The Kibbitz

Join Andrea and Melissa as they reflect on their first year of podcasting, sharing insights on community building, Jewish identity, college decisions, and personal growth. This episode celebrates their journey, the guests they've hosted, and their hopes for the future of Jewish community engagement. The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information...

This week, Andrea and Melissa talk with "Andrea's Rabbi," Rabbi Sandford Kopnick of Valley Temple. The conversation explores the Jewish understanding of God, the evolution of beliefs, and how Judaism approaches morality, community, and the concept of being chosen. It offers deep insights into modern and traditional perspectives on faith, belief, and ethical living. The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfo...

Congressman Greg Landsman joins Andrea and Melissa from Studio North! This episode features an in-depth exploration of community building, antisemitism, political strategy, and personal hope. The discussion offers valuable insights into current political and social issues, emphasizing the importance of community, trust, and resilience. The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product...

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by our wardrobes, often feeling like we have nothing to wear despite a closet full of clothes. In this week's episode, Andrea and Melissa sit down with Ivy Costa, a personal stylist who has dedicated her career to helping women navigate their wardrobe dilemmas and rediscover their unique style.  The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk P...

Can we really keep our kids safe on campus? The rise in antisemitism is real, and it’s coming from all directions. On a news-breaking episode of The Kibbitz, Andrea and Melissa talk with Shira Goodman from the ADL, for a deep-dive into the current landscape of antisemitism in schools, including breaking some details from the ADL's newly released Campus Antisemitism Report Card. While it’s alarming...

This conversation explores the profound experiences of volunteering in Israel, particularly in the context of the recent conflict. The speaker shares personal stories of connection to Israel, the weight of responsibility on young soldiers, and the urgent need for support in the military. The discussion also touches on the impact of anti-Semitism, the importance of community, and the lessons learne...

In the world of fitness, personal training can often feel intimidating, especially to those who are just starting their journey. In this enlightening podcast episode, Melissa and Andrea welcome Andrea' trainer, John Rupp, to explore the transformative power of exercise and how it can serve as a therapeutic outlet for frustrations and stress. They share personal anecdotes and insights that highligh...

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Crane discusses her journey into Holocaust and genocide studies, the evolution of Holocaust education, and the importance of survivor stories. She emphasizes the need for critical thinking in understanding history and the role of ordinary people in both perpetrating and resisting genocide. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching about trauma, the s...

Melissa and Andrea welcome Rabbi Ari Jun, where they discuss the importance of giving grace and understanding in today's society, particularly within the Jewish community. They explore the challenges of navigating Jewish identity amidst rising antisemitism and the complexities surrounding Zionism. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling, community engagement, and mental health...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts and their husbands share personal stories about their relationships, discussing the privileges of marriage, the importance of support, and the challenges of parenting. They reflect on how love evolves over time, the role of humor in navigating tough times, and the impact of their upbringings on their views of marriage. The discussion highlights the signific...

In this conversation, Andrea and Melissa explore the significance of cookbooks in Jewish culture, particularly focusing on the Settlement Cookbook and its role in the Americanization of Jewish immigrants. They discuss how cookbooks serve as texts that reflect community values, identity, and memory, while also sharing personal anecdotes about family recipes and the legacy of cooking traditions. The...

This week, Andrea and Melissa welcome their friends, sisters Amy and Dedra, to talk about loss and grief. The episode runs the gamut of emotions, from joy of family to the profound sadness in the loss of a parent. The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information, go to jewfolk.com/podcast or email podcast@jewfolk.com

In this conversation, Melissa and Andrea explore the significance of family connections, the role of being a family keeper, and the emotional weight of inherited stories and artifacts. They discuss the impact of family history on personal identity, the journey of discovering ancestry, and the importance of technology in genealogy. The conversation highlights the shared experiences that connect gen...

This conversation explores the evolving role of women in Jewish leadership, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of community engagement. Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch discusses her experiences transitioning to Cincinnati, the significance of sisterhood, and the impact of the pandemic on family dynamics. The dialogue emphasizes the need for inclusion and advocacy within the...

Before a late-summer hiatus, Andrea and Melissa reflect on their experience seeing the iconic "Fiddler on the Roof" at Music Hall Cincinnati. The Kibbitzers talked about the current run of the show, but also the importance of the show not just in Jewish culture at large, but also specifically to them and their families.   The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, In...

In this episode, Andrea and Melissa talk with Sarah Fried from Hillel International about what Jewish college students are facing today — and how Hillel is helping them find connection, safety, and meaning. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or both, you’ll get honest insights and practical advice on navigating Jewish life on campus. Spoiler: It’s going to be okay. The Kibbitz is part of the Jewf...

It's never been more challenging to find the right college for your child. In a world where antisemitism is rising, what are some of the things that it's important to look for? This week, Andrea and Melissa welcome Keri Bahar, the founder of KSB College Consulting, to the podcast. Keri and the Kibbitzers talk about the modern challenges, what parents and kids are really looking for, and how to det...

In this raw and intimate episode of The Kibbitz, Andrea and Melissa explore the complex world of anxiety through personal stories and shared experiences. The two friends dive deep into their struggles with anxiety, discussing how it impacts their lives, creative work, and relationships. They unpack generational trauma, coping mechanisms, and the importance of acknowledging emotional challenges. Wi...

This week, Andrea and Melissa are exploring the challenges and nuances faced by those in the "Sandwich Generation" — people who are simultaneously caring for their children and aging parents. Their discussions on life in The Middle—whether geographically in the heartland or within family dynamics—offer relatable insights into juggling responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and finding person...

The Kibbitzers welcomed the community to Cafe Alma for the show's launch party. Listen to the live interview with Cincy Jewfolk editor Sam Fisher helping the people learn about Andrea and Melissa, get to know about what's in store for this season, and answer some VERY deep listener-submitted questions.  Books that would be good reads based on the discussions:  People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a...

We have our first guest! Andrea and Melissa welcome singer/songwriter Dan Nichols to the show. What started as a discussion of the importance of Jewish overnight camp in shaping Dan's story turned into a deeper discussion of how he found his place in the Jewish community, mental health, family, and of course music. Plus, Dan shares a new track from his forthcoming album, "The Mirror."  The Kibbitz...

This week, Andrea and Melissa discuss the rise in antisemitism, express frustration over the normalization of antisemitism and the challenges of addressing it, including the uninviting of a Zionist rabbi from an anti-Neo Nazi event and the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Cincinnati. They emphasize the historical and cultural significance of Israel, refute the claim that Jews are white colonize...

Andrea and Melissa dive into the complicated world of body image. From societal pressures in the Jewish and secular worlds   to self-acceptance, they open up about their personal journeys and the ongoing struggle to feel at home in their own skin. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of empathy as they unpack what it means to love (or even just like) your body in a world that doesn’t always...

n the premiere episode of The Kibbitz, meet your hosts Andrea and Melissa—two longtime friends with sharp minds, big laughs, and even bigger opinions. Join them as they kick off the conversation, sharing who they are, why they started this podcast, and what you can expect from the episodes to come. From pop culture to personal stories, current events to candid confessions—nothing’s off the table w...

Learn about the newest Jewfolk Podcast: The Kibbitz! The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information, go to jewfolk.com/podcast or email podcast@jewfolk.com