussman, founder and host of the award-winning iHeart podcast “She Pivots” and co-owner of Gotham FC. This program was held on February 23, 2025.

In The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource, MSNBC host Chris Hayes argues that we are in the midst of an epoch-defining transition where attention has become a commodified resource extracted from us, and from which we are increasingly alienated. In conversation with Jen Psaki, host of MSNBC's “Inside with Jen Psaki” and former White House Press Secretary. This program was held on January 29, 2025.

In Sonic Life, the Sonic Youth band member and co-founder shares a coming-of-age story, love letter to downtown New York, and a music-obsessed retrospective by an artist whose name stands for art, defiance, experimentalism, and undeniable cool and whose songs have challenged the basic ideas of what rock music can be. In conversation with Alec MacKaye, a musician and writer who has played in punk rock bands since 1979, including The Untouchables, The Faith, Ignition, The Warmers, and currently, Hammered Hulls.  This program was held on December 9, 2024. 

The Third Gilmore Girl is the New York Times bestselling memoir from the award-winning actress, spanning her six decades in show business from originating the role of Sheila Bryant in A Chorus Line and her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey's mother in Dirty Dancing to her iconic turn as Emily Gilmore in “Gilmore Girls.” In conversation with Dana Bash, CNN's chief political correspondent, anchor of “Inside Politics with Dana Bash,” and co-anchor of “State of the Union.” This program was held on December 4, 2024. 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes Half Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy, a collection of more than 120 recipes that reflect the way Tieghan Gerard cooks now: simple ingredients, easy to get on the table, short on time, and big on flavor. In conversation with Erin Como, an Emmy-nominated host and reporter and the co-host of LION Lunch Hour on FOX 5 in DC.  This program was held on November 21, 2024.

On the occasion of the paperback release of Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, historian Heather Cox Richardson shares an urgent call to action about the precarious state of American democracy, charting its historical challenges and current threats. In conversation with Charlotte Clymer, a writer, communications consultant, transgender activist, and author of the Charlotte's Web Thoughts newsletter on Substack.  This program was held on October 31, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

In Christian Siriano: The New Red Carpet, the celebrated fashion designer shares his whimsical and showstopping designs worn by icons on red carpets around the globe. In conversation with Jenee Naylor, a fashion expert, beauty enthusiast, TV host, content creator, and host of the YouTube series, “Style Unlocked with Jenee Naylor.” This program was held on October 21, 2024.

In This is Strategy, influential business thinker and blogger Seth Godin offers a guide to thinking strategically and creating meaningful change, whether you're revolutionizing an industry, sparking a movement, or building a career. In conversation with Bina Venkataraman, a Washington Post columnist covering topics related to the future and the author of The Optimist's Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age.  This program was held on October 28, 2024 in partnership with The Washington Post. Follow @PostOpinions on Instagram and X. 

From the bestselling author of Fight Club comes Shock Induction, a dark, satirical parable about a string of mysterious high school disappearances, the seedy underbellies of billionaires, and the tough choices we make in the face of an uncertain future. This program was held on October 15, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

At this critical moment for democracy and our country, Yolanda Savage-Narva, Vice President of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Communities of Belonging for the Union for Reform Judaism, moderates a conversation about the inextricable link between Jewish safety and our democratic freedoms with Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland's 8th Congressional District; Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs; and Maya Wiley, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. This program was held on September 26 in partnership with JCPA and Tree of Life.

In Easy Weeknight Dinners: 100 Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals for Busy People Who Still Want Something Good to Eat, Emily Weinstein—Editor in Chief of Cooking and Food for The New York Times—has curated some of the greatest hit dishes from Melissa Clark, Eric Kim, Yewande Komolafe, Ali Slagle, and more. Weinstein is joined by New York Times staff writer Eric Kim, author of the bestselling cookbook Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home, for a conversation with Carey Polis, a freelance food editor and consultant, and the author of the “Cheese, Book, Restaurant, Thing” newsletter on Substack. This program was held on October 14, 2024. 

In Zahav Home, co-owners Chef Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook bring Zahav's signature ideas to the home kitchen with 125 recipes for achievable meals ranging from robust salads and abundant vegetables to hearty soups and easy lunches. In conversation with Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent. This program was held on September 30, 2024. 

In Connie: A Memoir, the trailblazing journalist pulls no punches as she shares a behind-the-scenes tour of her life and career, from showdowns with powerful men in and out of the newsroom where overt sexism was a way of life to the stories behind some of her career-defining reporting. Chung is in conversation with her husband Maury Povich, a former news reporter and anchor who hosted the talk show “Maury” for over thirty years.  This program was held on September 18, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

In Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking: Vegan Recipes, Tips, and Techniques, the James Beard Award-winning food and dining editor of The Washington Post collects plant-based dishes into a single volume for the first time, treating vegan food as its own cuisine, worthy of mastery. In conversation with Rob Rubba, chef and partner at Oyster Oyster, and the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Chef Award winner.  This program was held on September 4, 2024.

"Peace does not and will not magically happen. We will have to work hard for peace, which will require courage, compromise, and even sacrifice. We can start by talking about peace. And let's talk about it until there's nothing else to talk about." Listen to Rabbi Aaron Potek's 5785 Erev Rosh Hashanah sermon about not losing faith in the possibility of peace. His remarks were followed by two speakers from the grassroots organizations Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun.

Hear how a performance of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked led Rabbi Aaron to an important realization about letting go of perfectionism and replacing it with more meaningful goals.

Relive Rabbi Aaron Potek's 5785 Kol Nidre sermon on the challenges this past year has created, or revealed, for liberal American Jews.

“Do not run from difference—run towards it. Embrace it. Honor it. Learn from it. Doing so will not destroy us. Quite the opposite—it may very well be what saves us.”   At Rosh Hashanah services on October 3, 2024, Rabbi Aaron Potek spoke about why engaging with difference is an essential Jewish value.

More than 70 countries are holding elections this year, representing half the world's population. What do the results reveal about the state of democracy in 2024?  Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist's editor-in-chief, explores the consequences of the year's major elections—from America to India, France, Venezuela, and beyond—with senior correspondents from The Economist including Washington bureau chief Idrees Kahloon, Paris bureau chief Sophie Pedder, and geopolitics editor David Rennie.  This program was held on September 25, 2024.

10/7: 100 Human Stories by Haaretz investigative reporter Lee Yaron is the definitive account of the day Hamas launched an unprecedented terrorist assault on Israel, told through the stories of its victims and the communities they called home. Yaron is in conversation with Jodi Rudoren, the editor-in-chief of the Forward, the nation's oldest independent Jewish news organization. She spent more than two decades at The New York Times, where she served as Jerusalem bureau chief from 2012 through 2015. This program was held on October 7, 2024 in partnership with the Forward.

To mark the 25th anniversary of “The West Wing,” cast members Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick, Assistant to the Press Secretary) and Mary McCormack (Kate Harper, Deputy National Security Advisor) have written a love letter to the show, the people who made it, the fans who loved it, and the service it inspired with What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service. This event revsits the nostalgic, aspirational White House of “The West Wing” in a conversation moderated by political commentator and strategist Kevin Walling, with the authors, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning actor Martin Sheen (President Jed Bartlet), and Emmy Award winning actor Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler). This program was held on August 17, 2024.

Progressive political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen—a YouTuber, host of the “No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen” podcast, and MSNBC contributor—explains how American politics has turned into a dire situation, and what can be done about it, in Shameless. In a conversation moderated by Shaniqua McClendon, the Vice President of Politics for Crooked Media, Cohen is joined by host of MSNBC's “Inside with Jen Psaki” and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. This program was held on August 14, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

On the occasion of the paperback release of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow—a New York Times bestseller and #1 Indie National Best Seller—Gabrielle Zevin shares the exhilarating story of two friends who come together as creative partners in the world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity, and, ultimately, a kind of immortality. In conversation with Angie Kim, the author of the international bestseller, Miracle Creek, and most recently of the New York Times bestselling novel, Happiness Falls. This program was held on July 10, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

In White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy, Rev. Barber addresses white poverty as a hugely neglected subject that might just be the key to mitigating racism and bringing together tens of millions of working class and impoverished Americans. This program was held on June 12, 2024 in partnership with Solid State Books.

Dr. Mark Hyman's #1 New York Times bestselling book, Young Forever, revealed how to reverse the biological hallmarks of aging through dietary, lifestyle, and longevity strategies. In his new companion cookbook, The Young Forever Cookbook: More than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, Dr. Hyman shares recipes to help you eat your way to a longer life. In conversation with Sen. Cory Booker, who represents New Jersey and is the author of United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good.  This program was held on June 5, 2024. 

In The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis, the “This Week” and “Good Morning America” host recounts the crises that decided the course of history from the place 12 presidents made their highest-pressure decisions. In conversation with Jonathan Martin, POLITICO's politics bureau chief and senior political columnist. This program was held on May 16, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose. 

In Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World. the former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host shares the surprising lessons she's learned on her path to success and offers advice about how to be a more effective communicator in any situation. In conversation with Kara Swisher, an award-winning journalist, the host of “On with Kara Swisher” and co-host of “Pivot,” and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story.  This program was held on May 9, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

The executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host and executive producer of “Watch What Happens Live” returns to Sixth & I for his fifth appearance to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, The Daddy Diaries, talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer your questions about everyone's favorite Bravolebrities. In conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ+ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings. This program was held on May 8, 2024.

In The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society, the Nobel Laureate dissects America's current economic system and the political ideology that created it, laying bare their twinned failure. In conversation with Timothy Noah, a staff writer for the New Republic and a contributing editor at The Washington Monthly.  This program was held on April 25, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

Culled from decades of journal entries, Becky Lynch, The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl delves into the WWE star's earliest wrestling days, her scrappy beginnings, and her meteoric rise to fame—offering a raw and honest depiction of the complex woman behind the character played on TV. In conversation with Lauren Ober, a podcast creator, host, and executive producer, most recently of “The Loudest Girl In The World.” This program was held on March 28, 2024. 

Leading American Jewish thinkers on Israel—Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Peter Beinart, journalist and political commentator, and Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer at the Israel Policy Forum—offer differing perspectives on how some American Jews have been reevaluating their identities as liberals and their relationships to Israel in a conversation moderated by Senior Rabbi Aaron Potek, Executive Director of Jewish Life at Sixth & I. This program was held on April 7, 2024. 

From the award-winning journalist, host of “On with Kara Swisher,” and cohost of “Pivot” comes Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, a history and an accounting of the tech industry and its most powerful players who wanted to change the world but broke it instead. In conversation with Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder & President of Emerson Collective.  This program was held on February 29, 2024 in partnership with Politics and Prose. 

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love comes Good Material, a story of heartbreak and friendship and how to survive both. In conversation with Karin Tanabe, the author of seven novels including The Sunset Crowd, A Woman of Intelligence, and The Gilded Years. This program was held on February 28, 2024.

Continuing the conversation sparked by his April 2024 cover story for The Atlantic, “The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending,” Atlantic staff writer and bestselling author Franklin Foer is joined by Dr. Pamela Nadell, Professor of History and Jewish Studies and Director of the Jewish Studies Program at American University, in a dialogue lead by Sixth & I's Senior Rabbi, Aaron Potek. This program was held in partnership with The Atlantic on March 18, 2024. 

Amidst declining marriage rates and a loneliness epidemic, friends and authors Rhaina Cohen and Dr. Marisa Franco illuminate friendship's power to transform how we define a fulfilling life. In conversation with Sixth & I's Senior Rabbi Aaron Potek. This program was held on February 13, 2024.

In Subculture Vulture: A Memoir in Six Scenes, the stand-up comedian, writer, and actor tells the story of the lives he has spent careening between and how he found his people, over and over again, in different settings. In conversation with Lauren Ober, a podcast creator, host, and executive producer, most recently of “The Loudest Girl In The World” which was named one of the best shows of 2022 by the CBC and The Atlantic.

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens is a collection of spiritual reflections and action-steps to help you get through any kind of day—good, bad, or mediocre. In conversation with Judy Woodruff, a senior correspondent and the former anchor and managing editor of “PBS NewsHour.” This program was held on January 30, 2024. 

In And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self, Common shares a comprehensive program for addressing mental and physical health and encouraging communities to do the same. In conversation with Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of the New York Times bestsellers How the Word is Passed and Above Ground. This program was held on January 27, 2024 in partnership with Loyalty Books.

In the twelve years since Michele Norris first prompted people to share their thoughts on race in just six words, over half a million people have submitted their stories to The Race Card Project. Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity is a compilation of these stories, along with richly reported essays and photographs that provide a window into America during a tumultuous era. In conversation with Laura Coates, CNN's Chief Legal Analyst and anchor of “Laura Coates Live,” and the host of “The Laura Coates Show” on SiriusXM. This program was held on January 18 in partnership with Politics and Prose.

In The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, Rabbi Sharon Brous—named America's #1 Most Influential Rabbi by Newsweek and The Daily Beast—makes the case that the spiritual work of our time, as instinctual as it is counter-cultural, is to find our way to one another in celebration, in sorrow, and in solidarity. In conversation with Jonathan Capehart, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, anchor for the “The Saturday/Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart” on MSNBC, opinion columnist at The Washington Post, and host of the “Capehart” podcast.

In Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, Liz Cheney shares a gripping account of the insurrection from inside the halls of Congress and tells the story of this perilous moment in our history—from those who helped Trump spread the stolen election lie to those whose actions preserved our constitutional framework, and the risks we still face. In conversation with Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of five books including the #1 New York Times bestsellers, This Town and Thank You for Your Servitude. This program was held on December 13, 2023 in partnership with Politics and Prose. Download a transcript of the conversation.