JL;DR

Menschwarmers welcomes Matthew Leibl, former sports radio host turned podcaster, to discuss Jewish presence in sports, particularly highlighting the Edmonton Oilers with two Jewish players and his personal journey from sports journalism to rabbinical studies. The episode also covers Jewish representation across various sports, with a focus on the NHL playoffs, and shares anecdotal experiences from Leibl's cross-continental baseball odyssey.

Major League Baseball's Jewish players are highlighted as the new baseball season begins, with discussions of trades, player movements, and standout athletes, such as Alex Bregman and Max Fried. The episode also celebrates Jewish contributions in NCAA basketball, recounting how several Jewish coaches have led their teams to success.

Menschwarmers explores the Jewish connections in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, noting that three of the four top seeds are coached by Jews: Bruce Pearl, Todd Golden, and Jon Scheyer. The hosts also discuss Jewish players to watch, including Danny Wolf and Sam Silverstein, while highlighting the unique roles that Jewish identity plays within collegiate sports culture.

AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jewish athlete in the Winter Olympics, shares insights from the World Bobsled Championships and highlights the challenges faced by Israel's bobsled team in terms of funding, equipment, and recruitment. Despite the dangers and difficulty of the sport, Edelman's passion remains evident as he details both the technical aspects of bobsledding and the operational hurdles in managing the team.

Jake Adams, a Jewish stand-up comic, blends humor and sports with his social media channel "Country Club Adjacent," which has gained massive popularity and now includes a podcast and merchandise. Joined by hosts Gabe and James, Adams discusses the intersection of Jews, golf, and comedy, while also addressing recent news in Jewish sports, including Alex Bregman’s major contract with the Red Sox.

AJ Edelman, an Orthodox Jew and pilot of the Israeli bobsled team, discusses his journey to becoming a Winter Olympian and the challenges he faces in raising visibility and support for Jews in sports. He talks about the obstacles, cultural perceptions, and his commitment to representing Israel while also addressing recent events impacting the Israeli community.

AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to compete in the Winter Olympics, discusses the challenges and triumphs of being an Israeli bobsledder and the cultural attitudes of Jews towards sports. He also delves into his ongoing efforts in Israeli sports advocacy, the practicalities of maintaining orthodox practices while competing, and his role in speaking out for Israel amid geopolitical tensions.

AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to compete in the Winter Olympics, discusses his journey as an athlete, the challenges faced by Jewish athletes, and his mission to promote Jewish involvement in sports. Despite cultural obstacles, Edelman is committed to fostering future Jewish athletic talent and proudly representing Israel on the global stage.

Jennifer Sey discusses her journey from a national gymnastics champion to a CEO advocating for women's rights in sports, emphasizing the challenges she faced due to her controversial views on COVID-19 policies and trans athletes in women's sports. Her conversation sheds light on corporate America's shift towards 'woke capitalism' and the personal and professional fallout she experienced for standing by her beliefs.

The hosts of Menschwarmers discuss the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame's efforts to resonate with younger audiences through a rebrand and enhanced digital presence. They also address antisemitic backlash facing Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson due to a controversial trade decision and interview key figures from the Hall of Fame about its history and future initiatives.

Jewish baseball is back in the spotlight with the Canadian premiere of the documentary "Israel Swings for Gold," highlighting the unique journey of Israeli baseball players at the Tokyo Olympics. A panel discussion accompanies the screening, featuring prominent figures like Dan Schulman and Shai Davidi, and athletes promoting cultural integration through sports.

This episode discusses the Toronto Blue Jays' trade of Jewish first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the Cleveland Guardians and the emotional implications for Jewish fans. The hosts also cover other notable Jewish-related sports news, including Jake Retzlaff's Manischewitz sponsorship and actors like Timothée Chalamet venturing into sports media.

Daniel Lörcher, founder of 'What Matters', discusses the challenge of antisemitism in soccer and the broader role the sport can play in promoting tolerance and pluralism. He explains how soccer clubs can address discrimination by educating fans and creating spaces for reflection and action.

Justine Siegal and Keith Stein are launching the Women's Pro Baseball League set to begin in 2026, with the aim of providing a professional platform for women in a sport that hasn't seen a professional league since the 1950s. Meanwhile, the podcast delves into the recent disturbances in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, raising questions about anti-Semitism and soccer hooliganism intersecting in Europe.

Menschwarmers hosts discuss prominent Jewish figures in professional sports, highlighting basketball players like Deni Avdija, Domantas Sabonis, and rising stars Amari Bailey and Ben Saraf. They also cover noteworthy performances from Jewish athletes in other sports, including rugby, golf, and American football, with a special nod to Jake Retzlaff, a Jewish quarterback leading BYU's undefeated season.

As hockey and baseball seasons converge, the Menschwarmers discuss Jewish athletes to watch, including the promising Hughes brothers in the NHL and key players like Alex Bregman and Max Fried in the MLB postseason. The podcast also highlights the potential impact of Zach Hyman and Jeremy Swayman in the NHL, along with analyzing MLB playoff prospects for several Jewish athletes across both leagues.

Jamie Hirsh and Gabe Pulver preview the 2024 NHL and MLB seasons, highlighting key Jewish athletes to watch, such as Zach Hyman, Jack Hughes, and Alex Bregman. They also discuss potential postseason contributions from players like Jeremy Swayman and Max Fried, emphasizing the increasing prominence of Jewish talent in both hockey and baseball.

Paralympians Tahl Leibovitz and Ian Seidenfeld discuss facing antisemitism in sports, with Israeli athletes receiving death threats and hate gestures during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Both athletes emphasize the power of sports as a unifying force amidst adversity, and share insights on overcoming personal and professional challenges.

This episode explores the Jewish origins of the Paralympic Games, highlighting the contributions of Jewish doctor Ludwig Guttmann and contemporary Jewish Paralympians. The hosts also discuss the upcoming NFL season, anti-Semitism faced by Olympic wrestler Amit Elor, and commemorate the anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.

Menschwarmers delves into the Jewish origins and current Jewish stars of the Paralympics, featuring an interview with Alana Schreiber on the influential role of Jewish doctor Ludwig Guttmann in founding the games. The episode also highlights prominent Jewish Paralympians like Ezra Frech and Ian Seidenfeld, discusses the NFL season's Jewish players, and reflects on the Munich Olympics massacre anniversary.

Israeli athletes at the Paris Olympics made history by winning an unprecedented seven medals, marking a significant achievement in Israel's Olympic history. Meanwhile, amidst renewed US efforts for a hostage deal to prevent Middle East tensions, Haaretz senior military analyst Amos Harel noted the seriousness of the regional threat and Israel's preparedness for a potential attack. There are mixed signals regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The podcast highlighted the contrasting narratives of sporting success and diplomatic challenges faced by Israel in this complex geopolitical landscape.

Ethan Katzberg, an Olympic gold medalist initially speculated to have Jewish heritage, is confirmed not to be Jewish, leaving Jewish sports enthusiasts to celebrate actual Jewish athletes who achieved remarkable Olympic success. Jewish athletes, particularly from Israel and the diaspora, performed exceptionally well at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning medals in events such as windsurfing, judo, and gymnastics.

The text discusses the excitement around Ethan Katzberg, a non-Jewish Canadian athlete, who won gold in hammer throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite initial hopes he might be Jewish. While Katzberg is not Jewish, the article highlights Jewish medalists at the Olympics, including Israeli athletes who won seven medals and Diaspora athletes representing the US and Australia in various sports. The podcast hosts, James and Gabe, review the Olympic achievements of Jewish athletes and their impact on the Jewish community.

As Israeli athletes prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics amidst death threats and heightened security concerns, the episode highlights their resilience and athletic prowess. Sports editor Ido Rakovsky discusses potential medalists and the notable pressure on these athletes, while hosts James Hirsh and Gabe Pulver also examine notable Jewish athletes from the diaspora.

Israeli athletes facing death threats ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics remain resolute, bolstered by heightened security assurances from France. This episode explores the pressures and potential triumphs of Israeli Olympians, including many from the diaspora, as James Hirsh and Gabe Pulver discuss contenders alongside Haaretz's Ido Rakovsky.

Sam Schachter, a Canadian Jewish beach volleyball player, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics with partner Daniel Dearing after a last-minute win at the NORCECA Continental Cup. He discusses his preparation for the games, what it means to compete on the Olympic stage, and the unique location of their tournament at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Canadian Jewish beach volleyball player Sam Schachter shares his last-minute journey to qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics and his preparations to compete at the iconic venue under the Eiffel Tower. The episode also covers recent Jewish sports news, including the trade of Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija and NHL's Zev Buim's high draft selection.

Menschwarmers hosts discuss noteworthy Jewish athletes in this episode, highlighting the rising potential of Max Fried in baseball and ongoing struggles of Zach Hyman in hockey. As Jewish sports figures excel in various fields, the podcast reflects on the intersection of Jewish identity and professional sports across America.

Jewish athletes are making headlines across various sports, with Max Fried being a strong contender for the 2024 Cy Young Award and Spencer Horwitz solidifying his place in major league baseball. Meanwhile, Zach Hyman's Edmonton Oilers face challenges in the Stanley Cup Finals, and Israeli basketball prospect Yam Madar remains under the Boston Celtics' rights.

The episode hosts a discussion with Adrian Lee exploring parallels between Asian and Jewish athletes, focusing on shared experiences like facing common stereotypes and challenges. They delve into the impacts of stereotypes, societal expectations, and cultural pride, featuring a personal reflection on the significance of representation in sports.

The episode delves into the overlapping stereotypes faced by Jewish and Asian athletes, focusing on their immigrant backgrounds and experiences with ethnic stereotypes. Adrian Lee shares insights into the cultural similarities, societal challenges, and interactions between these communities through sports lens, highlighting notable Asian-Jewish athletes.

Rickwood Field, the oldest standing professional baseball park in the USA, will host a historic MLB game commemorating Juneteenth in 2024, featuring a deep dive into its rich, multifaceted history, including Jewish connections like Abe Saperstein and Mel Allen. Alana Schreiber discusses the intersection of baseball and civil rights at this iconic location, spotlighting her upcoming radio documentary 'Road to Rickwood' produced by NPR and MLB.

The Menschwarmers present a unique blend of Passover and baseball through their annual Jewish baseball seder, where they creatively intertwine baseball legends and the traditional seder structure. They also update listeners on current Jewish athletes, including discussions about Jewish NHL players, Max Homa's near-win at the Masters, and Jewish representation in MLB.

The Menschwarmers podcast offers a unique, entertaining twist by merging Passover traditions with the world of Jewish baseball, celebrating legends like Hank Greenberg and rising stars such as Spencer Horwitz. The episode also highlights recent achievements of Jewish athletes in various sports and discusses the cultural impact of Jewish figures in baseball history.

Hosts James Hirsh and Gabe Pulver celebrate the cultural impact of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as the quintessential Jewish sports TV show while also discussing significant Jewish achievements in sports, including Zach Hyman's milestone in hockey. The episode explores the intersection of Jewish identity and athletics, including a tribute to the sports-themed comedy of Larry David and recent Jewish sports news.

Alex Bregman, two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, reflects on his Jewish heritage, recalling a historic moment from the 2021 World Series involving three Jewish players. He discusses potential future plans of playing for Team Israel, his Jewish upbringing, and his connection with the Jewish community, including wearing a Star of David on the field after antisemitic incidents.

Houston Astros' star Alex Bregman shares his thoughts on Jewish identity in Major League Baseball, discussing memorable moments like the all-Jewish play in the 2021 World Series and his aspirations to join Team Israel. Alongside his commitments on the field, Bregman talks about community work, his family's baseball legacy, and the potential for a kosher-certified salsa.

Mitch Albom discusses the influence of Judaism and the Holocaust in his latest book 'The Little Liar,' which reflects themes of truthfulness and deception in a Greek Jewish community during World War II. Additionally, the hosts explore Jewish athletes in sports media, like Toronto Blue Jays' Ben Shulman and the portrayal of Jewish figures in sports documentaries.

The episode highlights the concerning trend of Jewish and Israeli athletes being banned from competitions due to political tensions. Through detailed examples in sports and the arts, the hosts discuss the broader implications of cancel culture and its intersection with politics, questioning when it will all end.

Three Jewish or Israeli athletes recently faced controversies, illustrating a broader trend of them being banned from sporting events or losing roles due to their associations with Israel. The episode examines these instances, questioning the implications for sports and culture when Jewish identities are intertwined with political controversy.