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The Oscar nominations are here! In this week's Bagel Report, the Bagels break down nomination trends, talk about Jewish nominees (as well as films they just enjoyed), and speculate about why "She Said" was left out of the awards conversation. They're also talking about "The Fabelmans," what's Newy (an Amy Winehouse biopic!) and Jewy (Josh Malina, always), and a speed round of stories ranging from a movie for Holocaust Remembrance Day to a possible extension of the Shtisel-verse. Plus, just for fun, how a Jewish "SNL" star is rescuing M&Ms. This episode is sponsored by the Jewish Film Institute, whose WinterFest event is coming up Feb. 25-26 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco. Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com Articles referenced in this episode: Forward article about Josh Malina Jodi’s Oscar Blog 2MovieJews Oscars roundup @ J. Miriam Haart International Holocaust Remembrance Day Shochten Maya Rudolph M&Ms spokesperson

Join the Bagels as they take a deep dive (with some spoilers, so watch first, then listen!) into Hunters Season 2. The gang is now in Argentina looking for Hitler — so the Bagels are pondering the proper punishment for a genocidal maniac, examining the line between vigilantes and heroes, and wondering about why this series grabbed us and wouldn't let us go. We'll tell you about TV shows featuring pop songs in Hebrew and Yiddish; what might be happening to the movie Maestro; plus some quick mentions of the Mandalorian and Fauda. You might call this episode a bit of an "everything Bagel" Report. With more to come in the weeks ahead! DISCLAIMER: Hunters references 11 million people who died in the Holocaust (6 million Jews plus 5 million others). But there's an issue – that number was invented by famous Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal to create more sympathy for Jews. Here's more on the 11 million figure, which we look forward to discussing in the weeks ahead: https://www.jta.org/2017/01/31/united-states/remember-the-11-million-why-an-inflated-victims-tally-irks-holocaust-historians Connect with us on socials! Twitter: @estherk, @ebenmoche and @TheBagelReport Instagram: @estherkustanowitz, @ebenmoche and @tbrthepod Email us at: thebagelreport@gmail.com More links: Esther's Hunters article in J: https://jweekly.com/2020/02/21/in-hunters-al-pacino-and-his-gang-of-vigilantes-target-nazis-in-1970s-america/ "Say Shalom to My Little Friends" TBR's first Hunters episode: http://tinyurl.com/bagel-hunters Variety piece about Hebrew "Fight Song": https://variety.com/2023/music/news/hebrew-version-fight-song-fleishman-is-in-trouble-1235488452/ The Jewish Experience at TCM: https://www.tcm.com/articles/Programming-Article/021714/special-theme-the-jewish-experience

It's a high-low cultural extravaganza that includes everything from Spielberg's “The Fablemans” to the newest season of “My Unorthodox Life.” David Baddiel's "Jews Don't Count" is a UK documentary special based on his book; we have a brief rundown. Plus, why aren't people going to see "She Said"? And does anyone have Peacock? And if so, are they watching "The Calling," a police procedural featuring a Jewish detective? And as the year closes, the Bagels have some year-end notes and appreciation to share...with some exciting things coming in 2023. Thank you to all the listeners: here's to more in the new year!

This week the Bagels are joined by actor Adam Busch, one of the stars of the new Hulu Hanukkah film "Menorah in the Middle." This episode has everything: childhood Hanukkah traditions, the Talmud, Jewish geography, learning about Christian de la Fuerte, and a wide-ranging discussion of whether "an awareness of duality" is a Jewish trait.

After a rough few weeks, people are showing their support for Jews in big and small ways! Taylor Swift swiftly corrected her tour schedule to include non-Shabbat dates, and Amy Schumer wore her Judaism on SNL. The Bagels are in trouble for not having read "Fleishman's In Trouble" in advance of its premiere on Hulu next week, and are anticipating the end of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" by suggesting spinoffs for our favorite characters. It's fall folks so Erin has decided it's sweater weather in L.A, and Esther makes the case for "Manifest"'s hidden Jewish concepts. Plus, an existential question about artists' obligations to their work and to their fans.

Therapy is now in session as Erin makes a confession, Esther absolves, and Steve Carell flashes back to Jewish moments in his life in "The Patient." Then we break down "Do Revenge" and wonder why the villain is wearing a Magen David necklace. "Cobra Kai" goes to Shul to hornswoggle the Jewish sensei. Later, the bagels enjoy the actors and fun self-skewering of "Reboot." Since the High Holy Days are right around the corner, Esther and Erin bring TV characters to shul, and recommend Jewy things to watch for High Holy Days-themed entertainment. Shana Tova from the Bagel Report!

The Jeopardy category is JEWISH PODCASTS. Fresh from the Celebrity Jeopardy studio audience, Esther and Erin jump into the intricacies of trying to make Sabra happen. It has barely been a week since Marvel announced that Israeli actress Shira Haas is playing Israeli superhero Sabra, and the world is on fire with controversy. Esther and Erin go down the anxiety rabbit hole about this announcement, wonder what having an Israeli superhero in the MCU might mean and what Marvel is thinking. Erin gets animated about how American Jews do or don't talk about Israel; Esther makes an impression of a car speeding away and makes up a fake sponsor for the episode. The Bagels anticipate the arrival of The Storybergs, er, The Fabelmans by Stevie Shtetlheimer (a. k.a. Steven Spielberg). Plus, the return of our speedier-than-usual Speed Round, covering: Armageddon Time, What We Do in the Shadows, Counting Crows in Israel, and a new Israeli reality show about Haredi women. The Bagel Report remains your only podcast likely to give shoutouts to Paper Bag Dramatics, George Lucas in Love, and a Bracha Bee all in one episode!

At The Bagel Report, anything can happen: like learning about human behavior and Jewish ethics with Nathan Fielder on "The Rehearsal" which leads to a conversation about how to clone Hitler. Erin is anticipating Nick Kroll’s new standup special and although she's under a reviewer embargo, Esther can't wait for "Reboot," starring Rachel Bloom and Paul Reiser. Plus, a convo about which sitcoms from our respective youths we would reboot. Erin unexpectedly comes down hard on actors doubling themselves for roles. Plus, [Seinfeld voice] what is the deal with Larry David?

Only icons and no lame-os in this new episode. Erin and Esther share their reflections on iconic singer/actress Olivia Newton-John, from "Grease" to "Physical" to "Two of a Kind." Erin tells Esther about Nathan Fielder's very Jewish episode of "The Rehearsal," and Esther tries to sum up "The Sandman" and invokes "The Booth at the End." Plus, disappointment is shared over the Netflix version of "13" and anticipating the Jewish representation in "Never Have I Ever" season 3.

From Adam Sandler's new bat mitzvah movie to 1"3: The Musical: The Movie" (both coming to Netflix), the Jewish coming of age ritual is taking center stage. Erin breaks down Jason Robert Brown's contributions to musical theater, while Esther wants to know more about the Jewish meaning in both of these movies. Erin drops knowledge about Josh Peck and Esther appreciates the education. Inspired by P!nk's newest song and video, "Irrelevant," the Bagels talk about the connections between art and politics; how culture can create empowerment and activism; how people should use their pulpits, and what people expect from their Jewish community. Check out some links! Pink's Jewish Life  13 The Movie Musical Jewish Emmys nods 

This week we talk about....everything, including a madcap review of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4. Mostly Ms. Marvel and her fascinating background, delightfully constructed world, and her particular resonance for people with immigration stories in their family history. Mel Brooks makes headway toward becoming the 2000-year-old man. Transparent comes to LA —as a musical, of course—to display complicated families and secular Jewish meaning on stage in 2023. Erin—now post-wedding and post-COVID—goes full Broadway in explaining the Beanie-Lea Michele fight over Funny Girl and why Broadway was unfair to Beanie. Natalie Portman's upcoming new Jewy (non-Thor) role and more!

The Bagels are talking about Bradley Cooper's nose this week-- and how his Leonard Bernstein impression has set the internet ablaze in prosthetic controversy. We also talk about why Obi-Wan Kenobi may or may not be like Moses. Speaking of Moses, Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Moses Ingram has become the target of racist fan rage, which we do not approve of. Strange Jewish things are emerging from Stranger Things this season and of course, Esther caught it. Big Bagel appreciation goes out to celebrity Jews Jamie Lee Curtis, Liev Schreiber, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen for their work in honor and memory of their ancestors. The Bagels also remember George Shapiro, who is responsible for bringing us so much comedy over the years, and looking forward to Erin's wedding; she's basically the opposite of a Bridezilla. Stranger Things Season 2 is on Netflix Obi-Wan is on Disney+

Just because "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is between seasons doesn't mean we're not going to talk about the recent casting notice looking for "Jewish types," or what it means that there are scenes in the upcoming season set in Israel. This week, Esther gives a light review of "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" and Erin makes a case for Randall as the Jewish sibling in "This Is Us." Plus, Esther engages in a discussion of when "Star Wars" Day actually is and explores some of "Star Wars'" Jewish elements in honor of Shabbat Shabobiwan as Erin politely nods and smiles.

With so much content hitting theaters, networks, and streamers, we had to make some hard choices about what to cover in our first pod after our unintentional hiatus. Esther confronts her "WeCrashed" issues; Erin gets frustrated by missed Jewish opportunities in Marvel's "MoonKnight" series. Both take a moment to appreciate "Grace & Frankie" and how they show new paths into friendship while growing older. Plus, Erin and Esther are happy to be back onboard "Russian Doll's" regressive therapy train to take apart the new season until we reach the vulnerable inner child at the center.

This week, Erin and Esther noted a new trend in storytelling: Girls and women coming of age. "Encanto" and "Turning Red" (Disney+) narrow the lens further with ethnic specificity, which doesn't stop either from being relevant regardless of cultural identity. Plus, some initial talk about Amy Schumer's new series "Life and Beth" (Hulu); "Heritage Day" featuring two of our fave "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" alumni; and the cartoon in live-action that is Jared Leto playing an Israeli in WeCrashed (AppleTV+).

A magician is suddenly a hypnotist and changes everything! Imogene is Dody! Moishe falls off a barstool! This week the bagels recap the highs and lows of the last few episodes of Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Esther and Erin try to find all their words and mostly succeed in their recap and make a few guesses about the final season. Also, in case we still have listeners who don't watch Maisel, loving “Better Things” leaning into the Jewyness, wondering why Hollywood is all-in on Jared Leto and made him an Israeli con-man in “WeCrashed,” and a quick mini-review of the play “TRAYF,” now at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A.

This week, the Bagels reflect on Ukraine, recap "CODA" moments at the SAG Awards, understand the many layers of Larry David after he canceled/ postponed his own HBO special, and dissect John Mulaney’s sober SNL patchwork musical, including those Fiddler Jews. Later, during Maisel Moments, they psychoanalyze Midge’s urge to drag everyone into progress whether they like it or not. They also praise Susie’s eulogy tour de force and — unfortunately for Esther —offer another “What’s going on with Joel” segment.  Stay connected with The Bagel Report on social @thebagelreport, on Instagram @TBRthepod, and by email at thebagelreport@gmail.com

This week Esther and Erin sing out Broadway-style with special guest Anita Silvert, co-host of the Broadway-meets-Jewish-texts podcast VERSES. From Bibliodrama to Limmud to camp and school plays, the trio gets dramatic and musical, talking about the enduring power of musical theater. After saying goodbye to Anita, it's a Bagel Breakdown of the first two new episodes of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," in what may or may not be a returning segment called Moments of Maisel. Or the Bagel Breakdown. We’re still deciding.

As this episode drops into the world, so do the first new episodes of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in two years. This week, we've got recaps and predictions for Season 4 (with reviews of new episodes coming next week and in our first IG Live on Feb 18). Esther delights in one of the new episodes' titles, and Erin tells us why some people call her "Maisel." Before we remember Midge, Susie and the gang, we head through some newy and Jewy TV shows coming up from HBO and Israel, and more.

The Oscar nominations are here, Charlotte York Goldenblatt's child became a Jewish adult (or did they?), and there's a whole lot that's Newy & Jewy (bam copyright). And Erin and Esther have feelings about all of it, (over)analyzing "And Just Like That"'s Jewish coming-of-age ritual and sharing their bat mitzvah experiences, thinking about how to anchor this moment in a child's life in meaning and identity beyond the binary/traditional. And, pop culture moments that are good, bad and meh for the Jews.