The Bagel Report

The Bagel Report is a pop-culture entertainment podcast featuring award-winning culture and entertainment writers Esther D. Kustanowitz and Erin Ben-Moche. Each episode, these entertainment junkies discuss all things Jewish in the arts & entertainment world while exploring how Jewish identity is portrayed on the big and small screen. Follow us on social @estherk and @ebenmoche and on Twitter and Facebook @TheBagelReport .

Long Story Short's Super Jewy Review 08/22/2025

Long Story Short's Super Jewy Review 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! /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/37918405

Long Story Short...w/ Showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg 08/15/2025

Long Story Short...w/ Showrunner Raphael Bob-Waksberg 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 check out the /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/37826785

Judas, Joel and the Multitude of Sequels 08/10/2025

Judas, Joel and the Multitude of Sequels 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. /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/37752400

Shabbas Bagels 07/18/2025

Shabbas Bagels 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: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/37434530

Here's to the Bagels Who Brunch 06/20/2025

Here's to the Bagels Who Brunch 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: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/37081615

Breaking Down the Prince of Egypt with Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug 04/04/2025

Breaking Down the Prince of Egypt with Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug 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 /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/36001830

Fires, Films, and Fifty Years of SNL 02/21/2025

Fires, Films, and Fifty Years of SNL 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 /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/35374650

Hanukkah Parodies, Golden Globe Noms and the Media at Munich 12/24/2024

Hanukkah Parodies, Golden Globe Noms and the Media at Munich 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: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/34594720

Pies for Prevention and Breast Cancer Representation w/ Sharsheret 12/15/2024

Pies for Prevention and Breast Cancer Representation w/ Sharsheret 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 /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/34437810

ElphaBagels: Breaking Down "Wicked: Part 1" 12/07/2024

ElphaBagels: Breaking Down "Wicked: Part 1" 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. /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/34329440

Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain is Real...ly Great 11/22/2024

Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain is Real...ly Great This week, Esther and Erin break down Jesse Eisenberg's new Jewy film, A Real Pain, and what makes his and Kieran Culkin's performances so captivating. They also dive into the high-stakes thriller September 5th, a gripping retelling of the Munich Olympics Israeli hostage crisis and what it brings up in a post-Oct. 7th world. The bagels even talk about the new Paramount+ documentary about an Israeli-Palestinian boy band that came to LA to start a music career on Oct. 6th, 2023. Check out these links: NPR's Retrospective on the September 5th As1One /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/34029654

Down the Witches Road: Our 5th Bagelversary 11/01/2024

Down the Witches Road: Our 5th Bagelversary Erin and Esther are celebrating the fifth anniversary of this little ol' podcast! After some reflections on all we've lived through since October 2019 (!!), the Bagels move down the Jewish interpretive road, examining "Agatha All Along" — its bar mitzvah episode and other moments and images that remind us of Jewy things. Looking ahead to November, the Bagels discuss A Real Pain, the movie written and directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Erin bubbles with enthusiasm about the release of Wicked and talks about the film's long production road. So if you care to find us, look to the Western Sky, or join us on the Bagels' Road. If you're reading this, you're with us already. And we're so grateful for that! Check out these links: Agatha's Jewy Plotline via A Real Pain Wicked /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/33725967

Protopian Bagels w/ Alysia Reiner, Shaina Feinberg and Reboot Studios' Noam Dromi 10/09/2024

Protopian Bagels w/ Alysia Reiner, Shaina Feinberg and Reboot Studios' Noam Dromi As the Bagels reflect on the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the Oct. 7th terror attacks in Israel, they are also uplifted thanks to a conversation about Reboot Studios' latest project, "We Should Eat." Written and directed by Shaina Feinberg and developed by Alysia Reiner, the short tells the story of a Jewish family with a Filipino father and Jewish mother. The duo tells Esther and Erin about the film's diverse Jewish experiences and nuanced character dynamics while addressing existential dread and intergenerational trauma. Check out these links: Shaina Feinberg's | NYT Reboot's The Anne Frank Gift Shop Learn more about Reboot /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/33387042

These Bagels Want This Rabbinical Rom-Com 09/27/2024

These Bagels Want This Rabbinical Rom-Com Nobody Wants This? More like somebody wants this! Rabbinic representation gets the Hollywood treatment in the new Netflix romantic comedy series "Nobody Wants This," about atheist podcaster Kristen Bell falling for rabbi Adam Brody. The show's trailer and title set up negative expectations, but how did the series portray Jewish life and ritual? Is the show engaging enough for a second season? And what could a show like this do for Jews in interfaith relationships? Join the bagels for a long-ranging and in-depth conversation about this 10-episode series. If you've already binged it or have just started streaming, send us your thoughts at . Check out these links: Nobody Wants This Chrismukkah from the OC Adam Brody in /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/33229332

Tears, Love, L'Chaim 09/06/2024

Tears, Love, L'Chaim This week the Bagels discuss the importance of balancing joy and tragedy. They remember the six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas while kvelling over the very Jewish wedding of Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. They also review the trailer for the upcoming Netflix series "Nobody Wants This," featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody; shout out Ilana Glazer's friend-flick, "Babes," and rave over Adam Sandler's newest Netflix special, "Love You." /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/32938892

Navigating Millennial Jewish Stars w/ Jonathan Branfman 08/16/2024

Navigating Millennial Jewish Stars w/ Jonathan Branfman The 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 Zac Efron on Esther's review of Israeli vampire series Friends of the Pod /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/32602457

Yiddishisms in Pop Culture with Professor Rebecca Margolis, 06/21/2024

Yiddishisms in Pop Culture with Professor Rebecca Margolis, This week, the bagels chat with Rebecca Margolis, author of and She and the Bagels do a deep dive into the Yiddish language and how it finds its way into TV and film. Later, she answers Erin and Esther's questions about Dybbuks and why they continue to show up in supernatural spaces. /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/31833987

Bagels, Broadway, Platt and Pride 06/07/2024

Bagels, Broadway, Platt and Pride Only the Bagels know how to connect the Muppets, Broadway and SpermWorld. This episode's journey explores the history of the Muppets, the guest stars at Ben Platt's new Broadway show and the return of one of Esther's faves, Hacks. Esther and Erin also anticipate upcoming camp movies, are moved by Jerry Seinfeld's emotions, and talk documentaries, from SpermWorld to The Jinx. We also create our ultimate Jewish Pride Pop-Culture Playlist. Check Out These Links: Jim Henson Hacks Season 3 on and the that inspired the doc. and The Jinx /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/31625557

Everybagel's in L.A. 05/27/2024

Everybagel's in L.A. Erin and Esther are back together, sharing their TV-must-watches as well as what they're looking forward to, Jewy pop culture-wise. Erin talks Netflix is a Joke Fest and especially John Mulaney's limited talk show format, "Everybody's in L.A." Esther downloads her time in Israel and tunes out for Erin's Bridgerton review. Digressions include puns, GenZ phrases, Kveller articles, pop tarts, graduation speakers and more. Check Out These Links: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/31473777

Comedian Rob Kutner on Ant-Man Memoir and God's Gang 04/19/2024

Comedian Rob Kutner on Ant-Man Memoir and God's Gang This week, the Bagels are joined in the virtual studio by Emmy-winning comedian Rob Kutner. He shares his experiences writing on Conan and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as how he ghostwrote Marvel's meta-novel, Look Out for the Little Guy. Kutner also updates Erin and Esther on his latest project, God's Gang, a multicultural kid's series about superheroes, unity and peace. Check out these links: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/30896523

Our Enthusiasm has Been Curbed 04/12/2024

Our Enthusiasm has Been Curbed What a week: Curb Your Enthusiasm ended, Alex Edelman's Just For Us dropped on Max, and We Were The Lucky Ones, Dinner with the Parents, and tons of other shows are keeping TV Jewy. This week Esther and Erin tackle the big questions: who's worse, Larry David or the Seinfeld Four? Why do LD's friends tolerate him? And why wasn't there more of a tribute to Richard Lewis? And to top it all off, Passover's coming...and we've got playlists and parodies and haggadahs, oh my! Check out these Links! Passover Playlist from Mike Boberg of And his Purim Raymond Simonson's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend audio haggadah episode that explains the More Passover pop culture from Esther: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/30793533

Bagels & Brous: Mending Broken Hearts w/ Rabbi Sharon Brous 03/15/2024

Bagels & Brous: Mending Broken Hearts w/ Rabbi Sharon Brous This week, the Bagels were joined by Rabbi Sharon Brous, the founder of IKAR in Los Angeles. Esther and Erin asked questions about Brous' new book, "The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World." The bagels and Brous touched on the value of community in the darkest of times while also finding moments of joy. The Bagels also recapped the Oscars and Rabbi Brous joined in on a pop-culture speed round. You can find The Amen Effect at a bookstore --virtual or in-person-- near you. Check out these links: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/30384118

Dune Discourse and Oscar Prep 03/08/2024

Dune Discourse and Oscar Prep This week Erin shares her journey to the 96th Academy Awards and tries to explain all 2 hours and 46 minutes of Dune: Part 2 to Esther. Later, Esther and Erin remember comedian Richard Lewis who passed away last week at the age of 76. Esther recalls his recent Curb Your Enthusiasm cameos and other famous roles as well as his impact on comedy. Check out these links: Follow Erin's Oscar coverage ) /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/30285163

Hollywood's Current Zone of Interest: The Holocaust 02/26/2024

Hollywood's Current Zone of Interest: The Holocaust Perhaps in honor of January's Holocaust Remembrance Day, or perhaps in anticipation of March's Oscars and May's Yom Hashoah — it's never the wrong time to #NeverForget. This week the Bagels talk about the influx of Holocaust-themed movies and TV shows like The New Look, A Small Light, Transatlantic and the upcoming One Life, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and We Were the Lucky Ones. Erin saw The Zone of Interest during an L.A. flood warning and Esther took a virtual tour of Auschwitz. The two discuss what the trend in Holocaust content means and how it affects antisemitism and Jewish representation. Plus, Schindler's List is 30; a delayed news brief about the Shabbat on Broadway event that seemed to come out of nowhere; and Susie and Jeff have a Curb Your Enthusiasm podcast. Check out these links: /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/30102493

Carbing Our Enthusiasm 02/04/2024

Carbing Our Enthusiasm Get it? Cause we're bagels...Grab a cup of spite and a dry scone because this week the bagels are talking about the final season of Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. This episode has everything: guest stars, fan contributions, the Holocaust and Elmo. Let us know what you think of the 12th season of the series, which is now available on HBO and MAX. Check out these links! /episode/index/show/thebagelreport/id/29792103

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