Super Bowl LI was thrilling, particularly for New England Patriots fans. But there was another spectator sport taking place at the same time as the football game: the Super Bowl commercials, in which hundreds of millions of dollars were at stake. What were the advertisers' goals? What were they really trying to say? What metamessages were they attempting to communicate? And who was successful, and who was not?
For the answers, join us on the Scott Kahnversation for a 2017 Super Bowl Commercials analysis! Rabbi Uri Cohen explains the thinking behind the live Snickers ad, controversy over the 84 Lumber "Wall" commercial, the success or failure of the (Israel-based) Wix campaign, what Bud Light was thinking by reintroducing '80s dog icon Spuds McKenzie, and more!

The Meaning of the Super Bowl Ads: A Discussion with Rabbi Uri Cohen

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IJ.Laura Doyle Final

Most people seem to believe that the world is getting progressively worse; Gregg Easterbrook, author of It's Better Than It Looks, argues that the conventional wisdom has got it all wrong. The majority of humanity, he maintains, has never had it so good. In that case, how could Trump be elected by convincing 63 million people that the opposite is true? Join me for a stimulating conversation with Gregg Easterbrook about the real state of humanity, the psychology behind our typical pessimistic attitudes, and why, in all likelihood, things are going to keep getting better and better.

Music: Retrosoul by Bensound.com

It's Better Than It Looks: An Interview With Gregg Easterbrook

"Soon By You," an award winning web series about the dating lives of six young Orthodox Jews, uses comedy to take an honest look at the Modern Orthodox singles community in Manhattan. Are the producers trying to provide entertainment for Orthodox people, or to give an authentic look at the Orthodox world for those who are not a part of it? Are they attempting to entertain, or to educate, as well? And are those double-entendres intentional? (If you don't know what I mean, you should watch the show again.) Join me and Leah Gottfried, Danny Hoffman, and Jessica Schechter, the producers, writers, and stars of the show, for a fun and interesting conversation about Hollywood's failure to create rounded Orthodox characters, and what they're trying to do to change that.

Music: Retrosoul by Bensound.com

"Friends" Goes to Shul: The Producers, Writers, and Cast of "Soon By You"

What in the world just happened in Minnesota? What will happen in this week's playoff round? Who will win the Super Bowl? And why, why, why on earth did the Patriots trade Jimmy G? Join hosts Scott Kahn and Adi Krohn as they talk to Melissa Jacobs - formerly of ESPN and Sports Illustrated, and now of TheFootballGirl.com - about the NFL playoffs, her plans for her website and podcast, whether she agrees with the ESPN article that talked about discord in New England (spoiler: Pats fans will not be happy), and much more.

NFL Playoff Review, a Super Bowl Prediction, and Jimmy G: TheFootballGirl.com's Melissa Jacobs

"I think the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has done more damage to Judaism... than any other organization perhaps in the history of the world." This is the opinion of Rabbi Chuck Davidson, an Orthodox rabbi whose fight against the Israeli Chief Rabbinate emerges from his love for the Jewish People and for Torah, and from his belief that the Rabbinate, rather than protecting Israel, is cutting it deeply from inside. Join Scott Kahn for a fascinating discussion with Rabbi Davidson about how he became involved in this issue, what he's doing - legally and otherwise - to undermine the Rabbinate, and what he realistically hopes will happen, when all is said and done.

The Meaning of the Super Bowl Ads: A Discussion with Rabbi Uri Cohen

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