29 Aug 2025
Menschwarmers: This Canadian athlete drew a swastika on a Jewish student’s dorm room. The New York Yankees drafted him anyway
The episode discusses how the New York Yankees drafted Canadian shortstop Core Jackson despite his past incident of drawing a swastika on a Jewish student's dorm room. Journalist Keith Law explains how this story illustrates themes of forgiveness and redemption, with Jackson having engaged in deep reflection and community engagement following the event.
28 Aug 2025
Keith Law on the New York Yankees swastika incident
The episode discusses the New York Yankees' draft of Core Jackson, a Canadian baseball player who engaged in an antisemitic act as a teenager but has since worked towards understanding and redemption with guidance from Jewish community leaders. The segment also covers Jewish sports movies, a quick NFL preview, and the opening of a Jewish community hockey rink attended by NHL player Zach Hyman.
8 Aug 2025
Jake Retzlaff starts a new chapter
Jake Retzlaff, a notable Jewish quarterback, has transferred from Brigham Young University to Tulane University after an accusation of sexual misconduct and subsequent dismissal of charges. Retzlaff's move to Tulane, a university with a significant Jewish student population, marks a new chapter in his career, and he is anticipated to compete for the starting quarterback position while embracing the university's vibrant Jewish community.
24 Jul 2025
Reporting from the Toronto Indy + NBA Summer League recap
The episode covers Jewish involvement in the Toronto Indy race and the NBA Summer League, focusing on drivers Robert Shwartzman and Nolan Siegel, as well as basketball players Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. Additional discussions include the uncertain Jewish identity of key figures in motorsport and an update on Jewish athletes in other sports.
8 Jul 2025
Ben Saraf & Danny Wolf: The Brooklyn Nets' two new Jews
The Brooklyn Nets made history by picking two Jewish prospects, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, consecutively in the NBA draft. This intriguing decision sets up an exciting summer league and potential season ahead for Brooklyn, with both players bringing distinct international and collegiate backgrounds to the team.
4 Jun 2025
Josh Goldenberg: From Goldman Sachs to golf pro
Finance graduate and professional golfer Josh Goldenberg narrates his journey from working at Goldman Sachs to seizing a rare opportunity to play in the RBC Canadian Open, balancing his career aspirations with his proud Jewish identity. Co-hosts of Menschwarmers also discuss Max Homa’s efforts in golfing, Robert Shwartzman's brief success in F1, and Zach Hyman's injury affecting the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals.
22 May 2025
Robert Shwartzman, Jewish Knicks fans and Jim Irsay's legacy
Jewish rookie Robert Shwartzman's achievement of winning the pole position for the Indy 500 signals a historical moment as he aims to be the first Jewish winner since the 1940s. The episode also delves into the Jewish connections in the sports world, focusing on the legacy of late NFL owner Jim Irsay and the New York Knicks' cultural significance within the Jewish community.
8 May 2025
How Yeshiva University's basketball team handled the season after Oct. 7
Yeshiva University's men's basketball team faces a challenging season in the wake of the October 7 attacks, captured in the documentary "Rebound: A Year of Triumph and Tragedy at Yeshiva University Basketball." The team, featuring several Israeli players, not only grappled with whether to continue their season but also took a profound mid-season trip to Israel to reconnect and support their community.
24 Apr 2025
NHL playoffs: Edmonton Oilers? More like the Oy-lers
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.
3 Apr 2025
Baseball's back, so here are the MLB's top Jewish players
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.
19 Mar 2025
3 of the 4 top NCAA basketball teams are coached by Jews. Here's our theory why
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.
19 Mar 2025
How to Be a Jew ... At the World Championships
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.
27 Feb 2025
Country Club Adjacent: One comic's dream to blend comedy, golf and Judaism
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.
19 Feb 2025
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
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.
19 Feb 2025
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
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.
19 Feb 2025
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
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.
13 Feb 2025
Is This the End of Woke Capitalism?, With Jennifer Sey
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.
5 Feb 2025
The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame wants to resonate with younger audience. Here's how
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.
15 Jan 2025
Israel Baseball back in the spotlight with a new documentary
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.
11 Dec 2024
The Blue Jays traded their only Jewish player and we've got mixed feelings about it
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.
18 Nov 2024
Keep Antisemitism Off Our Pitches
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.
12 Nov 2024
Game-changer: Two Jewish founders are creating a new pro women’s baseball league
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.
29 Oct 2024
Jewish basketball players to watch this NBA season
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.
26 Sep 2024
2024 NHL and MLB postseason preview: Here are the Jewish athletes to watch
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.
26 Sep 2024
2024 NHL and MLB posteseason preview: Here are the Jewish athletes to watch
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.
9 Sep 2024
Paris 2024: 2 Proud Jewish Paralympians on How Sports Unites Athletes Amid Antisemitism
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.
5 Sep 2024
The Paralympics have a rich Jewish history—and inspiring modern stars
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.
5 Sep 2024
The Paralympics have a rich Jewish history—and inspiring modern stars
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.
13 Aug 2024
'Amazing mental preparation': How Israeli athletes made history at the Paris Olympics
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.
12 Aug 2024
No, Ethan Katzberg is not Jewish—but here are all the Olympic medalists who are
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.
12 Aug 2024
No, Ethan Katzberg is not Jewish—but here are all the Olympic medalists who are
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.
23 Jul 2024
Facing death threats and boycott calls, these Israeli Olympic athletes are worth watching
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.
23 Jul 2024
Facing death threats and boycott calls, these Israeli Olympic athletes are worth watching
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.
4 Jul 2024
Beach volleyballer Sam Schachter qualified for the 2024 Olympics at the last moment. Here's how he's prepping for Paris
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.
4 Jul 2024
Beach volleyballer Sam Schachter qualified for the 2024 Olympics at the last moment. Here's how he's prepping for Paris
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.
18 Jun 2024
Late spring sports roundup: Zach Hyman's Oilers struggle to stay alive while Jewish baseball stars are on the rise
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.
18 Jun 2024
Late spring sports roundup: Zach Hyman's Oilers struggle to stay alive while Jewish baseball stars are on the rise
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.
22 May 2024
Examining the many overlapping stereotypes faced by Jewish and Asian athletes
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.
22 May 2024
Examining the many overlapping stereotypes faced by Jewish and Asian athletes
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.
9 May 2024
The secret Jewish history of America's oldest pro baseball park
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.