Best Josh Shron / WRSU Radio Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #1226: The Holiday of Freedom? 58:47

23d ago58:47

58:47

Passover is upon us once again. And once again, this year's observance includes equal parts celebration and desperation. As we celebrate the Jewish holiday of freedom, we can't help but think of the 59 hostages who are not at all free. We think of the men and women of the IDF who will not be at their families' seder tables this year. We remember th…

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Episode #1225: Can I Have An 'Amen'? 58:47

30d ago58:47

58:47

It seems like everywhere you go in Israel these days, you constantly hear the word 'Amen'. 'May we hear good news!' 'Amen!' 'Wishing your son success and safety in the IDF!' 'Amen!' This is not, of course, a new phenomenon. 'Amen' is a word that often comes up in Israeli music as well. Off the top of your head, many of you can likely come up with a…

1
Episode #1224: New Israeli Music - March 2025 58:41

1M ago58:41

58:41

As war, protests, political disputes, and daily rocket fire continue in our homeland, Israel's entertainment scene continues to thrive. Maybe that's one reason why we continue to be ranked among the happiest countries in the world! Today, we're proud to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest in Israeli music, with the songs blaring on rad…

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Episode #1223: Israel at Eurovision: 2000-2025 1:05:05

1M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present Israel's official entry to Eurovision 2025, "New Day Will Rise" by Yuval Rafael. And while we're at it, it's been a while since we've done an hour of Israeli Eurovision songs, so let's do that today, shall we? But this time, we're going to skip the beloved Israeli classics from the 70s and 80s, focusing…

1
Episode #1222: Israeli Music - Funny Side Up 59:58

2M ago59:58

59:58

We all know - all too well - that the past 17 months have been painful and emotional to say the least. But with Purim on the way, it's a good time to allow ourselves to smile and laugh. Purim reminds us that sometimes, when life looks as dark as can be, the most incredible miracles suddenly come to life. That things are not always what they seem. T…

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Episode #1219: We Are Family 1:02:38

3M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

The news cycle has so many ups and downs these days, that it can be hard to remember the specific highs and lows. Back on February 8, 2025, Hamas released three hostages: Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy. Sure, we were overjoyed that they were back home with their families, but we felt downright sick upon seeing their emaciated bodies and pai…

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Episode #1218: Israeli Music Time Machine - 1985 1:08:24

3M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Ready to go back to the year of "We Are the World", New Coke, Live Aid...and a heck of a lot of amazing Israeli music? Buckle your seatbelts, 'cuz we're going back FORTY years...all the way to 1985! In the midst of today's period of sadness, emotion, and national trauma, we need a week of upbeat music...and the Israeli music of 1985 sure fit the bi…

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Episode #1217: New Israeli Music - January 2025 1:04:56

3M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

We've had a big 30th anniversary celebration, devoted a show to 'counting down' to the new year, and celebrated our first hostages coming home. So what haven't we done lately? Share new Israeli music. Well, let's rectify that today, shall we? This week, we present the most popular Israeli songs of the past few weeks, many of which reflect the chall…

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Episode #1216: Homeward Bound 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

The day we recorded this podcast was a pivotal day in the State of Israel. After 471 days in captivity, the first Israeli hostages were finally released from the dungeons of Gaza - and Emily, Doron, and Romi were finally on their way home. With the freedom of our hostages, and the simultaneous release of countless terrorists, it was an emotional da…

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Episode #1215: Countdown To 2025 1:03:46

4M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Happy New Year! For our first official show of 2025, let's do something light and fun for a change. Have you ever noticed how many Israeli songs have numbers in their titles? Well, one of our listeners decided to create a massive spreadsheet with all of the 'number songs' he could find. So this week, we present a unique hour of 'countdown' songs...…

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Episode #1214: A Celebration of 30 Years 1:09:26

4M ago1:09:26

1:09:26

An episode 30 years in the making! On Chanukah 1994, Josh Shron and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Mairov Dubrovsky wandered into the WRSU Studios as Rutgers University students, and began their radio careers by playing 'Hora' by Avi Toledano. That episode flourished into a full fledged obsession over Israel and its culture, and Josh hasn't looked …

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Episode #1213: 30 Years, 30 Songs (Part II) 1:07:50

5M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

It's week 2 of Josh's 30th anniversary celebration, in which he plays back his favorite songs from each of his 30 years on Israel Hour Radio! This week, enjoy a fun playlist of Josh's favorites from 2010 through 2024, including many now-classic songs guaranteed to get you singing along. In his 30 years on the air, Josh has celebrated Israel through…

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Episode #1212: 30 Years, 30 Songs (Part I) 1:08:30

5M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

On Sunday, December 4, 1994, Josh Shron walked into the studios of WRSU Radio, cracked open the microphone, and never looked back. Ever since, he's celebrated Israel through music and culture, amassing a large following of English speakers who share his passion for our homeland. All month long, Josh celebrates 30 years at the helm of Israel Hour Ra…

1
Episode #1211: Todah Rabbah! 1:01:11

5M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

This week, families across the USA gathered for Thanksgiving...a holiday that's become a day about food, football and shopping...but SHOULD be about gratitude. Thankfully (see what I did there?), Israelis tend to be pretty good about expressing appreciation for things that are important to them, in real life and in song. So today we present a playl…

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Episode #1210: Dreaming of Summer 1:10:04

5M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Did you go to a Jewish summer camp as a kid? If so, there's a very good chance you sang and listened to a LOT of Israeli music while you were there. For many, camp is an introduction to Hebrew, Zionism, and Israeli culture, with plenty of great music surrounding campers every single day. So when we asked the Israeli Music Community to tell us about…

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Episode #1209: New Israeli Music - November 2024 58:19

6M ago58:19

58:19

It's always fun to sample the latest and greatest Israeli music, to keep up to date with the sound of Israel in real time. But these days, new Israeli music takes many forms. Some songs help us escape the realities of 2024 Israel, while others drag us right into the middle. And so, as we look into the best new music of the past few weeks, we'll hea…

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Episode #1208: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2007 1:08:24

6M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Remember life without smartphones? It's hard to believe that in 2007, the world was first being introduced to the original iPhone. Look at how much our lives have changed in the 17 years since then! You might debate whether our lives have gotten better or worse...but what's not debatable is how much you'll enjoy the greatest Israeli hits of 2007! L…

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Episode #1207: A Matter of Time 1:00:17

6M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

How are you dealing with the clock change? We 'fell back' in Israel on October 27, and most did so in the USA a week later. Seems that many of us have been hyper-focused on the time of day ever since, right? 'It's only 5pm...how does it already feel like midnight?' Well, with all this talk about time, it seemed like a good *time* to play songs abou…

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Episode #1206: Smiling Through the Tears 1:00:27

6M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Chag Sameach! Sukkot is known as “Zman Simchatenu” – the time of our joy. But after the year we’ve had – and with the yahrtzeit of those who lost their lives on October 7 coming up this week - joy is not so easy to come by nowadays. Still, we’re going to try to lift your spirits just a bit this holiday by playing Israeli songs that can INSTANTLY pu…

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Episode #1205: Wartime Yom Kippur Reflections 1:02:46

7M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Whether or not you're a practicing Jew, we can all get behind the idea of praying for a good new year. That's why this year's Yom Kippur observance was probably the most meaningful, the most inspirational, the most powerful in most of our lifetimes. With concern for our troops in the north and south, Israel under constant missile fire, prayers for …

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Episode #1204: Israeli Music Countdown 5784 1:02:43

7M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Each year around this time, we look back at the most popular Israeli music of the past Jewish year. This, however, was no ordinary year. With war, hostages, loss, and fear dominating the headlines all year long, the music of 5784 had to rise to the occasion - providing comfort, strength, and inspiration. Well, sort of. While many of the year's most…

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Episode #1203: A Not-So-Fond Farewell To 5784 1:03:40

7M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Recorded on the day after Israel's elimination of Hassan Nasrallah, this podcast brings with it a wide range of emotions. We're elated over Israel's military success, but still feeling the pain of coming to Rosh Hashana with our hostages still not home. To make things worse, the anniversary of October 7th is only a few days away, and those painful …

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Episode #1202: New Israeli Music - September 2024 1:01:55

7M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

After WAY too many weeks away, Israel Hour Radio is proud to return to the airwaves - broadcasting from Israel! While we were gone, Israel's best and brightest musical stars released some amazing new tunes. As always, we consider it our solemn duty to make sure you're caught up on the latest in Israeli music! Join us this week for a countdown of th…

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Episode #1199: Shabbat Shalom 1:01:37

9M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Welcome to Israel Hour Radio's annual AUGUST CHAGIGOT! Each week during the month of August, we'll devote our show to a particular topic in Israeli music. And today? We celebrate the Israeli weekend (regardless of how you celebrate it) with our Chagigat Shirei Shabbat...an hour of Israeli songs about Shabbat! While some spend their Saturdays immers…

1
Episode #1198: The Whole Wide World 1:05:16

9M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

The Summer Olympics are taking place this week in Paris, France, with the spirit of brotherhood, unity, multiculturalism, and competitiveness on full display around the world. These are values shared by every Israeli, and we wish more than anything that our biggest conflicts with other nations were settled on the playing field rather than the battl…

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Episode #1197: My Israeli Playlist - Debbie Corwin 1:03:06

9M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

This week on Israel Hour Radio, it’s the return of MY ISRAELI PLAYLIST...where our listeners share their favorite Israeli songs of all time! This time, please welcome Debbie Corwin of Mahwah, NJ! Debbie first visited Israel was with her family on a two week vacation when she was 10 years old. She then spent 7 1/2 weeks in Israel with a ZOA program,…

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Episode #1196: Israeli Sounds of Summer '24 59:12

10M ago59:12

59:12

Summer 2024 is here...and amidst the backdrop of war, hostages, and global antisemitism, Israelis are still prepared to celebrate the season in the only way they know how: By celebrating LIFE with MUSIC. The sounds of summer 2024 in Israel are surprisingly similar to those of any other year - with upbeat tunes to accompany you to the beach, the poo…

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Episode #1195: Israeli Music Time Machine - 2009 1:09:29

10M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

OK, reality check. 2009 was FIFTEEN years ago. Yup, you heard that right. While it may seem like only yesterday to many of us, 2009 marked a significant year in history and music, leaving a lasting impact on our lives (and our Spotify playlists!). It was also the year Michael Jackson passed away, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted for c…

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Episode #1194: Twenty Years Without Naomi Shemer 1:13:30

10M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

In this special episode, we pay tribute to Naomi Shemer, one of Israel's most beloved songwriters and composers, on the 20th anniversary of her passing. Often hailed as the 'First Lady of Israeli Song,' Naomi Shemer's music has left an indelible mark on Israeli culture. Join us as we celebrate her life and legacy through her timeless songs that con…

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Episode #1193: Israeli Songs You Love To Sing 1:04:44

10M ago1:04:44

1:04:44

This week on the podcast, we turn up the volume and get ready to belt it out! We put the call out to our amazing listeners in the "Israeli Music Community" Facebook group, asking for your favorite Israeli songs to sing along to at the top of your lungs. We got some amazing responses! This week on Israel Hour Radio, get ready for a playlist packed w…

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Episode #1192: Road Trip! 1:05:01

11M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

'If you're going on a ten hour road trip, and can only listen to ONE Israeli artist...who's it gonna be?' Such was the question we recently asked on Israeli Music Community, our popular Israeli music discussion group on Facebook. And, wow! Did we get some great responses! With the tragic news of the day still heavy on our minds, permit us present a…

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Episode #1191: Like The Old Days 58:54

11M ago58:54

58:54

Remember the music of the 'good old days'? You know, those blissful days before the world changed forever? We're referring, of course, to the Israeli music released BEFORE October 7. Back then, Israeli songs were generally fun and light, with songs about love and relationships. Although the past several months have been chock full of powerful, insp…

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Episode #1190: Israel's High Holidays 1:06:57

11M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Each year, there is so much emotional Israeli music that emerges in commemoration of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut. Between new original songs, musical tributes at state ceremonies, and performances at other events around the country, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. This year, however, was no ordinary year. Israel's Memorial Day was …

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Episode #1189: From Darkness To Light 1:07:35

12M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

We recorded this episode moments before Yom HaZikaron began in Israel, not sure of what to expect in this very strange and difficult year. So much has happened since last year's national 'high holiday season' in Israel. So much pain, so much fear, so much destruction, so much anxiety. How can we bear the burden of Memorial Day this year? How can we…

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Episode #1188: Heroes Don't Wear Capes 1:07:26

12M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

What does it mean to be a hero? What does it mean to be a JEWISH hero? And what can we learn about heroes from the tragic events of October 7? This week, we are honored to welcome Israeli singer Gilad Segev, creator of "Project Heroes". Ever since October 7, Gilad has spent his time gathering heroic stories from that Black Shabbat...stories of hero…

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Episode #1187: Why Is This Night Different? 1:02:27

1y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Passover is here, and by all accounts, this year's celebration will be a lot different than most years'. Like every year, we'll gather around the seder table with family and friends. But this year, so many will be missing from the table. This year, we'll save empty seats for hostages and for active soldiers, all who SHOULD be joining our seder. We'…

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Episode #1186: Six Months - A Musical Retrospective 1:08:23

1y ago1:08:23

1:08:23

This week, we acknowledge a grim milestone: six months since the October 7 massacre, kidnapping of hostages, and the resulting Operation Swords of Iron. As we watch events unfold, we remain sick with worry for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. At the same time, we stand united in the belief that the State of Isr…

1
Episode #1185: Inside and Outside the Hurricane 1:04:35

1y ago1:04:35

1:04:35

With Israel still very much at war, the country's 'new normal' continues to permeate its music. Yes, some of the new music is very raw, very painful, and very powerful. Other songs are as seemingly as mundane as can be, as Israeli music continues to shift onto topics other than the war. Still, nearly every song you hear these days can be interprete…

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Episode #1184: Musical Messages of Resilience 1:04:16

1y ago1:04:16

1:04:16

So often - especially throughout the current situation in Israel - Israeli music speaks directly to our hearts and evokes a wide range of emotions. This week we'll do the same...but in an overwhelmingly positive tone! Ready to smile? Hatikva 6, Moshe Peretz, Shlomi Shabbat, Lior Narkis, Mosh Ben Ari, Eden Ben Zaken, and many more will take you on a…

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Episode #1183: Israeli Music Time Machine - 1974 1:10:44

1y ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Over the last several months, Israel Hour Radio has kept you up to date with the latest Israeli music, born of pain and pride during this time of war. It's reminiscent of another time of war - the Yom Kippur War of 1973. It began 50 years (nearly to the day) before the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, and like our current conflict, Israel was t…

1
Episode #1182: Sing, Sing A Song 55:59

1y ago55:59

55:59

Clay Aiken once said: "A song can be more than words and music ... when sung with soul a song carries you to another world, to a place where no matter how much pain you feel, you are never alone." Well, in today's very painful world, so many in Israel and around the world have turned to singing to help ease the pain and bring people together. Ever …

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Episode #1181: From Meaningful To Mundane 1:07:42

1y ago1:07:42

1:07:42

What does Israeli music sound like today? A mix of everything. Some of it is sad, some of it hopeful, some of it patriotic. And some...is just back to normal. This week on Israel Hour Radio, you'll hear it all - from love songs to the country, to plain old love songs that could be recorded anytime. From painful songs about our hostages, to painful …

1
Episode #1180: Sad Music From My Happy Place 1:03:30

1y ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Ask Josh Shron about his 'happy place,' and he'll tell you: number one is on the beach in Tel Aviv, and number two is behind the control board at WRSU Studios in New Jersey. This week he comes to you from Happy Place 2 for the first time in six months, and you can just hear the excitement in his voice! Despite his joy, he also brings along a playli…

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Episode #1179: Saluting Our Men and Women In Green 1:03:49

1y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

We've focused on the victims, we've focused on the survivors...but how about a show dedicated to the soldiers? The men and women of the IDF are putting their lives on the line each and every day, fighting on the front lines or behind the scenes. They are all true HEROES, defending our right to exist! This week, Israel Hour Radio salutes our chayali…

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Episode #1178: Musical Therapy 58:34

1+ y ago58:34

58:34

Music is amazing. It can raise you up or knock you down with just a few well-placed notes or lyrics. And somehow, the music in Israel since October 7 has been able to take us on all kinds of highs and lows. Each week, we at Israel Hour Radio have taken you on a musical roller-coaster ride, throwing your emotions into overdrive. But this week, just …

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Episode #1177: One Hundred Days 1:05:41

1+ y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

It's been more than 100 days. 100 agonizing days of darkness. Of heartbreak. Of pain. 100 days of despair. The world recently marked 100 days since the horrific events of October 7, with special emphasis on the hostages that remain in Hamas captivity. This is a milestone we never imagined we'd reach. As painful as it is to think about the plight of…

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Episode #1176: New Year, Old 'Matzav' 1:09:20

1+ y ago1:09:20

1:09:20

It's our first show of 2024 - but despite the new year, the 'matzav' (situation) drags on. We're still at war, we're still awaiting the return of our hostages, we're still grieving what we lost on October 7 and its aftermath. Thankfully, new Israeli music helps unite us, reminding us constantly of what we're fighting for. This week, more new music …

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Episode #1175: The Year in Israeli Music 2023 1:12:25

1+ y ago1:12:25

1:12:25

Yes, it's become the year many of us would like to forget. But as 2023 comes to a close, we take an hour to reminisce about the songs released in the blissful days before the world turned upside down. Radio stations in Israel radically changed their playlists after the tragic events of October 7, but for nine months prior, they played innocent, fun…

1
Episode #1174: Ups and Downs 1:02:35

1+ y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

It's been more than 80 days since the horrors of October 7th, and the healing process still has a very long way to go. There are more than 100 hostages hidden somewhere (presumably) beneath Gaza, we learn daily of more fallen Israeli soldiers, and yes, we still are a very pained nation. Can music help us heal? You tell us. This week, many of the so…

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Episode #1173: Our Hope Is Not Yet Lost 1:06:21

1+ y ago1:06:21

1:06:21

War, sadness, death, hostages, casualties...as Operation Swords of Iron continues, the news isn't getting any easier to digest. But as usual, music helps us cope - and Israeli music seems to be a bit more upbeat, optimistic, and positive over the past few weeks. The roller coaster ride of emotions continues this week on Israel Hour Radio, but this …

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Josh Shron / WRSU Radio Podcasts

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