The Bagel Report

The Bagel Report is launching season 2 starting this Friday, now supported by J. The Jewish News of Northern California. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: [email protected]

It's a high-low cultural extravaganza that includes everything from Spielberg's "The Fablemans" to the newest season of "My Unorthodox Life." David Baddiel's "Jews Don't Count" is a UK documentary special based on his book; we have a brief rundown. Plus, why aren't people going to see "She Said"? And does anyone have Peacock? And if so, are they watching "The Calling," a police procedural featuring a Jewish detective? And as the year closes, the Bagels have some year-end notes and appreciation to share...with some exciting things coming in 2023. Thank you to all the listeners: here's to more in the new year!

This week the Bagels are joined by actor Adam Busch, one of the stars of the new Hulu Hanukkah film "Menorah in the Middle." This episode has everything: childhood Hanukkah traditions, the Talmud, Jewish geography, learning about Christian de la Fuerte, and a wide-ranging discussion of whether "an awareness of duality" is a Jewish trait.

After a rough few weeks, people are showing their support for Jews in big and small ways! Taylor Swift swiftly corrected her tour schedule to include non-Shabbat dates, and Amy Schumer wore her Judaism on SNL. The Bagels are in trouble for not having read "Fleishman's In Trouble" in advance of its premiere on Hulu next week, and are anticipating the end of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" by suggesting spinoffs for our favorite characters. It's fall folks so Erin has decided it's sweater weather in L.A, and Esther makes the case for "Manifest"'s hidden Jewish concepts. Plus, an existential question about artists' obligations to their work and to their fans.

Therapy is now in session as Erin makes a confession, Esther absolves, and Steve Carell flashes back to Jewish moments in his life in "The Patient." Then we break down "Do Revenge" and wonder why the villain is wearing a Magen David necklace. "Cobra Kai" goes to Shul to hornswoggle the Jewish sensei. Later, the bagels enjoy the actors and fun self-skewering of "Reboot." Since the High Holy Days are right around the corner, Esther and Erin bring TV characters to shul, and recommend Jewy things to watch for High Holy Days-themed entertainment. Shana Tova from the Bagel Report!

The Jeopardy category is JEWISH PODCASTS. Fresh from the Celebrity Jeopardy studio audience, Esther and Erin jump into the intricacies of trying to make Sabra happen. It has barely been a week since Marvel announced that Israeli actress Shira Haas is playing Israeli superhero Sabra, and the world is on fire with controversy. Esther and Erin go down the anxiety rabbit hole about this announcement, wonder what having an Israeli superhero in the MCU might mean and what Marvel is thinking. Erin gets animated about how American Jews do or don't talk about Israel; Esther makes an impression of a car speeding away and makes up a fake sponsor for the episode. The Bagels anticipate the arrival of The Storybergs, er, The Fabelmans by Stevie Shtetlheimer (a. k.a. Steven Spielberg). Plus, the return of our speedier-than-usual Speed Round, covering: Armageddon Time, What We Do in the Shadows, Counting Crows in Israel, and a new Israeli reality show about Haredi women. The Bagel Report remains your only podcast likely to give shoutouts to Paper Bag Dramatics, George Lucas in Love, and a Bracha Bee all in one episode!

At The Bagel Report, anything can happen: like learning about human behavior and Jewish ethics with Nathan Fielder on "The Rehearsal" which leads to a conversation about how to clone Hitler. Erin is anticipating Nick Kroll's new standup special and although she's under a reviewer embargo, Esther can't wait for "Reboot," starring Rachel Bloom and Paul Reiser. Plus, a convo about which sitcoms from our respective youths we would reboot. Erin unexpectedly comes down hard on actors doubling themselves for roles. Plus, [Seinfeld voice] what is the deal with Larry David?

Only icons and no lame-os in this new episode. Erin and Esther share their reflections on iconic singer/actress Olivia Newton-John, from "Grease" to "Physical" to "Two of a Kind." Erin tells Esther about Nathan Fielder's very Jewish episode of "The Rehearsal," and Esther tries to sum up "The Sandman" and invokes "The Booth at the End." Plus, disappointment is shared over the Netflix version of "13" and anticipating the Jewish representation in "Never Have I Ever" season 3.

From Adam Sandler's new bat mitzvah movie to 1"3: The Musical: The Movie" (both coming to Netflix), the Jewish coming of age ritual is taking center stage. Erin breaks down Jason Robert Brown's contributions to musical theater, while Esther wants to know more about the Jewish meaning in both of these movies. Erin drops knowledge about Josh Peck and Esther appreciates the education. Inspired by P!nk's newest song and video, "Irrelevant," the Bagels talk about the connections between art and politics; how culture can create empowerment and activism; how people should use their pulpits, and what people expect from their Jewish community. Check out some links! Pink's Jewish Life 13 The Movie Musical Jewish Emmys nods

This week we talk about....everything, including a madcap review of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4. Mostly Ms. Marvel and her fascinating background, delightfully constructed world, and her particular resonance for people with immigration stories in their family history. Mel Brooks makes headway toward becoming the 2000-year-old man. Transparent comes to LA —as a musical, of course—to display complicated families and secular Jewish meaning on stage in 2023. Erin—now post-wedding and post-COVID—goes full Broadway in explaining the Beanie-Lea Michele fight over Funny Girl and why Broadway was unfair to Beanie. Natalie Portman's upcoming new Jewy (non-Thor) role and more!