Best Gerstein Podcasts (2025)

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342: Happy Holidays with Judy Woodruff & Mary Matalin 37:12

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1h ago37:12

37:12

James and Al hype the growing exodus from Trump, tear into the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files, and lament the decline of journalism as represented by Bari Weiss at CBS. Then, they welcome their wives, PBS superstar Judy Woodruff and famed political consultant Mary Matalin, to discuss the upcoming 250th anniversary of the USA, the need to live …

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341: Trump Derangement Syndrome 1:21:11

7d ago1:21:11

1:21:11

James and Al discuss Susie Wiles’ exposé of Trump’s administration in Vanity Fair, share their takes on her description of the people in it, MAGA’s growing schism, Rob Reiner’s legacy, and Trump’s reaction to his murder. Then, they welcome Dr. James Densley of the Violence Prevention Project in the aftermath of mass shootings at Brown University an…

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What Does it Take to Write a Novel? with Andrew Furman 44:58

8d ago44:58

44:58

What inspires someone to write a novel, and how do those stories take shape before the writer even knows where they’re going? Rabbi Dan Levin is joined by novelist and FAU professor Andrew Furman for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, uncertainty, and finding a voice. Furman reflects on being drawn to Jewish literature as a reader while ta…

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340: Winning Back The Youth Vote with John Della Volpe 1:25:34

15d ago1:25:34

1:25:34

James and Al celebrate the generational win in the Miami mayoral race, explain Trump’s rapid decline in popularity, and sound the alarm over corporate and foreign influence in entertainment and the broader economy. Then they welcome polling legend John Della Volpe to discuss his findings from the Harvard Youth Poll, which shows that young people ar…

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What Is the Future of Jewish Education? with Heather Erez, Director of Youth and Family Education and Engagement 51:40

16d ago51:40

51:40

What will it take to shape a Jewish education that kids actually want to come back to? Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Heather Erez, Temple Beth El’s Director of Youth and Family Education and Engagement, whose own Jewish journey began in summer camps, youth groups, and a transformative year in Israel. They explore how meaningful, relevant, and joy-…

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339: Blood In The Water With Rep. Jason Crow 1:14:05

21d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

James Carville & Al Hunt Are joined this week by Congressman Jason Crow and discuss military leadership of Pete Hegseth, accountability, and the current state of morale within the armed forces. He emphasizes the importance of candidate quality in political recruitment and critiques the current administration's approach to international relations an…

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How Does Reform Judaism Shape Jewish Identity Today? with Rabbi Michael Marmur 48:33

22d ago48:33

48:33

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin and Rabbi Michael Marmur explore what it means to exist as Jews in the modern world. They look at how Judaism, shaped by specific historical moments, continues to influence the ways we understand identity, purpose, and belonging today. They discuss the ongoing task within liberal and Reform Ju…

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338: Shocking Incompetence of the Trump Administration with Tom Edsall 1:10:37

1M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Al Hunt and James Carville discuss the incompetence of the Trump administration. They are joined by Tom Edsall to talk about the rise of Christian nationalism and far right extremists in the Republican Party, including the role of anti-Semitism in current political discourse. James & Al then answer listener questions like exploring the impact of ec…

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How Do Jewish Values Guide us in Today’s Immigration Crisis? with Rabbi Sarah Bassin and Bill Gerstein 48:46

29d ago48:46

48:46

What draws Jews to stand with immigrants—and what does our tradition demand of us? In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Rabbi Sarah Bassin of HIAS and immigration attorney Bill Gerstein about Judaism’s call to protect both neighbor and stranger, the Jewish memory of being outsiders, and the need to resist the dehumani…

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337: The History Of The Epstein Files With Sidney Blumenthal 1:13:37

1M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

James and Al welcome Clinton consigliere Sidney Blumenthal to discuss the Epstein file release, what we might find, and how it will influence the future of our politics and upcoming elections. They also look at the current state of Trump’s influence on the Republican Party, whether there will be a rebellion, and if he can hold his coalition togethe…

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What Is It Like to Be a Jewish Member of the U.S. Congress? with Representative Jared Moskowitz 37:57

1M ago37:57

37:57

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz to explore how his Jewish upbringing shaped his path into public service and his commitment to engaging across political divides. He reflects on the values that drive many Jews to work for a better world and why seeking common ground remains e…

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336: Duty, Honor, Country with Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.) 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

James and Al celebrate the reopening of the government and applaud those willing to cross the line, while still criticizing the administration's failure to achieve a better outcome for the American people. Then, Politics War Room welcomes Brigadier General Ty Seidule (Ret.) to discuss our military heroes, the renaming of our bases to reflect those …

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What Is It Like to Be Jewish in the NFL? with Greg Joseph and Mike Tannenbaum 45:49

1M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Greg Joseph, one of the NFL’s few Jewish players, and Mike Tannenbaum, former general manager of the New York Jets and executive vice president of the Miami Dolphins. Together, they explore what it means to bring faith, identity, and purpose into the world of professional football.…

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335: Finally, Dems In Array with Jim Gerstein 1:02:12

2M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

After a big win, James and Al explain why the Democrats outperformed in the off-season elections, focusing on the declining affordability of life under Trump, his anti-democratic actions, and the desire for change in the electorate. Then, they look at the implications for the upcoming national elections, the growing headwinds to MAGA and Republican…

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What’s Sacred About Private Equity? with Rodger Krouse 46:04

2M ago46:04

46:04

In this episode, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Rodger Krouse, co-founder and co-CEO of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., for an illuminating conversation about the world of private equity, and the values that guide it. Together, they explore what it means to “transform vision into reality,” and whether there’s something spiritual about helping people br…

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THE SCIENCE OF COURAGE: Ranjay Gulati 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

Why do some leaders act boldly while others freeze? Harvard Business School Professor Ranjay Gulati, author of How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage, joins host Gregg Fisher OF Quent Capital to explore how courage drives business performance and strategic focus. From capital allocation in downturns to the psychology of risk, Gu…

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334: Art Heists & Drug Wars with Max Boot and Yves Istel 1:19:18

2M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

James and Al break down the imminent elections in NJ, VA, the state Supreme Courts, and on Prop 50 in CA, with a deep dive into the effects of gerrymandering and what it means for the parties. Then, they welcome economics wizard Yves Instel to discuss the theft from the Louvre, hear the story of his flight from Paris to the USA during WW2, and refl…

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How Has October 7 Changed What It Means to Be Israeli? with Abraham Silver 53:47

2M ago53:47

53:47

In this moving episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin speaks with Abraham Silver, an American who made Aliyah to Israel to help build the land and strengthen the Jewish people—spiritually and physically. Abraham shares how his service in the IDF shaped his bond with the State of Israel and recounts his harrowing personal experience on Octo…

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‘Baby Reindeer’ Editor Benji Gerstein on his Emmy-winning work 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

Want to know how to cut it as an Editor? Benji Gerstein takes a break from his busy schedule to tell us all about his job - including his award-winning work on the smash-hit Netflix show, ‘Baby Reindeer’. As well as talking us through his process and sharing his advice for newcomers, Benji also gives us the inside story of his big night at the Emmy…

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Shadow Docket Showdown: Trump Litigation, Judicial Tensions, and the Supreme Court's Emergency Powers 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

Host Jan Baran welcomes back Josh Gerstein, Senior Legal Affairs Reporter for Politico, for a comprehensive review of the litigation landscape surrounding the Trump administration. They dive into the Supreme Court's increasingly prominent "shadow docket" and how it has become essential for advancing presidential agendas through executive action rat…

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Creating a shared practice with Alex Moss & Maggie Jeffries 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

In this podcast you will learn how artists Alex Moss and Maggie May Jeffries developed a shared creative process that bridges traditional painting and interactive media. In this interview, Alex Moss and Maggie Jeffries discuss the creative process behind The Weather at midnight. The exhibition combines painting, projection, and real-time interactio…

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333: Gaudy and Banal with Paul Goldberger 1:16:18

2M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

James and Al hype Trump’s falling approval ratings, explain why even die-hard Republicans are starting to abandon him, and call out MAGA’s war on higher education, before giving us some good news about why there might be reasons for hope and change. Then, they welcome architectural expert Paul Goldberger to discuss Trump’s war on our nation’s herit…

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332: The Race Is On In VA & NJ with David Wildstein & Larry Sabato 1:16:41

2M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

James and Al celebrate the hostage return, call on the Democratic leadership to stand up and take the reins, and expose the savagery of the upcoming class of Young Republicans. Then, they welcome the New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein and political seer Larry Sabato to discuss the candidates and forces at play in the gubernatorial races in NJ and V…

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331: Shutdown Shame with Rep. Brendan Boyle 1:06:56

3M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

James and Al sound off on the presence of ICE and other federal agents on our streets, call out the DOJ’s failure to uphold the law, and explain the dangers that come with the usurpation of democracy, from civil unrest to lost faith in elections. Then, they welcome Rep. Brendan Boyle of PA to discuss the NJ Governor’s race, lay out the perils of th…

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330: Trump & Hegseth Blew It with Leon Panetta 1:15:06

3M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

James and Al welcome former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta to discuss the budget crisis, Hegseth’s approach to Pentagon leadership, the outrageous attacks on our generals, and the shaky status of the rule of law in the Trump era. Then, they cover the races in NJ, VA, and NYC, looking at the strategies that can deliver victory, w…

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Cultivating curiosity in creative coding with Matthew Ragan 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

In this podcast you will learn why curiosity matters more than technical skill. In this interview, Matthew Ragan explores coding as a practice of sculpting and rehearsal, showing how collaboration with technology leads to more fluid and sustainable creative outcomes.Matthew Ragan is a California-based creative technologist, educator, and co-founder…

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329: Fascism Vs. Democracy with Mitch Landrieu & Benjamin Hett 50:10

3M ago50:10

50:10

Politics War Room addresses the dire crisis of political and social violence by sounding the alarm over the dangers our country faces. Former LA Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu begins by exploring the challenges facing the average American, how Democrats can speak to them, the issues that they care about, and most importantly, how to win. Then, Professor B…

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328: Crime & Punishment with David Kennedy & David Harris 1:15:31

3M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

James and Al call out the growing divisiveness of our politics and stand up for the 1st Amendment, before diving into the government funding battle. Then, they welcome criminal justice experts David Kennedy and David Harris to discuss cutting crime, respecting our rights, and making our cities safer. In their conversation they weigh the challenges …

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How Do I Welcome the New Year When My Heart Is So Heavy? with Rabbi Ashira Boxman and Rabbi Laila Haas 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin sits down with Rabbis Ashira Boxman and Laila Haas for a conversation about preparing for the High Holy Days when their hearts feel heavy. Together, they reflect on how they enter the new year with intention, exploring who they are now compared to who they were last year, and how spiritual pra…

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327: The World’s Worst Bet with David J. Lynch 1:22:04

4M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

James and Al dissect the potential of a government shutdown, weigh its political effects on our economy and politics, and call out the partisanship of the SCOTUS in the wake of Trump’s multiple appointees. Then, they welcome WaPo’s David Lynch to break down the pernicious effects of globalization, why it was a good idea, and why it is currently fai…

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How Crypto Champion, Faryar Shirzad, and Coinbase Are Advocating for America's Digital Future 47:43

4M ago47:43

47:43

Host Jan Baran sits down with Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad for an educational and illuminating deep dive into cryptocurrency's intersection with law and politics. Faryar, whose journey from Iranian diplomat's son to White House advisor to Goldman Sachs executive led him to crypto's frontier, breaks down the complex technology in ref…

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326: The Ides of September with Ron Brownstein 1:18:49

4M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

James and Al lay out the state of the country as we get further away from the 2024 election, weigh the impact of the potential government shutdown, and investigate the implications of the ongoing Epstein scandal. Then, they welcome esteemed journalist Ron Brownstein to game out how the Democrats can revitalize the party, explain the need for centri…

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325: Hoist The Jolly Roger with Rahm Emanuel & Rob Sand 1:27:23

4M ago1:27:23

1:27:23

James and Al dissect the lawlessness of the Trump administration and welcome former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. They discuss the role that government plays in law enforcement, explain the differences between Republicans and Democrats, lay out where he disagrees, and explain his approach to politics and governance. Then, they are joined by IA gubern…