Episodes

  • The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-29-26

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-29-26
    Mar 29 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard interview Lillian Bonsignore, the 37th Fire Commissioner of the FDNY, exploring her journey from the Bronx to leading the nation’s largest fire department. The conversation highlights her transition from a career in EMS to the commissionership, where she emphasizes the nature of service and the critical need for pay parity for emergency medical responders. The dialogue then shifts toward broader leadership themes, such as the value of humility and the weight of responsibility in high-stakes public safety roles. Finally, the hosts reflect on seasonal themes of hope and renewal by discussing the spiritual significance of Passover and Easter, advocating for religious pluralism and mutual respect in a diverse society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • FDNY Com. Lillian Bonsignore | 03-29-26

    FDNY Com. Lillian Bonsignore | 03-29-26
    Mar 29 2026
    Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore shares her journey from a challenging childhood in the Bronx to becoming the second woman to lead the FDNY. She highlights her thirty-year career starting as an EMT, emphasizing that her rise through the ranks of EMS operations uniquely prepared her for an administrative role that oversees both fire and medical services. A primary theme of the discussion is the urgent need for pay parity, as Bonsignore advocates for EMS professionals to receive the same fiscal recognition as firefighters to combat nationwide staffing shortages. Throughout the conversation, she defines leadership through the lenses of humility, service, and resilience, particularly when navigating a male-dominated field or managing the department through the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner | 03-22-26

    Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner | 03-22-26
    Mar 22 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard discussing the profound layers of Passover with guest Rabbi David Seth Kirshner. The conversation explores the holiday’s inherent dual identity, balancing the joy of liberation with a sober reflection on historical and modern oppression. Kirshner emphasizes that Judaism is a religion of questions, where the ritual of inviting children to inquire at the Seder table is more important than providing absolute answers. The participants also reflect on Kirshner's recent book, which chronicles the emotional and theological struggle following the October 7th attacks, ultimately framing faith as a resilient pursuit of hope and unity amidst brokenness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-22-26

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-22-26
    Mar 22 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Reverend A.R. Bernard, and guest Rabbi David Seth Kirshner regarding the multidimensional nature of Passover. The conversation transitions from the holiday’s inherent "identity crisis"—balancing the bitterness of historical slavery with the sweetness of liberation—to the modern necessity of maintaining hope amidst contemporary tragedy. The participants emphasize that Judaism is a religion of inquiry, where the act of asking questions and embracing life's "broken pieces" is more vital than providing absolute answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-15-26

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-15-26
    Mar 15 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard engage in a profound dialogue regarding the inner life and the moral responsibilities of leadership within a fractured society. The program begins by honoring the legacy of the late journalist Ernie Anastos, framing him as a symbol of human decency who prioritized his authentic identity over social acceptance. This discussion on personal integrity transitions into a somber reflection on rising violence and antisemitism, where the hosts argue that modern culture is suffering from a cauterization of conscience that must be combated through interfaith unity and communal support. The episode concludes with an inspiring interview featuring Larry Grogan, who is battling Parkinson’s disease by attempting one hundred marathons in one hundred days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Larry Grogan | 03-15-26

    Larry Grogan | 03-15-26
    Mar 15 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard, welcome guest Larry Grogan, who shares his mission to run 100 marathons in 100 days to inspire those living with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his diagnosis, Groen champions the philosophy that "movement is medicine," arguing that physical activity acts as a vital tool for neuroplasticity and maintaining a high quality of life. The conversation shifts from the clinical benefits of exercise to a deeper spiritual discussion on defying passive resignation and finding meaning through adversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Hindy Poupko | 03-08-26

    Hindy Poupko | 03-08-26
    Mar 8 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard interview Hindy Poupko regarding a New York City Council bill designed to protect houses of worship and schools from targeted harassment. The discussion emphasizes that while the right to protest is a fundamental American liberty, it should not cross into the intimidation of families and children at their places of sanctuary. Poupko highlights the broad interfaith coalition supporting the legislation, noting that religious leaders of diverse backgrounds are united in their desire to maintain safe boundaries for their congregants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-08-26

    The Rev & The Rabbi | 03-08-26
    Mar 8 2026
    Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and Reverend A.R. Bernard discuss the pressing need for legislative protection of religious institutions amid a modern decline in public reverence. Featuring guest Hindi Pukpko from the UJA-Federation, the conversation centers on a proposed New York City bill designed to establish buffer zones around houses of worship and schools to prevent the intimidation of congregants by aggressive protesters. The participants argue that while the right to protest is a sacred American value, it should not supersede the fundamental right to feel safe within one’s spiritual sanctuary or educational environment. Beyond policy, the hosts reflect on the interfaith solidarity required to combat rising social vitriol and the vital role of family and moral education in restoring a lost sense of communal respect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins