Send us a textWelcome back for part 2 with Broadway Actor Josh Lamon as he takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey through the highs and lows of live theater. From a comical rivalry with Adam Lambert in a children's production to the chaos of working with real animals in shows like Big River and Finding Neverland, Josh shares unforgettable moments that capture the unpredictable magic of the stage. With whimsical stories, Josh's tales promise laughter and a glimpse into the unique chall...

Send us a textJoin us for Part 1 as broadway's vibrant world comes alive as we sit down with my dear friend and celebrated performer, Josh Lamon. Discover the magic behind his roles in iconic productions like "Hair" and "Wicked," and learn about his current spotlight moment in "Death Becomes Her" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. As we reminisce about our friendship, you'll also hear about Josh's personal backstage experiences and difficulties working as a Broadway Actor. Get ready for an intimat...

Send us a textDana Arschin joins us for a profound exploration of her family's enduring legacy and the critical role of Holocaust education in today's world. Growing up in a predominantly Jewish community on Long Island, Dana reflects on the impact of her mother's experiences as a child of Holocaust survivors. She shares deeply personal stories of generational trauma and how they have shaped her identity and fueled her dedication to preserving Jewish heritage through her work. Dana’s unique b...

Send us a textEver wondered how growing up in a unique cultural mix shapes one's identity? Nicole Kelly sits down with Harmonie Krieger from Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking" to share her remarkable journey from a predominantly Italian Catholic suburb in New York to finding her Jewish community at Syracuse University. Harmonie opens up about the contrasting religious backgrounds of her parents and how these dynamics enriched her understanding of her Jewish identity. Their conversation also highl...

Send us a textWhat if you could find the perfect balance between tradition and modernity in your religious life? Join us as we sit down with Netta Asner-Minster, an influential Jewish educator who takes us on a journey from her childhood in Silver Spring, Maryland, to her pivotal move to Jerusalem. With heartfelt anecdotes, Netta shares how her family’s observance evolved over time and the unique experiences that shaped her faith.Ever wondered about the intricacies of modesty and hair coverin...

Send us a textImagine turning a therapeutic hobby into a successful business. That's exactly what Arielle Zorger of Arielle Zorger Designs did. Join us as Arielle shares her fascinating journey from Baltimore to North Carolina, detailing her upbringing in the Jewish community, her education in Jewish day schools, and her initial career working for big hotel chains. Discover how the warmth and inclusiveness of her new Jewish community have affected her personally and professionally, and learn ...

What happens when you transition from a traditional upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in the world of fashion and social media? In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Chaya, an influential fashionista from Los Angeles, to uncover her remarkable journey. Elaine opens up about her roots in a tight-knit Iranian Jewish community, her shift from conventional career paths to the glamorous realm of fashion blogging, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From her early career in PR and e...

Thank you for waiting for this episode. We took a bit of a break for a couple reasons that are addressed at the opening, nothing bad -- I promise, but we are excited to be back with this new batch of upcoming episodes. This episode features an engaging discussion with a talented musician, Grammy Award Winner Joanie Leeds, who shares her journey from early musical exposure to songwriting. From creating song parodies at summer camp to more serious songwriting endeavors in college, her stor...

When the echoes of Michael Jackson's beats ignited a young Stefano Iacono's love for music, little did he know it would pave his way to becoming a cantor. Join me, Nicole Kelly, as I chat with Stefano on Shebrew in the City and share a symphony of anecdotes that illustrates how his musical zeal intertwined with a spiritual awakening. Together, we'll explore the nuances of his melodious journey, from acquiring guitar skills out of envy to finding solace in the strums that now feel like an...

As your host at Shebrew in the City, I, Nicole Kelly, had the pleasure of sitting down with the vibrant Pam Wiznitzer, master mixologist and social media maven. Our heartfelt conversation soared from the intricacies of Jewish traditions and their influence on Pam's passion for mixology, to the shared laughter over our first drinks. Revel in the stories of our personal journeys - from navigating conservative upbringing to embracing the artistry of the cocktail, and the meaningful connections...

Peek behind the curtain of history as our Producer, Patrick, rejoins us and gets to lean into his New York City tour guide roots, as he joins me in painting a vivid portrait of Emma Lazarus, the illustrious American author whose words on the Statue of Liberty have become a national treasure. Our conversation travels through the corridors of her life, from her New York roots and Sephardic Jewish heritage to her poignant poetry that speaks volumes about America's soul. We promise you'll leave...

Hey all you cool moms out there! Come join Nicole Kelly and Jenna Liu founder of Sixx Cool Moms as they discuss modern motherhood and starting new businesses. Jenna revisits her Jewish heritage and the powerful moment she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on a Birthright trip to Israel, offering a unique perspective on the traditional coming-of-age ceremony and its profound significance when experienced in adulthood. Throughout our conversation, Jenna offers an intimate glimpse into her life's...

Embark on a journey of discovery with Rabbi Juli, whose story is as rich and complex as the tapestry of her faith. From an early age, Juli's life within the Reform Jewish community was profoundly shaped by the presence of female rabbis, leading her to transition from a budding diplomat to a dedicated rabbi. Our conversation unveils the deep historical roots of Reform Judaism and how Juli's personal experiences – from her b'nai mitzvah to her impactful time at with Hebrew Union College –...

Embark on a nuanced exploration of a legend's legacy with us as we sift through the layers of history surrounding Walt Disney. Discover the truth behind the myths of anti-Semitism and learn about Disney's controversial rendezvous with Leni Riefenstahl, juxtaposed against the hallowed adoration many have for the magic of Disneyland. Reflect with us, Southern California natives who've grown up under the spell of Disney's cultural phenomenon, on how these controversies have shaped our...

Have you every been curious about what it is like to be a child actor on Broadway? In this captivating conversation with actor Dara Bloomfield, we explore stories of her Jewish upbringing, her journey from being a child actor in the Original Broadway Production of Ragtime: The Musical, to becoming a producer, and a mother. We journey alongside Dara as she shares her experiences, from growing up on Long Island to her intriguing interest in having an adult Bat Mitzvah. Traveling back to the...

Guess who's at our Shebrew in the City table today? Amy Kritzer-Becker, the creative foodie behind the blog What Jew Wanna Eat, and co-owner of Modern Tribe. We take a ride down memory lane, exploring Amy's Jewish roots in Connecticut, her dynamic journey to culinary school, and ultimately, how she's shaking up the definition of modern Jewish culture. Learn how she spins tradition into innovation, bringing Jewish holidays to life in a contemporary world filled with unique Judaica and festive...

Are you ready for eight days of lights, miracles, and mouth-watering food? We, Nicole and Patrick Kelly, invite you to embark on a captivating journey through the rich universe of Hanukkah. From historical treasures and bustle of present-day celebrations, this episode illuminates the essence of Hanukkah. We uncover layers of cultural significance and pull out fascinating tidbits about how the commercialization of Hanukkah influences our experience of the holiday today. Hanukkah isn't just...

Our first guest is...ME!!! I sit down with my husband Patrick and we talk about what I want to accomplish with this podcast, a bit about my family background, what it's like to be a millennial Jewish Mom and even what I wore to my Bat Mitzvah! Come and take this journey of revelation and self discovery with me as I look into what exactly it means to be Jewish in this modern crazy world.  TopDogTours TopDogTours is your walking tour company. Available in New York, Philly, Boston, &...