The Bagel Report

Years ago, "The Wonder Years" featured a bar mitzvah episode; it was one of the most prominent examples of on-screen Jewish ritual done well. Now "The Wonder Years" has been rebooted, and aired a bar mitzvah episode of its own. So we're thrilled to welcome special guest Yael Galena—who wrote the episode!—for the inside scoop about creating this instantly-famous episode. While celebrating the love and unusually positive feedback from the Jewish community surrounding the show, we talk about how the writers used subtlety and subtext to convey difference, and what goes into selecting a Torah portion for a fictional character. Plus, dissecting the family influences (twin brothers!) and school snacks (the full tomato!) that powered her development as a comedy writer.

The Bagels spend some time remembering Bob Saget's legacy as a standup comedian, "Full House"'s Danny Tanner and host of "America's Funniest Home Videos." Lots of recommendations this week, from Esther's guest-podding on the "Law & Order: S-Re-View" podcast to talk about their Jewy episode (starring Jason Biggs, of course) and Erin recommends some MLK and Tu Bishvat-themed movies that can be helpful in teaching kids about racism and environmentalism. Plus, an awards season so confusing it will turn your teeth Jewish. Yes, we'll explain that, but no, that's not a thing, and yes, it did launch a discussion about who can tell Jewish jokes. Watch Esther's appearance on "Law & Order: S-Re-View" podcast here!

The Bagels kick-off 2022 by facing a different kind of entertainment awards season, with barely-there Golden Globes and other awards shows scrambling to recalibrate because of Omicron. Erin and Esther discuss the 'Jewface' conversation which hit the UK theater scene, and how Harry Potter unexpectedly took a central role in this week's conversation, thanks to Emma Watson and Jon Stewart. Esther and Erin are kicking off the new year with a new email address ([email protected]) and IG account (TBRthepod), so hit them up with your comments, questions and pop-culture requests!

After a week away, Esther and Erin get into the pop culture/Jewy content zone, talking about Spiderman: No Way Home and the Jewy lessons of the multiverse; overanalyzing West Side Story and celebrating Rita Moreno; and musing about Larry David's sacred cow tipping at Curb Your Enthusiasm's visit to Holocaust Museum L.A.. And in lieu of end-of-year listicles, the Bagels decide what to take and toss from 2021: and why they're (mostly) down on Don't Look Up. Stay well, TBR nation, and we'll see you on the other side of 2021!! Searching for context after binging Israeli-Norwegian hostage drama 'The Girl from Oslo' A whistleblower brings an end to Curb Your Enthusiasm's 11th season Another Israeli hit about Haredi Jews, but this one's funny Malina Saval's 'Curb' Thread

This week, the Bagels meet "Baking It" Judge, Bubbe Norma. 36 years ago, she did standup; now she's a judge on a holiday baking competition show that's produced by Amy Poehler. Norma Zager is our guest and shares some of her varied experiences. From stories about growing up in Detroit to having successfully sold jokes to Joan Rivers, "Bubbe Norma" talks about the importance of food, Jewish community and having a sense of humor. Plus, why she thinks "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" may have stolen her bit.

This episode has lots of New York and a little North Pole...After starting with some words about Sondheim's impact on Broadway and culture in general, the Bagels enjoy the morsels of Maisel that have been dropped to satisfy fans before the show's February premiere on Amazon Prime. Erin leads Esther to consider the possibility of a Maisel multiverse while Esther recaps panels from November's Vulture Festival. HBOMax's "And Just Like That..." reminds us of the worst parts of "Sex & the City" while missing opportunities for meaning-making, but we're still on the lookout for Jewish content. Plus, some developing thoughts about why the Sarah Silverman/Seth Rogen HBOMax series "Santa Inc." might be getting such a cold reception.

Just in time to say farewell to Thanksgivukkah, the Bagels are back to talk about Paul Rudd, Larry David, "Tick, Tick… Boom!" and "deep-cut Judaism." Plus, the debut of our "TVGoneJewy Mailbag." Later, Erin identifies the need to learn more about non-Ashkenazi approaches to holiday food, and Esther is grateful for a world full of Jewy TV mentions. Happy Hanukkah to all our listeners!

Annie Korzen, actress, storyteller and octogenarian TikTok sensation, joins us to talk about her favorite subject: herself. We talk about her time on "Seinfeld," her latest role in "The Shrink Next Door," tawking like an awthentic New Yawker, and playing Jewish stereotypes; and how admiring Leslie Jordan's Instagram got her thinking about how to create a presence in the social media space. Plus, what she finds offensive about "An American Pickle" and inspirational about Barbra Streisand. Annie's TikTok Website and storytelling show

The Bagels host speaker, author and rabbi Ma Nishtana in a wide-ranging conversation about creating a more inclusive and welcoming Jewish community - from challenging the assumptions we make around what Jews look like to the difference between trying to be and actually being welcoming to Jews of color. Plus, responding to the larger conversation about diverse Jewish representation in pop culture. And we talk about Ma Nishtana's upcoming Torah commentary and anthology; his vision of God; and why there's no such thing as "Jewish food." Follow Ma Nishtana on Instagram, Twitter and website! Seth Furst's Amazon page DropoutTV's live D&D - Dimension 20 TribeHerald Jews and werewolves article

This week, the Bagels recap "Curb Your Enthusiasm's" Jewy season start; "The Nanny" as an anchor in the conversation about Jewish representation on TV; and the collective apology we all owe to Monica Lewinsky after watching "The Impeachment." In honor of the 50th anniversary of movie-musical "Fiddler on the Roof," Erin and Esther discuss the roots of Jewish geography Anatevka while they recast the classic for 2022 and beyond.