The Rest is Commentary with Shep Rosenman

What happens when a song breaks open — and something sacred spills out? In this deeply moving episode, Host Shep Rosenman sits down with singer-songwriter Timmy Riordan for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring. Together they explore the beautiful, messy, and profoundly human journey of creating music — from the spark of an idea to the courage it takes to share something truly personal with the world. Timmy opens up about his creative process, the challenge of living with imperfection, and the spiritual dimension of songwriting that connects ancient wisdom to the songs we write today. At the heart of the conversation is Little Bit O' Gold — a song rooted in the imagery of Psalm 80 — and the remarkable journey from sacred text to finished song. They explore how the Psalmist's cry for restoration and renewal becomes something utterly fresh and alive and how that ancient longing still echoes in our lives today.  We also get to hear Timmy play one of his original songs. Along the way, they dive into the Japanese art of Kintsugi — the idea that broken things repaired with gold are more beautiful for having been broken — as a powerful metaphor for what it means to be an artist and a human. Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or simply someone who has ever struggled to create something meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own imperfections — and find that little bit of gold hiding inside them. This episode is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Timmy's mom, Mary Beth "Smidge" (Superman)Riordan — may her memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all who hear it.

What happens when ancient Torah meets modern melody with mindfulness as the bridge between them? In this episode, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Aaron Lerner for a wide‑ranging, deeply human conversation at the crossroads of music, Jewish spirituality, and communal leadership. Anchored by Shep’s song “Magnets, Elevators, Ghosts," inspired by Psalm 97, the discussion opens a window into how sacred texts still spark creativity—and how songwriting can become a form of prayer. Together, Shep and Rabbi Lerner explore moments of divine inspiration, the vulnerability required to create honestly, and what it means to remain open—spiritually, emotionally, and communally—within Jewish life. They reflect on mindfulness as a core Jewish value, the power of blessings to awaken presence, and how art invites possibility where certainty falls short. The conversation also widens to leadership and responsibility: philanthropy through the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, navigating tension and empathy in communal roles, and showing up for the Jewish people in challenging times. Personal stories, spiritual insights, and creative process intertwine—revealing how tradition and modernity don’t compete, but collaborate. They also discuss the important influence of some of Aaron's teachers at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Whether you’re a seeker, a songwriter, a community builder, or simply curious, this episode is an invitation—to listen more closely, to stay open, and to hear the divine resonance hidden in everyday life. 🎶✨

In this episode, Shep Rosenman and Shoshana Bloom dive into the making and meaning of “It’s About What You Do,” a song inspired by Psalm 82. Their conversation opens into a wider reflection on what it means to show up — as leaders, creators, and members of a community.   They explore the metaphor of the arena — a place of confrontation, courage, and shared discovery — and talk through the tensions between performing and supporting, perfection and presence. Through personal stories and honest insight, Shep and Shoshana unpack how ownership, empathy, and imperfect action shape the ways we lift one another and build collective life.   A rich and candid dialogue about stepping forward, enabling others, and finding purpose in the messy beauty of doing the work.

Get ready for a Purim party like no other! 🎭✨ In this Purim special, host Shep Rosenman shares his original song “Let’s Talk About Faith” and joins Maya and Noelle for a lively conversation that’s equal parts joy, curiosity, and spiritual wrestling. Together, they celebrate Purim’s spirit of courage and reversal while honoring the resilience of the women of Iran. Mixing serious theology with playful moments (yes, including a Valley Girl version of God), the trio dives into questions of faith, doubt, free will, and the afterlife, drawing on the Rambam’s (Maimonides's) 13 Principles of Faith, Torah teachings, and modern reflections on community and purpose. It’s an episode that turns uncertainty into opportunity—and reminds us that humor and holiness often share the same space. Whether you’re here to add some sparkle to your Purim celebration or to find inspiration in life’s big questions, this episode promises laughter, insight, and a reminder that choosing goodness is the most sacred act of all. Tune in, pour yourself a l’chaim, and let’s talk about faith.

Artist and scholar Emily Cheng joins host Shep Rosenman for a luminous conversation at the crossroads of art, music, and sacred text. From two of Emily's monumental 18‑foot paintings charting the meeting of Western and Eastern spiritual traditions to Shep's song “Unwrapping Heaven,” inspired by Psalm 104, Emily invites us into a world where brushstrokes, breath, and prayer intertwine.   Together, they explore the idea of the center — from mandalas to melody — and the tension between the grand and the granular, the cosmic and the intimate. Along the way, they reflect on translating scripture into art, the practice of service through creativity, and how grounding rituals — even a single mindful breath — can shape both spiritual and artistic life.   Plus: insights into Emily’s community development work with IIRR, the deep relationship between Taoist and Jewish teachings, and the process of editing a work until it finally feels alive.   This is an episode you won't want to miss!

When podcast host, Shep Rosenman, turned to Psalm 38, its haunting honesty became the heartbeat of his song “Don’t Turn Away From Me.” In this conversation, Jim Ehrich joins Shep to unpack how guilt, vulnerability, and longing for connection can become pathways toward "teshuvah"—repentance and renewal—through music.   As the two explore the intersection of sacred text and songwriting, Jim opens up about his journey as a leukemia survivor, the transformative moment of facing illness while expecting his daughter, and how that experience reshaped his understanding of faith beyond religious boundaries. Together, they reflect on the healing power of creativity and how music can turn pain into purpose.

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, Avram Mandell—founder of Tzedek America—joins host Shep Rosenman for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about empathy, community, and the healing power of story and song. Through memories of New York City playgrounds, transformative civil rights journeys, and meaningful encounters across borders and on Skid Row, Avram reflects on how human connection can turn personal pain into strength and shared understanding. Inspired by the song “Waiting” (drawn from Psalm 89) by Liz Hanellin and Shep Rosenman, this episode invites listeners to explore how storytelling and music can bridge divides, challenge indifference, and ignite action. Together, they dive into immersive social justice programs, discuss the fight against hate in schools, and consider what it truly means to move from bystander to upstander in pursuit of a more compassionate world.

What happens when ancient psalms meet modern songwriting? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor to talk about “Into the Wow” — a song they wrote inspired by Psalm 118 that turns timeless text into fresh musical and spiritual expression.   Together, they explore what it means to find community at the heart of Judaism, to experience awe beyond traditional God-language, and to discover rituals that make everyday life feel sacred. Sarah reflects on her personal recovery, reimagines prayer through a human-centered lens, and shows how joy, creativity, and connection can become forms of faith.   From lyrical wordplay to musical multilingualism (check out Sarah's podcast, Heritage Words), this conversation dives deep into how Jewish language, melody, and meaning weave together — and how wonder can surface anywhere: in nature, in movement, in a shared meal, or in a simple moment of song. 

This week's guest on The Rest is Commentary is Rabbi Steve Greenberg, founding director of Eshel, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ and their families in the Orthodox community.  Steve and host Shep Rosenman to dive into the song “Like Sailors”—a piece inspired by Psalm 148 and co-written by Shep and Liz Hanellin. Their conversation blends music, theology, and wonder, exploring what it means to stand in awe of creation and to see prayer as joining a vast cosmic chorus of praise.   The discussion widens into a moving exploration of moral responsibility: how we shape a world worthy of future generations, what inclusion looks like within Orthodox communities, and how different modes of prayer can transform us. Along the way, Rabbi Greenberg weaves in rich metaphors of ocean, river, and even “slinky time,” inviting us to hold past, present, and future together—with hope, curiosity, and heart. 

What does it mean to stay open — as an artist, a parent, and a person — when life asks you to both take control and let go? In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, director Vicente Amorim sits down with host Shep Rosenman to talk about “Infinite Light,” a song Shep co-wrote with Liz Hanellin, inspired by Psalm 36. Their conversation drifts from creative inspiration to the messy beauty of real life — the push and pull between control and surrender, listening to your inner teenager, and how romance and storytelling shape the way we create and connect. Together, they reflect on what it means to show up vulnerably — in art, in love, and in family life. Vicente shares what it’s like to make career choices that honor his inner child and how playfulness and responsibility can actually go hand in hand. It’s a warm, thoughtful exchange about finding joy, depth, and meaning in the creative process — and in the everyday stories we tell those we love.

What does it really mean to live a Jewish life guided by Torah—not politics?   In this episode, Chava Mirel joins us for an honest and deeply heartfelt conversation about Judaism, identity, and what happens when faith and nationalism start to overlap. Chava reminds us that Judaism was never meant to be a political movement. Instead, it’s a living tradition rooted in how we treat one another—with compassion, justice, and awareness.   Together, we explore how Torah can guide the way we show up in the world, not through power or political ambition, but through moral clarity and everyday kindness. It’s a conversation about returning to the core of Jewish life—where our actions reflect our values, and where being a Torah Jew means choosing ethics over ego.   If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to center Torah in a complicated world, this episode is for you.  

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman welcomes renowned and award winning Jewish educator and storyteller Clive Lawton for a wide-ranging, down-to-earth conversation sparked by the song “Weaving a Garment of Light” (also known as “Work of Our Hands”), inspired by Psalm 19 and written by Shep and Ruby Corbyn-Ross. Together they explore how Jewish tradition holds both cosmic awe and everyday responsibility at the same time, asking what it means to live with wonder while still showing up for real people and real problems.  They talk about embracing contrasting ideas in Jewish thought, the call to social and moral action, and why rigid either/or thinking can be so dangerous in an age shaped by technology and AI.  The conversation also turns to Holocaust education, communal duty, and practical ways Jews and anyone else can engage locally and globally, including how creative work and Jewish learning can deepen that sense of responsibility and hope for the future, including hope for the Mashiach (Messiah).

In this powerful episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Robby Berman — Israeli tour guide, author, comedian, and activist — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, heartbreak, and humanity in today’s Israel.   Inspired by the song "What Would It Take?” (written by Shep and Liz Hanellin and drawn from Psalm 22), their dialogue delves into the personal and political — from Robby’s journey out of religious orthodoxy to his decades witnessing the beauty and turmoil of Israeli life firsthand. Berman speaks openly about violence, extremism, and the moral crossroads facing Israelis and Palestinians alike, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while holding onto empathy.   At once intimate and provocative, this episode explores whether hope can survive in a landscape of fear — and what it would really take to build a more just future. 

When Shep Rosenman sits down with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, the conversation becomes a journey—through grief, faith, and the mysterious power of music to hold them both.  In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, they unpack Shep’s song “Holy Hands,” drawn from Psalm 134, exploring how melody and lyric intertwine to express what words alone cannot.   They talk about songwriting as a dialogue between clarity and mystery, about how mourning shapes creativity, and about the ways we keep speaking to those we've lost. Along the way, the two reflect on family, tradition, and the beauty found in different paths of belief. It’s a conversation about legacy and love, about art that prays even when it can’t explain.   Don't miss this episode!

In this episode of The Rest is Commentary, host Shep Rosenman sits down with Texas musician and storyteller, Joe Buchanan for a deeply moving conversation about divine love and the power of good deeds. Together, they remind us that there is one God and nothing wrong with any of us — we are each loved, exactly as we are. Acts of kindness aren’t about rewards or fear, but about bringing more good into the world. Spirituality and goodness cross every boundary, and it's in our everyday intentions that we find comfort, strength, and meaning. Tune in for an uplifting exploration of how understanding divine love can transform lives, and how good deeds are their own reward. And get to hear four live performances, two from Joe's new album, Heaven & Earth, which can be found on his website, www.joebuchananmusic.com and wherever music is streamed or purchased, in addition to the songs Shep plays that start and end their conversation.

Get ready for an unforgettable episode as Shep Rosenman welcomes Professor Jeff Proske and Rabbi Julia Knobloch to dive deep into the creation of the Psalm-inspired song, “I Forgot What Happened in Babylon,” co-written by Shep and Julia. Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles reimagined as a modern Zion, and uncover the powerful stories and symbolism behind Babylon, love, loss, and transformation. This lively discussion explores the search for meaning, the impact of change, and the ways Biblical wisdom and life experiences fuel creativity and music. Discover how community supports healing, and how art can help us embrace joy and purpose in everyday life. The episode wraps up with moving insights into songwriting, memory, and Shep’s ambitious project of setting the Psalms to music—offering inspiration, hope, and renewal for anyone navigating times of transformation.

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 out later in life, family relationships and loss, songwriting as therapy, community support, the importance of authenticity in one's life and art, and so much more.  The episode is dedicated to the memory of Terri’s father, Tom Cook, who died in 2025.

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 the afterlife, life in Hollywood’s writers’ rooms, climate activism, and the fleeting encounters that add meaning and joy to our days. It’s a thoughtful, spirited dialogue you won’t want to miss.

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 cry of Sisera’s mother.   From dynamic prayer spaces to bold new approaches to teen engagement, from the challenges of leadership to the centrality of gratitude and love, this episode is a fast-moving journey through the heart of Jewish life today. Plus, we launch the promotion of Jeff's new book, Shabbat on Mars —landing October 16, 2025, wherever books are sold.   This isn’t just a discussion—it’s an invitation to reimagine how tradition meets the everyday, and how faith can spark creativity, courage, and community.  

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 Ingrid reflect on grief as both a deep wound and a surprising wellspring of creativity—exploring how writing with co-writer Liz Hanellin, performing music as ritual, and weaving in humor, presence, and community can help manage the process of loss. The discussion also shines a light on Ingrid’s unique path as both therapist and musician, her newest projects, and the ways songs can comfort, connect, and carry us through life’s hardest seasons. Here's a link to Ingrid’s website.