Shows
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast023: Write, Reflect, Repeat: A Conversation with Anne Pinheiro Guimareas
What happens when the inner voice of prayer collides with the outer world of storytelling? In this soul-stirring episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Brazilian writer-director Anne Pinheiro Guimarães for a raw and reflective conversation that spans continents, cultures, and questions of the self.
Together, they explore the thin line between self-awareness and self-judgment, and how prayer—not just as ritual but as a posture of the heart—can guide us through it. Anne opens up about her creative process, the quiet power of diary-keeping, and the ongoing negoti...2025-07-2252 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast022: Legacy, Loss, and Laughter: A Conversation with Yehuda GebererWhat does it mean to leave a legacy—and can laughter help us face our own mortality?
Join host Shep Rosenman for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian, host of the Jewish History Soundbites podcast, and tour guide Yehuda Geberer that’s equal parts profound and uplifting. Inspired by a moving visit to his parents’ graves and the timeless words of Psalm 16, Shep opens up to his nephew about the story behind his heartfelt song, “Can’t Stay Here Long.”
Together, Shep and Yehuda dive deep into the Hasidic tradition of "hisbodidus" (personal meditation/conversation with the div...2025-07-0857 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast021: When the World Doesn't Feel Safe: A Conversation with Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-NewbornIn this deeply moving and insightful episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep welcomes Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn—spiritual leader, hospital chaplain, interfaith activist, and author—for a conversation that bridges trauma, creativity, parenthood, and the search for shared humanity. Alissa, who serves as a Rabbanit at Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, NJ and works as a hospital chaplain, is known for her empathetic leadership and commitment to guiding people through the most intimate and challenging moments of their lives.
Alissa and Shep traverse the terrain of creativity as a sacred act, exploring how Torah, music, and pain come toge...2025-06-2457 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast020: From Awareness to Action: A Conversation with Rabbi Joe BlackStep into an unforgettable episode of “The Rest is Commentary” as host Shep Rosenman welcomes the extraordinary Rabbi Joe Black for a conversation brimming with inspiration, music, and heartfelt reflection. In this special installment, we celebrate not only Joe’s remarkable journey as a rabbi, musician, and songwriter, but also his upcoming retirement from his beloved synagogue in Denver, Temple Emanuel—a milestone that marks the end of an era and the beginning of new creative adventures.
We have the special treat of hearing some of Joe's songs played off the cuff. Discover how Joe’s passion for music a...2025-06-1844 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast019: Urgency of Empathy: A Conversation with Naomi Less in memory of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron LishinskyIn this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, acclaimed singer, composer, ritual leader, and rocker, Naomi Less joins the conversation to unravel the deep complexities of Jewish identity and the pursuit of safety in this increasingly turbulent world. As a self-described “Lefty Zionist,” Naomi shares her personal journey—one shaped by resilience, hope, and, more recently, the rising tide of anti-Semitism.
Using the lens of Shep's evocative song “Until When,” inspired by Psalm 13, Naomi reveals how music becomes both a sanctuary and a call to action.
Listeners are invited into this candid exploration of what it mea...2025-06-1053 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast018: The Art of Repair: A Conversation with Rachell KoegelIn this captivating episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep sits down with his cousin, Rachell Koegel—a passionate writer and educator from Oceanside, New York—for a conversation that’s as moving as it is insightful. Together, they unravel the powerful influence of role models and the lifelong journey of unlearning the patterns we pick up in childhood. Rachell opens up about her experiences in the classroom and at home, sharing stories that highlight the importance of being truly present and the courage it takes to break old cycles.
Shep and Rachel dive deep into the th...2025-06-0459 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast017: Film, Faith and the Fight for Peace: A Conversation with Rabbi Raphael ShoreStep into a profound and inspiring dialogue with Raphael Shore, a distinguished rabbi, educator, and visionary film producer. Together, we explore the powerful themes of unity, hope, and spirituality amidst the ongoing turmoil in Israel.
Experience Rabbi Shore’s remarkable journey of finding divine connection even in the darkest moments, and uncover the transformative power of empathy, education, and faith in the pursuit of peace. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the dangers of brainwashing and propaganda, while celebrating the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish People.
Join Rabbi Shore and host Shep Rosenman as...2025-05-2047 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast016 Brothers, Bonds, Beliefs: A Conversation with Zvi Howard Rosenman, my brother✨ Ready for a conversation that will move your soul? ✨🎙️
On this powerful episode of *The Rest is Commentary*, Shep Rosenman sits down with his brother - legendary film and TV producer Zvi Howard Rosenman - for a raw, unfiltered journey through the music, memories, and mysteries that shape our lives.
💔 From the wild highs of creativity to the depths of loss, Shep and Zvi reveal how music becomes a lifeline-connecting us, healing us, and helping us find meaning in the chaos. They open up about family, identity, and the courage to be authentic, all while honoring the...2025-05-0656 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast015: Punk Torah and the Poetry of Prayer: A Conversation with Alicia Jo RabinsWhat happens when a klezmer/classical/punk violinist, Torah teacher, and poet walks into a podcast? Pure magic.
Join Shep Rosenman for a soul-stirring conversation with the incomparable *Alicia Jo Rabins*—musician, writer, and spiritual adventurer—whose work weaves together Jewish mysticism, feminist insight, and raw creative fire.
In this electrifying episode of The Rest is Commentary, Alicia opens up about her groundbreaking project *Girls in Trouble*, the spiritual power of songwriting, and how she channels ancient texts into deeply personal relevant art. Whether she’s teaching Torah or shredding on the violin, Alicia is always...2025-04-221h 00
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast014: Roots and Changes: A Conversation with Rav Hanan SchlesingerDiscover an inspiring episode of The Rest is Commentary as host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rav Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi with a unique perspective. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the power of grassroots initiatives.
Rav Hanan, co-founder of Roots-Shorashim-Judur, shares his compelling personal transformation from a West Bank settler to an advocate for mutual understanding. His story challenges us to reconsider our own perspectives and embrace the humanity in those we may see as 'other.'
This thought-provoking conversation explores:
- The delicate balance between...2025-04-0850 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast013: Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary: A Conversation with Rabbi Sherre HirschImagine finding the divine in every conversation, every interaction, and every moment of your life. Join host Shep Rosenman and his inspiring guest, Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, as they embark on a profound exploration of spirituality in the most unexpected places all sparked by the song, The Ballad of a Ghost. With Sherre's insightful perspective and deep spiritual wisdom, they uncover how sacred moments can emerge from the ordinary, transforming our understanding of life's journey.
In this captivating episode, Shep and Rabbi Hirsch delve into the Psalms, often associated with solemn occasions, and reveal new layers o...2025-03-2556 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast012: Songs as Prayers, Grief as Music: A Conversation with Peter Himmelman🎶🔥 **New Episode Alert!** 🔥🎶
This week on *The Rest is Commentary*, I sit down with the one and only **Peter Himmelman**—Grammy & Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, film composer, visual artist, and author—for a **deep, raw, and soul-stirring conversation**.
🎤 **We talk about:**
✨ The magic of songwriting and its connection to faith
💔 Turning grief into music—and music into healing
🕊️ The song he wrote for the **Bibas kids** and the power of songs as prayers
🔥 Following your heart in creativity (and in life)
💡 His one-of-a-kind meeting with the **Lubavitcher Rebbe**
🎸 How music helps us **find joy, even in the darkest times** ...2025-03-111h 15
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast011: Manifesting Divine Melody: A Conversation with Shanna in a DressStep into a realm where music sparks magic! On this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host, Shep Rosenman, sits down with the dazzling Shanna in a Dress—quirky folk-pop maven and live-wire performer. Inspired by Shep's song, Our Day Begins, which is inspired by Psalm 59, we dive deep into Shanna's creative process, where head meets heart, and discover how she transforms positivity into art.
We uncover the secrets of connecting with the divine through music, as Shanna shares raw insights on tuning into your body, embracing nature as a spiritual practice, and drawing inspiration from timeless Ps...2025-02-2543 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast010: Psalms and Superheroes: A Conversation with Brian Michael Bendis and Rabbi Michael Shefrin🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dive into the fascinating world of creativity and spirituality with Shep Rosenman, Brian Michael Bendis (Peabody Award winning creator of iconic characters like Miles Morales and Jessica Jones), and Rabbi Michael “Stick” Shefrin. Together, they explore how faith fuels artistic expression, the influence of Jewish culture on creativity, and the art of staying true to your roots while embracing diverse traditions.
From songwriting inspired by Psalms to the balance between emotional truth and factual storytelling, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of faith, community, and creativity. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue! ✨...2025-02-111h 03
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast009: Heart and Harmony: A Conversation with Mayim BialikIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman is joined by the esteemed Dr. Mayim Bialik to delve into the profound connection between Torah, music, and inspiration. Mayim, widely recognized for her roles on television, including Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, shares her insights into how music and faith intertwine in her life.
The conversation spans the exploration of poetry and music, the songwriting process, and the inspirations drawn from biblical texts, particularly the Psalms. Shep and Mayim discuss the layers of meaning behind the song "Shooting Yourself in the Heart," touching upon...2025-01-2855 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast008 The Soundtrack of Parenting: A Conversation with Carolyn ShulmanHit play on this soulful and thought-provoking episode of "The Rest is Commentary" as host Shep Rosenman sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carolyn Shulman for a powerful exploration of parenting, music, and ancient wisdom. Inspired by Shep’s song “Kissing My Son,” they dive into the raw fears and boundless joys of raising children—set against the backdrop of Psalm 2’s timeless truths.
Carolyn reveals how a childhood gift—a guitar at age nine—sparked a lifelong passion that led to her critically praised album *"Heart on a Wire." Together, she and Shep unpack the mysteries of songwriting, b...2025-01-1455 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast007: Letters to Soldiers: A Conversation with Mitchell Hoenig, a former Lone SoldierIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes Mitchell Hoenig, a former lone soldier in the IDF, to discuss the inspiration behind the song "Dear David." Drawing from his unique experiences in the Israeli army, Mitchell shares the profound impact of soldiers receiving letters and gifts during their service and reflects on the importance of maintaining human connections despite the distance and challenges.
The conversation delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the emotional journey of being a soldier, and the poignant moments of attending friends’ funerals. It also highlights the significance of...2024-12-3147 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast006: Seeking Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Conversation with Brent Travers and Dan WeidmanIn this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman dives deep into the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joined by industry veterans Brent Travers, a talent manager and producer, and Dan Weidman, a corporate communications expert, this heartfelt discussion draws from their rich history and personal experiences.
Brent challenges the notion of seeking forgiveness from God alone, emphasizing the importance of mending human relationships. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on the significance of Catholic rituals and how prayer shapes their lives. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of teaching forgiveness to younger generations and the vital r...2024-12-1748 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast005: Exploring Love and Deception: A Conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael ZarumIn this introspective episode of "The Rest is Commentary," Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, unravel the layers of personal and spiritual reflection in the song, "Naked in Your Gaze," inspired by Psalm 5. In a compelling discussion, they delve into themes of love, deception, and the creative process.
Shep and Rabbi Zarum explore how poetry and song can serve as mirrors, reflecting personal truths and collective experiences, navigating through imposter syndrome, and confronting the fear of deception. Through profound insights and personal anecdotes, this conversation touches on the...2024-12-0357 minThe Rest is Commentary: Podcast004: Loneliness and the Seeds of Tyranny: A Conversation with Rabbi Sharon BrousIn this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR and author of the national bestseller, "The Amen Effect," to explore the transformative power of love, justice, and personal connection drawing inspiration from Shep's song (cowritten by Ray Allen Kayanek) "Love is the Heart of this Coup" and Psalm 25.
Rabbi Brous shares her insights on how loneliness can pave the way for tyranny, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, and emphasizes the importance of addressing social rifts to prevent the abuse of power. She highlights the s...2024-11-1952 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast003 Choose Life: A Conversation with Professor Abby Fifer-MandellIn this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman is joined by Abby Fifer-Mandell, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at USC and a visiting professor at UVA's School of Medicine. They delve deep into a conversation inspired by Psalm 91 and the song "Fraction of Grace," touching on themes of loss, family, depression, and social networks.
Shep and Abby explore the phenomenon of what we see and what we don't see, both in our relationships and within ourselves. They discuss the hidden and revealed aspects of life, the choices we make, and the unseen labor that...2024-11-0544 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast002 Reconnecting Through Music and Faith: A Conversation with Elise Miller
In this heartwarming episode, Shep and Elise Miller reminisce about their high school days, their shared love of music, and the unexpected journey of faith and doubt that life has taken them on. With personal anecdotes and deep reflections, they explore the power of music to unify and uplift, the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times, and the importance of being present in the moment. Join us for a candid conversation inspired by the song "Coffee & Beignet" and Psalm 27, that blends humor, nostalgia, and profound insights on spirituality and human connection.
2024-10-2243 min
The Rest is Commentary: Podcast001 Wrestling with Belief and Destiny: A Conversation with Rabbi David KasherIn this episode of The Rest Is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi David Kasher to discuss the intricate dance between faith, doubt, and destiny. Rabbi Kasher, director of Hadar West Coast, shares his personal journey of synthesizing diverse Jewish traditions and his deep love for Jerusalem, inspired by "Sun Break" from Shep Rosenman's Psalms song cycle and Psalm 125.
They delve into the complexities of belief, the role of observance, and how faith evolves over a lifetime. The conversation touches on the significance of questioning within Judaism, the metaphorical representation of Jerusalem, and the enduring...2024-10-0936 minThe Rest is Commentary: Podcast000 Teaser for The Rest is Commentary: A Journey Through Psalms, Music, and ConversationWelcome to The Rest is Commentary, a podcast where music, ancient wisdom, and personal connections intertwine. Hosted by Shep Rosenman, each episode features a unique song inspired by the Psalms, or Tehillim in Hebrew, shared with a friend to spark meaningful conversations.
Join Shep and his diverse array of guests—including rabbis, designers, professors, actors, authors and more —as they explore universal themes through a Jewish lens. From Rabbi David Kasher to Dr. Mayim Bialik, each episode delves into the rich tapestry of tradition and contemporary insights.
Whether you have a deep connection to Jewish heri...2024-10-0102 min