The JCast Network Total Feed

Amen Corner Season 11, Episode 5 Nov 8, 2026 35:29 This week, Brad and Steven are in good moods, discussing the recent midterm elections and the “Blue Tsunami.” They talk about the unexpectedly overwhelming outcome, some things to be cautious about, and the emerging presidency of newly-appointed White House Chief of Staff, the ghoulish and horrid Stephen Miller. While we’re not out of the woods […]

Amen Corner Season 11, Episode 4 Nov 1, 2026 32:46 Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about Halloween, the upcoming mid-term elections, Republicans who are still afraid of the president, Monica Lewinsky and “the good old days, and the eventual need for a truth and reconciliation commission when this all ends. Have a listen, Happy Halloween, and don’t forget to set your clocks back! You […]

A Reckoning of Biblical Proportions Oct 29, 2026 37:41 Social media promised to bring us together. Unfortunately, things haven’t quite turned out that way. In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning and our complicated relationship with the platforms we can’t seem to quit. What does Jewish tradition have to say about disagreement, responsibility, and staying in community when we […]

Amen Corner Season 11, Episode 3 Oct 18, 2026 35:23 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, with Steven coming in live from Israel. The guys talk about Hummus, for obvious reasons, as well as Israeli transit, parking in Tel Aviv, the baseball playoffs and World Series preview as well as comings and goings (mostly goings) in the Trump administration. Spoiler alert: new […]

Let There Be Lanterns Oct 15, 2026 40:22 Being fearless sounds like a pretty good qualification for a superhero. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into DC’s Lanterns, where cosmic powers collide with some very human problems. Along the way, we explore courage, the possibility of change, and what Jewish […]

Amen Corner Season 11, Episode 2 Oct 11, 2026 32:48 This week, Brad and Steven are back for episode two of the new season. They bemoan the fate of the 2026 New York Yankees, who once again failed to perform well in the postseason, talk about US behavior on the world stage (spoiler alert: it’s not good), and wonder why the Secretary of Defense/War wants […]

Amen Corner Season 11, Episode 1 Oct 4, 2026 33:09 Welcome back to all of our loyal listeners for the eleventh(!) season of the Amen Corner. After much delay, Brad and Steven are back at it, reflecting on their changes since the podcast began back in 2016. But as much as things change, there will always be some constants: this week, the guys talk about […]

Chad Powers and the Trouble with Second Chances Oct 1, 2026 38:44 What happens when your shot at redemption begins with a lie? In Hulu’s Chad Powers, disgraced quarterback Russ Holliday (Glenn Powell) disguises himself as an eccentric walk-on for the struggling South Georgia Catfish (get it?), hoping to play the game he loves again. It’s a ridiculous premise with a surprisingly serious question at its heart: Can […]

We Still Believe in ‘Ted Lasso’ Sep 17, 2026 35:41 Five years ago, we declared that we believed in Ted Lasso, whose radical kindness and relentless optimism felt like just what the world needed. Now Ted is back — this time coaching AFC Richmond’s new women’s team — and so are we. In this episode of PopTorah, we return to the Torah of Ted Lasso and ask what […]

You Seem Pretty Sad for a “Spider-Man” So in Love Aug 27, 2026 57:49 In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky debate whether Spider-Man: Brand New Day succeeds as a Spider-Man story — or gets tangled in the MCU’s ever-expanding web. Along the way, we explore Peter Parker’s self-imposed isolation, the ways protecting others can become an excuse for keeping them at a distance, and the Torah’s insistence […]

The Odyssey and the Long Road Home Aug 13, 2026 45:07 Christopher Nolan turns one of Western literature’s oldest homecoming stories into something darker: an epic about war, moral consequence, and the difficult work of return. In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we discuss how Nolan transforms Odysseus from a triumphant hero into a man slowly awakening to the destruction he has caused—and what the film’s […]

A ‘Toy Story’ for the Anxious Generation Jul 30, 2026 55:03 What happens when playtime gives way to screen time? In this episode of PopTorah, we explore Toy Story 5’s encounter between beloved old-school toys and a new generation of smart devices. Along the way, we discuss parenting in the age of tablets and social media, the pressure children feel to fit in, what technology does to […]

‘Disclosure Day’ Asks: Can We Handle the Truth? Jul 16, 2026 55:34 What if humanity learned, once and for all, that we are not alone? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, a film about revelation, secrecy, fear, and the courage to face truths that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Along the way, we discuss what extraterrestrial life might mean […]

Borrowed Time in The Boroughs Jul 2, 2026 37:47 In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into Netflix’s new supernatural sci-fi series The Boroughs, about a group of unlikely heroes in a seemingly perfect retirement community who discover that their “golden years” may be more dangerous — and more meaningful — than anyone imagined. The series, produced by the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame, centers on […]

Hacking It: Ambition, Reinvention, and the Friends We Make Along the Way Jun 18, 2026 40:44 In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into the acclaimed HBO series Hacks. Beneath the sharp jokes and show-business drama lies a surprisingly rich story about reinvention, aging, ambition, and the complicated relationships that shape us. Through the evolving partnership between Deborah and Ava, Hacks asks what we owe one another, whether people can truly change, and how […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 26 Jun 7, 2026 42:34 This week, in a super very special Amen Corner, our guest is Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay. Stephanie is not only the wife of our producer Darone, but she’s running for New York State Assembly. She took time to speak with us about the issues that are important to her, her reasons for running, and why her […]

Is The Mandalorian and Grogu the Way? Jun 4, 2026 44:41 Star Wars is back on the big screen, and in this episode of PopTorah, we discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu alongside a broader conversation about the state of Star Wars and franchise storytelling in the age of streaming. What is the difference between fan service and meaningful storytelling? What happens when institutions focus more on keeping insiders happy […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 25 May 31, 2026 33:49 After a couple of weeks off, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about Brad’s trip to Israel, the renaming (and un-naming?) of the Kennedy Center, confederate flags, and of course, the ascendence of the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner […]

Man in the Mirror: Fame, Myth, and the Making of Michael (Special Live Episode!) May 14, 2026 1:24:55 In this very special episode of PopTorah, recorded LIVE at Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT in front of a packed sanctuary, we dive into Michael, the long-awaited and deeply complicated biopic about Michael Jackson — an artist whose music reshaped popular culture even as his life and legacy remain fiercely contested. Join us as we […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 24 May 9, 2026 42:17 Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about David Lee Roth with and without Van Halen, Graham Platner and Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen and music that is the “soundtrack to your life. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, […]

Faith, Friendship, and First Contact in Project Hail Mary Apr 28, 2026 35:05 In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi space adventure starring Ryan Gosling. What begins as a desperate mission to save humanity becomes something far more intimate — a story about unlikely friendship and courageous faith. Join us as we discuss what Project Hail Mary has to say about bridging difference, […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 23 Apr 26, 2026 35:29 Bad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about tea, loyalty and fandom, Steven’s interaction with a guy wearing a shirt with the flag of Iran on it, the Hulk Hogan documentary and how to properly pronounce the name, “The Iron Sheik,” and Graham Platner’s senatoral candidacy. Have a listen! You can listen […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 22 Apr 19, 2026 31:01 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, wondering if the Strait of Hormuz is opened or closed and thinking about how some people are making lots of money off of oil futures these days. they also talk about Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary, JD Vance taking on the Pope, how the midterms could […]

Unfortunately, it was ‘Paradise’ Apr 9, 2026 41:48 In this episode of PopTorah, we break down Hulu’s Paradise — a gripping, twist-filled series about a so-called perfect society that quickly reveals its cracks. With full spoilers, we explore how Paradise wrestles with power, control, and the moral cost of creating order out of chaos. Drawing on Jewish tradition, we unpack the dangers of manufactured perfection […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 21 Apr 5, 2026 33:45 This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about chocolate bunnies and chocolate matzoh, Seders on the subway, the rapper Kosha Dillz, eating in Montreal, and our unhinged president. Have a listen and have a Joyous Easter, Happy Passover and good whatever else you want to celebrate! You can listen to The Amen […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 20 Mar 29, 2026 33:16 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the beginning of the baseball season and the NCAA tournament, the war/not war in Iran, and ICE at the airport. They also ask the timeless question: if you had to choose, would you pick the Olive Garden or sex? Have a listen and enjoy! […]

Sinners, Saints, and One Battle After Another: The 2026 Oscars Episode Mar 26, 2026 46:22 In this special Oscars episode of PopTorah, we dive into two of the most talked-about films of the year: Sinners and One Battle After Another. Both films wrestle with big questions about morality, power, violence, and the stories people tell to justify their actions. What does it mean to be called a “sinner”? Are we trapped in cycles of […]

Power, Persona, and Purpose in Marvel’s “Wonder Man” Mar 12, 2026 45:09 In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into Marvel’s newest Disney+ series, “Wonder Man.” This isn’t just another superhero origin story. The show explores the tension between public image and inner truth, the seduction of fame, discovering your purpose and finding your people, and the difficulty of balancing safety and freedom. It’s a meta Hollywood […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 19 Mar 8, 2026 33:26 Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about, what else, the war/non-war with Iran. The guys talk about the various justifications that the administration has given for the “special military action,” and wonder what “imminent” really means. They also talk about Kristi Noem’s firing, Stephen Miller’s incorruptibility, and Brad’s solo weekend. Have a li

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 18 Feb 23, 2026 32:36 This week, Brad and Steven talk about their preparations for Snowmageddon 2026, even though it’s going to hit New York City much harder than it will suburban Maryland. The guys also talk about the life of dogs, shoveling snow, and the US Olympic hockey win and the “Miracle on Ice” (again). Have a listen and enjoy! You […]

If You Got It, Flaunt It: Mel Brooks at 99 Feb 19, 2026 35:09 In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky talk about Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, the HBO Max documentary celebrating Mel Brooks and a lifetime of unapologetic comedy. From The Producers to Blazing Saddles, Brooks never hid what he was doing or why — using laughter to mock power, puncture tyranny, and refuse the demand for Jewish silence or […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 17 Feb 8, 2026 31:05 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, trying to recall all of the different news cycles they missed since the last episode. This week, they talk about the racist meme that the president posted about Former President Barack and Michelle Obama as well as the ongoing Epstein files saga — is everyone a […]

Faith, False Prophets, and Fool’s Gold in Wake Up Dead Man Feb 5, 2026 37:45 What happens when a miracle involves a murder — and who benefits when the truth stays buried? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Wake Up Dead Man, the darkest and most theologically charged entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit series. Set inside a fractured church community obsessed with power, purity, and control, the […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 16 Jan 25, 2026 34:32 This week’s episode is devoted to the execution of Alex Pretti on the streets in Minneapolis by government thugs. May Alex Pretti’s memory be a blessing. You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Shadows, Light, and Stranger Things Jan 22, 2026 41:52 Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky return to Hawkins for the final season of the Netflix juggernaut Stranger Things. Beyond monsters and nostalgia, the show offers a sobering meditation on fear, power, and the seductions of militarism and authoritarian control. Through a Jewish lens, the conversation explores what it means to grow up, take responsibility for one another, […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 15 Jan 18, 2026 33:29 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about aging and how quickly time is passing. It’s another week where so much news is happening that it’s hard to process it all, but they also talk about what’s happening in Minneapolis, the increasing threats to take over Greenland, and the offshore account that Trump […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 14 Jan 11, 2026 32:55 Brad and Steven are back for the first episode of 2026, and there’s no shortage of things to talk about. It’s hard to believe that we’re less than two weeks into the new year and how fast events are happening around the world. This week, the guys review the events of the fledgling year, including, […]

‘Wicked’: For Good? Jan 9, 2026 35:42 What does it really mean to choose the side of “good” — and what does it cost? In this follow-up journey back to Oz, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore Wicked: For Good, the second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda’s story, and what it reveals about loyalty, love, sacrifice, and the messy moral terrain between heroism and […]

The Good, The Bad, and The ‘Wicked’ Jan 8, 2026 1:00:04 What does it mean to be good? And who gets to decide? In this magical episode of PopTorah, we dive into the world of Wicked, the spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz that flips the script on the nature of good and evil. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore how the tale […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 13 Dec 28, 2025 36:29 This week, Brad and Steven are back for one last time in 2025. They’re talking about the 60 Minutes/Bari Weiss situation and put it in the context of the larger discussion of legacy vs. new media. They also talk about the lack of accepted truths in today’s world and wonder what this portends for the […]

Undercover on Campus: ‘A Man on the Inside’ Season 2 and the Purpose of Learning Dec 25, 2025 38:12 What does it mean to learn, to teach, to remain faithful to ideals in a changing world? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss A Man on the Inside Season 2 — campus mysteries, human motives, and the deeper questions this witty Netflix comedy invites us to ask. Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 12 Dec 21, 2025 34:11 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, and what a week it’s been. Between the horrific shootings at Brown University, the despicable terrorist attack in Sydney, and the senseless murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, there has been a lot to process in a short amount of time. The guys talk about these events […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 11 Dec 7, 2025 36:17 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about President Trump’s winning of the first ever FIFA Peace Prize — yay Donald! They also talk about the recently released 2025 National Security Strategy and the shift away from the rules-based international system that was created (by the US) in the aftermath of WWII. […]

Pluribus’ and the Paradox of Peoplehood Dec 4, 2025 39:39 In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the haunting and thought-provoking world of AppleTV+’s Pluribus — a series in which nearly all of humanity becomes fused into a single hive mind, leaving only a handful of individuals to wrestle with what it means to remain distinct. Drawing on Jewish wisdom about individuality, community, […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 10 Nov 30, 2025 32:24 This week, Brad and Steven are back with the very, very special, post-Thanksgiving episode. The guys talk turkey (and sides) and debrief over their respective holiday gatherings. They also talk about Pete Hegseth, the erosion of political norms, and discover that there are actually a decent number of kosher restaurants in Panama City (who knew?). Have a […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 9 Nov 23, 2025 34:44 After a couple of weeks off for travel, Brad and Steven are back at it this week with a new episode, just in time for Thanksgiving. This week, the guys talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “face” turn, Zohran Mamdani’s favorite restaurant, and try to come up with new ideas for their rightwing grift so they […]

Bringing ‘Nobody Wants This’ Before the Beit Din Nov 13, 2025 1:01:41 The rabbis are back in session! In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky convene a Beit Din to deliberate the ethical, emotional, and existential questions raised by Netflix’s Nobody Wants This. Joined by special guest Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ, the trio puts Netflix’s most Jewish the show on […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 8 Nov 2, 2025 30:31 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the World Series, Halloween costumes and candy, and Nazis on both sides of the aisle. The big reveal in this episode is that Steven went to a David Cassidy concert as an adult. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner […]

The Rabbis Are Kvelling for Tay-Tay Oct 30, 2025 44:28 Taylor Swift is smiling, and so are we. In Life of a Showgirl, the world’s biggest pop star turns the page from heartbreak to happiness—finding meaning, playfulness, and joy in the spotlight. In this latest episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore what Jewish tradition teaches about the holiness of joy, the spiritual work of […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 7 Oct 27, 2025 32:41 After a short break for respective Parents Weekends, Brad and Steven are back with the podcast this week. They’re talking about the government shutdown, the general corruption in society, Nazis having a moment, and sugar cereal. Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 6 Oct 5, 2025 31:24 This week, Brad and Steven are back, coming off of the High Holidays and talking about being Jewish in the world today, They talk about the rise in antisemitic violence and the impact that it’s had on how they feel about their Judaism and the safety of their families. Have a listen. You can listen […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 5 Sep 28, 2025 35:38 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the New York Times coverage of the Comey indictment, the designation of ANTIFA as a terrorist organization, Tylenol, Costco, New York City stories, and the Manischewitz truck. Have a listen and Happy New Year. You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of […]

Extra! Extra! The Torah of ’The Paper’ Sep 25, 2025 41:45 What’s the role of a newsroom in an age of spin, clickbait, and fake news? The Paper — the new Office spinoff — takes us inside a struggling local newspaper where staffers battle not just deadlines and budgets, but the question of whether truth still matters. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 4 Sep 22, 2025 33:20 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about Steven’s experience going to a Yankee game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. They also discuss the firing of Jimmy Kimmel, living at home with your parents after college, and the Charlie Kirk/Starbucks experience. Have a listen and Shannah Tovah to all who celebrate! You […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 3 Sep 14, 2025 34:26 This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the murder of Charlie Kirk and the spillover effect that it has had on, of all things, the Yankees. Brad was at Yankee Stadium earlier this week, coincidentally on the same night that the president was in attendance. Things did not go as expected. […]

Holy Harmony in K-Pop Demon Hunters Sep 11, 2025 41:08 Netflix’s smash hit K-Pop Demon Hunters delivers more than catchy beats and dazzling visuals — it’s a story about guilt, redemption, and the courage to embrace who we really are. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the film’s mythic lore, its banging music, its commentary on fan culture, and its deeper message: that […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 2 Sep 7, 2025 32:34 Welcome back for the second episode of the latest season of the Amen Corner. This week, Brad and Steven are talking about the $1.8 billion Powerball drawing that took place this weekend. Spoiler alert: neither of the guys won it, but they did talk about what they would have done with the money had they been the big winner — Barney […]

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 1 Sep 1, 2025 34:54 Happy Labor Day! Welcome to the tenth season of The Amen Corner! In the season premiere this week, Brad and Steven look back at the summer that was — federal troops in DC, the gutting of the federal government, the nightmare unfolding at the Department of Health and Human Services, and the higher cost of, […]

‘Fantastic Four’ the World… or Just Your Family? Aug 28, 2025 42:01 Before they’re the world’s greatest heroes, they’re a family — and family means hard choices. In Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s first family learns that the call to save the world can clash with the call to be there for the people we love most. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the movie’s […]

Superman’ is a Super-Mensch Aug 7, 2025 1:02:19 What if the real superpower isn’t leaping tall buildings — but refusing to harden your heart? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the new Superman film’s bold message: that kindness is a kind of strength, and vulnerability is a virtue. With nods to Jewish teachings on welcoming the stranger, protecting life, […]

Sound and Fury, Sisters and ‘Sirens’ Jul 24, 2025 38:15 In Netflix’s Sirens, myth meets modernity as ancient sea spirits crash into a coastal town’s contemporary chaos — leaving behind a trail of mystery, memory, and moral reckoning. On this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive deep into the show’s haunting exploration of identity, womanhood, trauma, and truth — and the fragile, often painful bonds […]

Mind Over ‘Mountainhead’ Jul 10, 2025 43:23 Mountainhead,’ the sharp new HBO film from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef as four tech billionaires on a poker retreat at a mountaintop villa — while the world unravels outside. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as we unpack the film’s biting satire, shocking twists, and […]

‘Seasons’ of Love Jun 19, 2025 40:19 In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into Netflix’s new dramedy The Four Seasons, a modern take on love, friendship, and the many seasons of life. Inspired by the eponymous 1981 film, the series invites us to reflect on aging, change, and the beauty and complexity of long-term relationships. Join us as we explore how […]

Andor and the Art of Resistance Jun 5, 2025 52:34 Set during the ascendancy of the evil galactic empire, Andor, whose full second and final season is now out on Disney+, strips away the mythic and reveals the human cost of rebellion. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the critically acclaimed Star Wars series that trades spectacle for soul-searching — and asks what it […]

‘The Studio’ and the Shul May 22, 2025 40:09 What do a Hollywood studio and a synagogue have in common? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore ‘The Studio’, the Apple TV+ comedy about the pressures of keeping a creative machine running — and what it reveals about the challenges of sustaining meaningful work in the shadow of institutional demands. From […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 25 May 18, 2025 32:50 In this week’s episode, Brad and Steven take a walk down memory lane talking about graduations and birthdays. Several youthful indiscretions are confessed to (mostly by Brad) and the guys can only hope that the statute of limitations has expired on them. They also revisit their discussion on Diet Coke and of course bring it […]

Before the Iron Throne, There Was the ‘House of David’ May 8, 2025 45:52 Long before Westeros crowned its kings, ancient Israel had its own saga of ambition, betrayal, prophecy, and power. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore House of David, the new Prime series that reimagines the life of Israel’s most iconic and enigmatic ruler. Who really was King David—and who gets to tell his story? […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 24 May 4, 2025 31:23 This week, Brad and Steven are back, talking about the measles vaccine (PSA: make sure you still have your immunity!), the ridiculous Lindsey Graham tweet following the death of the Pope, Mexican Coca-Cola, Sephora, and the firing of Mike Waltz. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 23 Apr 20, 2025 33:53 It’s the Easter/Passover is Over episode, and this week, Brad and Steven talk about how seemingly everyone ends Passover by eating pizza, wonder if it’s more accurate to compare the US today to Turkey or North Korea, and comment on RFK Jr’s recent frightening comments on autism. They also remind their listeners about the Signal […]

Searching for God at ‘The White Lotus’ Apr 17, 2025 55:10 Season 3 of ‘The White Lotus’ trades Sicilian scandal for Thai transcendence, following guests who journey to Thailand seeking serenity, connection, and maybe even enlightenment. What they find, however, is far more complicated. In this soul-searching episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the show’s exploration of wealth, power, relationships, and the search for […

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 22 Apr 13, 2025 34:56 This week, Brad and Steven are back with a special Passover episode. In honor of the holiday, the guys talk about gefilte fish and keeping carp in the bathtub back in the day. They also discuss the tariff craziness of the last week and the uncertainty that they brought to global markets. They also talk […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 21 Mar 30, 2025 31:13 This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about, what else? Signalgate. Hard to believe that this story broke less than a week ago and how quickly it unfolded. The guys talk about the lying before Congress, the hypocrisy, and the disdain for the rule of law on display. They also talk about the Yankees […]

Pop-pourri — Comfort Watches for Tumultuous Times Mar 27, 2025 39:49 When the world seems to be going off the rails, what movies and shows do we turn to for comfort, and why? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are binge-watching at the edge of the abyss. Join us as we catch up on everything Jewish about our favorite pop culture offerings of this Winter of our Discontent. […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 20 Mar 23, 2025 34:06 This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the ominous turn that the country is taking. They discuss Paul Weiss’ capitulation to Trump and debate what they would have done had they been forced to make a similar decision. They also talk about the risk of being stopped in an airport and the Democrats’ […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 19 Mar 16, 2025 35:59 Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the steady creep toward authoritarianism, film A Real Pain, what’s happening at Columbia University, and Chicago deep dish pizza and the semantic debate over what is defined as pizza, Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On […]

‘You’re Cordially Invited’ … But Should You Go? Mar 13, 2025 32:37 Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—but what happens when everything goes off the rails? In this celebratory episode of PopTorah, we RSVP to You’re Cordially Invited, the new comedy that turns a dream destination wedding into a hilarious disaster. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they unpack the film’s themes of love, family, and […]

The Poppys: PopTorah 2025 Oscars Special! Feb 27, 2025 36:50 The 97th Academy Awards are here, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Wicked, Anora, The Apprentice, and more! Who will win, who should win, who stirred controversy, and who got the coveted “PopTorah Bump”? And, most importantly, which movie […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 18 Feb 26, 2025 31:22 Brad and Steven are back at it this week after a week’s hiatus due to Covid. Thankfully, everyone is ok and happy to be podcasting again. The guys talk about Covid (obviously), the joys of air travel, more Nazi salutes, DOGE and justifying your job, and the German elections. There’s a lot to catch up, […]

No ‘Pain’, No Gain Feb 13, 2025 42:20 What do we owe the past — and each other? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack ‘A Real Pain’, the poignant new film that follows two cousins on a journey through Poland, confronting history, family, and their own complicated relationship. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how grief, memory, […]

Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 17 Feb 9, 2025 32:34 This week, Brad and Steven are back at, trying to wade through (and remember!) the week’s major developments. They talk about Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and empty it of its inhabitants and the positive response that this received from many on the “pro-Israel” side of the equation. They also […]

Episodes

Recommended