The Bagel Report

This week, Erin and Esther sit down with Tzivia Schwartz Getzug, a consultant for DreamWorks' iconic animated film The Prince of Egypt. With its star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack, The Prince of Egypt was a landmark in animated storytelling, and now Tzivia takes us behind the scenes of the epic retelling of the Exodus story, sharing her role in shaping the film's extensive outreach to faith communities.   This episode is dedicated to the memory of Fumi Kitahara. Check out these links: Fumi Kitahara in Deadline VAL Trailer--- You can watch the documentary on Amazon Prime Video Val Kilmer feature in the New York Times

Esther and Erin reunite to discuss new jobs, the devastating wildfires, and the upcoming awards season. They also review films like indie comedy Bad Shabbos, Marvel sequel Captain America: Brave New World, and Oscar-nominated Holocaust epic The Brutalist. Later, the Bagels celebrate 50 years of Saturday Night Live and discuss the sentimental value it brings to many generations. Check out these links! Donate to Fire Relief: https://fireaidla.org Donate to Jewish LA relief efforts: jewishla.org/wildfire-crisis-relief/ Holocaust Museum LA Bad Shabbos Trailer SNL 40 "That's When You Break!" SNL 50 Adam Sandler Song  

This week, Esther and Erin are celebrating Hanukkah...and all the award show nominations trickling in. They congratulate "A Real Pain" and the Netflix rom-com favorite "Nobody Wants This" and later break down "September 5," the historical drama about the Munich Olympics massacre and the ABC Sports team that covered the events.     Check out these links: Six13's Wicked Hanukkah The Maccabeats Hanukkah

This week, Esther and Erin speak with Jessica Jablon from Sharsheret, an organization supporting Jewish women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. They discuss Sharsheret's services, including mental health support, genetic counseling, and the successful "Pies for Prevention" program, which has raised over $115,000 this year. The conversation also highlights breast cancer storylines in TV and film and the importance of early detection and personalized medical care. Learn more about Sharsheret at sharsheret.org

This week, Esther and Erin defy gravity and geek out over the movie musical, "Wicked." They analyze the complex relationships between Elphaba and Glinda and themes of outsiderhood and privilege. They do a deep dive into the clever Easter eggs, including potential connections to "Frozen," the Wizard's portrayal by Jeff Goldblum, and the connections to Jewish identity and social justice. Plus, they delve into the symbolism of the characters, including a link to the Passover Seder. 

This week, Esther and Erin break down Jesse Eisenberg's new Jewy film, A Real Pain, and what makes his and Kieran Culkin's performances so captivating. They also dive into the high-stakes thriller September 5th, a gripping retelling of the Munich Olympics Israeli hostage crisis and what it brings up in a post-Oct. 7th world. The bagels even talk about the new Paramount+ documentary about an Israeli-Palestinian boy band that came to LA to start a music career on Oct. 6th, 2023.  Check out these links: NPR's Retrospective on the Munich Olympics  September 5th Trailer As1One Music Video

Erin and Esther are celebrating the fifth anniversary of this little ol' podcast! After some reflections on all we've lived through since October 2019 (!!),  the Bagels move down the Jewish interpretive road, examining "Agatha All Along" — its bar mitzvah episode and other moments and images that remind us of Jewy things. Looking ahead to November, the Bagels discuss A Real Pain, the movie written and directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Erin bubbles with enthusiasm about the release of Wicked and talks about the film's long production road. So if you care to find us, look to the Western Sky, or join us on the Bagels' Road. If you're reading this, you're with us already. And we're so grateful for that!   Check out these links:   Agatha's Jewy Plotline via Variety  A Real Pain Trailer  Wicked Trailer Stephen Schwartz Is Still ‘Defying Gravity'      

As the Bagels reflect on the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the Oct. 7th terror attacks in Israel, they are also uplifted thanks to a conversation about Reboot Studios' latest project, "We Should Eat." Written and directed by Shaina Feinberg and developed by Alysia Reiner, the short tells the story of a Jewish family with a Filipino father and Jewish mother. The duo tells Esther and Erin about the film's diverse Jewish experiences and nuanced character dynamics while addressing existential dread and intergenerational trauma. Check out these links: Shaina Feinberg's A Brief History of Hating My Face | NYT Reboot's The Anne Frank Gift Shop Sneak Peak Learn more about Reboot here.   

Nobody Wants This? More like somebody wants this! Rabbinic representation gets the Hollywood treatment in the new Netflix romantic comedy series "Nobody Wants This," about atheist podcaster Kristen Bell falling for rabbi Adam Brody. The show's trailer and title set up negative expectations, but how did the series portray Jewish life and ritual? Is the show engaging enough for a second season? And what could a show like this do for Jews in interfaith relationships? Join the bagels for a long-ranging and in-depth conversation about this 10-episode series. If you've already binged it or have just started streaming, send us your thoughts at thebagelreport@gmail.com. Check out these links: Nobody Wants This trailer  Chrismukkah clip from the OC  Adam Brody in Fleishman Is in Trouble

This week the Bagels discuss the importance of balancing joy and tragedy.  They remember the six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas while kvelling over the very Jewish wedding of Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. They also review the trailer for the upcoming Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody; shout out Ilana Glazer's friend-flick, "Babes," and rave over Adam Sandler's newest Netflix special, "Love You."

The Bagels are glad to have found Jonathan Branfman, a professor at Stanford and author of the book, Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity and White Supremacy, to discuss how on-screen portrayals of Jewish people or situations have changed over the decades. Jon tells us about "Goyface" and how it relates to "Jewface" and racial minstrelsy. Plus, shoutouts to Andi Mack, Lil' Dicky, Uncut Gems, Broad City, Logan Lerman, Zac Efron, Adam Brody and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  This episode will fulfill your Judaic studies academic requirements and involve you in a long-ranging discussion about Jewish masculinity in popular culture AT THE SAME TIME!   Follow Jonathan Branfman on Instagram @JonBranfman Check out these links! Thinking about Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (academic papers) Andi Mack Major Jewish and LGBTQ moment  Zac Efron on SNL  Esther's review of Israeli vampire series "Juda"  Friends of the Pod Friday Night Movie    

This week, the bagels chat with Rebecca Margolis, author of The Yiddish Supernatural on Screen: Dybbuks, Demons and a Haunted Jewish Past and Yiddish comedy in American film and television. She and the Bagels do a deep dive into the Yiddish language and how it finds its way into TV and film. Later, she answers Erin and Esther's questions about Dybbuks and why they continue to show up in supernatural spaces.  

Only the Bagels know how to connect the Muppets, Broadway and SpermWorld. This episode's journey explores the history of the Muppets, the guest stars at Ben Platt's new Broadway show and the return of one of Esther's faves, Hacks. Esther and Erin also anticipate upcoming camp movies, are moved by Jerry Seinfeld's emotions, and talk documentaries, from SpermWorld to The Jinx. We also create our ultimate Jewish Pride Pop-Culture Playlist.  Check Out These Links: Jim Henson Documentary   Hacks Season 3 on HBO  Jerry Seinfeld and Bari Weiss  SpermWorld and the NYT piece that inspired the doc.  The Jinx and The Jinx PART 2   

Erin and Esther are back together, sharing their TV-must-watches as well as what they're looking forward to, Jewy pop culture-wise. Erin talks Netflix is a Joke Fest and especially John Mulaney's limited talk show format, "Everybody's in L.A." Esther downloads her time in Israel and tunes out for Erin's Bridgerton review. Digressions include puns, GenZ phrases, Kveller articles, pop tarts, graduation speakers and more.   Check Out These Links: The Jews Are Coming Jerry Seinfeld's Commencement Speech at Duke Unfrosted Trailer  Everybody's in LA Clip Dinner with the Parents aka Friday Night Dinner  Jewish Bridgerton  Treasure Trailer  New Adam Brody RomCom on Netflix  

This week, the Bagels are joined in the virtual studio by Emmy-winning comedian Rob Kutner. He shares his experiences writing on Conan and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as how he ghostwrote Marvel's meta-novel, Look Out for the Little Guy. Kutner also updates Erin and Esther on his latest project, God's Gang, a multicultural kid's series about superheroes, unity and peace.   Check out these links: God's Gang: Full Episode God's Gang Website  Look Out for the Little Guy Trailer  More on Rob Kutner!

What a week: Curb Your Enthusiasm ended, Alex Edelman's Just For Us dropped on Max, and We Were The Lucky Ones, Dinner with the Parents, and tons of other shows are keeping TV Jewy. This week Esther and Erin tackle the big questions: who's worse, Larry David or the Seinfeld Four? Why do LD's friends tolerate him? And why wasn't there more of a tribute to Richard Lewis? And to top it all off, Passover's coming...and we've got playlists and parodies and haggadahs, oh my! Check out these Links! Curb's Last Day on Set Dinner with The Parents Trailer  Can You Feel the Dayen-ergy? Esther's Kenough Passover Kveller's Passover Parody Contest

This week, the Bagels were joined by Rabbi Sharon Brous, the founder of IKAR in Los Angeles. Esther and Erin asked questions about Brous' new book, "The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World." The bagels and Brous touched on the value of community in the darkest of times while also finding moments of joy. The Bagels also recapped the Oscars and Rabbi Brous joined in on a pop-culture speed round.  You can find The Amen Effect at a bookstore --virtual or in-person-- near you. Check out these links: Erin's Oscar Coverage Rabbi Sharon Brous' Ted Talk     

This week Erin shares her journey to the 96th Academy Awards and tries to explain all 2 hours and 46 minutes of Dune: Part 2 to Esther. Later, Esther and Erin remember comedian Richard Lewis who passed away last week at the age of 76. Esther recalls his recent Curb Your Enthusiasm cameos and other famous roles as well as his impact on comedy.  Check out these links: Follow Erin's Oscar coverage here (kfiam640.iheart.com) ‘Dune 2' is set thousands of years in the future — so why does it feel like a parable about Gaza? Is ‘Dune' a Retelling of the Passover Story? Murtaza Hussain & Yair Rosenberg on The Daily Show The Ally        

Perhaps in honor of January's Holocaust Remembrance Day, or perhaps in anticipation of March's Oscars and May's Yom Hashoah — it's never the wrong time to #NeverForget. This week the Bagels talk about the influx of Holocaust-themed movies and TV shows like The New Look, A Small Light, Transatlantic and the upcoming One Life, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and We Were the Lucky Ones.  Erin saw The Zone of Interest during an L.A. flood warning and Esther took a virtual tour of Auschwitz. The two discuss what the trend in Holocaust content means and how it affects antisemitism and Jewish representation.  Plus, Schindler's List is 30; a delayed news brief about the Shabbat on Broadway event that seemed to come out of nowhere; and Susie and Jeff have a Curb Your Enthusiasm podcast. Check out these links: Six Million Voices  Difficult People  The New Look Coco Chanel's Nazi History  Schindler's List Oral History -- The Hollywood Reporter  Seinfeld Schindler's List Scene Shabbat on Broadway  Curb Your Enthusiasm Podcast  Hadassah Magazine The Wolf Hunt     

Get it? Cause we're bagels...Grab a cup of spite and a dry scone because this week the bagels are talking about the final season of Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. This episode has everything: guest stars, fan contributions, the Holocaust and Elmo.  Let us know what you think of the 12th season of the series, which is now available on HBO and MAX.   Check out these links! A Real Pain The Floaters ElmoGate Larry David Defends ElmoGate on Seth Meyers Larry Latte Pop-Up  

It's a new year and that means the return of Erin's favorite joke annually told by Esther. This week, the Bagels talk about the upcoming awards season, and learn more about Maestro "Lenny" as well as how musical conducting is a lens through which to view leadership. Erin and Esther issue a Shabbat dinner invitation to Alanis Morissette, who discovered her Jewish roots, and talk about Ava DuVernay's upcoming film, Origin. Plus, Jessica Seinfeld's Instagram posts about her trip to Israel with her famous husband; and celebrating The Amen Effect, the eagerly-awaited book by IKAR Founder Rabbi Sharon Brous. The kvelling is substantial.  Check out these links! Are the Golden Globes Unlikeable?  Finding Your Roots: Born to Sing  Ted Talk Lead Like the Great Conductors Hollywood Reporter: Maestro Howard Rosenman Seinfelds Visit Israel    The Amen Effect Book Tour 

Hallmark finally got Hanukkah right and gifted us with “Round and Round,” a charming, delightful movie that imagines the Festival of Lights as a time loop. In addition to this great watch at year's end, the Bagels have a list of other time loop episodes for you to check out and some movies — old and new — to end 2023 with. May 2024 bring us peace, health, and lots of new content to talk about. Happy New Year!  Check out these links: Learn More About Round and Round Greenback Boogie Lyrics (Suits Theme) Click Movie Starring Adam Sandler 

Esther shares insights from her screening of Maestro, pulling on the Jewish identity threads in the film (and yes, addressing the nose). The bagels also discuss Sarah Silverman's role in the film and her evolving, honest opinions about Jewish representation. Erin recommends Adam Sandler's Leo and looks forward to a new Jake Johnson comedy as well as a new Hanukkah movie featuring a time loop. Plus, revisiting our expectations about Jewish celebrities using their platforms to speak out about current events and Jewish issues, and running through the IMDB profile of Norman Lear, z"l. May the light of this season shine brightly, especially for those who are living in darkness. Wishing all our listeners a hopeful and illumination-centered Hanukkah.   Check out these Links: Sarah Silverman in the LA Times Spielberg's statement Leo trailer Y-Stud's A Taylor Swift Hanukkah Maccabeats Hanukkah Song   

This week, Erin and Esther celebrate another year of the Bagel Report which has been talking about all things Jewish and pop culture since October 2019! They also recap the mitzvah of Alex Edelman's unabashed Jewish representation and give a shoutout  to the new Meg Ryan and David Duchovny movie (but never actually name the movie, which is: What Happens Later.) Esther gets a little serious, talking about opportunities to raise awareness for the hostages from the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Erin also seeks out Hallmark Christmas movies to ice her brain and offers a prayer for a rom-com.   Check out these links:   Alex Edelman Just for Us Bring Him Home video  https://oneminaday.com/?filter= https://www.metoo-unlessurajew.com/social-share The Shark is Broken Albert Brooks documentary Defending Your Life      

With things still crazy and tragic in Israel and Gaza,  we continue to hold the hostages in our minds and our hearts. At the same time, the Bagels allow some space for joy and chat with screenwriter Alison Peck, writer of the Netflix movie "You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" (produced by Adam Sandler and starring at least three additional Sandler family members, and based on the 2005 book by Fiona Rosenbloom). We talk about our connections to Israel and to Jewish life, brainstorm ideas for Peck-Kustanowitz-BenMoche collabs and try to get Alison a brand partnership with Converse.    Check out these links! https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/new-initiatives-look-to-help-jewish-teens-connect-to-themselves-and-their-community-before-becoming-adults/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Are_So_Not_Invited_to_My_Bat_Mitzvah Moving Traditions webinar with Alison Peck: https://www.movingtraditions.org/whos-invited-to-your-b-mitzvah-resources/  

This is not a normal episode. Erin and Esther process an impossible week while reacting to celebrity prayers for peace. 

With the help of IKAR, their spiritual community, Erin and Esther have atoned! Now the Bagels are breaking down their Yom Kippur experience and celebrating the end of the WGA strike. And apparently,  Hallmark Christmas Movie season begins in September, so Erin shares some news about the Hanukkah movie coming to town. Esther also talks about Hed Lamarr's hidden gifts through the PBS documentary Bombshell. 

If we had but one Rosh Hashanah wish...the Bagels would create and "bam-copyright" Hanukkah and Elul advent calendars. The Bagels prepare for the High Holy Days by manifesting wishes for 5784 and recommending movies and shows with themes that match Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Erin makes the case for Netflix's #1 show Suits as a great High Holy Days rewatch, and Esther invents a college course about faith, science and pop culture that no one asked her to develop. Plus, both of your hosts make pop culture resolutions: each to overcome resistance to shows that the other thinks are TV musts.  Sending our wishes to you all for a shana tova - a happy new Jewish year!   SNL's Steve Martin Holiday wish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uVUSBi3u0E   Suits Opening Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q18TnxZxLI    

Finally, a movie with "bat mitzvah" in the title! What a time to be alive. :) The Adam Sandler-produced film, written by Alison Pick and directed by Sammi Cohen hit Netflix on August 25th and we've been talking about it ever since! Join Erin and Esther for a deep dive:  Did you always get called by your Hebrew name in Hebrew school? What were your bat mitzvah themes? And who is Bagel Face? Get the download on Shabbat cookies, name cakes, and adolescent drama. Plus Erin's reveal — she's encountering matzah ball ignorant people — and Esther spins a Sephardi backstory for Mateo.

'Golda' is now in theaters, with a tour de force performance by Helen Mirren as the Israeli Prime Minister, and wonderful supporting performances. We'll talk more about the film's content in future episodes, but in this special short-and-sweet episode, Erin and Esther interviewed the film's director, Guy Nattiv, who provided his insights on the woman the film presents to audiences, some of them, for the first time. To better understand our interview, we've gathered some information below that may be helpful, including more about the people he mentions during the interview. Enjoy - and feel free to email us with any questions: thebagelreport@gmail.com. More about Golda Meir and her impact: He says that Golda didn't believe Marwan “the Angel” - a spy who worked for both Egypt and the Mossad and that when Arab leaders wanted to speak with her she thought they were crying wolf — Nattiv used the term “wolf, wolf” - an Israeli idiom for crying wolf: Ze'ev, ze'ev. He refers to Meron Medzini, Meir's former press secretary and one of her biographers: you can watch one of his lectures about Meir here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVcAEZ9RuVo Lou Kedar, Meir's longtime assistant, did an interview for the AP after Meir died — read the author's reflection on that interview here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-time-i-didnt-meet-golda-meir/ Golda's impact on Ukraine and President Zelenskyy https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/promova-prezidenta-ukrayini-volodimira-zelenskogo-v-kneseti-73701 https://www.jta.org/2022/03/09/global/former-israeli-prime-minister-golda-meir-is-a-hero-to-ukrainians-in-the-fight-against-russia    

Erin and Esther went to see Theater Camp together and spoiler alert, everything is adorable, especially Molly Gordon and Ben Platt. This week was all about unpacking the film's cinematic influences while reminiscing about our own camp/theater camp experiences at Camp Tamarack and Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Even though the bagels attended camp at different times and places, their life lessons were similar. Lessons include how any musical number can be translated into Hebrew, and that there are no small roles, only small child actors.  Have a favorite camp movie? We do, but advise you not to google “popular camp movies” or you might find yourself in the middle of WW2. As the WGA strike continues well past 100 days, we give a shout-out to Hannah Einbinder's Jewish activist presence, good Mandy Patinkin vibes and Marnina Schon's Jewy comments on protesting. Later, Jewish erasure in Oppenheimer takes on a new angle, and, as two unrelated movies come out the same day, we have to ask ourselves: is You Are So Not Invited to Golda's Bat Mitzvah the new Barbenheimer?

Hi Broadway!! (Hi Broadway!) Welcome to Season 3 of The Bagel Report!   Our episode recorded after the Tonys — recorded in June, but new to you! — gets a new Barbenheimer intro to an episode about Jewy Broadway, with an exploration of Alex Edelman's "Just for Us," which Esther saw in New York. Erin breaks down the importance of "Parade," plus mentions for "Leopoldstadt" and "Rent," and Erin asks Esther to define "TV Gone Jewy." Shabbat pajamas, what?? (Visit https://midrashmanicures.com/ and use the code JWEEKLY!)    SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Midrash Manicures (for Shabbat pajamas, Barbie-inspired challah cover and more!) Washington Post article about Alex Edelman getting advice from famous comedy people Just For Us - get tickets for Alex Edelman's Broadway show here Golda film - TRAILER You are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! - https://www.netflix.com/title/81416306    Visit us on socials!  IG: @TBRthepod, @estherkustanowitz @ebenmoche X? Is that really what we're calling it? Oh fine: @TheBagelReport, @EstherK @ebenmoche

Erin and Esther take to the studio: Esther discovers what it means to do a comedy roast for a concept, and Erin recommends a film about an ember and a wave who fall in love, and may represent different immigrant stories. And the Bagels talk about their dads, sharing essential characteris and musing over casting ideasConnect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:Modi clipElon gold clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CY3aTshYG8Elementals cliphttps://jweekly.com/2023/06/16/howie-mandel-and-rachel-bloom-headline-an-la-comedy-roast-of-anti-semitism/

Breaking down the Renaissance Faire, cosplay and the Gilded Age with fashion historian Vi (pronounced "vee"), from the SnappyDragonStudios channel on YouTube. We talk about Jewish 1880s fashion and Vi's recreation of her great-great-grandmother's dress, as well as "The Clothes on our Backs," the YouTube series she produced with guidance from the Jewish Writers Initiative Digital Storytelling Lab.Plus — you knew they had to — the Bagels take one more tour through The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but from a fashion perspective, talking about how show corsets, sitting and standing skirts, and colors inform the show's characters.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks!MyJewishLearning class on Jewish ren faire - SnappyDragon channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SnappyDragonWhat HBO's The Gilded Age Leaves Out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O-VnIndndA&t=605sJewish Historical Fashion: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSbboTUNfEhAzaWBta3XgEC8_o0i_SmSnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/misssnappydragon/snappydragonstudios.patreon.comFacebook and Twitter: @misssnappydragon

As Mrs. Maisel takes her final bow, the Bagels review the finale episode and the series as a whole: its highlights and misses, unanswered questions, and a robust number of listener comments and questions. Go watch the season 5 finale, and then join us for the conversation.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:https://decider.com/2023/04/14/the-marvelous-mrs-maisels-season-5-time-jumps-explained-timeline-in-order/amp/The incredible “one shot” https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs7Oh0kAGJ6/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Kevin Pollak is doing a Maisel rewatch podcast so The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel truly never ends! https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs8rjZGL7zZ/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's" fictional Gordon Ford Show, like non-fictional late-night comedy shows, has a head writer: Alvin, played by Austin Basis, who joined the Bagels for a rousing conversation about the end of the show, Jewish comedy influences and which cars on Coney Island's Wonder Wheel are the best.Also in the virtual studio, filmmaker Michael Horwitz, writer/director of the short film "Kanashimi" (produced by Todd Felderstein) which features Austin in a leading role. Come for the Maiselness, stay for the indie film chatter and Jewish camp shoutouts.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:http://press.amazonstudios.com/us/en/original-series/the-marvelous-mrs-maisel/5https://seedandspark.com/fund/kanashimi#story

Jewish Matchmaking? On Netflix? Who could have predicted this a year ago? Now that The Bagels have finished bingeing the series, they got a chance to speak with the utterly delightful comedian Pamela Schuller about her standup, dating with Tourette's and disability inclusion.A long-ago meeting with the show's matchmaker, Aleeza Ben Shalom, built trust and laid the groundwork for Pamela's appearance on the series (she's four-foot-six and went on a date with Stuart) — and the rest is (very recent) history. Pamela, as always, was authentic and funny, answering questions about the show, the difference between her standup gigs and her inclusion/advocacy gigs, putting herself out there and the search for a partner. Plus, Jewish geography!Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:https://jweekly.com/2023/05/17/aleeza-ben-shalom-made-me-fall-in-love-with-jewish-matchmaking/https://twitter.com/PamelaComedy/status/1658125061876842500https://pamelacomedy.com/

Are you there, listeners? It's us, the Bagels…and this week we're sharing initial reactions to the Netflix show Jewish Matchmaking and its stars, as well as our feelings about seeing Judy Blume's beloved classic story "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" on the big screen.And Mothers' Day gives us a chance to reflect on the things we appreciate about and have inherited from our mothers, as well as taking a spin through some of our favorite moms of pop culture.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:The cast guide for Jewish Matchmaker on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/jewish-matchmaking-season-1-cast-instagrams-guideAre You There God? It's Me Margaret trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzRzojHC3iE

This week, the Bagels welcome Jenni Rudolph and Maryam Chishti, co-executive directors of The LUNAR Collective to the virtual studio to talk about Asian Jewish identity. How do they feel about Asian representation in movies like Everything Everywhere and Turning Red?Jenni and Maryam share personal stories and tease a possible LUNAR Jewish-Asian Book Club. The Bagels and the LUNAR team peel back layers of identity to find meaning and explore the idea of inclusion and belonging. What kind of bagels would they be? After all that peeling, we can't believe that no one said "onion bagel."Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLINKS:LUNAR Collective: https://www.weareasianjews.org/Film series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU5vDDCvar8WpNACWM1bWT78aSB1NiEivInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/asian.jews/

Esther and Erin finally dive into The Mandalorian's Jewish themes with the help of two guests who love Jewish identity, Star Wars and popular culture: J. Editor David A.M. Wilensky and Rabbi Howard Tilman.What is a Mandalorian and does it matter? Why is this show resonating with Jewish viewers? And is a homeland a place or state of mind? Even if you're like Erin, who is new to the fandom, there is something for everyone in this episode, like MCU Easter Eggs, Fiddler on the Roof nods and Harry Potter pivots.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLINKS: Howard Tilman is on Twitter: @TweetsOfTorah and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howardtilmanThe Mandalorian on Disney+Judaism Corner on House of R - https://www.theringer.com/2023/3/10/23634829/the-mandalorian-season-3-episode-2-deep-dive-plus-katee-sackhoff- https://www.theringer.com/2023/4/14/23683139/the-mandalorian-season-3-episode-7-deep-diveHarry Rubenstein on Reels: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrTYrUhoyuY/The story about Rabbi Akiva and the foxes overrunning a destroyed Jerusalemhttps://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/296637/jewish/The-Laughter-of-Rabbi-Akiva.htm

Esther and Erin are twirling their way into the first few episodes of the final season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." We go back so that Midge can "go forward" — and also literally go forward in time, jumping from the 60s to the 80s, and getting a clearer picture of what it was like to be a child in the Maisel household.Plus, kvelling for Judaism consultant Todd Shotz and his work on that super-Jewy episode of Grey's Anatomy, and getting excited about Zach Braff talking about kosher plates.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLINKS:Todd's episode - https://jweekly.com/2023/02/03/bagels-on-set-talking-you-people-with-its-jewish-consultant-todd-shotz/Conan O'Brien's Zach Braff episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYAo624tipgThis is where I leave you =- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH0cEP0mvlUYeminite poem/ Ofra Haza video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aW-QAeLoMw1960 plane crash - https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/1960-new-york-city-plane-crash-back-gallery-1.1549629Finding Holocaust victims' names using technology - https://jweekly.com/2023/04/13/once-just-faces-these-holocaust-victims-now-have-names/?fbclid=IwAR2zvi-9puxIJIYz4bJYmiEEebio6vpis03Z-B5py6eKutuvSFNtiPFy-BY

After years of analyzing Rachel Bloom's musical series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Erin and Esther felt equipped to create a Passover Haggadah filled with songs from the show. It comes with rules, of course.Erin and Esther carefully considered how the pre-existing Crazy Ex-Girlfriend songbook, its titles, lyrics and themes, might be applied to the Passover seder and story. So with that, we hope you enjoy, laugh and sing a little with the kosher-for-passover Bagels as they journey through West Covina (er, Egypt) this Passover. Chag Sameach!Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comPlaylist for songs (in order for the haggadah): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVPq6InE9H1xg9ntTswHK-bcaHpoBPZ1ZAll Crazy Ex-Girlfriend songs: https://cxg.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Songs

This episode is in memory of Orli Chaim Wildman Halpern, who died March 17 after a long fight against cancer. She was a self-described bold (and bald) feminist and Swiftie, who loved her dog and Lizzo. May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration.Is AI taking over the world?! Unclear, but it is attempting to take over Passover...Esther and Erin explore the latest AI-generated Haggadah supplements and evaluate their potential impact on this year's Seders. Then a topic change...to climate change and Jews, as depicted in Extrapolations on Apple TV+. We love Daveed Diggs playing a social justice rabbi grappling with the impact of major hurricanes on his synagogue — the Bagels are impressed (so far) with the nuance and care displayed in the drama's Jewish characters. Later, Erin and Esther celebrate Adam Sandler and fall into yet another rabbit hole of utterly random predictions for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5. Hold onto your butts, it's gonna be a wild episode!Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:Haggadot.comChat GPT Haggadah (Haggadot): https://www.haggadot.com/haggadah/chat-gpt-haggadahSchitt's Creek Haggadah: https://www.haggadot.com/haggadah/schitt-s-creek-haggadah-1Heroes Haggadah: https://www.haggadot.com/haggadah/heroes-haggadahExtrapolations - Daveed Diggs in the Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/daveed-diggs-interview-extrapolations-hamilton-b2298224.htmlAdam Sandler gets the Mark Twain Prize: CNN teaser for event, which aired March 26: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX9O2fmteuUTrailer, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel S. 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyujqc01ujE

The Oscars were this last weekend, and Erin and Esther obviously have thoughts. From Jamie Lee Curtis' win to Erin not caring so much that Steven Spielberg lost, they cover the Jewy and not so Jewy moments.The Bagels also pay tribute to the late Chaim Topol, and look ahead to the Jewishness of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" and Daveed Diggs' role as a rabbi facing climate change in a new AppleTV+ show. Don't forget to thank the Academy on your way to The Bagel Report's afterparty.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com18 Things About Shazam's Asher Angel: https://www.heyalma.com/18-things-to-know-about-jewish-actor-asher-angel/Extrapolations Trailer on AppleTV+: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QP-xrG0kZk&t=131sOscar voters spill their tea: ew.com/award...-picksAdam Goldberg in "The Equalizer:" https://www.jta.org/2023/03/09/culture/in-episode-of-cbs-the-equalizer-adam-goldberg-tackles-antisemitic-hate-crimes-in-brooklynSchmigadoon! season 2 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBn4jL4xKNw

Greet this week's newy and Jewy moments as the Bagels break down the pointless Maisel non-trailer; discuss the ADL's new Entertainment Leadership Council; consider the Hallmark movie Made for Each Other (which features a golem, naturally); and examine the long-awaited History of the World: Part II, including our favorite "shpiely" sketches and whose voices seem to be missing from the enormous cast.Plus: Esther airs concerns about scatological humor and Erin tries to make "Ashkeforward" happen.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comMalina's article about the ADL: https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/adl-council-antisemitism-netflix-paramount-1235544082/Schwarzenegger video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsETTn7DehIMade for Each Other: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/made-for-each-otherMaisel teaser: https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi3419587609Marc Maron's special on HBO https://www.hbo.com/movies/marc-maron-from-bleak-to-dark#:~:text=TV%2DMA%20%7C%20comedy%20%7C%201%20HR%205%20MIN%20%7C%202023&text=%E2%80%8BLegendary%20comedian%20and%20podcaster,New%20York%20City's%20Town%20Hall.Patton Oswalt's special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hZi5QaMBFcAMC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiEeIxZJ9x0Brous AMC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs8BH0f6ClUTop Secret https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5zen7sHQFIHayehudim Baim - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y87ps1A62m8

What do Jewish women think about how Jewish women are portrayed on TV? With help from an expert — Dr. Samantha Pickette, professor and author of Peak TV's Unapologetic Jewish Woman: Exploring Jewish Female Representation in Contemporary Television Comedy — the Bagels explore the types and stereotypes of Jewish women's representation on TV.There's plenty to talk about, from Rhoda Morgenstern on "Mary Tyler Moore" to the strangely functional characters of “The O.C.”; from Jewish-insider language at “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” to the varied Jewish women of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Plus, they'll be deconstructing Susie Essman characters within the context of “Broad City” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”Is it even possible to have a characterization of Jewish women that will please everyone? What do you think? Email us at thebagelreport@gmail.comConnect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLINKS:Buy Samantha's book — it's an academic textbook, so it's more expensive than most, but you can use this special code at this website to get a discount. CODE: LXFANDF30https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781793633156/Peak-TV%E2%80%99s-Unapologetic-Jewish-Woman-Exploring-Jewish-Female-Representation-in-Contemporary-Television-ComedyFollow her @sampickette on Twitter

After the fully loaded nachos of Superbowl Sunday and any heart-shaped candy you might have consumed on Valentine's Day, it's time for the Bagels to get back to their Newy and Jewy pop culture rundown and speed round of upcoming stories.Get our review of Superbowl commercial highlights and a deep dive on what Esther and Erin are looking for in their rom-coms.This episode of The Bagel Report is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comLinks:All the Superbowl ads: https://tvline.com/lists/best-worst-super-bowl-commercials-2023/tubi/Paul Rudd and son video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtvVi3Z89DcYour Place or Mine (Netflix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JyfgkPMXk0Wedding Singer (HBO Max/TNT/TBS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-TwYB1UQw50 First Dates (Peacock)My Big Fat Greek Wedding (HBOMax) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2mecmDFE-QKissing Jessica Stein (Hulu) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc3bnMSk7SI80 for Brady (in theaters) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UeGXB2NjR8Carole King's WashPo in memoriam of Burt Bacharachhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/10/carole-king-burt-bacharach-songwriting/Poker Face (Peacock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x2NzusLAqkReboot (Hulu) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x2NzusLAqk

After seeing it opening weekend in theaters and then again on Netflix amid a swirl of wildly inconsistent reviews, the Bagels become review people taking on "You People," the cringey romcom (cringe-com?) starring Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.Overall observations, questions about content choices and missed opportunities to explore faith, meaning and connection. As the Bagels cruise through a million hot takes on "You People" from all corners, keep your ears peeled for terms like "consensus-building," "calling in vs. calling out," "the oppression Olympics," and "zero-sum game." The discourse is THICK this week!Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comSelected reactions to "You People":https://people.com/podcasts/people-every-day-podcast/lauren-london-jewish-roots-you-people/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/you-people-netflix-55-million-hours-viewed-opening-weekend-1235508210/https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganmurrell/you-people-netflix-twitter-reactionshttps://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/you-people-antisemitismhttps://jweekly.com/2023/01/31/you-people-is-a-step-back-for-black-jewish-relations-worse-its-not-even-funny/https://www.jta.org/2023/02/01/culture/netflixs-you-people-wasnt-funny-at-all-to-my-black-and-mexican-jewish-familyDialogue and representation organizations:https://blackjewishentalliance.com/https://mjnewground.org/Reactions to Farrakhan's claims:www.washingtonpost.com/archi...avery/https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jews-and-the-african-slave-trade/Previous Bagel Reports:https://jweekly.com/2023/02/03/bagels-on-set-talking-you-people-with-its-jewish-consultant-todd-shotz/https://www.spreaker.com/user/jewfolk/background-bagels

People certainly do have opinions about "You People," the interracial, interfaith Netflix romcom scripted by Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill. But we're putting reviews on hold (tune in next week!) to go behind the scenes with Todd Shotz, the Jewish consultant on this controversial production.He's also a film producer and founder of the b'nai mitzvah prep company Hebrew Helpers. How did Todd land this gig? How did he advise the producers on creating the big Yom Kippur scene from the beginning of the movie? And why is there a Yiddish consultant in the credits, but no Yiddish scene in the movie?This episode of The Bagel Report is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comOther links for this episode:Background Bagels — our episode last year recapping our days as background actorsHebrew HelpersRecipe for ChangeThe Grotto (film)Lazy Eye (film)Latter Day Jew (film)Kevin Misher (You People producer)

The Oscar nominations are here! In this week's Bagel Report, the Bagels break down nomination trends, talk about Jewish nominees (as well as films they just enjoyed), and speculate about why "She Said" was left out of the awards conversation.They're also talking about "The Fabelmans," what's Newy (an Amy Winehouse biopic!) and Jewy (Josh Malina, always), and a speed round of stories ranging from a movie for Holocaust Remembrance Day to a possible extension of the Shtisel-verse. Plus, just for fun, how a Jewish "SNL" star is rescuing M&Ms.This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco.Connect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comArticles referenced in this episode:Forward article about Josh MalinaJodi's Oscar Blog2MovieJewsOscars roundup @ J.Miriam HaartInternational Holocaust Remembrance DayShochtenMaya Rudolph M&Ms spokesperson

Join the Bagels as they take a deep dive (with some spoilers, so watch first, then listen!) into Hunters Season 2. The gang is now in Argentina looking for Hitler — so the Bagels are pondering the proper punishment for a genocidal maniac, examining the line between vigilantes and heroes, and wondering about why this series grabbed us and wouldn't let us go. We'll tell you about TV shows featuring pop songs in Hebrew and Yiddish; what might be happening to the movie Maestro; plus some quick mentions of the Mandalorian and Fauda. You might call this episode a bit of an "everything Bagel" Report. With more to come in the weeks ahead!DISCLAIMER: Hunters references 11 million people who died in the Holocaust (6 million Jews plus 5 million others). But there's an issue – that number was invented by famous Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal to create more sympathy for Jews.Here's more on the 11 million figure, which we look forward to discussing in the weeks ahead: https://www.jta.org/2017/01/31/united-states/remember-the-11-million-why-an-inflated-victims-tally-irks-holocaust-historiansConnect with us on socials!Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReportInstagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.comMore links:Esther's Hunters article in J: https://jweekly.com/2020/02/21/in-hunters-al-pacino-and-his-gang-of-vigilantes-target-nazis-in-1970s-america/"Say Shalom to My Little Friends" TBR's first Hunters episode: http://tinyurl.com/bagel-huntersVariety piece about Hebrew "Fight Song": https://variety.com/2023/music/news/hebrew-version-fight-song-fleishman-is-in-trouble-1235488452/The Jewish Experience at TCM: https://www.tcm.com/articles/Programming-Article/021714/special-theme-the-jewish-experience