10 Jewish Podcasts You Should Be Listening to Right Now

For many of us, commuting to work is a thing of the past (we see you, COVID!), but that doesn’t mean your daily podcast listening has to be. There’s so much to be gained from other people and letting that wisdom stream through your ears is one of the best ways to soak it up. Pop one on while grocery shopping, walking around the block or folding laundry. It will turn a mundane activity into something to truly look forward to. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it’s definitely a good place to begin if you’re new to the scene and don’t know where to turn. The only thing you’ll be left wondering is how to cram all that listening in! 

Have other good recs? Let us know in the comments!

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The Unlocking Greatness Podcast

Charlie Harary, a motivational speaker and author, has wisdom that knows no bounds. His podcast, Unlocking Greatness, is filled with mini shiurim (Torah classes), if you will, clocking in at around 20 minutes each, determined to help you reach your greatest potential. 

Charlie really pushes you to clarify your goals and make them happen. He narrows in on life’s biggest challenges and talks about them in a way that will surely help you conquer whatever is in your path. From overcoming negative self-talk to creating positive habits, you’ll truly become unstoppable with him in your ears.

The Wildescast

I have to admit, I’m a bit biased on this one, but for good reason. Rabbi Mark Wildes is the founder and director of Manhattan Jewish Experience on the Upper West Side, a place I’ve frequented often. I would savor every minute of Rabbi Wildes’ dvar Torah (Torah speech) on Shabbos mornings. Somehow, no matter the parsha (Torah portion) or where I was in my life, it always felt like he was speaking right to me. Now that I’m living in Russia and blessed with technology, I can listen to his words anywhere!

What I respect most about Rabbi Wildes is his ability to conquer a difficult topic, like racism in the United States, and discuss it openly and honestly without being overly effusive or at all one-sided. His humility is also apparent. He expresses his own uncertainty with how to move forward on certain issues in conversations with other rabbis, which only strengthens my respect for him: he’s constantly searching and questioning what’s right.

The Office of Rabbi Sacks

Stepping into the office of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is something to relish, especially now, due to the recent and heartbreaking loss of this extraordinary man. He served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom for 22 years between 1991 and 2013, authored more than 35 books, spoke around the world, and was knighted by The Queen of England in 2005, just to name a few accomplishments. While I enjoy reading his parsha essays every Shabbos morning, you can also listen to them right here in the week leading up to Shabbat.

They’re super succinct, running only 10 minutes — yet never wavering in their impact. He occasionally mixed these episodes with other, shorter thoughts of the day or longer conversations. Rabbi Sacks was also able to turn each parsha into a relevant point that we can see in our own lives, bringing in ideas from scholars in the modern world, or political and current events. His words of Torah will always live on.

Modern Jewish Girl

If you’re just getting more into Judaism, this podcast is for you. Jenna Marin, a lawyer-turned-writer, breaks down big concepts in a really easy way. A fellow baalat teshuva (returnee to Judaism), she speaks with wisdom but also relatability, describing her own struggles through Torah concepts like having an ayin tov (positive outlook), or how to bridge the gap between religious and secular Jews. It’s more like hanging out with your big sis or young mentor.

Jewish Matters

This podcast was started by another rabbi of mine, Rabbi Jonathan Feldman. He used to work at Manhattan Jewish Experience before making aliyah with his family. Now, he does outreach in Tel Aviv, and this podcast definitely plays to that type of crowd. 

He educates on important individuals in Jewish history in his “Extraordinary Jewish Personalities” series and also tackles topics of clear human interest, like what the Torah has to say about astrology. You’re sure to learn something cool.

Woman of Valor

Bari Mitzmann is an influencer who is often bringing critical topics into the limelight as the host of Woman of Valor. She tackles meaningful, deeper issues like anxiety, disordered eating, and belief in God in an approachable way, always leaving you with something tangible at the end. Bari’s matter-of-fact nature and interesting guests make for an award-winning combo that will keep you wanting more.

From the Inside Out with Rivkah & Eda

From their voices alone, you can sense the warm vibes from these two friends and mothers. Rivkah Krinsky is a health coach and Eda Schottenstein is a mental-health awareness advocate and ADD coach. Both are passionate about helping others live a more meaningful life. They talk about the practical, like parenting and building success at work, through interviews with experts and their own conversations with each other. They also touch on the real-life struggles of the day-to-day, like dealing with jealousy and figuring out how to live happier. You’ll want to binge-listen to them all.

Jews You Should Know

This podcast gets me super excited every time it pops up on my home screen. Rabbi Ari Koretsky, the executive director of MEOR Maryland, interviews powerhouses in the Jewish world from the founder of the Jewish National Fund to Obama’s speechwriter to Israel’s #1 tech whiz. He brings on Jewish professionals at the top of their field, entrepreneurs who have really built something big, or other personalities who have made an impact in a unique way and can inspire you to tackle your dreams. You’re sure to find someone (most likely many people) who spark your interest and help you learn a ton in the process.

First Year Married

I happened to discover this podcast, well, during my first year as a married woman. While the first year of marriage often appears to be carefree and fun, it can be the opposite. There are so many struggles as a religious woman, and really, for anyone when you first get married and are getting used to your new life with a newer person. 

The host, Kayla Levin, is a life coach who focuses on marriage, counseling women in small groups and one-on-one. In her podcast, she touches on Jewish ideas and advice in a totally comfortable way that makes you feel at home and like you’re not alone. Since starting, she’s expanded to so many different topics surrounding building a new life, so there’s really something for everyone.

Rise and Shine with Adrienne Gold Davis

This podcast stems from Momentum (formerly JWRP), an organization known as “Birthright for Moms.” Adrienne is a leader on the trips and a renowned speaker. The goal of her podcast is to help less-connected women find a bit more meaning in their Jewish roots. I really like the brevity of this podcast. In just ten minutes, she brings up ideas that reframe your perspective on life. It’ll give you a boost instantly.