Podcasting has become one of the most popular and accessible mediums for storytelling, education and entertainment in recent years. As a comedian, sharing stories with the world can be a deeply rewarding experience. For me and my co-host Rachel Creeger, the joys of podcasting have been fully realised through our show, Jew Talkin' To Me?, where we have a lot of fun sharing our unique Jewish perspective, and exploring family dynamics with our guests.
When the world shut down during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the entertainment industry took a major hit, and we, like many others, found ourselves looking for ways to stay connected, creative, and engaged with our audiences.
That's when we decided to start our podcast. Little did we know that this would become a lasting and highly enjoyable way to not only maintain our careers during difficult times but also to build an exciting, lasting community.
The Birth of "Jew Talkin' To Me?" During Lockdown
As comedians, our work usually revolves around live performances, telling jokes and interacting with audiences in person. But with all of that gone during lockdown, we needed a new outlet. This is where podcasting stepped in. Recording Jew Talkin' To Me? kept our creative muscles active and gave us a platform to share our Jewish culture and heritage with an enthusiastic audience. It also meant we could continue collaborating with each other, despite the distance and isolation brought on by the pandemic.
Starting a podcast felt like a natural extension of our voices. Not only were we able to create something that was incredibly fun for us to do, but we could also offer something meaningful to our listeners. We used the podcast as a way to dive deep into Jewish culture, share hilarious personal stories, and explore the complex and often humorous dynamics of family life.
An Exciting Variety of Guests
One of the greatest joys of podcasting has been the opportunity to meet and connect with a wide variety of guests. Over the years, Jew Talkin' To Me? has hosted comedians, actors, authors, musicians, and people from all walks of life who bring unique perspectives and stories to the table. Whether they’re sharing their personal experiences or offering insights on Jewish traditions, our guests add a richness and depth to the show that we never anticipated.
From discussing Jewish food (and arguing over who makes the best chicken soup) to exploring the hilarious quirks of Jewish families, each guest has brought something new and exciting to the table. It's been amazing to sit down (albeit remotely) with such an exciting and diverse group of people, all of whom contribute to our mission of spreading joy and understanding about what it is to be Jewish.
Sharing Jewish Stories with Friends and Allies
What makes podcasting so special for me is the ability to connect with friends, family, and allies from all over the world. Jewish culture is rich with history, humour, and tradition, and Jew Talkin' To Me? has allowed us to shine a light on these important aspects in a way that’s fun and engaging. We’ve explored everything from family feuds and favourite Jewish foods to some of our most cherished Hebrew and Yiddish words. Whether it’s chutzpah, schlep, balagan, or the much loved Israeli use of "eeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr...!" each word carries a little piece of Jewish history, and getting to share these gems with our audience has been a blast.
We invite audiences to imagine if The Marvellous Mrs Maisel found herself on the couch with Graham Norton, but in many ways, the podcast serves as an extension of the Shabbat dinner table. It’s a space where family stories and jokes flow freely, where we can be candid and have fun with our culture, while also celebrating the values of togetherness, support, and understanding. We’re able to laugh at our own quirks and, in doing so, invite others into our world.
The beauty of podcasting is that it allows these conversations to reach a global audience, creating a sense of connection even if we are physically far apart.
Podcasts: A Medium for Everyone
While our podcast, Jew Talkin' To Me? focuses on Jewish culture, podcasts in general, have become a massive part of our cultural landscape. There’s a podcast for everyone, no matter your interest. Whether you're into storytelling, self-improvement, true crime, or comedy, the world of podcasts has something to offer. The beauty of the medium is that they can be as niche or as broad as you want them to be. They offer a way to dive deep into topics you're passionate about, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn from experts in various fields.
For us, podcasting is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to contribute to a larger conversation about culture, identity, and community. It’s a means of bringing people together, telling stories that matter, and building relationships that last. Thanks to platforms like Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and BBC Sounds, our show can be heard by anyone, anywhere, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
The Wider Impact of Podcasts
Podcasting’s impact on society has been profound. It’s given people a platform to share their voices, spread awareness, and create conversations around important issues. In an era where entertainment is consumed in a more passive way, podcasts allow listeners to engage actively with content. They can tune in on their own terms, whether they're at home, commuting, or working out. The intimate, personal nature of podcasting—where the host’s voice feels like a conversation with a friend—has made it one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of media.
For us, podcasting has been an outlet for creativity and an opportunity to share our own stories, but it’s also been a chance to engage with a global community of listeners who share our love for Jewish culture, humour, and history.
Listen to "Jew Talkin' To Me?"
If you're looking to dive into the world of Jew Talkin' To Me?, be sure to check out our episodes wherever you get your podcasts. From discussions about food and family to the quirks of Jewish life, there's always something new to learn, laugh at and appreciate. Join us on this fun and informative journey as we continue to share the joys of podcasting with our listeners.
Previous guests have included Hollywood star Mara Wilson (Mrs Doubtfire, Matilda, Miracle on 34th Street); writers Anthony Horowitz, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Jane Green and Howard Jacobson; journalists Hugo Rifkind and Boyd Hilton; former MP Luciana Berger, cabaret artist Reuben Kaye; British sitcom royalty Marks & Gran and Paul Mendelson; actors Andy Nyman, Louisa Clein, Isy Suttie, Sue Kelvin and Steve Furst; stand up comics Ian Stone, Judy Gold, Tehran, Sooz Kempner, and Al Lubel; 10CC's Graham Gouldman; Vivien Goldman aka The Punk Professor; star of Fame Valerie Landsburg; critic Jason Solomons; beatboxer SK Shlomo; our much-missed friend, octogenarian comedian Lynn Ruth Miller and many more.
Whilst most podcasts remain free to access, many podcasters are finding new ways to monetise our work through bonus content and more personalised engagement with listeners. We're fortunate and grateful that a number of our audience have chosen to support our work through subscribing to our Patreon account, which is an ever-evolving platform for that helps bring us one step closer to our listeners.
Podcasting is more than just a trend—it's a way for people to connect, laugh, learn, and share stories that matter.
Whether you're just starting your own podcast or listening to your favourite shows, the possibilities are endless, and the rewards are immeasurable. So, what are you waiting for? Get talkin'!
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