Best Apprentice Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Punk Rock, Counterculture, and Truth Seeking with :Edwin Marquez 1:08:32

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4h ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Send us a text Edwin Marquez joins Anchors and Eagles for a raw, honest conversation about punk rock roots, counterculture, and the way conspiracies and real-world events shaped his life. We talk about growing up in Boston, the evolution of hip hop, losing trust in government, and how COVID shifted the way people think. Edwin also opens up about pe…

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Love Has You 25:53

2d ago25:53

25:53

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “Love Has You.” Smith talks about the impact five authors have had on his spiritual life. These five authors are: Ian Morgan Cron, Michael Cusick, Aundi Kolber, Alison Cook, and Curt Thompson, M.D. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christi…

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R. Avital Hochstein on Parashat Hayyei Sarah: Rivkah’s Blessing 8:36

10h ago8:36

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Rivkah receives a blessing from her family members before she sets out on her journey to marry Yitzhak: “O sister! May you grow into thousands of myriads; may your descendants inherit the gates of their foes” (Genesis 24:60).By Hadar Institute

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R. Ayal Robkin: The Apprentice Mind Part 2 18:10

8h ago18:10

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Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, also known as the Alei Shur, offers a powerful and inspiring — but often demanding — vision for what it takes to become a better human being. Before we can do any act of repentance, of teshuvah — we must first learn how to change and how to grow. Recorded in Summer 2025. Source sheet: https://mechonhadar.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.c…

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Deny 19:27

7d ago19:27

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James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is Christ is lower, still. In this episode, James talks about an acronym he uses called DENY. Depend on God. Embrace God. Nurture and Yield to God. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends Univers…

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Why God? Faith, the Pope, and the Pyramids 54:55

1d ago54:55

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Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Adam Facenda and Jeronimo Gomez are joined by Edwin Marquez and Bair Hess for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about faith, history, and the mysteries that shape our beliefs. From living in Wilton Manors to questioning the Vatican’s influence, the pyramids’ secrets, and the age-old que…

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R. Avital Hochstein on Parashat Vayera: The Righteous With the Wicked 8:56

2d ago8:56

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In this week’s parashah, Avraham argues with God over the divine decision to destroy Sodom completely. Avraham and God agree that Sodom is wicked and that terrible things happen there. So what, then, is the basis for Avraham’s plea? Why does he resist God’s plan to punish and overturn Sodom? What are Avraham’s arguments as he tries to stop the city…

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R. Aviva Richman: Why Talmud is the Bedrock of My Faith 45:54

3d ago45:54

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The Talmud has often been subject to misrepresentation—viewed as esoteric or overly complex—yet it holds profound power as a centerpiece of Jewish tradition. How can Talmud and Talmud study anchor an approach to Judaism that speaks to the challenges and dangers of our moment? How can its embrace of complexity, argument, and multivocality offer a mo…

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Episode 12 — Curiosity and Conspiracies: The Moon, Reptilians & Media Influence 1:19:39

9d ago1:19:39

1:19:39

Send us a text Hosts Adam Facenda and Jeronimo Gomez dive into some of the most infamous conspiracy theories of all time — the moon landing hoax, the Challenger disaster, reptilian aliens, and the Mandela Effect. This conversation blends humor, nostalgia, and skepticism as they explore media’s influence on belief, the mystery of interdimensional tr…

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R. Avital Hochstein on Parashat Lekh Lekha: Walking, Tradition, and Renewal 11:14

9d ago11:14

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Abraham is “our father” in many senses. He is seen as the father of the Jewish people, the spiritual father of Judaism and of monotheistic faiths more broadly, and the father of the covenant with the one God. Yet in our parashah, Abraham is introduced first and foremost as a son, a descendant who must decide whether to be traditional or innovative—…

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R. Ayal Robkin: The Apprentice Mind Part 1 21:48

19d ago21:48

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Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, also known as the Alei Shur, offers a powerful and inspiring — but often demanding — vision for what it takes to become a better human being. Before we can do any act of repentance, of teshuvah — we must first learn how to change and how to grow. Recorded in Summer 2025. Source sheet: https://mechonhadar.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.c…

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Exploring Consciousness and Reality: Out of Body Experiences, UFOs, and the Monroe Institute 1:15:16

17d ago1:15:16

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Send us a text In this mind-bending episode of Anchors & Eagles, hosts Adam Facenda and Geronimo Gomez explore out-of-body experiences, dreams, UFOs, and the Monroe Institute’s research on consciousness. They open up about personal stories, cybersecurity, and how information access has evolved across generations. You’ll hear their thoughts on scien…

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R. Avital Hochstein on Parashat Noah: "In His Generation" 13:16

24d ago13:16

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Parashat Noah invites us to reflect on the relationship between society and the individual. The introduction of its main character raises a central question: What is our role when we live within a corrupt society? How should we conduct ourselves when leaders are not guided by the values we hold dear, and when many individuals disagree with us about…

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Navigating the Future: AI and Society (Featuring the Debut of Co-Host Jeronimo Gomez) 57:35

28d ago57:35

57:35

Send us a text In this milestone episode, host Adam Facenda welcomes his new co-host, Jeronimo Gomez, to the Anchors & Eagles podcast for the first time. Together, they delve into in-depth conversations about technology, AI, and the human experience, blending humor, philosophy, and personal storytelling. From nostalgic tales of youth and wild adven…

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R. Avital Hochstein on Parashat Bereishit: What If Adam Had Reacted Differently? 10:44

1M ago10:44

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Two children are fighting in the playground. Called into the principal’s office, each insists: “It all started when he hit me back.” This familiar joke captures something deeply human: our tendency to avoid responsibility by blaming others.

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Navigating Life Changes: A Personal Journey | Anchors and Eagles Podcast Ep. 9 17:32

1M ago17:32

17:32

Send us a text In this episode of Anchors and Eagles, host Adam Facenda shares personal updates about the podcast, including the exciting news of a new co-host joining soon. He opens up about his mental health journey, the importance of therapy, and how sobriety has reshaped his view of happiness and success. Adam discusses the challenges of mainta…

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R. Tali Adler on VeZot HaBerakhah: On Endings and Beginnings 7:57

1M ago7:57

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The draw of theatre in the age of movies is that each experience is unique. While the script's words and stage directions remain the same night after night, the unique alchemy of the actors and audience gathered in that particular configuration at that particular moment in time, does not. When we linger in our seats after the final encore, delaying…

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Untitled Conspiracy or the Truth? | Anchors and Eagles Podcast Ep. 8 17:42

1M ago17:42

17:42

Send us a text In this episode of Anchors and Eagles, host Adam Facenda dives into the fascinating world of conspiracy theories, spirituality, and personal growth. From the mystery of the 3I Atlas and Bigfoot, to reflections on mental health and authenticity, Adam explores the balance between curiosity and truth. He also unpacks the concept of Quan…

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R. Tali Adler on Parashat Ha'azinu: Living in Between 9:42

2M ago9:42

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Homeless in life, Moshe is fated to remain without a home even in death. That, perhaps, is the most difficult part of God’s decree: not that Moshe must die, a fate that all human beings share. Not that he must die outside of the land: Ya’akov and Yosef also died far from Israel. What is most difficult about Moshe’s death is that, even in death, he …

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We The People, Not The Politics 24:47

2M ago24:47

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Send us a text Adam reflects on the political noise, youth anger, and the way social media stirs division. He shares personal stories, faith, and practical ways to shift from outrage to understanding, with a reminder to choose kindness, open conversations, and mental health. Description: In this episode of Anchors and Eagles, Adam looks past party …

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R. Tali Adler on Parashat Vayeilekh: Recreating Sinai 8:40

2M ago8:40

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The generation that will enter the Land of Israel never heard God’s voice at Sinai. They never experienced the earth shattering voice, the terror, the awe. In place of memory, all they have is a story.By Hadar Institute

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R. Tali Adler on Parashat Nitzavim: The Long Goodbye 5:36

2M ago5:36

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When Moshe gathers the generation of the desert together to enter them into the covenant once again, he knows that it is his last chance to teach the people how to live according to the Torah—and, crucially, how to live without him.By Hadar Institute

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Honest conversations unlock new viewpoints 15:26

2M ago15:26

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Send us a text In this episode of Anchors and Eagles, Adam Facenda gets honest about finding direction when life feels chaotic. He focuses on taking ownership, protecting mental health, and using faith and purpose to push back against negativity. The theme is simple and powerful. Honest conversations unlock new viewpoints. What you will hear • Only…

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R. Tali Adler: When Teshuvah Is or Should Be Impossible 42:10

2M ago42:10

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Are some things unforgivable? Is Teshuvah always an option? What would it mean if the road to repentance were blocked? In this class we will explore questions of whether we ever lose the opportunity to do Teshuvah and what it might look like to repent from a place where we are unsure of the possibility of forgiveness. Recorded in Elul 2023. Source …

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R. Tali Adler on Parashat Ki Tavo: No Final Chapter 7:00

2M ago7:00

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We’ve made it. That seems to be the promise of bikkurim, the first fruits gift to God.By Hadar Institute

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Navigating the Intersection of AI and Mental Health 20:49

2M ago20:49

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Send us a text In this episode, Adam Facenda explores the evolution of Anchors and Eagles, reflecting on the growing role of AI in mental health, creativity, and daily life. Adam shares personal experiences with technology, emphasizing its potential as a tool for productivity and innovation while warning against the dangers of over-reliance. This e…

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R. Dena Weiss: The Mechanics of Mercy: How Does Forgiveness Actually Work? 1:00:14

2M ago1:00:14

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The liturgy of the High Holiday season is replete with promises about God's forgiveness but is less specific about how God forgives. In her lecture, R. Dena Weiss explores how forgiveness works, and asks if there are any strategies that we can adopt to make us more forgivable and forgiving. This lecture was delivered in memory of Rabbi Jonathan D. …

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Conversation with Aundi Kolber 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Aundi Kolber about her book, “Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy.” Aundi Kolber believes that we don’t have to white-knuckle our way through life. In her debut book, Try Softer, she’ll show us how God specifica…

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R. Tali Adler on Ki Teitzei: Living in the Double Exposure 7:02

2M ago7:02

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I was eight years old in Basel, Switzerland the day I learned about the way places have layers. It was a chilly, autumn shabbos, and my father and I were on a walk by the river. My father pointed out different sights as we walked: there is the house where his elementary school friend lived. There is the gate they walked through to get to school, th…

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From Street Fights to Jiu-Jitsu Mastery | Faith & Fighting with Vincent Werner 51:25

2M ago51:25

51:25

Send us a text In this episode of Anchors and Eagles, Adam Facenda sits down with his longtime friend Vincent Werner to explore the journey from street fights to Jiu-Jitsu mastery. They delve into how martial arts evolved beyond self-defense, transforming into a path of faith, mentorship, and healing. Vincent reflects on teaching and mentoring othe…

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R. Shai Held: Biblical Theology in a Time of Climate Emergency Part 3 34:46

2M ago34:46

34:46

What can the Bible teach us about navigating our way through a time of climate emergency? In this series, R. Shai Held explores three key biblical texts that offer differing (but perhaps complementary) approaches to understanding our place in this divinely created and much-more-than-human world. Recorded in Winter 2025. Source sheet: https://mechon…

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Integrate Like Jesus 24:45

3M ago24:45

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James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “Integrate Like Jesus.” This week, James follows up on his previous episode, discussing God’s deep longing for us. Smith explains the four modes of being we live in: family, work, play, and entertainment. He describes how Jesus engaged in each of these modes and why they are essential. Inte…

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R. Tali Adler on Parashat Shoftim: Even So 7:30

3M ago7:30

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What do you do when you feel—or when you know—that because of your actions, you are entirely alone in the world?By Hadar Institute