x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman

The Rest is Commentary is a podcast that explores connections through music, ancient wisdom, and conversations. Shep Rosenman is writing a song cycle inspired by the Psalms/Tehillim. In each episode, Shep offers one of his songs to a friend and they discuss whatever comes up, from the mundane to the sublime, the philosophical to the sophomoric, from dark and narrow places to wide open spaces of joy.

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

43:02

047: Algorithms and Anti-Semitism: A Conversation...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/04/07

When a songwriter sits with an ancient psalm, what happens when those words collide with the wild, unseen machinery of the internet? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman brings together Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, founder of CyberWell, and Eli Ovitz to talk about “Windstorms,” a song drawn from Psalm 64, and what it reveals about the power of language in the digital age. Tal-Or traces her path from the world of law to building CyberWell, the first live, open database of

en

49:48

046: Perfectly Imperfect: A Conversation with Timmy...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/03/25

What happens when a song breaks open — and something sacred spills out?In this deeply moving episode, Host Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter Timmy Riordan for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring. Together they explore the beautiful, messy, and profoundly human journey of creating music — from the spark of an idea to the courage it takes to share something truly personal with the world. Timmy opens up about his creative process, the challenge of living with imperfection,

en

61:53

045: Songs, Psalms, and the Sacred Art of Return: A...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/03/19

What happens when ancient Torah meets modern melody with mindfulness as the bridge between them?In this episode, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Aaron Lerner for a wide‑ranging, deeply human conversation at the crossroads of music, Jewish spirituality, and communal leadership. Anchored by Shep’s song “Magnets, Elevators, Ghosts," inspired by Psalm 97, the discussion opens a window into how sacred texts still spark creativity—and how songwriting can become a form of prayer. Together, Shep

en

61:12

044: The Arena of Action: A Conversation with...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/03/10

In this episode, Shep Rosenman and Shoshana Bloom dive into the making and meaning of “It’s About What You Do,” a song inspired by Psalm 82. Their conversation opens into a wider reflection on what it means to show up — as leaders, creators, and members of a community.They explore the metaphor of the arena — a place of confrontation, courage, and shared discovery — and talk through the tensions between performing and supporting, perfection and presence. Through personal stories and honest

en

60:15

043: Like, Totally Divine: A Special Purim...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/03/02

Get ready for a Purim party like no other! 🎭✨ In this Purim special, host Shep Rosenman shares his original song “Let’s Talk About Faith” and joins Maya and Noelle for a lively conversation that’s equal parts joy, curiosity, and spiritual wrestling. Together, they celebrate Purim’s spirit of courage and reversal while honoring the resilience of the women of Iran.Mixing serious theology with playful moments (yes, including a Valley Girl version of God), the trio dives into questions of faith,

en

60:06

042: Mandala and Melody: A Conversation with Emily Cheng

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/02/24

Artist and scholar Emily Cheng joins host Shep Rosenman for a luminous conversation at the crossroads of art, music, and sacred text. From two of Emily's monumental 18‑foot paintings charting the meeting of Western and Eastern spiritual traditions to Shep's song “Unwrapping Heaven,” inspired by Psalm 104, Emily invites us into a world where brushstrokes, breath, and prayer intertwine.Together, they explore the idea of the center — from mandalas to melody — and the tension between the grand and

en

49:38

041: Guilt & Groove: A Conversation with Jim Ehrich

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/02/10

When podcast host, Shep Rosenman, turned to Psalm 38, its haunting honesty became the heartbeat of his song “Don’t Turn Away From Me.” In this conversation, Jim Ehrich joins Shep to unpack how guilt, vulnerability, and longing for connection can become pathways toward "teshuvah"—repentance and renewal—through music. As the two explore the intersection of sacred text and songwriting, Jim opens up about his journey as a leukemia survivor, the transformative moment of facing illness while expecting

en

63:16

040: Rhythms of Radical Empathy: A Conversation with...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/02/03

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Avram Mandell—founder of Tzedek America—joins host Shep Rosenman for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about empathy, community, and the healing power of story and song. Through memories of New York City playgrounds, transformative civil rights journeys, and meaningful encounters across borders and on Skid Row, Avram reflects on how human connection can turn personal pain into strength and shared understanding.Inspired by the song

en

53:20

039: Into the Wow: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/01/27

What happens when ancient psalms meet modern songwriting? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor to talk about “Into the Wow” — a song they wrote inspired by Psalm 118 that turns timeless text into fresh musical and spiritual expression. Together, they explore what it means to find community at the heart of Judaism, to experience awe beyond traditional God-language, and to discover rituals that make everyday life feel sacred. Sarah

en

43:53

038: Cosmic Chorus: A Conversation with Rabbi Steve...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2026/01/13

This week's guest on The Rest is Commentary is Rabbi Steve Greenberg, founding director of Eshel, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ and their families in the Orthodox community. Steve and host Shep Rosenman to dive into the song “Like Sailors”—a piece inspired by Psalm 148 and co-written by Shep and Liz Hanellin. Their conversation blends music, theology, and wonder, exploring what it means to stand in awe of creation and to see prayer as joining a vast cosmic chorus of praise. The discussion

en

43:52

037: Navigating Chaos: A Conversation with Vicente...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/12/30

What does it mean to stay open — as an artist, a parent, and a person — when life asks you to both take control and let go?In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, director Vicente Amorim sits down with host Shep Rosenman to talk about “Infinite Light,” a song Shep co-wrote with Liz Hanellin, inspired by Psalm 36. Their conversation drifts from creative inspiration to the messy beauty of real life — the push and pull between control and surrender, listening to your inner teenager, and how romance

en

62:28

036: Mercy, Muse, and the Music of Prayer: A...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/12/23

What does it really mean to live a Jewish life guided by Torah—not politics? In this episode, Chava Mirel joins us for an honest and deeply heartfelt conversation about Judaism, identity, and what happens when faith and nationalism start to overlap. Chava reminds us that Judaism was never meant to be a political movement. Instead, it’s a living tradition rooted in how we treat one another—with compassion, justice, and awareness. Together, we explore how Torah can guide the way we show up in the

en

35:52

035: From Awe to Action: A Conversation with Clive...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/12/16

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes renowned and award winning Jewish educator and storyteller Clive Lawton for a wide-ranging, down-to-earth conversation sparked by the song “Weaving a Garment of Light” (also known as “Work of Our Hands”), inspired by Psalm 19 and written by Shep and Ruby Corbyn-Ross. Together they explore how Jewish tradition holds both cosmic awe and everyday responsibility at the same time, asking what it means to live with wonder while still

en

48:05

034: What's Not Funny About Peace, Love, and...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/12/09

In this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Robby Berman — Israeli tour guide, author, comedian, and activist — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, heartbreak, and humanity in today’s Israel. Inspired by the song "What Would It Take?” (written by Shep and Liz Hanellin and drawn from Psalm 22), their dialogue delves into the personal and political — from Robby’s journey out of religious orthodoxy to his decades witnessing the beauty and turmoil

en

50:36

033: Holy Hands/Working Hands: A Conversation with...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/12/02

When Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, the conversation becomes a journey—through grief, faith, and the mysterious power of music to hold them both. In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, they unpack Shep’s song “Holy Hands,” drawn from Psalm 134, exploring how melody and lyric intertwine to express what words alone cannot. They talk about songwriting as a dialogue between clarity and mystery, about how mourning shapes creativity, and about the ways we keep

en

45:03

032: Heavenly Songs from the Heart of Texas: A...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/11/25

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Texas musician and storyteller, Joe Buchanan for a deeply moving conversation about divine love and the power of good deeds. Together, they remind us that there is one God and nothing wrong with any of us — we are each loved, exactly as we are. Acts of kindness aren’t about rewards or fear, but about bringing more good into the world. Spirituality and goodness cross every boundary, and it's in our everyday intentions that

en

59:36

031: I Forgot What Happened in Babylon: A...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/11/18

Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Shep Rosenman welcomes Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch to dive deep into the creation of the Psalm-inspired song, “I Forgot What Happened in Babylon,” co-written by Shep and Julia. Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles reimagined as a modern Zion, and uncover the powerful stories and symbolism behind Babylon, love, loss, and transformation.This lively discussion explores the search for meaning, the impact of change, and the ways

en

49:38

030: Late Bloomers: A Conversation with Terri Sunflower

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/11/04

In this heartfelt conversation from 2024, host Shep Rosenman speaks with songwriter, Terri Sunflower, who shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, discussing her experiences with gender identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of music. Inspired by the song, "Two Is Better Than One" (which itself was inspired by Psalm 139), they discuss gender identity and sexuality, coming out later in life, family relationships and loss, songwriting as therapy, community support, the

en

53:53

029: Playing the Piano in Central Park: A...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/10/21

Shep Rosenman sits down with Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Tatham for a deeply engaging conversation about “Time”, a song inspired by Psalm 39. From the serendipity of discovering an abandoned piano on a street corner to how humor, family, and faith spark creativity, they explore the profound and the unexpected.Together, they journey through themes of speaking versus silence, beliefs about God and the afterlife, life in Hollywood’s writers’ rooms, climate activism, and the fleeting encounters that

en

57:00

028: Boxing with the Divine: A Conversation with...

The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman ·

2025/09/30

Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward join host Shep Rosenman for a conversation that packs a punch. Inspired by the song, “Jaco’s Boxing” (drawn from Psalm 71), they explore prayer and tradition through the unexpected lens of the boxing ring—where resilience is tested, weary hands are lifted by community and by God, and compassion is demanded even for our enemies, echoing through the shofar and the cry of Sisera’s mother. From dynamic prayer spaces to bold new approaches to teen engagement, from the

en

48 results

Similar Podcasts

Jeff Haygood, Pastor

PodPoint

PASTOR ALVARO VALENCIA

Pastor Alvaro Valencia

Grace Life Church CT.

Joseph Levesque

Pleasant View Church

Ted Nance

Christian Heritage Church"s Podcast

PodPoint