J3 (Amateur Hour) Podcast

Jordan calls for an emergency meeting with Yoel, producer Aaron, and a very triggered and sleep deprived Josh, in order to review their respective Pesach experiences and consider the latest disappointing Bulls season. Also, Aaron relates a distressing interaction.

Rabbi Leonard A. Matanky joins the pod in a wide-ranging episode to discuss his passion for education, his leadership of K.I.N.S., Chicago’s modern orthodoxy and religious Zionism past and present, and being an interim principal of Ida Crown for years.

J3 welcome very special guest Rivkie Esformes to talk about her Ladino roots, raising her children, her music career, her quest to build an eruv in Evanston, and her famous father, Rabbi Morris Esformes.

After a short hiatus, Yoel rejoins the pod to share his thoughts on the Sheldon Kane interview, before the boys introduce the new podcast name, break down Josh's special gift to an Australian Bulls fan he met on Twitter, discuss Pesach plans and end with a discussion on Waco.

Sheldon Kane, who owned and operated Kosher dairy restaurant Slice of Life in Skokie for 35+ years, as well as the fleishig Hy Life Bistro next door, takes us through his life and career, and divulges the previously untold story behind Slice's closing. This also marks the first 'sode sans Yoel, who was out of the country at the time of taping. 

On this special Purim episode, the boys + producer Aaron break down what Purim was like growing up, their current holiday habits and reminisce on their favorite costumes through the years, while Josh extends an invitation to the listeners.

Back in Chicago after a recent move to the Sunshine State, Elevate Care CEO Meir Meystel sits down to reminisce on growing up the 11th of 12 kids, starting his career in business at age 15, growing his empire, overcoming personal struggles and generously giving his time to help people get back on their feet. 

Legendary Chicago businessman Rickey Rothner joins the pod to discuss his childhood influences, business career, going B.R.O.K.E. and bouncing back, his seemingly unlimited philanthropic endeavors, and the current state and needs of Chicago's Jewish community. 

With producer Aaron sitting in on a special Super Bowl episode, the boys recall past Super Bowl parties, Josh firmly states that he would never share deodorant, and Yoel explains why hockey is not a real sport. 

On a *work* travel installment of Hard Talk, the boys review their packing habits, discuss wild incidents they've experienced on the road, and the episode is nearly derailed when one of the hosts is notified that his wife was in a mild car accident.

ENT-otolaryngologist Dr. Jonathan Ida comes on the show to talk about living through Katrina, choosing an Orthodox lifestyle later in life and moving into Chicago’s community, attending Phish shows with Josh and brewing his own beer. 

History is made when the Hard Talk podcast is joined by their first ever female guest, Alder Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward, who discusses her Memphis upbringing, early years as a CPA, and thoughts on her beloved neighborhood. Jordan surprises the alder with a new bit of information on her family history, and Josh's unique habit of bringing a banana to shul is discussed at length. And further...

Nesanel Davis joins the pod to discuss his foreign-to-us yeshivish upbringing, transitioning to adulthood, and whether or not his more subdued sense of humor is due to aging, or weight loss. 

The guys discuss their recent family winter vacations, restaurant etiquette and preferences, and what their vacations were like growing up. 

The guys return from winter break to welcome the legend himself, Rabbi Doug Zelden, who joins the show to discuss his trailblazing career and journey in the rabbinate, radio and TV.

WRP native Yoni Lipshitz joins the 'cast to discuss his roundabout journey through Chicago's Jewish schools, maturing as an adult, and somehow Yoel's basketball career is adjudicated.

Danny Altschul discusses pivotal moments of his basketball career at ICJA, his time as a vendor at Chicago sporting events, and becoming a dedicated follower of the Lubavitch Chabad movement. 

Film producer-director-writer and ICJA expellee Aaron Wertheimer joins the show to discuss his life, friendship with Josh and Yoel, the Hard Talk saga and his career. 

The inaugural episode - meet the hosts, learn how they know each other, understand their psyches and stay for the therapy session and why they are embarking on this journey.