Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Shep Rosenman welcomes Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch to dive deep into the creation of the Psalm-inspired song, “I Forgot What Happened in Babylon,” co-written by Shep and Julia. Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles reimagined as a modern Zion, and uncover the powerful stories and symbolism behind Babylon, love, loss, and transformation.

This lively discussion explores the search for meaning, the impact of change, and the ways Biblical wisdom and life experiences fuel creativity and music. Discover how community supports healing, and how art can help us embrace joy and purpose in everyday life.

The episode wraps up with moving insights into songwriting, memory, and Shep’s ambitious project of setting the Psalms to music—offering inspiration, hope, and renewal for anyone navigating times of transformation.

In this heartfelt conversation from 2024, host Shep Rosenman speaks with songwriter, Terri Sunflower, who shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, discussing her experiences with gender identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of music. Inspired by the song, "Two Is Better Than One" (which itself was inspired by Psalm 139), they discuss gender identity and sexuality, coming out later in life, family relationships and loss, songwriting as therapy, community support, the importance of authenticity in one's life and art, and so much more.  The episode is dedicated to the memory of Terri’s father, Tom Cook, who died in 2025.

Shep Rosenman sits down with Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Tatham for a deeply engaging conversation about “Time”, a song inspired by Psalm 39. From the serendipity of discovering an abandoned piano on a street corner to how humor, family, and faith spark creativity, they explore the profound and the unexpected.

Together, they journey through themes of speaking versus silence, beliefs about God and the afterlife, life in Hollywood’s writers’ rooms, climate activism, and the fleeting encounters that add meaning and joy to our days. It’s a thoughtful, spirited dialogue you won’t want to miss.

Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward join host Shep Rosenman for a conversation that packs a punch. Inspired by the song, “Jaco’s Boxing” (drawn from Psalm 71), they explore prayer and tradition through the unexpected lens of the boxing ring—where resilience is tested, weary hands are lifted by community and by God, and compassion is demanded even for our enemies, echoing through the shofar and the cry of Sisera’s mother.  

From dynamic prayer spaces to bold new approaches to teen engagement, from the challenges of leadership to the centrality of gratitude and love, this episode is a fast-moving journey through the heart of Jewish life today. Plus, we launch the promotion of Jeff's new book, Shabbat on Mars —landing October 16, 2025, wherever books are sold.  

This isn’t just a discussion—it’s an invitation to reimagine how tradition meets the everyday, and how faith can spark creativity, courage, and community.  

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter and grief therapist, Ingrid Avison, for a moving conversation about the making of “Little Prizes,” a song born out of Psalm 86 and the end-of-life journey of Shep’s dear friend, Kim Simon. This episode is dedicated to Kim and her family. If you want to read more about Kim's life, click this link.

Shep and Ingrid reflect on grief as both a deep wound and a surprising wellspring of creativity—exploring how writing with co-writer Liz Hanellin, performing music as ritual, and weaving in humor, presence, and community can help manage the process of loss.

The discussion also shines a light on Ingrid’s unique path as both therapist and musician, her newest projects, and the ways songs can comfort, connect, and carry us through life’s hardest seasons. Here's a link to Ingrid’s website.

Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand joins host Shep Rosenman for a moving conversation inspired by the song “Nothing Left to Be Said” and Psalm 49. Together, they explore what silence can mean in times of grief, the power of Jewish mourning rituals such as shiva and the work of the Hevra Kadisha, and how music, memory, and storytelling help us navigate loss.  

Through personal stories and interfaith perspectives, they reflect on the many ways communities honor loved ones—whether through ritual, burial customs, humor, or the everyday objects that hold memory. The discussion weaves together Jewish tradition, universal themes of mourning, and the creative process of transforming sacred texts into art, offering listeners both insight and comfort in the face of loss.  

In this powerful episode, Shep Rosenman sits down with co-writer Leah Lesch to uncover the story behind “Bring Him Home”— a moving piece born from Psalm 126 in the shadow of October 7th. The episode is dedicated to the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.  

Leah and Shep reflect on how the song came to life, the emotional depth of Nettie Wolkind’s performance, and its heartfelt intention as a prayer for Hersh Goldberg-Polin and all the hostages to return home.  

What follows is more than a conversation about music—it’s a journey through hope and heartbreak, memory and mourning. The episode delves into how songwriting becomes a form of healing, and how community, empathy, and ritual can carry us through even the deepest loss.  

If you’ve ever wondered how art transforms grief into strength and sorrow into solidarity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.  

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman engages in a profound conversation with Rabbi Mel Gottlieb about the journey to wholeness by embracing both light and shadow within ourselves. Drawing inspiration from the song "Finding My Way Out," co-written with Liz Hanelin and produced by Shep's son, E. Rose, Rosenman and Rabbi Gottlieb explore the significance of integrating opposites to achieve authenticity and spiritual growth.

Rabbi Gottlieb shares insights from Kabbalistic and Jungian thought, encouraging listeners to love the evil in themselves and embrace their shadow, as this is essential for loving others. This episode delves into the complexities of unity and duality, examining the role of memory, gratitude, and spiritual listening in personal transformation.

The discussion traverses a rich tapestry of topics, from the spiritual significance of letters in the Torah to the importance of counting blessings and the value of heretics in a diverse world. Join us as we explore the delicate balance of compassion and discipline, and the power of finding God within ourselves and in the act of unity.

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 negotiation between identity, heritage, and personal transformation.

From the complexities of sexuality and family to the pull of diaspora and the persistence of memory, this episode invites you into the intimate territory where art, spirit, and truth collide. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

What 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 divine), as taught by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, and explore how spirituality, memory, and humor intertwine in our lives. Discover how maintaining a sense of humor can help us navigate relationships, honor those who came before us, and create a lasting impact through acts of kindness.

Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom, wit, and warmth—a must-listen for anyone curious about the ties that bind us to our past and the ways we shape our legacy every day.

Tune in and be inspired to laugh, reflect, and leave your own mark on the world.