Jonathan Wartell critiques the JCPOA nuclear deal, arguing that it was a naive agreement that failed to address Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and their stated intent to destroy America. The discussion highlights a perceived global lack of resolve to confront the Iranian regime, drawing parallels to the historical inaction seen during the Holocaust while noting how political polarization often prevents leaders from supporting effective policies. Moving beyond the Middle East, the speakers examine the internal instability of Lebanon caused by Hezbollah and the systemic corruption in Venezuela, where an elite regime enriches itself at the expense of the populace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criminal Defense Attorney Alan Abramson joined Rev. A.R. Bernard & Rabbi Joseph Potasnik on The Rev & The Rabbi to talk about the platform of Free Speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free Speech Edition with Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard. Criminal Defense Attorney Alan Abramson joins the show to clarify Protected Speech and what is known as the platform for Free Speech. The Rev & The Rabbi also reflect on the Art of Protesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Peter Purpura, who serves as the Chancellor of the Brooklyn Diocese and a chaplain for the FDNY joins the show to explain how his role as administrator involves acting as a legal and historical notary, preserving church records that date back to the early 19th century. Father Purpura also explores the spiritual significance of Easter, highlighting themes of renewal, hope, and the historical shift of the Christian holy day to Sunday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Easter Sunday Edition with Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard. Father Peter Purpura joins the show to talk Easter Sunday and early beginnings with his Spiritual walk. The dialogue then shifts toward the true meaning of Easter vs Symbolism. Finally, the hosts reflect on Spiritual Growth Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore shares her journey from a challenging childhood in the Bronx to becoming the second woman to lead the FDNY. She highlights her thirty-year career starting as an EMT, emphasizing that her rise through the ranks of EMS operations uniquely prepared her for an administrative role that oversees both fire and medical services. A primary theme of the discussion is the urgent need for pay parity, as Bonsignore advocates for EMS professionals to receive the same fiscal recognition as firefighters to combat nationwide staffing shortages. Throughout the conversation, she defines leadership through the lenses of humility, service, and resilience, particularly when navigating a male-dominated field or managing the department through the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard interview Lillian Bonsignore, the 37th Fire Commissioner of the FDNY, exploring her journey from the Bronx to leading the nation’s largest fire department. The conversation highlights her transition from a career in EMS to the commissionership, where she emphasizes the nature of service and the critical need for pay parity for emergency medical responders. The dialogue then shifts toward broader leadership themes, such as the value of humility and the weight of responsibility in high-stakes public safety roles. Finally, the hosts reflect on seasonal themes of hope and renewal by discussing the spiritual significance of Passover and Easter, advocating for religious pluralism and mutual respect in a diverse society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard discussing the profound layers of Passover with guest Rabbi David Seth Kirshner. The conversation explores the holiday’s inherent dual identity, balancing the joy of liberation with a sober reflection on historical and modern oppression. Kirshner emphasizes that Judaism is a religion of questions, where the ritual of inviting children to inquire at the Seder table is more important than providing absolute answers. The participants also reflect on Kirshner's recent book, which chronicles the emotional and theological struggle following the October 7th attacks, ultimately framing faith as a resilient pursuit of hope and unity amidst brokenness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Reverend A.R. Bernard, and guest Rabbi David Seth Kirshner regarding the multidimensional nature of Passover. The conversation transitions from the holiday’s inherent "identity crisis"—balancing the bitterness of historical slavery with the sweetness of liberation—to the modern necessity of maintaining hope amidst contemporary tragedy. The participants emphasize that Judaism is a religion of inquiry, where the act of asking questions and embracing life's "broken pieces" is more vital than providing absolute answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard, welcome guest Larry Grogan, who shares his mission to run 100 marathons in 100 days to inspire those living with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his diagnosis, Groen champions the philosophy that "movement is medicine," arguing that physical activity acts as a vital tool for neuroplasticity and maintaining a high quality of life. The conversation shifts from the clinical benefits of exercise to a deeper spiritual discussion on defying passive resignation and finding meaning through adversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices