Podcasts about Judaism

In Day 132 of the Mussar Masterclass (p. 746 in the Orchot Tzadikim, Gate of Flattery), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores permitted and forbidden forms of flattery (Chanufah). He begins with the positive: one should "flatter" one's wife to preserve shalom bayit—genuinely compliment her cooking, appearance, and character (not lying, but finding and highlighting her unique beauty and goodness, as every person has redeemable qualities viewed through the right lens). This extends to rabbis flattering students to encourage Torah learning, acceptance of rebuke, and mitzvah observance; creditors to ease pressure; and anyone influenceable toward good—using pleasant, positive words to open hearts rather than harsh confrontation, which often fails in our generation.The episode contrasts this with forbidden flattery: validating the wicked (even for personal gain), excessive courtesy that implies approval, or building false trust to later exploit (genevat da'at – stealing the mind, e.g., pretending interest as a customer for air conditioning). Flattery closes doors of teshuvah by reinforcing evil without shame, brings divine wrath, blocks prayers, and perverts justice (e.g., lawyers overly friendly with judges). Rabbi Wolbe stresses strategic positivity (e.g., spotlighting a troubled student's strengths like tree-climbing to rebuild self-worth) while warning against neutrality toward sin—stand for Hashem's honor, distance from mockers of Torah, and avoid environments that normalize negativity._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 11, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Rebuke, #LashonHara, #StandUpForTruth, #Ramchal, #ZealForTorah ★ Support this podcast ★

In this continuation of the Gate of Flattery (Sha'ar HaChanufah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe examines the seventh component: the sin of abstaining from rebuke (tochacha) when one knows the community or individuals are "stiff-necked" (k'shei oref) and unlikely to listen. While it's a mitzvah not to reprove a mocker who will hate you (per Proverbs), one must not assume failure without trying—perhaps the words will penetrate and inspire change. Even righteous people were punished in the Temple's destruction for not rebuking when possible. Silence can imply agreement, especially when hearing lashon hara, profanity, or mockery of Torah/mitzvot; one should speak wisely or zealously defend Hashem's honor (as in Ramchal's Mesilat Yesharim, Ch. 19), showing love for God by hating His enemies and subduing evil influence.Rabbi Wolbe stresses strategic rebuke—knowing the person (e.g., parents sometimes achieve more by silent example than words), avoiding unnecessary hatred, and recognizing when flattery or excessive courtesy to the wicked is forbidden (except out of real fear for safety). He cites Mordechai's refusal to bow to Haman as exemplary: as leader, he could not validate evil, even for peace. Neutrality or honor toward the wicked (e.g., praising them or being overly cordial) validates sin and risks personal corruption through constant exposure. The episode urges vigilance in environments, friendships, and leadership roles—stand up for truth, defend God's honor, and avoid isolation in negative circles._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 10, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Praising, #Rebuke, #LashonHara, #StandUpForTruth, #Ramchal, #ZealForTorah ★ Support this podcast ★

The Jokermen welcome Aaron Olson, the busiest man in the Los Angeles indie rock scene, back to the program to consider George & Ira Gershwin, Judaism, and the purpose of Brian Wilson circa 2010. FOLLOW AARON ON INSTAGRAM

1. Tim taught about Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, explaining how radical his intentional choices to both be in Samaria, and to ask for water from the Samaritan woman were in his time. Tim said, “If Jesus is going to travel through Samaria, it's for theological and relational reason - not logistical ones.”What social divides and imaginary partitions exist in your social circles or environments that might serve as modern parallels to the taboos that divided the 1st century Judean & Samaritan children of Judaism? Spend some time thoughtfully considering and discussing the nuances of possible parallels. What's aligns? What's different? How do those things impact your experience of the divides you identified? Having identified & explored possible modern analogs to the enmity and division between the Jews & Samaritans of Jesus' time, consider now what possible analogs exist to the idea of Jesus' journey into Samaria, his exchange with the woman, and the days he ended up staying there with the Samaritan people. What might possible equivalents be in your own social spheres and world? What might it be like to cross into one of those areas or take some of those taboo steps? How do you feel about the idea? Where and why do you feel resistance? Where are there places of openness to the idea?2. Tim talked about some possible symbolic interpretations of the fact that the woman leaves her water jar at the well while she goes to tell the townspeople about Jesus and her encounter with him. One interpretation centered on the idea of the woman leaving behind the social structures and strictures that had abandoned her to a life that required her to make off-hour, solo trips to the well. Another interpretation centered around water and her thirst for love, community, belonging, safety, and so much more. “Her inner thirst for the good life,” Tim said. When you think of this scene as the woman, who has been outcast, leaving any number of symbolic things behind, what resonates most? Are there ways in which you feel or have felt at times that connecting with and receiving from Jesus enable you to leave behind some of your own burden? In those moments are you ever, like the woman, then impelled to share about the living water and how it's changing you?3. Tim's also spent some time addressing an inevitable question: why isn't God doing something about all the mess and chaos and injustice of the world? The answer John presents in this story, Tim said, is that he has done something. And that something was, in short, Jesus. How do you respond to the idea that when we might sometimes her the sentiment that, “God has a plan,” the truth as presented in this story, might be “we are the plan,” or even, “you are the plan?” What feelings and thoughts surface for you? Explore the idea, and spend a little time discussing its practical application and the reality of it in our world today. Tim said early in his sermon that this answer might be both comforting and unsettling. How is it for you?

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Smadar Morag was acting, acting, and riding a wave of fame, but Judaism filled a hole in her soul she never knew existed.

B"H My heart is filled with gratitude right now. For the holy heroes serving in Tzahal, in the IDF, in the American army, and for their families who carry the weight of that service with them. Their courage and devotion protect lives and stand up for what is good in this world. In Judaism there is a concept called mesirat nefesh, the giving of the soul. When a person devotes themselves completely to what matters most, they touch the highest place of the neshama, a place beyond ego and beyond the self. So many people are living with that spirit right now. For the rest of us, our task is to serve with our own mesirat nefesh. To live our purpose with devotion, to pray, to support, and to strengthen the good in the world. Hashem oz le'amo yiten. Hashem should give His people strength. Hashem yevarech et amo bashalom. May Hashem bless His people with peace. Praying for shalom for Israel, for America, for the people of Iran, and for the entire world. #Peace #IDF #Israel #Iran #USA To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Ki Tisa, focusing on the profound lessons from the half-Shekel census at the beginning and the dangers of the Golden Calf sin that follows. He explains why a direct headcount is forbidden (leading to plague) and instead the half-shekel donation is counted: it preserves individuality (each person is unique and irreplaceable) while emphasizing communal unity—counting coins unites people as one collective, avoiding isolated judgment. The half-shekel symbolizes incompleteness alone; only when combined with others does one become "whole," reflecting the Jewish ideal of being part of a kehillah (congregation) rather than isolated.Rabbi Wolbe stresses the power of community: prayers in plural (e.g., "heal us," "bless us"), synagogues as Batei Knesset (places of gathering) for collective strength, and the peril of separation (e.g., avoiding one's local shul is spiritually damaging). He connects this to Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur judgment—being part of the tzibbur (public) brings mercy, as group requests are harder to deny. The episode warns against modern isolation (e.g., influencers becoming detached) and draws parallels to antisemitism: Jews must never hide identity but stand proud and united, as in Egypt where preserving names, language, and customs brought salvation. Unity makes us unbreakable—like bundled straws—while isolation invites downfall, especially when comfort leads to complacency (as with Haman or the Golden Calf)._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 6, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 8, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #KiTisa, #HalfShekel, #JewishUnity, #Community, #AhavatYisrael, #GoldenCalf, #ParshaReview, #JewishIdentity, #StandProud, #Antisemitism, #OneNationOneSoul ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Ki Tisa, focusing on the profound lessons from the half-Shekel census at the beginning and the dangers of the Golden Calf sin that follows. He explains why a direct headcount is forbidden (leading to plague) and instead the half-shekel donation is counted: it preserves individuality (each person is unique and irreplaceable) while emphasizing communal unity—counting coins unites people as one collective, avoiding isolated judgment. The half-shekel symbolizes incompleteness alone; only when combined with others does one become "whole," reflecting the Jewish ideal of being part of a kehillah (congregation) rather than isolated.Rabbi Wolbe stresses the power of community: prayers in plural (e.g., "heal us," "bless us"), synagogues as Batei Knesset (places of gathering) for collective strength, and the peril of separation (e.g., avoiding one's local shul is spiritually damaging). He connects this to Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur judgment—being part of the tzibbur (public) brings mercy, as group requests are harder to deny. The episode warns against modern isolation (e.g., influencers becoming detached) and draws parallels to antisemitism: Jews must never hide identity but stand proud and united, as in Egypt where preserving names, language, and customs brought salvation. Unity makes us unbreakable—like bundled straws—while isolation invites downfall, especially when comfort leads to complacency (as with Haman or the Golden Calf)._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 6, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 8, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #KiTisa, #HalfShekel, #JewishUnity, #Community, #AhavatYisrael, #GoldenCalf, #ParshaReview, #JewishIdentity, #StandProud, #Antisemitism, #OneNationOneSoul ★ Support this podcast ★

Rabbinic Intern Aviva Frank's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, March 7, 2026. (Youtube/Zoom)Special Guest: Rabbinic Intern Aviva Frank.

Jewish Faith & Jewish Facts with Rabbi Steven Garten. Aired: March 08, 2026 on CHRI Radio 99.1FM in Ottawa, Canada. For questions, email Rabbi Garten at rabbishg@templeisraelottawa.com For more CHRI shows, visit chri.ca

Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about, what else, the war/non-war with Iran. The guys talk about the various justifications that the administration has given for the “special military action,” and wonder what “imminent” really means. They also talk about Kristi Noem’s firing, Stephen Miller’s incorruptibility, and Brad’s solo weekend. Have a listen! […]

Rabbi Perl takes an in-depth look at the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Born in Iran in the 1970s, Sammy grew up in a thriving Jewish community in Shiraz during the final years of the Shah's rule. But when the Islamic Revolution erupted, everything changed overnight. In this powerful conversation, he recounts what it was like as a child sensing the fear around him, hearing crowds chanting from rooftops, and eventually fleeing the country with his family. He shares the emotional memories of leaving Iran, the danger many Jews faced trying to escape, and why thousands of Jews still remain there today despite the risks. Sammy's story doesn't end with survival, it becomes a story of rebuilding. After arriving in America without speaking English, he eventually rose to an extraordinary career in finance while rediscovering his Jewish identity along the way. He opens up about assimilation, marrying his wife during her conversion process, the questions about faith that changed his life, and how Judaism ultimately gave him purpose, community, and meaning. From escaping a revolution to navigating faith, success, and responsibility, this episode is a remarkable journey of resilience, identity, and gratitude.   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals   Download the app and never pay full price again!   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp    _________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful   _________________   ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN   _________________   ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/   _________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   _________________   ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp  

The war with Iran was predictable on the basis of the commentary flowing from the mouths of religious bigots for years. The Secret Teachings radio and Ground Zero collude for a friday simulcast with special guests Sean Hazlett and David Oates. Iran has been repeatedly accused of religious fanaticism, oppressing women, terrorism, and possessing WMD. Yet all of these things are expressed, allowed, carried out, or possessed by the United States and Israel. When Marco Rubio, President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and the lot talk about the apocalypse, evil, and crusades, you can be ensured that the administration of peace did not come to bring an end to hostilities, but a sword to start them.*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.

Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom - Shemot/Exodus 32:1 - March 6, 2026.

Lily Colman speaks about her show, She, Archivist, at the JKC Gallery and her new periodical, Frame/Sequence.She, Archivist is a project about womanhood, inheritance, and specifically how certain items and feelings are passed down between generations of women. The focus is on matrilineal inheritance through perceived rituals in Judaism, and the questioning of certain beliefs passed down.Using traditional film-based and alternative photographic processes and utilizing collage with domestic materials, Colman attempts to reconstruct her identity through her family's matrimonial history as well as her own experience with an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce.https://www.lilycolman.comhttps://www.frame-sequence.comLily was featured in the 2021 International Juried Exhibition at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, NJ, where she was awarded First Prize and a Solo Exhibition. Her solo exhibition, The Knots on the Underside of the Carpet, ran from April 22 – June 4, 2022, at the CCA.Lily graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with her MFA in 2020, as well as a Certificate in Collegiate Teaching in Art and Design. She has always loved photography, education, and photo books, and wanted to make them accessible to everyone.Frame/Sequence is a photobook periodical that blends personal storytelling with fine art photography. We currently publish bi-anually with the aim of becoming quarterly. We invite writers and photo-based artists—especially from Philadelphia and the surrounding region—to share authentic, lived experiences. Each edition, based around a theme, curates these narratives and striking visual work.This podcast is sponsored by the Charcoal Book ClubBegin Building your dream photobook library today athttps://charcoalbookclub.com

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, March 7, 2026. (Youtube)

Rabbi-Cantor Hilary Chorney offers up short bursts of meditation infused with imagery, wisdom, and the rhythms of our Jewish calendar, including selected verses from the Torah. Many of these meditations are performed in sitting positions; some standing. Simply find yourself a comfortable space and let Rabbi-Cantor Chorney's voice and direction guide you into a world of serenity and tranquility.

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On Hour 2 of today's show, Patrick talked about a variety of caller and listener questions including: Ross asked whether his children could participate as flower girl and ring-bearer in his goddaughter's wedding. Jeanine asked how Jesus could pray to God if He Himself is God, and one moral, questioning whether it is acceptable to reduce her work hours to care for her grandchildren in exchange for cash from her daughter. Chuck wrestled with whether he should join the Catholic Church if he does not agree with all of its teachings and practices. Finally, Chris expressed concern about an LGBT workshop being offered by a parish within his archdiocese and asked how he should respond. (00:28) Ross - My God daughter is baptized Catholic and getting married in a protestant church. Can my children participate in the wedding as flower girl and ringbearer? (4:49) Jeanine - About when Jesus went into the desert and prayed to God. If He is God, why is He praying to Himself? I cut my work hours at work to help take care of my grandkids for Cash from my daughter, is that morally okay since I don't need to pay taxes on that? (12:36) Chuck – Should I join the Catholic Church if I don’t agree with everything they do? Break 1 (20:00) Email – Michelle: Why do we not practice Judaism as Catholics? (25:32) Email – Gail: Violent video games for children. Break 2 (36:40) Kimberly - Had the Jewish people accepted Christ for who he was, we would we still be Jewish? (38:03) Chris - A parish within my archdiocese is offering an LGBT workshop what am I supposed to do?

Kelly is joined by Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro to discuss the many differences between Judaism and Zionism. Rabbi Shapiro's response to many quotes from Vladimir Jobotinsky and commentary regarding the Carrie Prejean Boller fiasco at the state department rel...

Battle of a Stubborn People

Susan Michael welcomes Jonathan Feldstein of the Genesis 123 Foundation on this Out of Zion podcast for an honest conversation on common misunderstandings between the Jewish and Christian communities. They explore myths about Judaism being merely legalistic, misconceptions about Christian motives for supporting Israel, confusion around Evangelical beliefs, and how history continues to shape Jewish perceptions of Christianity. Gain deeper insight into what truly drives Jewish–Christian relationships today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Madison Margolin reignites Set & Setting for an energizing conversation on becoming your own medicine with somatic practitioner Rivky Gross.This time on Set & Setting, Madison and her guest talk about: Letting go of the ego in order to accept feedbackBottom-up therapy and focusing on root causes rather than behaviors Quantum energy healing work and the fractal universe we all live inSeeing ourselves as our own healers, our own potent medicineAccessing our inner power and intuition Remembering that we are the stewards of our own energyDeveloping a deep relationship with whatever God you believe in The concept of “medicine without medicine”Doing energy work by being ourselves and setting strong intentionsAbout Rivky Gross:Rivky started off as a therapist/hypnotherapist/somatic practitioner and now works with men, women, businesses and groups all around the world to expand into creating art and making an impact from their soul. She runs retreats in the tri-state area and all over the world (the next one is this April in Morocco). Rivky also co- hosts a podcast called The Possibility in the Universe. Learn more about Rivky's upcoming events and retreats on her website and keep up with Rivky on Instagram."I really believe that I'm not a healer, I believe that you are, that God is, that you are your most potent medicine. I believe that I am a healer for myself, only with God. I always tell my clients I don't have any of your answers, only you have the answer inside of you." –Rivky GrossAbout Madison Margolin:Madison Margolin is a journalist & author straddling California, New York, and Israel-Palestine, focused on psychedelics, cannabis, and Judaism (in jest, she'll say “Jews & Drugs”). She also covers culture, policy, and science. She is passionate and curious about how people can transcend their minds to access something greater than themselves — be it through psychedelics or God, meditating, creating art, or something somatic, she has set out to explore the various ways people nourish their souls. These days, she works as an editor at DoubleBlind, the print and digital magazine she co-founded, covering psychedelics and where they intersect with mental health, spirituality, environmental justice, and social equity. She also co-founded the Jewish Psychedelic Summit and hosts Set & Setting on the Be Here Now Network. Madison released the book Exile & Ecstasy in 2023. Learn more about Madison's work at madisonmargolin.com"When you're able to identify as a soul, a soul-being of God or a piece of the infinite, then we're all so much bigger and more expansive than whatever traumas, whatever scabs upon the soul. The body, even the brain which produces the mind, those are just products of human existence, and we are so much more than that. – Madison MargolinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pornography addiction and sexual content.In this very honest conversation, Yaakov opens up about his chronic struggle with pornography addiction and the pain it has caused in every part of his life. Coming from a difficult childhood and becoming a baal teshuva, he shares how the lying, the shame, and the addiction led to separation from his wife and left him feeling disconnected from real Judaism. For Yaakov, watching porn often became the only way he felt soothed, even as it pulled him further from the person he wanted to be.Dr. Z helps him look beneath the surface, asking what is really driving the addiction and why he runs toward it when emotions feel too heavy. Yaakov uses intellectualization as a defense because it feels safe, but it keeps him from feeling what he needs to feel in order to heal. This conversation explores how all of us use defenses to avoid pain, and how the real work begins when we stop running and learn to sit with what is uncomfortable.To be a future guest (yes, we can distort your voice):Please visit LivingLchaim.com/podcasttherapyYou can explore the world of mental health with our other show "That's An Issue":https://plinkhq.com/i/1607752110/e/?to=pageReach out to Dr. Z here:Child and Adult Psychological Services, PLLCEmail: Info@caapsgroup.comOffice: (718) 338-4477Website: https://caapsgroup.comLchaim.

In this episode of Footnotes, we outline our view of Abraham in contrast to Judaism and Islam.

Aubrey Masango speaks to Mary Kluk, Director of the Durban Halocast and Genocide Centre, National Vice president of the Jewish Board of Deputies to unpack what exactly anti-Semitism is, where do we draw the line between legitimate criticism of a state or a government, and the prejudice directed at Jewish people as a group. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Bra Aubrey, Mary Kluk, Jewish Board of Deputies, Anti-Semitism, Judaism, Jewish, Israel The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Botox kosher?What about filler, extensions or hair dye? Can a good Jew be too vain? And does Judaism value beauty? A listener reaches out for help when her two daughters are horrified to discover their feminist mom has a secret desire for luxurious lashes. Rabbi Shira and Hanna help her navigate personal vanity, Jewish values and 21st century parenting. And they reveal their own insecurities and zoom primping rituals. Read more about Joseph & beauty in the TorahRead more about hospitality, vanity and beautySupport Chutzpod!Submit a questionContact Chutzpod!Subscribe to ChutzstackFollow Hanna on InstagramFollow Shira on InstagramFollow Shira on FacebookFollow Chutzpod on FacebookFollow Chutzpod on Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On today's page, Menachot 52, the Talmud digs into one of Judaism's most mysterious rituals — the red heifer, the sacred cow whose ashes were used for purification, and what happens when those ashes are misused. The page sends us down a fascinating rabbit hole about technology, free will, and whether science can do what religion has always tried to do: make us better. If a chip in your brain could stop you from sinning, would that count as virtue? Listen and find out.

Why did Moses smash the tablets and why were the broken pieces placed in the Holy of Holies alongside the whole ones? In this heart-open class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most powerful and surprising teachings in Torah: that brokenness is not the opposite of holiness, it can be its doorway. Drawing on the story of the Golden Calf, the teachings of the Talmud, Midrash, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, this class reveals how Judaism embraces both the “whole tablets” and the “broken tablets” of our lives. Together we explore how pain, setbacks, doubt, and struggle can become catalysts for deeper connection, compassion, and spiritual growth. The message is both radical and comforting: the fragments of our lives may contain the deepest light.Key TakeawaysHoliness is not limited to moments of perfection; it can emerge from our struggles and broken experiences.The broken tablets in the Ark teach that failure and fracture still belong in the sacred space of our lives.Sometimes our deepest connection to G-d happens not when we feel strong, but when we feel vulnerable and searching.Brokenness can soften our hearts and deepen our compassion for others.The Torah teaches that new wisdom and deeper growth often emerge after moments of spiritual collapse.Our lives contain both “whole tablets” and “broken tablets” and both are part of the sacred journey.#Judaism #Kabbalah #Jewish #BrokenTablets #Moses #GoldenCalf #JewishWisdom #spiritualgrowth #JewishInspiration #FaithInStruggle #TorahInsights #chassidus #personalgrowth #healing #resilience #MeaningInSuffering #RabbiBernath #JewishNDG #TorahClass Available now:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6Audiobook: https://bit.ly/4tPFZhVSupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

Join Rabbi Marc Katz for a powerful and unexpected conversation with historian Ofer Idels author of Embodying the Revolution: The Hebrew Experience and the Globalization of Modern Sports in Interwar Palestine (Rutgers UP, 2025). This episode dives into a fascinating paradox at the heart of modern Jewish history:Why did Zionism—especially during the era of “muscular Judaism”—remain deeply ambivalent about sports? Drawing on rich archival research and contemporary theory, Idels reveals a surprising story of Mandate Palestine, where athletes rarely became national heroes and sports never fully transformed into symbols of collective pride. This is more than a history of sports—it's a conversation about selfhood, revolution, ideology, and the compromises embedded in every national dream. If you care about Zionism, Jewish culture, modern identity, or the meaning of revolution, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Ofer Idels is the Jenny Belzberg Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is the author of Zionism: Emotions, Language and Experience. Rabbi Marc Katz is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

We had hoped to drop this yesterday but wartime exigencies got in the way. The message is just as relevant today - the holiday of Purim was on Tuesday, March 3. It commemorates a miracle - when the Jews in ancient Persia were ordered by a King's decree to be murdered. Every last one. And yet, by a series of coincidences, they were spared. That was thousands of years ago. Since that time Jews have faced many tyrants who were determined to end their existence. The most recent and current one was Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He led a regime obsessed with destroying Israel and Jews. The historical arc is fascinating. And real. The decree in ancient Persia was real. Hitler was real. And Khamenei - until a few days ago - was real.I thought we'd take a breather from missiles and bomb shelters and reflect on the historical arc into which this wild war fits. Neatly.I spoke with two fabulous rabbis: my old friend from London, Ontario, Ephraim Shore.....and a new friend from Boston, Mass., Rabbi Bill Hamilton. An interesting and very pertinent podcast.Tomorrow we will be back with more hardcore straight up war-talk.We are going flat out. If you have not done so already please consider supporting us with a paid subscription - either on our website or at Buy me a Coffee. It makes a huge difference….allowing us to continue our work and, even more so, knowing that you appreciate what we do. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our guests today:Rabbi Ephraim Shore/Tour Guide Extraordinaire:Insta: @ephraimshore Rabbi William G. Hamilton has led Kehillath Israel since 1995. He strives to activate Torah in the service of meaningful living – nourishing growth, solacing grief, and deepening joy.Empowering learners is at the heart of his leadership approach. Lay-leaders, Jews-by-choice, and rabbinic interns, all take responsibility for creating community and celebrating Judaism. A commitment to inclusion is also central to Rabbi Hamilton. His deep involvement with the Ruderman Foundation's work for disability inclusion alongside his Board leadership with New England Yachad, complements a principled commitment to gender, ideological, and diversified practice inclusion at KI.Rabbi Hamilton's vision for partnership practice now shapes a new century at Kehillath Israel. Establishing a campus that hosts five prayer-communities and several other agencies under his leadership has made KI the subject of a Harvard Business School Case-Study. His impact and influence are strengthened by exceptionally strong engagement with Israel. As a founder of The David Project (Campus advocacy) and the New England Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, Rabbi Hamilton regularly brings groups on specialized tours of Israel. He sees resourcing Israel as essential to deepening Jewish commitments and furnishing richer inner-lives.His leadership in civic settings also distinguishes his voice throughout our region. For twenty years he has served as Chaplain of the Massachusetts State Police, on the Board of ADL, and on Harvard University's Board of Ministry.He enjoys playing sports and rooting for local teams. His wife, Debbie Block, an accomplished historian and educator, gathered, produced and edited Kehillath Israel: The First 100 Years. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

As The Missiles Fall

Join Rabbi Marc Katz for a powerful and unexpected conversation with historian Ofer Idels author of Embodying the Revolution: The Hebrew Experience and the Globalization of Modern Sports in Interwar Palestine (Rutgers UP, 2025). This episode dives into a fascinating paradox at the heart of modern Jewish history:Why did Zionism—especially during the era of “muscular Judaism”—remain deeply ambivalent about sports? Drawing on rich archival research and contemporary theory, Idels reveals a surprising story of Mandate Palestine, where athletes rarely became national heroes and sports never fully transformed into symbols of collective pride. This is more than a history of sports—it's a conversation about selfhood, revolution, ideology, and the compromises embedded in every national dream. If you care about Zionism, Jewish culture, modern identity, or the meaning of revolution, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Ofer Idels is the Jenny Belzberg Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is the author of Zionism: Emotions, Language and Experience. Rabbi Marc Katz is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sports

Join Rabbi Marc Katz for a powerful and unexpected conversation with historian Ofer Idels author of Embodying the Revolution: The Hebrew Experience and the Globalization of Modern Sports in Interwar Palestine (Rutgers UP, 2025). This episode dives into a fascinating paradox at the heart of modern Jewish history:Why did Zionism—especially during the era of “muscular Judaism”—remain deeply ambivalent about sports? Drawing on rich archival research and contemporary theory, Idels reveals a surprising story of Mandate Palestine, where athletes rarely became national heroes and sports never fully transformed into symbols of collective pride. This is more than a history of sports—it's a conversation about selfhood, revolution, ideology, and the compromises embedded in every national dream. If you care about Zionism, Jewish culture, modern identity, or the meaning of revolution, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Ofer Idels is the Jenny Belzberg Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is the author of Zionism: Emotions, Language and Experience. Rabbi Marc Katz is the author of Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

Send a textWhy did Moses smash the tablets and why were the broken pieces placed in the Holy of Holies alongside the whole ones? In this heart-open class, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath explores one of the most powerful and surprising teachings in Torah: that brokenness is not the opposite of holiness, it can be its doorway. Drawing on the story of the Golden Calf, the teachings of the Talmud, Midrash, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, this class reveals how Judaism embraces both the “whole tablets” and the “broken tablets” of our lives. Together we explore how pain, setbacks, doubt, and struggle can become catalysts for deeper connection, compassion, and spiritual growth. The message is both radical and comforting: the fragments of our lives may contain the deepest light.Key TakeawaysHoliness is not limited to moments of perfection; it can emerge from our struggles and broken experiences.The broken tablets in the Ark teach that failure and fracture still belong in the sacred space of our lives.Sometimes our deepest connection to G-d happens not when we feel strong, but when we feel vulnerable and searching.Brokenness can soften our hearts and deepen our compassion for others.The Torah teaches that new wisdom and deeper growth often emerge after moments of spiritual collapse.Our lives contain both “whole tablets” and “broken tablets” and both are part of the sacred journey.#Judaism #Kabbalah #Jewish #BrokenTablets #Moses #GoldenCalf #JewishWisdom #spiritualgrowth #JewishInspiration #FaithInStruggle #TorahInsights #chassidus #personalgrowth #healing #resilience #MeaningInSuffering #RabbiBernath #JewishNDG #TorahClass Available now:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Experiment-What-Would-Your/dp/1069217638Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR2QNJL6Audiobook: https://bit.ly/4tPFZhV Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

BLOOD MOON PORTALS - 03.02.2026 - #919 BestPodcastintheMetaverse.com Canary Cry News Talk #919 - 03.02.2026 - Recorded Live to 1s and 0s Deconstructing World Events from a Biblical Worldview Declaring Jesus as Lord amidst the Fifth Generation War! CageRattlerCoffee.com SD/TC email Ike for discount https://CanaryCry.Support   Send address and shirt size updates to canarycrysupplydrop@gmail.com Join the Canary Cry Roundtable This Episode was Produced By:   Executive Producers Sir Igorious Baron of the Squatting Slavs*** Rebecca T*** Sir LX Protocol Baron of the Berrean Protocol*** Sir Jamey Not the Lanister*** Michael B*** Anonymous*** Cage Rattler Coffee***   Producers of TREASURE (CanaryCry.Support) Sir Darrin Knight of the Hungry Panda's, Producer Claudia B, Jared M, Rebecca T, Tracy W, Armondo A, Cage Rattler Coffee, Amy W, Sir Casey the Shield Knight   Producers of TIME Timestampers: Jade Bouncerson, Morgan E Clankoniphius Links: JAM   SUPPLY DROP Calendar and Goldback bonus to new sign ups Cage Rattler Coffee       UFOs 7:26 Retired Air Force official McCasland missing (Fox) → Wikipedia page references UFO connection (Wikipedia)   WW3 42:26 OPERATION EPIC FURY Clip: Gen. Dan Caine gives operation epic fury rundown (X) Clip: Iran war could go 4-5 weeks, "we wont get bored" (X)   Timing of US-Israel attack on Iran bears symbolic meaning in Judaism as Netanyahu references holiday of Purim (CNN)   333 blood moon (Space.com) AKA the "worm" Moon (Almanac) Most Notable 2026 Astronomical Events: A Year of Watching the Skies (NASA) Post: Square and Compass sky in Gonz' backyard   Clip: Bombing Iran and Biblical Prophecy - John Haggee (X) Clip: Kim Clement - long time ago (X) Clip: Greg Laurie says rapture is next (X)   Clip: insert clip of Iranian Baal Burning Clip: Iranian says "we're fighting the Epstein class" (X) Operation Epstein fury? (x)   Iran declares jihad (Telegraph)  Clip: Pete Hegseth says US ready for sleeper cell attacks (X)  ShatterTheDarkness.net   FBI: FBI investigating 'potential nexus to terrorism' in 6th Street shooting that left two dead, 14 injured | Shooter also killed (KVUE) Clip: Mass shooter at Austin Texas bar wearing "Property of Allah" hoodie (X/Raw Alerts)   PORTALS/GATES OF THE GODS 2:41:07 Clip: Portals in the forest? On News Nation! (X)  → The alleged location of the portal (X)    Tim Dillon on OpenAI thinking they are summoning Sumerian gods (X) → Some believe Osiris was an ancient AI (X)    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS  TALENT/TIME END 3:13:02

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials. In the following days, Iran retaliated with attacks against US bases in neighboring countries, and three US planes were shot down in Kuwait. Mike Cosper sits down with journalist Yossi Klein Halevi to understand what this military action means for the quest for peace in the broader Middle East, and Mike and Clarissa discuss the uncertainty and tensions Americans carry as the nation heads to war. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: Iran After the Ayatollah - Mark Tooley GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Yossi Klein Halevi is a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He codirects the Institute's Muslim Leadership Initiative, which teaches emerging young Muslim American leaders about Judaism, Jewish identity, and Israel. He writes for leading op-ed pages in the US, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to The New Republic. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mazel morons! This week we welcome Dr. Craig Koniver (Josh's wellness wizard- not the Southern Charm star) to break down peptides, GLP-1s, methylene blue, muscle loss myths, and why half the internet is buying research-grade chemicals with “not for human use” on the label. Plus: bungalow discourse, Jewish kiddush engineering, microdosing Judaism, Botox myths, hair loss panic, and why Ben once accidentally did ketamine in a bathroom for 90 minutes. What are ya nuts?!Write in your questions to goodguyspodcast1@gmail.com!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! Sponsors:Grab Goodwipes for free at Walmart so you can upgrade your restroom routine! Buy any one, two or three pack in Walmart or Walmart.com, text them your receipt, and get reimbursed almost immediately. For more details, head to goodwipes.com/GOODGUYS.Right now, Mizzen & Main is offering our listeners 20% off your first purchase at mizzenandmain.com, promo code goodguys20Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you build a creative life that spans music, writing, film, and spiritual practice? Alicia Jo Rabins talks about weaving multiple creative strands into a sustainable career and why the best advice for any creator might simply be: just make the thing. In the intro, backlist promotion strategy [Written Word Media]; Successful author business [Novel Marketing Podcast]; Alliance of Independent Authors Indie Author Bookstore; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Alicia Jo Rabins is an award-winning writer, musician, performer, as well as a Torah teacher and ritualist. She's the creator of Girls In Trouble, a feminist indie-folk song cycle about biblical women, and the award-winning film, A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff. Her latest book is a memoir, When We Are Born We Forget Everything. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Building a sustainable multi-disciplinary creative career through teaching, performance, grants, and donations Trusting instinct in the early generative stages of creativity and separating generation from editing Adapting and reimagining religious and cultural source material through music, writing, and performance The challenges of transitioning from poetry to long-form prose memoir, including choosing a lens for your story Making an independent film on a shoestring budget without waiting for Hollywood's permission Finding your creative voice and building confidence by leaning into vulnerability and returning to the practice of making You can find Alicia at AliciaJo.com. Transcript of the interview with Alicia Jo Rabins Joanna: Alicia Jo Rabins is an award-winning writer, musician, performer, as well as a Torah teacher and ritualist. She's the creator of Girls In Trouble, a feminist indie-folk song cycle about biblical women, and the award-winning film, A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff. Her latest book is a memoir, When We Are Born We Forget Everything. So welcome to the show, Alicia. Alicia: Thank you so much. I'm delighted to be here. Joanna: There is so much we could talk about. But first up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you've woven so many strands of creativity into your life and career. Alicia: Yes, well, I am a maximalist. What happened in terms of my early life is that I started writing on my own, just extremely young. I'm one of those people who always loved writing, always processed the world and managed my emotions and came to understand myself through writing. So from a very young age, I felt really committed to writing. Then I had the good fortune that my mother saw a talk show about the Suzuki method of learning violin—when you start really young and learn by ear, which is modelled after language learning. It's so much less intellectual and much more instinctual, learning by copying. She was like, that looks like a cool thing. I was three years old at the time and she found out that there was a little local branch of our music conservatory that had a Suzuki violin programme. So when I was three and a half, getting close to four, she took me down and I started playing an extremely tiny violin. Joanna: Oh, cute! Alicia: Yes, and because it was part of this conservatory that was downtown, and we were just starting at the suburban branch where we lived, there was this path that I was able to follow. As I got more and more interested in violin, I could continue basically up through the conservatory level during high school. So I had a really fantastic music education without any pressure, without any expectations or professional goals. I just kept taking these classes and one thing led to another. I grew up being very immersed in both creative writing and music, and I think just having the gift of those two parts of my brain trained and stimulated and delighted so young really changed my brain in some ways. I'll always see the world through this creative lens, which I think I'm also just set up to do personally. Then the last step of my multi-practice career is that in college I got very interested in Jewish spirituality. I'm Jewish, but I didn't grow up very religious. I didn't grow up in a Jewish community really. So I knew some basics, but not a ton. In college I started to study it and also informally learned from other people I met. I ended up going on a pretty intense spiritual quest, going to Jerusalem and immersing myself after college for two years in traditional Jewish study and practice. So that became the third strand of the braid that had already been started with music and writing. Torah study, spiritual study, and teaching became the third, and they all interweave. The last thing I'll say is that because I work in both words and music, and naturally performance because of music, it began to branch a little bit into plays, theatre, and film, just because that's where the intersection of words, performance, and music is. So that's really what brought me into that, as opposed to any specific desire to work in film. It all happened very organically. Joanna: I love this. This is so cool. We are going to circle back to a lot of this, but I have to ask you— What about work for money at any point? How did this turn into more than just hobbies and lifestyle? Alicia: Yes, absolutely. Well, I'm very fortunate that I did not graduate college with loans because my parents were able to pay for college. That was a big privilege that I just want to name, because in the States that's often not the case. So that allowed me to need to support myself, but not also pay loans, which was a real gift. What happened was I went straight from college to that school in Jerusalem, and there I was on loans and scholarship, so I didn't have to worry yet about supporting myself. Then when I came back to the States, I actually found on Craigslist a job teaching remedial Hebrew. It was essentially teaching kids at a Jewish elementary school who either had learning differences or had just entered the school late and needed to be in a different Hebrew class than the other kids in their grade. That was my first experience of really teaching, and I just absolutely fell in love with it. Although in the end, my passion is much more for teaching the text and rituals and the wrestling with the concepts, as opposed to teaching language. So all these years, while doing performance and writing and all these things, I have been teaching Jewish studies. That has essentially supported me, I would say, between 50 and 70 per cent. Then the rest has been paid gigs as a musician, whether as a front person leading a project or as what we call a sideman, playing in someone else's band. Sometimes doing theatre performances, sometimes teaching workshops. That's how I've cobbled it together. I have not had a full-time job all these years and I have supported myself through both earned income and also grants and donations. I've really tried to cultivate a little bit of a donor base, and I took some workshops early on about how to welcome donations. So I definitely try to always welcome that as well. Joanna: That is so interesting that you took a workshop on how to welcome donations. Way back in, I think 2013, I said on this show, I just don't know if I can accept people giving to support the show. Then someone on the podcast challenged me and said, but people want to support creatives. That's when I started Patreon in 2014. It was when The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer came out and— It was this realisation that people do want to support people. So I love that you said that. Alicia: It's not easy. It's still not easy for me, and I have to grit my teeth every time I even put in my end-of-year newsletter. I just say, just a reminder that part of what makes this possible is your generous donations, and I'm so grateful to you. It's not easy. I think some people enjoy fundraising. I certainly don't instinctively enjoy it, but I have learned to think of it exactly the way that you're saying. I mean, I love donating to support other people's projects. Sometimes it's the highlight of my day. If I'm having a bad day and someone asks for help, either to feed a family or to complete a creative project, I just feel like, okay, at least I can give $36 or $25 and feel like I did something positive in the last hour, even if my project is going terribly and I'm in a fight with my kid or something. So I have to keep in mind that it is actually a privilege to give as well as a privilege to receive. Joanna: Absolutely. So let's get back into your various creative projects. The first thing I wanted to ask you, because you do have so many different formats and forms of your creativity—how do you know when an idea that comes to you should be a song, or something you want to do as a performance, or written, or a film? Tell us a bit about your creative process. Because a lot of your projects are also longer-term. Alicia: Yes. It's funny, I love planning and in some ways I'm an extreme planner. I really drive people in my family bonkers with planning, like family vacations a year in advance. In terms of my creativity, I'm very planful towards goals, but in that early generative state, I am actually pure instinct. I don't think I ever sit down and say, “I have this idea, which genre would it match with?” It's more like I sit on my bed and pick up my guitar, which is where I love to do songwriting, just sitting on my bed cross-legged, and I pick up my guitar and something starts coming out. Then I just work with that kernel. So it's very nebulous at first, very innate, and I just follow that creative spirit. Often I don't even know what a project is, sometimes if it's a larger project, until a year or two in. Once things emerge and take shape, then my planning brain and my strategy brain can jump on it and say, “Okay, we need three more songs to fill out the album, and we need to plan the fundraising and the scheduling.” Then I might take more of an outside-in approach. At the beginning it's just all instinct. Joanna: So if you pick up your guitar, does that mean it always starts in music and then goes into writing? Or is that you only pick up a guitar if it's going to be musical? Alicia: I think I'm responding to what's inside me. It's almost like a need, as opposed to, “I'm going to sit down and work.” I mean, obviously I sit down and work a lot, but I think in that early stage of anything, it's more like my fingers are itching to play something, and so I sit down and pick up my guitar. Sometimes nothing comes out and sometimes the kernel of a song comes out. Or I'm at a café, and I often like to write when I'm feeling a little bit discombobulated, just to go into the complexity of things or use challenging emotions as fuel. I really do use it as a—I don't know if therapeutic is the word, but I think it maybe is. I write often, as I always have, as I said before, to understand what I'm thinking. Like Joan Didion said—to process difficult emotions, to let go of stuck places. So I think I create almost more out of a sense of just what I need in the moment. Sometimes it's just for fun. Sometimes picking up a guitar, I just have a moment so I sit down and mess around. Sometimes it's to help me struggle with something. It doesn't always start in music. That was a random example. I might sit down to write because I have an hour and I think, I haven't written in a while. Or I do have an informal daily writing thing where I'll try to generate one loose draft of something a day, even if it's only ten pages. I mean, sorry, ten words. Joanna: I was going to say! Alicia: No, no. Ten words. I'm sorry. It's often poetry, so it feels like a lot when it's ten words. I'll just sit down with no pressure, no goal, no intention to make anything specific. Just open the floodgates and see what comes out. That's where every single project of mine has started. Joanna: Yes, I do love that. Obviously, I'm a discovery writer and intuitive, same as you. I think very much this idea of, especially when you said you feel discombobulated, that's when you write. I almost feel like I need that. I'm not someone who writes every day. I don't do ten lines or whatever. It's that I'll feel that sense of pressure building up into “this is going to be something.” I will really only write or journal when that spills over into— “I now need to write and figure out what this is.” Alicia: Yes. It's almost a form of hunger. It feels to me similar to when you eat a great meal and then you're good for a while. You're not really thinking of it, and then it builds up, like you said, and then there's a need—at least the first half of creativity. I really separate my generation and my editing. So my generative practice is all openness, no critique, just this maybe therapeutic, maybe curious, wandering and seeing what happens. Then once I have a draft, my incisive editing mind is welcome back in, which has been shut out from that early process. So that's a really different experience. Those early stages of creativity are almost out of need more than obligation. Joanna: Well, just staying with that generative practice. Obviously you've mentioned your study of and practice of Jewish tradition and Jewish spirituality. Steven Pressfield in his books has talked about his prayer to the muse, and I've got on my wall here—I don't talk about this very often, actually — I have a muse picture, a painting of what I think of as a muse spirit in some form. So do you have any spiritual practices around your generative practice and that phase of coming up with ideas? Alicia: I love that question, and I wish I had a beautiful, intentional answer. My answer is no. I think I experience creativity as its own spiritual practice itself. I do love individual prayer and meditation and things like that, but for me those are more to address my specifically spiritual health and happiness and connectedness. I'm just a dive-in kind of person. As a musician, I have friends who have elaborate backstage rituals. I have to do certain things to take care of my voice, but even that, it's mostly vocal rest as opposed to actively doing things. There's a bit of an on/off switch for me. Joanna: That's interesting. Well, I do want to ask you about one of your projects, this collaboration with a high school on a musical performance, I Was a Desert: Songs of the Matriarchs, and also your Girls in Trouble songs about women in the Torah. On your website, I had a look at the school, the high school, and the musical performance. It was extraordinary. I was watching you in the school there and it's just such extraordinary work. It very much inspired me—not to do it myself, but it was just so wonderful. I do urge people to go to your website and just watch a few minutes of it. I'm inspired by elements of religion, Christian and Jewish, but I wondered if you've come up against any issues with adaptation—respecting your heritage but also reinventing it. How has this gone for you. Any advice for people who want to incorporate aspects of religion they love but are worried about responses? Alicia: Well, I have to say, coming from the Jewish tradition, that is a core practice of Judaism—reinterpreting our texts and traditions, wrestling with them, arguing with them, reimagining them. I don't know if you're familiar with Midrash, but just in case some of your listeners aren't sure I'll explain it. There's essentially an ancient form of fanfic called Midrash, which was the ancient rabbis, and we still do it today, taking a biblical story that seems to have some kind of gap or inconsistency or question in it and writing a story to fill that gap or recast the story in an interestingly different light. So we have this whole body of literature over thousands of years that are these alternate or added-on adventures, side quests of the biblical characters. What I'm doing from a Jewish perspective is very much in line with a traditional way of interacting with text. I've certainly never gotten any pushback, especially as I work in progressive Jewish communities. I think if I were in an extremely fundamentalist community, there would be a lot of different issues around gender and things like that. The interpretive process, even in those communities, is part of how we show respect for the text. When I was working with the high school—and I just want to call out the choir director, Ethan Chen, who has an incredible project where he brings in a different artist every two years to work with the choir, and they tend to have a different cultural focus each time. He invited me specifically to integrate my songwriting about biblical women with his amazing high school choir. I was really worried at first because most of them are not Jewish—very few of them, if any. I wanted to respect their spiritual paths and their religious heritages and not impose mine on them. So I spent a lot of time at the beginning saying, this project has religious source material, but essentially it is a creative reinterpretive project. I am not coming to you to bring the religious material to you. I'm coming to take the shared Hebrew Bible myths and then reinterpret those myths through a lens of how they might reflect our own personal struggles, because that's always my approach to these ancient stories. I wanted to really make that clear to the students. It was such a joy to work with them. Joanna: It's such an interesting project. Also, I find with musicians in general this idea of performance. You've written this thing—or this thing specifically with the school—and it doesn't exist again, right? You're not selling CDs of that, I presume. Whereas compared to a book, when we write a book, we can sell it forever. It doesn't exist as a performance generally for an author of a memoir or a novel. It carries on existing. So how does that feel, the performance idea versus the longer-lasting thing? I mean, I guess the video's there, but the performance itself happened. Alicia: I do know what you mean. Absolutely. We did, for that reason, record it professionally. We had the sound person record it and mix it, so it is available to stream. I'm not selling CDs, but it's out there on all the streaming services, if people want to listen. I do also have the scores, so if a choir wanted to sing it. The main point that you're making is so true. I think there's actually something very sacred about live performance—that we're all in the moment together and then the moment is over. I love the artefacts of the writing life. I love writing books. I love buying and reading books and having them around, and there's piles of them everywhere in this room I'm standing in. I feel like being on stage, or even teaching, is a very spiritual practice for me, because it's in some ways the most in-the-moment I ever am. The only thing that matters is what's happening right then in that room. It's fleeting as it goes. I'm working with the energy in the room while we're there. It's different every time because I'm different, the atmosphere is different, the people are different. There's no way to plan it. The kind of micro precision that we all try to bring to our editing—you can't do that. You can practice all you want and you should, but in the moment, who knows? A string breaks or there's loud sound coming from the other room. It is just one of those things. I love being reminded over and over again of the truth that we really don't control what happens. The best that we can do is ride it, surf it, be in it, appreciate it, and then let it go. Joanna: I think maybe I get a glimpse of that when I speak professionally, but I'm far more in control in that situation than I guess you were with—I don't know how many—was it a hundred kids in that choir? It looked pretty big. Alicia: It was amazing. It was 130 kids. Yes. Joanna: 130 kids! I mean, it was magic listening to it. And yes, of course, showing my age there with buying a CD, aren't I? Alicia: Well, I do still sell some CDs of Girls in Trouble on tour, because I have a bunch of them and people still buy them. I'm always so grateful because it was an easier life for touring musicians when we could just bring CDs. Now we have to be very creative about our merch. Joanna: Yes, that's a good point because people are like, “Oh yes, I'll scan your QR code and stream it,” but you might not get the money for that for ages, and it might just be five cents or whatever. Alicia: Streaming is terrible for live musicians. I mean, I don't know if you know the site Bandcamp, but it's essentially self-publishing for musicians. Bandcamp is a great way around that, and a lot of independent musicians use it because that's a place you can upload your music and people can pay $8 for an album. They can stream it on there if they want, or they can download it and have it. But, yes, it's hard out there for touring musicians. Joanna: Yes, for sure. Well, let's come to the book then. Your memoir, When We Are Born We Forget Everything. Tell us about some of the challenges of a book as opposed to these other types of performances. Alicia: Well, I come out of poetry, so that was my first love. That's what I majored in in college. That's what my MFA is in. Poetry is famously short, and I'm not one of those long-form poets. I have been trained for many years to think in terms of a one-page arc, if at all. Arc isn't even really a word that we use in poetry. So to write a full-length prose book was really an incredible education. Writing it basically took ten years from writing to publication, so probably seven years of writing and editing. I felt like there was an MFA-equivalent process in the number of classes I took, books I read, and work that went into it. So that was one of my main joys and challenges, really learning on the job to write long-form prose coming out of poetry. How to keep the engine going, how to think about ending one chapter in a way that leaves you with some torque or momentum so that you want to go into the next chapter. How many characters is too many? Who gets names and who doesn't? Some of these things that are probably pretty basic for fiction writers were all very new to me. That was a big part of my process. Then, of course, poets don't usually have agents. So once it was done, I began to query agents. It was the normal sort of 39 rejections and then one agent who really understood what I was trying to do. She's incredible, and she was able to sell the book. The longevity of just working on something for that long—I have a lot of joy in that longevity—but it does sometimes feel like, is this ever going to happen, or am I on a fool's errand? Joanna: I guess, again, the difference with performance is you have a date for the performance and it's done then. I suppose once you get a contract, then for sure it has to be done. But memoir in particular, you do have to set boundaries, because of course your life continues, doesn't it? So what were the challenges in curating what went into the book? Because many people listening know memoir is very challenging in terms of how personal it can be. Alicia: Yes, and one thing I think is so fascinating about memoir is choosing which lens to put on your story, on your own story. I heard early on that the difference between autobiography and memoir is that autobiography tries to give a really comprehensive view of a life, and memoir is choosing one lens and telling the story of a life through that lens, which is such a beautiful creative concept. I knew early on that I wanted this to be primarily a spiritual memoir, and also somewhat of an artistic memoir, because my creativity and my spirituality are so intertwined. It started off being spiritual, and also about my musical life, and also about my writing life. In the end, I edited out the part about my writing life, because writing about writing was just too navel-gazing. So there's nothing in there about me coming of age as a writer, which used to be in there, but that whole thing got taken out. Now it's spiritual and musical. For me, it really helped to start with those focuses, because I knew there may be things that were hugely important in my life, absolutely foundational, that were not really going to be either mentioned or gone deeply into in the book. For example, my husband teases me a lot about how few pages and words he gets. He's very important in my life, but I actually met him when I was 29, and this book really mainly takes place in the years leading up to that. There's a little bit of winding down in the first few years of my thirties, but this is not a book about my life with him. He is mentioned in it. That story is in there. Having those kinds of limitations around the canvas—there's a quote, I forget if it was Miranda July, but somebody said something like, basically when you put a limitation on your project, that's when it starts to be a work of art. Whatever it is, if you say, “I'm taking this canvas and I'm using these colours,” that's when it really begins, that initial limitation. That was very helpful. Joanna: It's also the beauty of memoir, because of course you can write different memoirs at different times. You can write something about your writing life. You can write something else about your marriage and your family later on. That doesn't all have to be in one book. I think that's actually something I found interesting. And I would also say in my memoir, Pilgrimage, my husband is barely mentioned either. Alicia: Does he tease you too? Joanna: No, I think he's grateful. He is grateful for the privacy. Alicia: That's why I keep saying, you should be grateful! Joanna: Yes. You really should. Like, maybe stop talking now. Alicia: Yes, exactly. I know. Marriage, memoir—those words should strike fear into his heart. Joanna: They definitely should. But let's just come back. When I look at your career— You just seem such an independent creative, and so I wondered why you decided to work with a traditional publisher instead of being an independent. How are you finding it as someone who's not in charge of everything? Alicia: It's a great question. The origin story for this memoir is that I was actually reading poetry at a writing conference called Bread Loaf in the States. This was 16 years ago or something. I was giving a poetry reading and afterwards an agent, not my agent, came up to me and said, you know, you have a voice. You should try writing nonfiction because you could probably sell it. Back to your question about how I support myself, I am always really hustling to make a living. It's not like I have some separate well-paying job and the writing has no pressure on it. So my ears kind of perked up. I thought, wait, getting paid for writing? Because poetry is literally not in the world. It's just not a concept for poets. That's not why we write and it's not a possibility. So a little light turned on in my brain. I thought, wow, that could be a really interesting element to add to my income stream, and it would be flexible and it would be meaningful. For a few years I thought, what nonfiction could I write? And I came up with the idea of writing a book about biblical women from a more scholarly perspective, because I teach that material and I've studied it. I went to speak to another agent and she said, well, you could do that, but if you actually want to sell a book, it's going to have to be more of a trade book. So if you don't want an academic press, which wouldn't pay very much, you would have to have some kind of memoir-like stories in there to just sweeten it so it doesn't feel academic. So then I began writing a little bit of spiritual memoir. I thought, okay, well, I'll write about a few moments. Then once I started writing, I couldn't stop. The floodgates really opened. That's how it ended up being a spiritual memoir with interwoven stories of biblical women. It became a hybrid in that sense. I knew from the beginning that this project—for all my saying earlier that I never plan anything and only work on instinct, I was thinking as I said that, that cannot be true. This time, I actually thought, what if, instead of coming from this pure, heart-focused place of poetry, I began writing with the intention of potentially selling a book? The way my fiction writer friends talked about selling their books. So that was always in my mind. I knew I would continue writing poetry, continue publishing with small presses, continue putting my own music out there independently, but this was a bit of an experiment. What if I try to interface with the publishing world, in part for financial sustainability? And because I had a full draft before I queried, I never felt like anyone was telling me what to write. I can't imagine personally selling a book on proposal, because I do need that full capacity to just swerve, change directions, be responsive to what the project is teaching me. I can't imagine promising that I'll write something, because I never know what I'll write. But writing at least a very solid draft first, I'm always delighted to get notes and make polish and rewrite and make things better. I took care of that freedom in the first seven years of writing and then I interfaced with the agent and publisher. Joanna: I was going to say, given that it's taken you seven to ten years to do this and I can't imagine that you're suddenly a multimillionaire from this book. It probably hasn't fulfilled the hourly rate that perhaps you were thinking of in terms of being paid for your work. I think some people think that everyone's going to end up with the massive book deal that pays for the rest of their life. I guess this book does just fit into the rest of your portfolio career. Alicia: Yes. One of the benefits of these long arcs that I like to work on is, one of them—and probably the primary one—is that the project gets to unfold on its own time. I don't think I could have rushed it if I wanted. The other is that it never really stopped me from doing any of my other work. Joanna: Mm-hmm. Alicia: So it's not like, oh, I gave up months of my life and all I got was this advance or something. It's like, I was living my life and then when I had a little bit of writing time—and I will say, it impacted my poetry. I haven't written as much poetry because I was working on this. So it wasn't like I just added it on top of everything I was already doing, but it was a pleasure to just switch to prose for a while. It was just woven into my life. I appreciated having this side project where no one was waiting for it. There were no deadlines, there was no stress around it, because I always have performances to promote and due dates for all kinds of work. It was just this really lovely arena of slow growth and play. When I wanted a reader, I could do a swap with a writer friend, but no one was ever waiting for it on deadline. So there's actually a lot of pleasure in that. Then I will say, I think I've made more from selling this than my poetry. Probably close to ten times more than I've ever made from any of my poetry. So on a poetry scale, it's certainly not going to pay for my life, but it actually does make a true financial difference in a way that much of my other work is a little more bit by bit by bit. It's actually a different scale. Joanna: Well, that's really good. I'm glad to hear that. I also want to ask you, because you've done so many things, and— I'm fascinated by your independent film, A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff. I have only watched the trailer. You are in it, you wrote it, directed it, and it's also obviously got other people in, and it's fascinating. It's about this particular point in history. I've written quite a lot of screenplay adaptations of my novels, and I've had some various amounts of interest, but the whole film industry to me is just a complete nightmare, far bigger nightmare than the book industry. So I wonder if you could maybe talk about this, because it just seems like you made a film, which is so cool. Alicia: Oh yes, thank you. Joanna: And it won awards, yes, we should say. Alicia: Did we win awards? Yes. It really, for an extremely low-budget indie film, went far further than my team and I could ever have imagined. I will say I never intended to make a film. Like most of the best things in my life, it really happened by accident. When I was living in New York— I lived there for many years—the 2008 financial collapse happened and I happened to have an arts grant that gave a bunch of artists workspace, studio space, in essentially an abandoned building in the financial district. It was an empty floor of a building. The floor had been left by the previous tenant, and there's a nonprofit that takes unused real estate in the financial district and lets artists work in it for a while. So I was on Wall Street, which was very rare for me, but for this year I was working on Wall Street. Even though I was working on poems, the financial collapse happened around me, and I did get inspired by that to create a one-woman show, which was more of a theatre show. That was already a huge leap for me because I had no real theatre experience, but it was experimental and growing out of my poetry practice and my music. It was a musical one-woman show about the financial collapse from a spiritual perspective, apparently. So I performed that. I documented it, and then a friend who lives in Portland, Oregon, where I now live, said, “I'm a theatre producer, I'd like to produce it here.” So then I rewrote it and did a run here in Portland of that show. Essentially, I started to tour it a little bit, but I got tired of it. It was too much work and it never really paid very much, and I thought, this is impacting my life negatively. I just want to do a really good documentation of the show. So I wanted to hire a theatre documentarian to just document the show so that it didn't disappear, like you were saying before about live performance. But one of the people I talked to actually ended up being an artistic filmmaker, as opposed to a documentarian. She watched the archival footage, just a single camera of the show, and said, “I don't think you should do this again and film it with three cameras. I think you should make it into a feature film. And in fact, I think maybe I should direct it, because there's all this music in it and I also direct music videos.” We had this kind of mind meld. Joanna: Mm. Alicia: I never intended to make a film, but she is a visionary director and I had this piece of IP essentially, and all the music and the writing. We adapted it together. We did it here in Portland. We did all the fundraising ourselves. We did not interface with Hollywood really. I think that would be, I just can't imagine. I love Hollywood, but I'm not really connected, and I can't imagine waiting for someone to give us permission or a green light to make this. It was experimental and indie, so we just really did it on the cheap. We had an amazing producer who helped us figure out how to do it with the budget that we had. We worked really hard fundraising, crowdfunding, asking for donations, having parties to raise money, and then we just did it and put it out there. I think my main advice—and I hear this a lot on screenwriting podcasts—is just make the thing. Make something, as opposed to trying to get permission to make something. Because unless you're already in that system, it's going to be really hard to get permission to make it. Once you make something, that leads to something else, which leads to something else. So even if it's a very short thing, or even if it's filmed on your phone, just actually make the thing. That turned out to be the right thing for us. Joanna: Yes, I mean, I feel like that is what underpins us as independent creatives in general. As an independent author, I feel the same way. I'm never asking permission to put a book in the world. No, thank you. Alicia: Exactly. We have a vision and we do it. It's harder in some ways, but that liberation of being able to really fully create our vision without having to compromise it or wait for permission, I think it's such a beautiful thing. Joanna: Well, we're almost out of time, but I do want to ask you about creative confidence. Alicia: Hmm. Joanna: I feel I'm getting a lot of sense about this at the moment, with all the AI stuff that's happening. When you've been creating a long time, like you and I have, we know our voice and we can lean into our voice. We are creatively confident. We'll fail a lot, but we'll just push on and try things and see what happens. Newer creators are struggling with this kind of confidence. How do I know what is my voice? How do I know what I like? How do I lean into this? So give us some thoughts about how to find your voice and how to find that creative confidence if you don't feel you have it. Alicia: I love that. One thing I will say is that I always think whatever is arising is powerful material to create from. So if a lack of confidence is arising, that's a really powerful feeling to directly explore and not just try to ignore. Although sometimes one has to just ignore those feelings. But to actually explore that feeling, because AI can't have that, right? AI can't really feel a crisis of confidence, and humans can. So that's a gift that we have, those kinds of sensitivities. I think to go really deep into whatever is arising, including the sense that we don't have the right to be creating, or we're not good enough, or whatever it is. Then I always do come back to a quote. I think it might have been John Berryman, but I'm forgetting which poet said it. A younger poet said, “How will I ever know if I'm any good?” And this famous poet said something like—I'm paraphrasing—”You'll never know if you're any good. If you have to know, don't write.” That has been really liberating to me, actually. It sounds a little harsh, but it's been really liberating to just let go of a sense of “good enough.” There is no good enough. The great writers never know if they're good enough. Coming back to this idea of just making without permission—the practice of doing the thing is being a writer. Caring and trying to improve our craft, that's the best that we can have. There's never going to be a moment where we're like, yes, I've nailed this. I am truly a hundred per cent a writer and I have found my voice. Everything's always changing anyway. I would say, either go into those feelings or let those feelings be there. Give them a little tea. Tell them, okay, you're welcome to be here, but you don't get to drive the boat. And then return to the practice of making. Joanna: Absolutely. Great. So where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? Alicia: Everything is on my website, which is AliciaJo.com, and also on Instagram at @ohaliciajo. I'd love to say hello to anyone who's interested in similar topics. Joanna: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Alicia. That was great. Alicia: Thank you. I love your podcast. I'm so grateful for all that you've given the writing world, Jo.The post Creative Confidence, Portfolio Careers, And Making Without Permission with Alicia Jo Rabins first appeared on The Creative Penn.

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a profound insight on Parshas Tetzaveh, inspired by a D'var Torah from Rabbi Blachman (Jerusalem). The Parsha describes the High Priest's vestments twice mentioning the names of the 12 tribes: once on the Choshen (breastplate) with individual stones over the heart, and again on the Avnei Shoham (shoulder stones of remembrance). Why the duplication? The sages explain it as a model for every Jew, especially the Kohen: the heart must first hold deep love and concern for every fellow Jew (as exemplified by Aharon, the ultimate lover and pursuer of peace – ohev shalom v'rodef shalom), feeling their pain and joy internally. But love alone is insufficient; the shoulders must carry their burdens – sharing grief, challenges, and responsibilities as one's own ("you're my brother, you ain't heavy").Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this with stories: Aharon reconciling disputants through empathy; Reb Chaim Shmulevitz's Yom Kippur teaching that one who hasn't lost sleep over the Jewish people's spiritual/physical plight has no business praying; feeling Hashem's "pain" over estranged children; carrying joy (dancing alone for a distant student's wedding); and practical empathy (e.g., yellow ribbons for hostages as reminders to feel others' pain). He stresses avoiding desensitization in a news-saturated world, pursuing peace without quarrels (a Kohen in conflict couldn't serve), and living beyond oneself – feeling others' burdens while maintaining joy (as the Shechinah rests only in simcha). The episode ends with a discussion on positive communication (e.g., the Still Face experiment, praise boosting performance) and responding to children's needs through listening rather than waiting for tantrums._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 2, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Parsha, #Tetzaveh, #Choshen, #Shoham, #Aharon, #Shalom, #CarryTheBurden, #KlalYisrael, #PursuePeace, #Empathy, #OneNationOneSoul, #JewishUnity ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe shares a profound insight on Parshas Tetzaveh, inspired by a D'var Torah from Rabbi Blachman (Jerusalem). The Parsha describes the High Priest's vestments twice mentioning the names of the 12 tribes: once on the Choshen (breastplate) with individual stones over the heart, and again on the Avnei Shoham (shoulder stones of remembrance). Why the duplication? The sages explain it as a model for every Jew, especially the Kohen: the heart must first hold deep love and concern for every fellow Jew (as exemplified by Aharon, the ultimate lover and pursuer of peace – ohev shalom v'rodef shalom), feeling their pain and joy internally. But love alone is insufficient; the shoulders must carry their burdens – sharing grief, challenges, and responsibilities as one's own ("you're my brother, you ain't heavy").Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this with stories: Aharon reconciling disputants through empathy; Reb Chaim Shmulevitz's Yom Kippur teaching that one who hasn't lost sleep over the Jewish people's spiritual/physical plight has no business praying; feeling Hashem's "pain" over estranged children; carrying joy (dancing alone for a distant student's wedding); and practical empathy (e.g., yellow ribbons for hostages as reminders to feel others' pain). He stresses avoiding desensitization in a news-saturated world, pursuing peace without quarrels (a Kohen in conflict couldn't serve), and living beyond oneself – feeling others' burdens while maintaining joy (as the Shechinah rests only in simcha). The episode ends with a discussion on positive communication (e.g., the Still Face experiment, praise boosting performance) and responding to children's needs through listening rather than waiting for tantrums._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 2, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Parsha, #Tetzaveh, #Choshen, #Shoham, #Aharon, #Shalom, #CarryTheBurden, #KlalYisrael, #PursuePeace, #Empathy, #OneNationOneSoul, #JewishUnity ★ Support this podcast ★

In this timely episode leading into Purim 5786 (2026), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews the laws of reading the Megillah from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 141. He begins with the joy of Adar ("When Adar enters, joy increases"), the four special Parshiyot read in the lead-up (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, HaChodesh), and the Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) on the 13th of Adar (Monday, March 2, 2026, from dawn to nightfall), which commemorates the fasts in the Purim story and is lenient for those in need (e.g., pregnant/nursing women, the ill). The fast humbles us, recognizing Hashem's aid in times of distress.The focus shifts to Megillah reading: obligations for men, women, and children to hear it both night (after stars out, Monday night March 2) and day (Tuesday, March 3); proper synagogue setting with minyan preferred for greater honor to Hashem; three before-blessings (Al Mikra Megillah, She'asah Nissim, Shehecheyanu—with Shehecheyanu at night for Megillah, daytime for the other mitzvot: mishloach manot, matanot la'evyonim, seudat Purim); after-blessing (Harav Et Riveinu); and key customs like reading the ten sons of Haman in one breath, noise at Haman's name (but carefully to avoid missing words), dressing festively, lighting candles upon return home, and adding Al HaNissim in prayers/meals.Additional details include: half-shekel donation (Machatzit Hashekel) before Megillah; no preparation (Maichin) on Shabbos for post-Shabbos Megillah if Purim Sunday; reading from kosher scroll preferred (Chumash ok without blessing if no scroll); Kavanah (intent) for reader and listeners; special rules for mourners/Onein; and early synagogue attendance on Purim morning with Torah reading of Amalek. He notes current events echoing Persia/Iran parallels and invites questions for the Ask Away segment.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #35._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on March 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 2, 2026_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #Kitzur, #Halacha, #EverydayJudaism, #Purim, #Megillah, #TaanitEsther, #FastOfEsther, #AdarJoy, #AlHaNissim, #Shehecheyanu, #MishloachManot, #MatanotLaEvyonim, #SeudatPurim, #JewishHolidays ★ Support this podcast ★

Why is this Purim different from all others? The day before this podcast was recorded, Israel attacked Iran, and 'Operation Lion's Roar' began. While we're all extremely optimistic about what the Middle East might look like as a result of this war, Israelis are extremely tense - and tired - in the meantime. We've been running in and out of shelters ever since the war began, and we've been disturbed at all hours of the day and night by warnings, sirens, and incoming missiles. The warnings we get from our phones, however, are incredibly jarring. Wouldn't it be great if we could change the sound to an appropriate Israeli song? And if we could, which song would we choose? A recent Kan Gimmel post asked that very question, and this week, we're playing some of our favorite suggestions. With wishes for peace and security, we proudly share this very patriotic playlist! (Original Air Date: March 1, 2026) Full YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/mswhdszc New Book - 'Legends of the Light: Illuminating Stories of Am Yisrael' - available here! https://amzn.to/4rDplk5 Bring Josh Shron, 'Israel's Soundtrack Storyteller,' to your community, and help spread the joy of Israeli music around the world! Visit https://www.joshshron.com/ Love the show? Please help us grow by becoming a member of MyIsraeliMusic.com: https://myisraelimusic.com/membership

This episode of the Meaningful People Podcast features Dovi Neuburger, a popular comedian and influencer who grew up as the son of a prominent rabbi and built his brand by poking at the frum world from the inside. In this conversation, he opens up about guilt over influencing younger followers, using religious culture as comedy material, and whether Jewish "inspiration" today is actually inspiration or just kosher entertainment. He challenges institutions, questions tuition, takes aim at the over-correction of emotional Judaism, and doesn't shy away from uncomfortable debates about shidduchim, schools, and community politics    It's funny, sharp, and at times confrontational. From Rabbi's son stereotypes to anti-Semitism content, from Thank You Hashem culture to whether kids should ever be thrown out of yeshiva, this episode doesn't tiptoe around anything. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals   Download the app and never pay full price again!   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp    _________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful   _________________   ► Batya Kitchen   150+ Gluten-Free, Non-Gebrokts Recipes, Make-Ahead Tips, Holiday Guides, and Everything You Need for a Calm, Beautiful Pesach. Order now on Amazon.   https://amzn.to/4a1S1x7   _________________   ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/   _________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   _________________   ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp   

The sisters are THRILLED to build with their dear friend, Morgan Bassichis. Morgan is a comedian, musician, Anti-Zionist activist and writer who has been called “a tall child or, well, a big bird” by The Nation and “fiercely hilarious” by The New Yorker. Their show, Can I Be Frank? just won an Obie!The trio discuss finding the funny in the sad and tragic, the life of a Jewish artist fighting for Palestine, being brought up in the cult of 'it's complicated', the clarity of doing what we can to disentangle Judaism and Zionism, tapping into compassion, how haters can't make good art, shared power vs. siloed power and the precipice of something big happening in OUR lifetime.---⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SHOW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Endoftheworldshow---HTS ESSENTIALS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT Our Show on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Endoftheworldshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PEEP us on IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/endoftheworldpc/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The recent interview between Tucker Carlson and Mike Huckabee was eye-opening for a variety of reasons, just one being the remarkable portion devoted to questions about ancestry, biblical claims, and modern political sovereignty in Israel. The two discussed whether historical, religious, or genetic lineage determines land rights, with Carlson finding Huckabee's answers on why nonpracticing Jews from Eastern Europe like Benjamin Netanyahu should have a birthright to the land of Israel evasive and disingenuous.  Jimmy and Americans' Comedian Kurt Metzger expand the conversation to critique the conflation of Judaism with modern Zionism, citing statements from anti-Zionist Jewish groups who argue that political nationalism is distinct from religious faith. The segment concludes with broader commentary on Middle East history and identity debates. Plus segments on Kash Patel's recent scandalous appearance in the locker room with the US men's hockey team at the Winter Olympics and the FBI's coverup of a potential new suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing. Also featuring Stef Zamorano, Baron Coleman and Mike MacRae. And a phone call from JD Vance!