The Rest is Commentary: Podcast

016 Brothers, Bonds, Beliefs: A Conversation with Zvi Howard Rosenman, my brother

✨ Ready for a conversation that will move your soul? ✨🎙️
On this powerful episode of *The Rest is Commentary*, Shep Rosenman sits down with his brother - legendary film and TV producer Zvi Howard Rosenman - for a raw, unfiltered journey through the music, memories, and mysteries that shape our lives.
💔 From the wild highs of creativity to the depths of loss, Shep and Zvi reveal how music becomes a lifeline-connecting us, healing us, and helping us find meaning in the chaos. They open up about family, identity, and the courage to be authentic, all while honoring the enduring legacy of Ivan Wolkind, Shep’s dear friend and chosen family, who died on May 10, 2024, may his memory be a blessing.
🎶 Discover the story behind “Knitted Together,” a song inspired by Ivan and Psalm 18, and hear how the brothers channel joy, grief, and the search for the divine into every note.
🔥 If you’ve ever wondered how art can transform pain into beauty - or how the bonds of brotherhood can light up even the darkest moments - this episode is for you.
Tap in for a conversation that’s honest, uplifting, and unforgettable. Hit play and let’s get inspired together!
#TheRestIsCommentary #Podcast #Creativity #MusicHeals #Brotherhood #Legacy #ArtAndSoul #IvanWolkind #PsalmSongs

015: Punk Torah and the Poetry of Prayer: A Conversation with Alicia Jo Rabins

What happens when a klezmer/classical/punk violinist, Torah teacher, and poet walks into a podcast? Pure magic.
Join Shep Rosenman for a soul-stirring conversation with the incomparable *Alicia Jo Rabins*—musician, writer, and spiritual adventurer—whose work weaves together Jewish mysticism, feminist insight, and raw creative fire.
In this electrifying episode of The Rest is Commentary, Alicia opens up about her groundbreaking project *Girls in Trouble*, the spiritual power of songwriting, and how she channels ancient texts into deeply personal relevant art. Whether she’s teaching Torah or shredding on the violin, Alicia is always asking: how do ritual, music, and story help us touch the divine?
Come for the klezmer, stay for the cosmic questions. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered how ancient prayers and punk rock might be part of the same song.

014: Roots and Changes: A Conversation with Rav Hanan Schlesinger

Discover an inspiring episode of The Rest is Commentary as host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rav Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi with a unique perspective. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the power of grassroots initiatives.
Rav Hanan, co-founder of Roots-Shorashim-Judur, shares his compelling personal transformation from a West Bank settler to an advocate for mutual understanding. His story challenges us to reconsider our own perspectives and embrace the humanity in those we may see as 'other.'
This thought-provoking conversation explores:
- The delicate balance between loyalty and justice- How empathy can break down barriers- The potential of grassroots movements to create change in challenging political landscapes
Adding a touch of musical inspiration, Shep and Liz Hanellin's song "It's Late at the Bar," inspired by Psalm 30, weaves throughout the dialogue, connecting spirituality with the themes of reconciliation.
Join us for this engaging exploration of identity, values, and the pursuit of peace in one of the world's most complex regions. This episode promises to challenge your thinking and inspire hope for positive change.

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.