The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman

In this heartfelt conversation from 2024, host Shep Rosenman speaks with songwriter, Terri Sunflower, who shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, discussing her experiences with gender identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of music. Inspired by the song, "Two Is Better Than One" (which itself was inspired by Psalm 139), they discuss gender identity and sexuality, coming ou...

Shep Rosenman sits down with Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Tatham for a deeply engaging conversation about “Time”, a song inspired by Psalm 39. From the serendipity of discovering an abandoned piano on a street corner to how humor, family, and faith spark creativity, they explore the profound and the unexpected. Together, they journey through themes of speaking versus silence, beliefs about God and...

Rabbi Rachel Kobrin and Jeff Ward join host Shep Rosenman for a conversation that packs a punch. Inspired by the song, “Jaco’s Boxing” (drawn from Psalm 71), they explore prayer and tradition through the unexpected lens of the boxing ring—where resilience is tested, weary hands are lifted by community and by God, and compassion is demanded even for our enemies, echoing through the shofar and the c...

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter and grief therapist, Ingrid Avison, for a moving conversation about the making of “Little Prizes,” a song born out of Psalm 86 and the end-of-life journey of Shep’s dear friend, Kim Simon. This episode is dedicated to Kim and her family. If you want to read more about Kim's life, click this link . Shep and In...

Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand joins host Shep Rosenman for a moving conversation inspired by the song “Nothing Left to Be Said” and Psalm 49. Together, they explore what silence can mean in times of grief, the power of Jewish mourning rituals such as shiva and the work of the Hevra Kadisha, and how music, memory, and storytelling help us navigate loss.   Through personal stories and interfaith persp...

In this powerful episode, Shep Rosenman sits down with co-writer Leah Lesch to uncover the story behind “Bring Him Home”— a moving piece born from Psalm 126 in the shadow of October 7th. The episode is dedicated to the memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.   Leah and Shep reflect on how the song came to life, the emotional depth of Nettie Wolkind’s performance, and its heartfelt intention as a prayer fo...

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman engages in a profound conversation with Rabbi Mel Gottlieb about the journey to wholeness by embracing both light and shadow within ourselves. Drawing inspiration from the song "Finding My Way Out," co-written with Liz Hanelin and produced by Shep's son, E. Rose, Rosenman and Rabbi Gottlieb explore the significance of integrating oppo...

  What happens when the inner voice of prayer collides with the outer world of storytelling? In this soul-stirring episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Brazilian writer-director Anne Pinheiro Guimarães for a raw and reflective conversation that spans continents, cultures, and questions of the self. Together, they explore the thin line between self-awareness and self...

What does it mean to leave a legacy—and can laughter help us face our own mortality? Join host Shep Rosenman for a captivating conversation with acclaimed historian, host of the Jewish History Soundbites podcast, and tour guide Yehuda Geberer that’s equal parts profound and uplifting. Inspired by a moving visit to his parents’ graves and the timeless words of Psalm 16, Shep opens up to his nephew...

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep welcomes Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-Newborn—spiritual leader, hospital chaplain, interfaith activist, and author—for a conversation that bridges trauma, creativity, parenthood, and the search for shared humanity. Alissa, who serves as a Rabbanit at Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, NJ and works as a hospital chaplain, is known for h...

Step into an unforgettable episode of “The Rest is Commentary” as host Shep Rosenman welcomes the extraordinary Rabbi Joe Black for a conversation brimming with inspiration, music, and heartfelt reflection. In this special installment, we celebrate not only Joe’s remarkable journey as a rabbi, musician, and songwriter, but also his upcoming retirement from his beloved synagogue in Denver, Temple E...

In this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, acclaimed singer,  composer, ritual leader, and rocker, Naomi Less joins the conversation to unravel the deep complexities of Jewish identity and the pursuit of safety in this increasingly turbulent world. As a self-described “Lefty Zionist,” Naomi shares her personal journey—one shaped by resilience, hope, and, more recently, the rising tide of...

In this captivating episode of The Rest is Commentary, Shep sits down with his cousin, Rachell Koegel—a passionate writer and educator from Oceanside, New York—for a conversation that’s as moving as it is insightful. Together, they unravel the powerful influence of role models and the lifelong journey of unlearning the patterns we pick up in childhood. Rachell opens up about her experiences in the...

Step into a profound and inspiring dialogue with Raphael Shore, a distinguished rabbi, educator, and visionary film producer. Together, we explore the powerful themes of unity, hope, and spirituality amidst the ongoing turmoil in Israel. Experience Rabbi Shore’s remarkable journey of finding divine connection even in the darkest moments, and uncover the transformative power of empathy, education,...

✨ Ready for a conversation that will move your soul? ✨🎙️ On this powerful episode of *The Rest is Commentary*, Shep Rosenman sits down with his brother - legendary film and TV producer Zvi Howard Rosenman - for a raw, unfiltered journey through the music, memories, and mysteries that shape our lives. 💔 From the wild highs of creativity to the depths of loss, Shep and Zvi reveal how music become...

What happens when a klezmer/classical/punk violinist, Torah teacher, and poet walks into a podcast? Pure magic. Join Shep Rosenman for a soul-stirring conversation with the incomparable *Alicia Jo Rabins*—musician, writer, and spiritual adventurer—whose work weaves together Jewish mysticism, feminist insight, and raw creative fire. In this electrifying episode of The Rest is Commentary, Alicia ope...

Discover an inspiring episode of The Rest is Commentary as host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rav Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi with a unique perspective. Get ready for an enlightening journey through the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the power of grassroots initiatives. Rav Hanan, co-founder of Roots-Shorashim-Judur, shares his compelling personal transformation from a West Ba...

Imagine finding the divine in every conversation, every interaction, and every moment of your life. Join host Shep Rosenman and his inspiring guest, Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, as they embark on a profound exploration of spirituality in the most unexpected places all sparked by the song, The Ballad of a Ghost. With Sherre's insightful perspective and deep spiritual wisdom, they uncover how sacred moments...

🎶🔥 **New Episode Alert!** 🔥🎶   This week on *The Rest is Commentary*, I sit down with the one and only **Peter Himmelman**—Grammy & Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, film composer, visual artist, and author—for a **deep, raw, and soul-stirring conversation**.   🎤 **We talk about:**   ✨ The magic of songwriting and its connection to faith   💔 Turning grief into music—and music into heali...

Step into a realm where music sparks magic! On this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host, Shep Rosenman, sits down with the dazzling Shanna in a Dress—quirky folk-pop maven and live-wire performer. Inspired by Shep's song, Our Day Begins, which is inspired by Psalm 59, we dive deep into Shanna's creative process, where head meets heart, and discover how she transforms positivity into art. We un...

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dive into the fascinating world of creativity and spirituality with Shep Rosenman, Brian Michael Bendis (Peabody Award winning creator of iconic characters like Miles Morales and Jessica Jones), and Rabbi Michael “Stick” Shefrin. Together, they explore how faith fuels artistic expression, the influence of Jewish culture on creativity, and the art of staying true to your roots...

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman is joined by the esteemed Dr. Mayim Bialik to delve into the profound connection between Torah, music, and inspiration. Mayim, widely recognized for her roles on television, including Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, shares her insights into how music and faith intertwine in her life. The conversation spans the exploration of poetry and...

Hit play on this soulful and thought-provoking episode of "The Rest is Commentary" as host Shep Rosenman sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carolyn Shulman for a powerful exploration of parenting, music, and ancient wisdom. Inspired by Shep’s song “Kissing My Son,” they dive into the raw fears and boundless joys of raising children—set against the backdrop of Psalm 2’s timeless truths. Car...

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes Mitchell Hoenig, a former lone soldier in the IDF, to discuss the inspiration behind the song " Dear David ."  Drawing from his unique experiences in the Israeli army, Mitchell shares the profound impact of soldiers receiving letters and gifts during their service and reflects on the importance of maintaining human connections...

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman dives deep into the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joined by industry veterans Brent Travers, a talent manager and producer, and Dan Weidman, a corporate communications expert, this heartfelt discussion draws from their rich history and personal experiences. Brent challenges the notion of seeking forgiveness fro...