Nice Jewish Fangirls

By Nice Jewish Fangirls

What's Nice Jewish Fangirls about?

Orthodox Jewish women shooting the breeze about the past, present, and future of fandom. Hosted by Michal Schick, featuring Tamar Herman, SM Rosenberg, and special guests!

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Nice Jewish Fangirls episodes:

08.14.2023
Back to the Jewish Futures (Episode 58)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls are back, and talking all things Jewish and futures! Michal, Tamar, and SM interview Michael Burstein and Ian Randal Strock, editors of the new Jewish Futures anthology of science fiction. They discuss the inspiration, process, and...
04.11.2022
Let Me Tell Jew A Story Within A Story (Episode 57)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return to hold a series of interlocking discussions on meta-narratives! Using the upcoming Pesach holiday as springboard, the Fangirls talk about the nature of stories within stories, the purposes they serve, and the ones that stick...
03.13.2022
The Bottle Episode (Episode 56)
The Bottle Episode (Episode 56) In honor of the holiday of Purim, the Nice Jewish Fangirls converge to discuss a favorite television phenomenon: The bottle episode! What appeals to us about this kind of TV? Is necessity the mother of our...
03.01.2022
Don’t Put Off 'Til Tomorrow Something Jew Can Do Today (Episode 55)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls convene urgently (but not with haste) for the final installment of our Middot Mussar series! The fangirls debate the definition of “zerizut,” discuss how this trait links back to the first in the series, and explore...
02.13.2022
We Bring Honor to Jew All (Episode 54)
What an honor to podcast for you! This week, the Nice Jewish Fangirls discuss the trait of honor (kavod) from fandom to reality. How is honor portrayed in fiction? Is it the same trait that the Middot Mussar refer to?...
01.31.2022
Do Jew Trust Me? (Episode 53)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls form a trust circle to discuss the attribute of… well, trust (bitachon)! How does trust play a role in fiction and fandom? What’s the difference between trust and faith? And what lessons can we take into...
01.16.2022
Attitudes of Gratitude (Episode 52)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls come together to talk about hakaras hatov — gratitude — the third of the Middot Mussar! Why is this trait different (and perhaps harder) than all other traits? Is it something we find easily in our...
01.02.2022
How Generous of Jew! (Episode 51)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls converge to discuss the second of the Middot Mussar: Nedivut -- generosity. Is being generous a value explored often in modern fiction? Where can we find it, and where can we find it lacking? And what...
12.12.2021
Patience, Jewish Grasshopper (Our Jewbilee!)
In their 50th episode, the Nice Jewish Fangirls converge to discuss "savlanut" (patience), the first of the Middot Mussar. Which characters and storylines most embody this trait? When is it a source of struggle, and why? Is impatience always a...
11.28.2021
Since Jew've Been Gone (Episode 49)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return to share what they've been up to over the past year -- and of course, talk about all of the books, TV series, movies, weird preoccupations, podcasts, and skills they've become obsessed with! (Spoiler alert:...
11.19.2020
What Are Jew Afraid Of? (Episode 48)
BOO! The Nice Jewish Fangirls are joined by horror screenwriter and scary-stuff aficionado Avishai Weinberger to explore the whys and hows and what-fors of horror storytelling. Why do frights and freak-outs appeal to us (well, some of us!)? What's the...
09.30.2020
Oh, the Places Jew'll Go! (Episode 47)
This week, the Nice Jewish Fangirls take an in-depth look at the room where it happens: the sukkah! (That’s totally what you were thinking, right?) Michal, Tamar, and SM use the location-specific holiday of Succot to explore setting in fiction...
09.15.2020
Challenge Accepted II: Electric Boogajew (Episode 46)
Challenge Accepted II: Electric Boogajew (Episode 46) Challenging times call for challenging… challenges! In this week’s episode, the Nice Jewish Fangirls rate and discuss the fandom challenges issued back in episode 42. Tamar talks about Bloodline by Claudia Grey and Nimona...
09.01.2020
The Tamarisode (Episode 45)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return (with extreme caution) to celebrate the one and only Tamar Herman and discuss the release of her first book, BTS: Blood, Sweat, and Tears! Learn what Tamar's process is like, how she sat down to...
03.26.2020
The One Where We Don't Not Talk About the Virus (Episode 44)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return to fail miserably at their stated mission of NOT talking about the viral sensation that's sweeping the nation. Also: What coping mechanisms are we using to get through this? This week's current obsessions include Kpop group...
03.11.2020
BFFs: Best Fandoms 4Eva! (Episode 43)
In the latest episode of Nice Jewish Fangirls, Michal, Tamar, and SM open their fandom lockets and explore the stories that hold a permanent place in their hearts. Come for the inevitable Harry Potter discussion; stay for SM's passion for...
02.25.2020
I Challenge Jew, Two! (Episode 42)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls are back for the first new episode of 2020! Today they relive the days of their youth by remembering their first fandoms, and issue a fresh round of fandom challenges! This week's current obsessions are The Untamed,...
02.15.2020
We Are Here!
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return!
12.17.2019
Alternate Jewniverse: Fangirls on Fanfiction (Episode 41)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls engage their imaginations to discuss that hottest of hot topics (in more ways than one) -- fanfiction! What attracts us to the world of transformative works? What do we love reading, and what totally turns us...
11.05.2019
I Forgive Jew (Episode 40)
Hungover from the holidays, the Nice Jewish Fangirls are still talking about forgiveness in November! Michal, SM, and Tamar gather around to discuss how the Jewish concept of forgiveness plays out in fiction, debate examples of our favorite forgiven baddies,...
09.15.2019
The Whole Spiel, with Katherine Locke and Laura Silverman (Episode 39)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls sat down with Katherine Locke and Laura Silverman, editors of and contributors to "It's a Whole Spiel", a collection of young adult Jewish fiction! Why do we need Jewish YA fiction? How do you capture the...
05.28.2019
One Last Shawarma: Endgame Revjew (Episode 38)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls assemble to discuss the movie of all movies, Avengers: Endgame! After a spoiler-free introduction, Michal, Tamar, and SM share their thoughts and answer listener questions on the Big One. Did Endgame stack up to all 22...
03.20.2019
Purim, Seriously (Episode 37)
It’s almost time for Purim, and this year, the Nice Jewish Fangirls are considering a slightly more serious side of the holiday. Michal and SM are joined by rabbi, author, and certified nerd MaNishtana to break down the issues of...
02.26.2019
Is It Bashert? (Episode 36)
This time around, the Nice Jewish Fangirls take on the topic of love and romance in fiction! The fangirls break down what makes them feel the good feelings (and sometimes, the not-so-good feelings) when it comes to courtship and commitment...
12.31.2018
And How Does That Make Jew Feel? (Episode 35)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return, and this time, they’ve got a professional! Dr. Avigail Gordon joins the NJFs to explore and explain depictions of mental health and therapy in popular culture, from Monk and Frasier, to Batman and Daredevil. What...
10.15.2018
Making Bad (or, Everyone Is Loki)(Episode 34)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls turn to the dark side in order to discuss villainous characters of Tanach! How do Biblical baddies compare to the black hats of popular fiction? Is the snake in Eden basically just Slytherin? And why is...
08.29.2018
Who Inspires Jew? (Episode 33)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls are coming at you just in time to ring in 5779! As the holidays draw near, they’re sharing the characters and artists who inspire them to be better, to persevere through hard times, and to dress...
07.16.2018
Born on the Fourth of Jew-ly (Episode 32)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return to take on the totally-topical subject of the good old USA in fiction! What do they like? What is kind of a problem? Why do fictional dystopias spring so readily from American soil, and how...
04.26.2018
Con-Versation (Episode 31)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls are back to provide your comprehensive guide to surviving convention season as humans, and observant Jews! Michal, SM, and Tamar con-verse on the highs and lows of the con life, compare tips and tricks to make...
04.17.2018
Mary Jews (Episode 30)
Continuing in the fan fiction vein from their last episode, the Fangirls delve into the seemingly ubiquitous yet surprisingly nebulously defined trope of "Mary Sue" characters, digging into its possible sexist underpinnings. They also geek out over the maturity of...
03.19.2018
She Writes "Goldstein": An Interview with Laazov (Episode 29)
This week, the Nice Jewish Fangirls have a magical (if we don’t say so ourselves!) interview with the author of “Goldstein,” the Harry Potter fanfiction that has the Jewish world on shpilkes! Michal, Tamar, and SM speak to Laazov about...
02.26.2018
Black Panther Revjew (Episode 28)
The NJFs are back and as obsessive as ever, with multichrome nail polish, Harry Potter purses, and the dark, twisty world of Stieg Larsson's books. And of course, they break down Marvel's latest sensation, Black Panther in a spoilerific conversation....
02.06.2018
Challenge Accepted! (Episode 27)
The Nice Jewish Fangirls return to face the music on their mutually assigned fandom challenges! Michal shares her forays into the strange realms of Cordelia's Honor and The Great British Bakeoff, Tamar recounts her highs and lows in The Bullpen...
12.26.2017
Episode 26: The Last Jewdi
The Nice Jewish Fangirls gather round to discuss Star Wars: The Last Jedi, otherwise known as the movie that broke the internet even more than Ajit Pai! Michal, Tamar, and SM run down their likes and dislikes of Episode VIII,...
12.11.2017
Episode 25: Twenty Five and Live
The Nice Jewish Fangirls come together for a live stream event to celebrate their 25th episode! This week's current obsessions include ABC's "Forever," gift giving because it's awesome, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi's Kelly Marie Tran. The fangirls also...
11.27.2017
Episode 24: Re-Re-Re-Turn of the Thing
In the latest episode of Nice Jewish Fangirls, we explored what television or movie franchises we’d like to see remade, such as Firefly, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Charmed, and many, many more. We also raved about Thor: Ragnarok,...
11.08.2017
Episode 23: Are Jew Afraid of the Dark?
The Nice Jewish Fangirls remember that that whole Halloween thing happened last week, and convene to discuss the Jewish perspective on scary holidays and fear itself. (Watch out for the Cossaks!) They also get real on what scares them, childhood...
10.23.2017
Episode 22: Chicken Soup for the Fandom Soul
As we come down from the holiday highs, the Nice Jewish Fangirls are here to help! After recapping their Jewtastic New York Comic Con debut and challenging each other to new fandom exposure (Avatar! KDramas! Baseball!), the trio give you...
09.26.2017
Episode 21: A Fangirl's Guide to (Fictional) Redemption
The Nice Jewish Fangirls are back in your feed during the Jewish Days of Awe to tackle the very topical subject of redemption and atonement in fiction! They take on the big ideas of bad guys doing better, analyze the...
09.12.2017
Episode 20: To Jew Beginnings
In the super special 20th episode of Nice Jewish Fangirls, the trio preps for the Jewish New Year by discussing some of their favorite series' beginnings. They also talk the dirty backstabbing mess behind the scenes of Major League Baseball,...
08.29.2017
Episode 19: When in Doubt, Be Chris Evans
The Nice Jewish Fangirls convene again to process recent events in the best way they know how -- through fiction! Tackling far-ranging portrayals of Naziism and Jewish resistance throughout modern storytelling, the Fangirls break down everything from The Producers, to...
08.11.2017
Episode 18: Who Are Jew Wearing?
After a few weeks off, the Nice Jewish Fangirls are back and as obsessive as ever, with a very special guest: fashion designer Leetal Platt, best known for her magical transforming Sailor Moon dress and her incredible Star Wars line...
07.10.2017
Episode 17: We Love Jew, Harry Potter
This week, the Nice Jewish Fangirls are joined by Peninah "Penny" Gershman of Harry Potter Prognostications to celebrate a few very special Wizarding anniversaries. Taking a stroll down the magical memory lane, the ladies discuss the origins of their Potter...
06.19.2017
Episode 16: The Wonder Woman Revjew
In this latest episode, the Nice Jewish Fangirls give you a full and spoilertastic review of the ultimate NJF movie of the year, Wonder Woman! They also discuss dipping a toe into the food blogosphere, the excitements and frustrations of...
06.05.2017
Episode 15: Grad-Jew-Ation Contemplations
In this timely graduation-themed episode, the Nice Jewish Fangirls discuss some of their favorite (and least favorite) season and series finales and endings, including Babylon 5, Dollhouse, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Charmed, and Harry Potter. They also fangirl obsessively...
05.22.2017
Episode 14: Idol Thoughts
This week, the Nice Jewish Fangirls return to tackle the subject of gods in popular fiction! Inspired by a very non-Jewish game mechanic in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wind, the Fangirls break down their thoughts on the...
05.08.2017
Episode 13: Wonder Woman of Valor
In this week's episode, the Nice Jewish Fangirls talk about Ice and Fire Con, MasterChef Junior, Amit & Joni, online friendships, and why we're very, very anxious for 'Wonder Woman' to come out already.
04.24.2017
Episode 12: What Did You Jew Over Pesach?
In this post-Passover episode of Nice Jewish Fangirls, the trio talked about all of the fandom-oriented goodies they encountered over Pesach along with some of their current obsessions, including Ms. Marvel, Signal, and The Last Jedi. Also discussed: A Face Like Glass...
04.05.2017
Episode 11: Have You Heard About The Jewgo Awards?
In the 11th episode of Nice Jewish Fangirls, the Fangirls talk to Hugo-nominated(!!) Orthodox Jewish editor Navah Wolfe, offer up some book recommendations for Pesach (Passover), and discuss City Field’s Opening Day, ‘Power Rangers’, ‘Space Case’ by Stuart Gibbs, The...
03.21.2017
Episode 10: A Very Potter Pesach
In episode 10 of Nice Jewish Fangirls, Michal, Tamar, and SM convene to recap our Purim celebrations and usher in the Pesach season. We speak with Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg, author of the hot-off-the-presses Unofficial Hogwarts Haggadah, diving into the links...

What's Nice Jewish Fangirls about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Nice Jewish Fangirls episodes:

Back to the Jewish Futures (Episode 58)

Let Me Tell Jew A Story Within A Story (Episode 57)

The Bottle Episode (Episode 56)

Don’t Put Off 'Til Tomorrow Something Jew Can Do Today (Episode 55)

We Bring Honor to Jew All (Episode 54)

Do Jew Trust Me? (Episode 53)

Attitudes of Gratitude (Episode 52)

How Generous of Jew! (Episode 51)

Patience, Jewish Grasshopper (Our Jewbilee!)

Since Jew've Been Gone (Episode 49)

What Are Jew Afraid Of? (Episode 48)

Oh, the Places Jew'll Go! (Episode 47)

Challenge Accepted II: Electric Boogajew (Episode 46)

The Tamarisode (Episode 45)

The One Where We Don't Not Talk About the Virus (Episode 44)

BFFs: Best Fandoms 4Eva! (Episode 43)

I Challenge Jew, Two! (Episode 42)

We Are Here!

Alternate Jewniverse: Fangirls on Fanfiction (Episode 41)

I Forgive Jew (Episode 40)

The Whole Spiel, with Katherine Locke and Laura Silverman (Episode 39)

One Last Shawarma: Endgame Revjew (Episode 38)

Purim, Seriously (Episode 37)

Is It Bashert? (Episode 36)

And How Does That Make Jew Feel? (Episode 35)

Making Bad (or, Everyone Is Loki)(Episode 34)

Who Inspires Jew? (Episode 33)

Born on the Fourth of Jew-ly (Episode 32)

Con-Versation (Episode 31)

Mary Jews (Episode 30)

She Writes "Goldstein": An Interview with Laazov (Episode 29)

Black Panther Revjew (Episode 28)

Challenge Accepted! (Episode 27)

Episode 26: The Last Jewdi

Episode 25: Twenty Five and Live

Episode 24: Re-Re-Re-Turn of the Thing

Episode 23: Are Jew Afraid of the Dark?

Episode 22: Chicken Soup for the Fandom Soul

Episode 21: A Fangirl's Guide to (Fictional) Redemption

Episode 20: To Jew Beginnings

Episode 19: When in Doubt, Be Chris Evans

Episode 18: Who Are Jew Wearing?

Episode 17: We Love Jew, Harry Potter

Episode 16: The Wonder Woman Revjew

Episode 15: Grad-Jew-Ation Contemplations

Episode 14: Idol Thoughts

Episode 13: Wonder Woman of Valor

Episode 12: What Did You Jew Over Pesach?

Episode 11: Have You Heard About The Jewgo Awards?

Episode 10: A Very Potter Pesach