Daily Podcasts Video Research

Bonjour Chai

Current affairs from a Canadian perspective. Hear opinions, debate and hot takes on everything from politics to fashion to pop culture from hosts Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy.
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20 Mar
Hasid or Hipster?
Mik Moore discusses the revival of 'Heeb' magazine, aiming to recapture the innovative and rebellious Jewish cultural spirit of the early 2000s for a new generation. He outlines the project's goals to explore Jewish subcultures and confront modern challenges, including the resurgence of antisemitism, while maintaining the irreverence and humor of the original publication.
14 Mar
Is Trump the New Achashverosh?
This provocative episode of Bonjour Chai discusses the controversial arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, and how it mirrors contemporary themes from the Purim story. The hosts draw parallels between modern political figures and historical Jewish narratives while examining the polarizing impact on Jewish communities' political alignments.
7 Mar
Twin Peaks
The episode discusses concurrent antisemitism summits held by the ADL in the United States and the Canadian government, questioning their effectiveness in combating antisemitism. The discussion highlights a provocative viral video from the ADL conference, scrutinizing the intersection of digital marketing, personal branding, and antisemitism advocacy.
28 Feb
Two Rights Make a Wrong
The podcast episode delves into the rise of Meir Kahane's extremist ideologies within the Jewish social media sphere, focusing on influencer Lizzy Savetsky's controversial support for Kahane. The hosts also discuss the ascendancy of the Alternative für Deutschland party in Germany, exploring the implications for Jewish communities amidst broader nationalistic trends.
20 Feb
You Can't Spell TDSB Without BDS
A Toronto District School Board meeting spanning 14 hours was contentious as trustees deliberated on whether to accept a report on antisemitism containing 32 recommendations. Disparate voices from the Jewish and general community debated the implications of equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism and the integration of Jewish identities into the educational framework.
13 Feb
Serenity Now
The episode explores the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the unrealistic expectations placed on partners and the increasing popularity of couples therapy, particularly how men are navigating societal shifts around masculinity. Daniel Oppenheimer discusses his personal journey in couples therapy and the nuances of accepting personal responsibility within a marriage, framed by his Jewish identity and ideas from therapist Terry Real.
7 Feb
Gaza is the 52nd State
Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy discuss the implications of Trump's tariff threats on Canada, highlighting the impact on kosher food prices and a shift in Canadian nationalism. They also explore Trump's controversial plans to turn Gaza into an American resort, reflecting on his ongoing influence on both Israeli and Canadian politics.
31 Jan
Why Did the Nazi Cross the Road?
Elon Musk's controversial Nazi jokes on social media have sparked a debate on the boundaries of humor, especially in the context of far-right movements and online troll culture. Hosts Phoebe Maltz Bovy, Avi Finegold, and Michael Fraiman discuss the complexities of Nazi jokes, the evolution of comedic contexts, and the impact of online culture on perceptions of Nazism.
31 Jan
Why Did the Nazi Cross the Road?
Elon Musk's controversial Nazi-themed jokes spark debate over the nature of humor and the shifting context of Nazi and Holocaust references today. The conversation delves into the historical trajectory of comedy, exploring the implications of modern online trolling culture and its intersection with right-wing ideologies.
24 Jan
Raise Your Hand if You Like Trump
Donald Trump's initial actions in his second term as president, including reversing sanctions on Israeli settlers and pardoning January 6th rioters, provoke complex reactions among Jewish communities. The episode delves into the shifting political landscape in Israel and explores the evolving identity of the left in a post-ceasefire environment.
10 Jan
You Had Me at Goodbye
Following Justin Trudeau's resignation, Jonathan Kay, who ghostwrote part of Trudeau's memoir, reflects on Trudeau's political journey and his impact on the Canadian political landscape, particularly concerning identity politics. Kay discusses how Trudeau's shift towards identity politics signals changes in Canadian political dynamics and raises questions about the future of liberal leadership and Canadian Jewish political alignment.
20 Dec 2024
Freeland of Expression
Amidst major political upheavals in Canada's federal government, the hosts unpack the impact of public resignations and political shifts for the Jewish community and Canadian society at large. Hal Niedzviecki discusses the fall of his magazine Broken Pencil, critiquing the arts sector's resistance to free speech.
13 Dec 2024
The Z Word
The podcast explores the results of a recent survey revealing a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship of Canadian Jews to Zionism and Israel. Ben Murane and Maytal Kowalski discuss whether the label 'Zionist' still holds meaning and the broader implications of the survey, alongside a conversation about Jewish writers and artistic expression.
5 Dec 2024
Pushy Pencils
The episode explores the closure of the influential indie magazine Broken Pencil amid ideological conflicts within the Canadian arts scene, highlighting tensions between the pursuit of ideological purity and the value of nuanced dialogue in the arts. Hosts Avi and Phoebe also delve into the challenges faced by Jewish writers in today's politically charged environment and discuss the effectiveness of antisemitism summits.
29 Nov 2024
Stuffed to the Gillers
Canadian arts institutions are increasingly politicized, with Anne Michaels' Giller Prize win igniting controversy due to Scotiabank's ties with Israel. Culture critic Lydia Perović discusses the intertwining of politics and the arts in Canada, questioning the pressure on artists to make political statements and the lack of right-wing art.
22 Nov 2024
Challah Back
The episode delves into the recent controversy surrounding a pro-Palestinian chef's article in Chatelaine magazine, exploring the implications of cultural signifiers like challah baking and their political associations. Avi Finegold, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, and guest Shayna Weiss discuss the evolving nature of political spaces in media and cuisine, particularly focusing on gender dynamics within Israeli society and culture.
15 Nov 2024
Don't Heart Huckabees
In this episode, Avi and Phoebe discuss the controversial appointment of Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel and its implications for Jewish-American relations, highlighting Huckabee's Christian Zionist perspective. They also explore recent incidents of violence in Amsterdam related to a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and AFC Ajax, examining the complexities of antisemitism and soccer hooliganism.
7 Nov 2024
Roncesvalles Minyan
Amidst turmoil over the Giller Prize's association with Scotiabank, which has financial ties to an Israeli arms dealer, pro-Palestinian writers are boycotting the prize, raising questions about anti-Semitism. Avi Finegold, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, and guest Michael Inzlicht delve into the political polarization affecting Toronto neighborhoods, particularly how Roncesvalles has become a site of contentious geopolitical expressions through storefront placards and signage.
1 Nov 2024
Election-Swinging Jews
This episode explores the nuances of the Jewish vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, highlighting the factors influencing Jewish voter preferences in pivotal swing states like Pennsylvania. It features a discussion with William D. Adler, an expert in American political development, examining the significance of issues such as Israel, antisemitism, the economy, and reproductive rights in shaping Jewish political alignments.
22 Oct 2024
What Do We Mean by Zion?
Avi Finegold's article delves into the complex relationship between Jews and Zionism, exploring various perspectives on Jewish sovereignty, the messianic era, and nationalism. This narrative seeks to unpack how these ideologies shape Jewish identity and communal tensions, particularly in relation to Israel's political reality today.