Spirits & Spirituality

Accidental babysitting for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, nostalgia and memory on Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal and why Stephen Harper is a terrible dinner guest. Plus: how the origins of the ‘Canada is Fake’ movement may lie in the 1995 Referendum.All this and more with political commentator, talk radio legend and author of the new memoir 'Make-up Tips From Auschwitz: How Vanity Saved My Mother's Life' Tommy Schnurmacher on a very special holiday episode of the award-winning weekly politics and society interview podcast Unpacking the News.Find Tommy's book on Amazon, at talkradiotommy.com and at better bookstores everywhere.Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/unpackingthenewsMusic on this episode includes* 'A Merry Christmas from 1928/1929'* 'Joyeaux Noel', Ginette Reno* 'Le Sentier de Neige', Les Classels* 'Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant', Mitsou* 'Ca Bergers Assemblons Nous', The Stairwell Carollers* 'Noel de Joie', Ginette MenardThis conversation was recorded on December 10th and 16th, 2019.

On the eleventh episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold are joined by writer Jonathan Neumann to discuss his controversial new polemic 'To Heal the World?: How the Jewish Left Corrupts Judaism and Endangers Israel'.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at Atelier Lou in WestmountFind Tommy's hit memoir 'Make-up Tips From Auschwitz: How Vanity Saved My Mother's Life' at http://talkradiotommy.comCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).For glassware, bar tools and ingredients and all of your cocktail needs go to cocktailemporium.com or visit them in Toronto at 20 Kensington ave. in Kensington Market and at 972 Queen st. W.This conversation was recorded on November 12th, 2019.

On the tenth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold sit down to discuss Tommy's fascinating, funny and fantastic new memoir 'Makeup Tips From Auschwitz: How Vanity Saved My Mother's Life'.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at Atelier Lou in WestmountOrder the memoir online everywhere and at https://www.amazon.ca/Makeup-Tips-Auschwitz-Vanity-Mothers-ebook/dp/B07WFWK1Q4Find out more about the creative process behind the hit book at http://talkradiotommy.comCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).For glassware, bar tools and ingredients and all of your cocktail needs go to cocktailemporium.com or visit them in Toronto at 20 Kensington ave. in Kensington Market and at 972 Queen st. W.This conversation was recorded on November 12th, 2019.

On the ninth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome the fabulous, fascinating and internationally renown radio and television talk show host, sex therapist and author Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at the Renoir bar at the Sofitel in downtown MontrealCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).For glassware, bar tools and ingredients and all your cocktail needs go to cocktailemporium.com or visit them in Toronto at 20 Kensington ave. in Kensington Market and at 972 Queen st. W.Watch the hit documentary 'Ask Dr. Ruth' on Hulu.This conversation was recorded on October 23rd, 2019.

On the eighth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome Joseph and Ross Paperman, two of the directors at Paperman & Sons, to explore faith and grief, mourning and tradition, and how the Paperman family has prioritized care for the deceased and their loved ones for more than a century.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at Papermans Funeral HomeCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).To find out more about Paperman & Sons go to https://www.paperman.com/en

On the seventh episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome McGill University academic and author Dr. Joe Schwarcz to discuss the chemistry of faith, quack remedies and the state of science in a fake news world..Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at Atelier Lou (376 avenue Victoria, Westmount) Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).

On the sixth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome the precocious and pugnacious 20-year-old Anthony Koch to discuss McGill campus politics, contemporary conservatism and why he's made the decision to convert to Judaism.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at the elegant Cloakroom Bar in Montreal's Golden Square Mile (2175 Rue de la Montagne)Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).

On the fifth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome media personality and Executive Director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal Nakuset to discuss faith, family and the Trudeau government's failure to genuinely work towards reconciliation.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded live at the Museum of Jewish MontrealThanks to the Diller Teen Fellowship for their generous support on this episode.For more information on the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal go to http://www.nwsm.info/To learn more about the Museum of Jewish Montreal visit http://imjm.ca/Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on July 18th, 2019.

On the fourth episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome legendary Montreal radio personality Terry DiMonte for a conversation exploring his incredible career, his recent engagement and what it's been like hanging out with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the last 20 years. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on April 18th, 2019.

On the third episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome journalist Fariha Nagvi-Mohamed for a provocative discussion on politics and religious freedom in a post-Bill 21 Quebec.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at Bar le Cloakroom (2175 rue de la Montagne)Follow the hosts on Twitter @talkradiotommy, @avtherav and @spiritsspiritu1and on Instagram at spirits_spiritualityCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on June 20th, 2019.

On the second episode of Season 2 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold welcome writer Michael Carin for a discussion on his startling new alternate history 'Churchill at Munich'. Plus: a conversation exploring the bold, controversial argument he makes for a secular Judaism in his 2001 book 'The Future Jew'.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on April 18th, 2019.

On Season 2, Episode 1 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold sit down to discuss grief, mourning and the strength found in community and tradition during difficult times.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledFor a refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links in exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, visit our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on May 23rd, 2019.

On the twelfth and final episode of Season 1 of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold join the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Montréal Rev. Thomas Dowd for a very Catholic conversation at the seminary library of the seminary of the Basilique-Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde in downtown Montreal. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledFollow Reverend Dowd on Twitter at @thomasdowd_caCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on December 5th, 2018.

On the eleventh episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold are joined by Rivka Cymbalist (author of 'The Birth Conspiracy: Natural Birth, Hospitals, and Doulas : a Guide') for a dialogue exploring religion, childbirth and midwifery.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at Caffè della Pace (1002 ave. Van Horne, Montreal)For information on Rivka Cymbalist see https://www.mbcdoulaschool.ca/For more on the venue go to https://www.caffedellapace.com/Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on November 2nd, 2018.

On the tenth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold discuss the connections between activism, faith and electoral politics with Projet Montréal city councilwoman and Outremont borough councilor Mindy Pollak.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at Resto Bar Chops (5322 Queen Mary road, Montreal)For information on Mindy Pollak go to https://www.mindypollak.ca/Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on November 19th, 2018.

On the ninth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold explore why laughter is the best spiritual medicine with 'Just for Laughs' co-founder, comedian and tech entrepreneur Andy Nulman. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at The Cloakroom (2175 rue de la Montagne, Montreal)For information on Andy's career, bibliography and more go to andynulman.comCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on January 22nd, 2019.

On the eighth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold discuss masculinity, multiculturalism, feminism and faith with professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, author, and public intellectual Dr. Gad Saad.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at a top secret location recommended by Roger StoneFor more Gad Saad look for the most recent episode of his popular interview show 'The Saad Truth', featuring a conversation with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, on Youtube.Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on January 28th, 2019.

On the seventh episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold discuss faith and writing with Nathan Englander, a Guggenheim Fellow and author of the acclaimed 'For the Relief of Unbearable Urges', 'The Ministry of Special Cases' and the Pulitzer-nominated 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank'. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at the Sofitel MontrealFor more on Nathan Englander's writing go to nathanenglander.comCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on November 6th, 2018.

On the sixth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold explore the history of downtown Montreal's St. Jax Anglican Church (formerly St. James the Apostle from 1864 to 2015) and discuss how to re-think, re-brand and essentially re-launch a church with the Reverend Graham A. SinghProduction by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at the Museum of Jewish Montreal For more on Reverend Singh's work go to stjax.orgCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on September 12th, 2018.

On the fifth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold find out why sex, love and passion have no expiration date with clinical psychologist, sex therapist and syndicated radio host Dr. Laurie Betito.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at Cafe della Pace in Montreal's Mile EndFor more of Dr. Betito's work go to http://www.drlaurie.com/Check out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on November 2nd, 2018.

On the fourth episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold discuss morale, morality and the stubborn support of American evangelicals for Donald Trump with special guest Canada-US political commentator David Frum (The Atlantic Monthly, MSNBC and author of 'Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic').Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at the Chateau Versailles Hotel in MontrealCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).This episode was recorded on October 25th, 2018.

On the third episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold explore faith and feminism with guest Dr. Kimberley Manning of Concordia University's Simone de Beauvoir Institute. Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at The Museum of Jewish MontrealCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).Established in 1978, the Simone de Beauvoir Institute has the oldest Women’s Studies program in Canada and is recognized as one of the most innovative places in Quebec and Canada to study feminisms and develop initiatives that promote equality and social justice. For more information go to http://www.concordia.ca/artsci/sdbi.htmlThis conversation was recorded in August, 2018.

On the second episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold discuss the power of empathy in overcoming hatred as guest David Abitbol (jewlicious.com) explores the origins of his friendship with Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of extremist hate group the Westboro Baptist Church.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at The Museum of Jewish MontrealCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).Jewlicious is a grassroots organization changing the way young adults affiliate and participate in Jewish life. Find out more at jewlicious.com.This conversation was recorded in August, 2018.

On the inaugural episode of Canada’s premiere faith and conversation podcast, hosts Tommy Schnurmacher and Rabbi Avi Finegold explore what they aim to achieve with the show. And- religion can be arduous: discussing faith, trust and kosher cruise ships.Production by Andre GouletTechnical assistance from Ricochet MediaLogo by Design is YummyTheme music by Montreal hip-hop and klezmer composer SocalledRecorded at The Museum of Jewish MontrealCheck out the refined collection of rings, broaches, cuff-links and more, exclusive designs handcrafted in Montreal by some of the most skilled artisans in the world, at our sponsor Atelier Lou (http://atelierlou.com/).