In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman welcomes Rabbi Sharon Brous, the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR and author of the national bestseller, "The Amen Effect," to explore the transformative power of love, justice, and personal connection drawing inspiration from Shep's song (cowritten by Ray Allen Kayanek) "Love is the Heart of this Coup" and Psalm 25.

Rabbi Brous shares her insights on how loneliness can pave the way for tyranny, as articulated by Hannah Arendt, and emphasizes the importance of addressing social rifts to prevent the abuse of power. She highlights the significance of intimate conversations as well as systemic change in envisioning a future unburdened by past injustices, in which humanity and justice prevail and she and Shep offer practical steps for rehumanizing our interactions and building a more inclusive society.

Join Shep Rosenman and Rabbi Sharon Brous as they explore the intersections of music, spirituality, and activism, and listen to the song "Love is the Heart of This Coup."

In this episode of "The Rest is Commentary," host Shep Rosenman is joined by Abby Fifer-Mandell, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at USC and a visiting professor at UVA's School of Medicine. They delve deep into a conversation inspired by Psalm 91 and the song "Fraction of Grace," touching on themes of loss, family, depression, and social networks.

Shep and Abby explore the phenomenon of what we see and what we don't see, both in our relationships and within ourselves. They discuss the hidden and revealed aspects of life, the choices we make, and the unseen labor that shapes our existence. Abby shares personal reflections on her family's influence and the ways childhood traditions carry into adulthood.

The episode also examines the profound impact of community and faith-based networks on mental health, the balance between individuality and belonging, and the importance of rituals. Abby and Shep navigate through the complexities of depression and anxiety, offering insights on coping mechanisms and the moments of grace that bring light into darkness.

Join Shep and Abby for an intimate and heartfelt conversation that underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine grace that touches our lives.

In this heartwarming episode, Shep and Elise Miller reminisce about their high school days, their shared love of music, and the unexpected journey of faith and doubt that life has taken them on. With personal anecdotes and deep reflections, they explore the power of music to unify and uplift, the challenges of maintaining faith in difficult times, and the importance of being present in the moment. Join us for a candid conversation inspired by the song "Coffee & Beignet" and Psalm 27, that blends humor, nostalgia, and profound insights on spirituality and human connection.