The Rest is Commentary: Podcast

013: Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary: A Conversation with Rabbi Sherre Hirsch

Imagine finding the divine in every conversation, every interaction, and every moment of your life. Join host Shep Rosenman and his inspiring guest, Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, as they embark on a profound exploration of spirituality in the most unexpected places all sparked by the song, The Ballad of a Ghost. With Sherre's insightful perspective and deep spiritual wisdom, they uncover how sacred moments can emerge from the ordinary, transforming our understanding of life's journey.
 
In this captivating episode, Shep and Rabbi Hirsch delve into the Psalms, often associated with solemn occasions, and reveal new layers of meaning that can enrich our daily lives. They also explore the transformative power of teachability, courage, and faith, and how these qualities can lead to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
 
From the rituals of life's transitions to the complexities within ourselves, Sherre shares relatable anecdotes that illuminate the divine potential in every human encounter. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to see the sacredness in life's ordinary moments and discover a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.

012: Songs as Prayers, Grief as Music: A Conversation with Peter Himmelman

🎶🔥 **New Episode Alert!** 🔥🎶  
This week on *The Rest is Commentary*, I sit down with the one and only **Peter Himmelman**—Grammy & Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, film composer, visual artist, and author—for a **deep, raw, and soul-stirring conversation**.  
🎤 **We talk about:**  ✨ The magic of songwriting and its connection to faith  💔 Turning grief into music—and music into healing  🕊️ The song he wrote for the **Bibas kids** and the power of songs as prayers  🔥 Following your heart in creativity (and in life)  💡 His one-of-a-kind meeting with the **Lubavitcher Rebbe**  🎸 How music helps us **find joy, even in the darkest times**  
And SO much more.  
This episode is **deeply personal, powerfully moving, and not to be missed**. 🎧💙  
➡️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!  #PeterHimmelman #Songwriting #FaithAndMusic #Podcast #Creativity #JewishMusic #TheRestIsCommentary

011: Manifesting Divine Melody: A Conversation with Shanna in a Dress

Step into a realm where music sparks magic! On this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host, Shep Rosenman, sits down with the dazzling Shanna in a Dress—quirky folk-pop maven and live-wire performer. Inspired by Shep's song, Our Day Begins, which is inspired by Psalm 59, we dive deep into Shanna's creative process, where head meets heart, and discover how she transforms positivity into art.
We uncover the secrets of connecting with the divine through music, as Shanna shares raw insights on tuning into your body, embracing nature as a spiritual practice, and drawing inspiration from timeless Psalms. Ready for a conversation that explores resilience, personal growth, and the dance between intellect and spirit? Hit play and get inspired!

010: Psalms and Superheroes: A Conversation with Brian Michael Bendis and Rabbi Michael Shefrin

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dive into the fascinating world of creativity and spirituality with Shep Rosenman, Brian Michael Bendis (Peabody Award winning creator of iconic characters like Miles Morales and Jessica Jones), and Rabbi Michael “Stick” Shefrin. Together, they explore how faith fuels artistic expression, the influence of Jewish culture on creativity, and the art of staying true to your roots while embracing diverse traditions.
From songwriting inspired by Psalms to the balance between emotional truth and factual storytelling, this episode offers a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of faith, community, and creativity. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue! ✨
#Podcast #Creativity #FaithAndArt

009: Heart and Harmony: A Conversation with Mayim Bialik

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman is joined by the esteemed Dr. Mayim Bialik to delve into the profound connection between Torah, music, and inspiration. Mayim, widely recognized for her roles on television, including Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, shares her insights into how music and faith intertwine in her life.
The conversation spans the exploration of poetry and music, the songwriting process, and the inspirations drawn from biblical texts, particularly the Psalms. Shep and Mayim discuss the layers of meaning behind the song "Shooting Yourself in the Heart," touching upon themes of love, loss, and the divine.
Listeners are invited to join Shep and Mayim in a heartfelt dialogue that navigates personal journeys, creative expressions, and the enduring influence of religious tradition in modern artistry. And they model how to start writing a song!  Tune in to discover the spiritual and artistic insights that unfold in this engaging episode.

008 The Soundtrack of Parenting: A Conversation with Carolyn Shulman

Hit play on this soulful and thought-provoking episode of "The Rest is Commentary" as host Shep Rosenman sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carolyn Shulman for a powerful exploration of parenting, music, and ancient wisdom. Inspired by Shep’s song “Kissing My Son,” they dive into the raw fears and boundless joys of raising children—set against the backdrop of Psalm 2’s timeless truths.
Carolyn reveals how a childhood gift—a guitar at age nine—sparked a lifelong passion that led to her critically praised album *"Heart on a Wire." Together, she and Shep unpack the mysteries of songwriting, blending emotion and intellect, and weaving sacred rituals into creative expression.
From divine laughter to the unexpected ways faith and art intertwine, this episode will leave you reflecting, laughing, and maybe even singing along. Tune in for a deep, heart-opening conversation that proves ancient wisdom still strikes a modern chord.

007: Letters to Soldiers: A Conversation with Mitchell Hoenig, a former Lone Soldier

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes Mitchell Hoenig, a former lone soldier in the IDF, to discuss the inspiration behind the song "Dear David."  Drawing from his unique experiences in the Israeli army, Mitchell shares the profound impact of soldiers receiving letters and gifts during their service and reflects on the importance of maintaining human connections despite the distance and challenges.
The conversation delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the emotional journey of being a soldier, and the poignant moments of attending friends’ funerals. It also highlights the significance of creative expression, like songwriting, as a form of support and understanding.
Tune in to explore the intricate blend of duty, art, and empathy, and discover how songs inspired by the Psalms can evoke powerful emotions and serve as a medium for healing and hope.

006: Seeking Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Conversation with Brent Travers and Dan Weidman

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman dives deep into the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joined by industry veterans Brent Travers, a talent manager and producer, and Dan Weidman, a corporate communications expert, this heartfelt discussion draws from their rich history and personal experiences.
Brent challenges the notion of seeking forgiveness from God alone, emphasizing the importance of mending human relationships. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on the significance of Catholic rituals and how prayer shapes their lives. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of teaching forgiveness to younger generations and the vital role of starting anew to heal fractured bonds.
The conversation also explores the everyday impact of prayer, the diversity of rituals across religions, and powerful personal stories that illuminate the journey of forgiveness. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that blends faith with real-life applications, fostering understanding and compassion in our quest for spiritual fulfillment. Don't miss this enriching episode!

005: Exploring Love and Deception: A Conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum

In this introspective episode of "The Rest is Commentary," Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, unravel the layers of personal and spiritual reflection in the song, "Naked in Your Gaze," inspired by Psalm 5. In a compelling discussion, they delve into themes of love, deception, and the creative process.
Shep and Rabbi Zarum explore how poetry and song can serve as mirrors, reflecting personal truths and collective experiences, navigating through imposter syndrome, and confronting the fear of deception. Through profound insights and personal anecdotes, this conversation touches on the intersections of love, faith, and authenticity, examining how these concepts resonate in both human and divine relationships.
Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that bridges the ancient wisdom of Psalms with contemporary reflections on identity and sincerity, all punctuated by the lyrical exploration of "Naked in Your Gaze."

004: Loneliness and the Seeds of Tyranny: A Conversation with Rabbi Sharon Brous

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR and author of the national bestseller, "The Amen Effect,"  to explore the transformative power of love, justice, and personal connection drawing inspiration from Shep's song (cowritten by Ray Allen Kayanek) "Love is the Heart of this Coup" and Psalm 25.
Rabbi Brous shares her insights on how loneliness can pave the way for tyranny, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, and emphasizes the importance of addressing social rifts to prevent the abuse of power. She highlights the significance of intimate conversations as well as systemic change in envisioning a future unburdened by past injustices, in which humanity and justice prevail and she and Shep offer practical steps for rehumanizing our interactions and building a more inclusive society.
Join Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Sharon Brous as they explore the intersections of music, spirituality, and activism, and listen to the song "Love is the Heart of This Coup."