Long Story Short's Super Jewy Review
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin break down some of their favorite moments from Netlflix' super jewy animated series "Long Story Short." The show is created by Bojack Horseman writer and showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg, so you know it will be funny, heartfelt, and real. They don't want to spoil it for you...so you have to watch so you can tell us what you think! This is definitely a show the bagels will be talking about in the future...so what are you waiting for? Listen, then go watch!
info_outline
Long Story Short...w/ Showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin spoke to TV writing genius Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known for shows like BoJack Horseman, Undone and Tuca & Bertie. The bagels chatted him up about his latest project: Long Story Short, an animated comedy about the Schwooper family. Jumping through the years, the series follows the Schwooper siblings from childhood to adulthood, chronicling their triumphs, disappointments, joys, and compromises. It's funny, heartfelt, and most importantly for this podcast, IT'S SUPER JEWISH. You can stream Long Story Short on Netflix on August 22nd. In the meantime, you can...
info_outline
Judas, Joel and the Multitude of Sequels
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin discuss the Hollywood Bowl’s recent star-studded Jesus Christ Superstar and how, for a show about Jesus... it's pretty Jewish. They explore Billy Joel’s Jewish roots in a new HBO Max documentary and Erin shares her true feelings about Mel Gibson’s upcoming Passion of the Christ sequel. The bagels also break down the Jewish moments in Marvel's Fantastic Four, Happy Gilmore 2 and The Naked Gun.
info_outline
Shabbas Bagels
The Bagel Report
After a total of three screenings of "Bad Shabbos," Erin and Esther break down the movie and praise its Jewish authenticity. They also discuss how the film portrays Jewish mothers in contrast to how Netflix's Emmy-nominated series, "Nobody Wants This," does. On doc watch: Esther recommends "Pee Wee as Himself," "Dear Ms." and "Tell Me Everything" about Barbara Walters, which emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity and personal stories. Check out these links: DOC WATCH TRAILERS:
info_outline
Here's to the Bagels Who Brunch
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin took a field trip to Village Well in Culver City because they had a LATTE to talk about! From Andor's series finale to the themes of Reformed and Amy Poehler's new podcast, the bagels break down what they're watching and what they're listening to. Erin, in honor of Esther's birthday, also asked Esther about her rose, thorn, and seed for the year. Check out these links:
info_outline
Breaking Down the Prince of Egypt with Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug
The Bagel Report
This week, Erin and Esther sit down with Tzivia Schwartz Getzug, a consultant for DreamWorks' iconic animated film The Prince of Egypt. With its star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack, The Prince of Egypt was a landmark in animated storytelling, and now Tzivia takes us behind the scenes of the epic retelling of the Exodus story, sharing her role in shaping the film’s extensive outreach to faith communities. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Check out these links: Fumi Kitahara in VAL --- You can watch the documentary on Amazon Prime Video
info_outline
Fires, Films, and Fifty Years of SNL
The Bagel Report
Esther and Erin reunite to discuss new jobs, the devastating wildfires, and the upcoming awards season. They also review films like indie comedy Bad Shabbos, Marvel sequel Captain America: Brave New World, and Oscar-nominated Holocaust epic The Brutalist. Later, the Bagels celebrate 50 years of Saturday Night Live and discuss the sentimental value it brings to many generations. Check out these links! Donate to Fire Relief: Donate to Jewish LA relief efforts: Bad Shabbos SNL 40 "" SNL 50
info_outline
Hanukkah Parodies, Golden Globe Noms and the Media at Munich
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin are celebrating Hanukkah...and all the award show nominations trickling in. They congratulate "A Real Pain" and the Netflix rom-com favorite "Nobody Wants This" and later break down "September 5," the historical drama about the Munich Olympics massacre and the ABC Sports team that covered the events. Check out these links:
info_outline
Pies for Prevention and Breast Cancer Representation w/ Sharsheret
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin speak with Jessica Jablon from Sharsheret, an organization supporting Jewish women and families affected by breast and ovarian cancer. They discuss Sharsheret's services, including mental health support, genetic counseling, and the successful "Pies for Prevention" program, which has raised over $115,000 this year. The conversation also highlights breast cancer storylines in TV and film and the importance of early detection and personalized medical care. Learn more about Sharsheret at sharsheret.org
info_outline
ElphaBagels: Breaking Down "Wicked: Part 1"
The Bagel Report
This week, Esther and Erin defy gravity and geek out over the movie musical, "Wicked." They analyze the complex relationships between Elphaba and Glinda and themes of outsiderhood and privilege. They do a deep dive into the clever Easter eggs, including potential connections to "Frozen," the Wizard’s portrayal by Jeff Goldblum, and the connections to Jewish identity and social justice. Plus, they delve into the symbolism of the characters, including a link to the Passover Seder.
info_outlineThe Bagels are glad to have found Jonathan Branfman, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford and author of the book, Millennial Jewish Stars: Navigating Racial Antisemitism, Masculinity and White Supremacy, to discuss how on-screen portrayals of Jewish people or situations have changed over the decades. Jon tells us about "Goyface" and how it relates to "Jewface" and racial minstrelsy. Plus, shoutouts to Andi Mack, Lil’ Dicky, Uncut Gems, Broad City, Logan Lerman, Zac Efron, Adam Brody and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. This episode will fulfill your Judaic studies academic requirements and involve you in a long-ranging discussion about Jewish masculinity in popular culture AT THE SAME TIME!
Follow Jonathan Branfman on Instagram @JonBranfman
Check out these links!
Thinking about Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (academic papers)
Andi Mack Major Jewish and LGBTQ moment
Zac Efron on SNL
Esther's review of Israeli vampire series "Juda"
Friends of the Pod Friday Night Movie