The Comedy Cellar: Live from the Table

Join stand-up comedians Modi, a Comedy Cellar staple since 1994 known for his vibrant Mashiach energy, and Eric Neumann, famed for his observational humor. They dive into the rich history of the Comedy Cellar and share hilarious tales of performing for just seven people. Modi recounts memorable moments of camaraderie from the venue, while Eric discusses his new girlfriend and the complexities of engaging audiences. Their playful banter is peppered with personal anecdotes, making for a lively and laughter-filled conversation.

Matthew Cockerill, a PhD student at LSE and expert in anti-Zionist politics, joins Hatem Gabber, a heart transplant survivor and Middle Eastern debate enthusiast. They discuss heavy issues like whether Hamas intentionally targets civilians, the morality of military actions, and the complexities of martyrdom. The conversation emphasizes the importance of civility in debate, the ethical ramifications of terminology like 'genocide,' and the role of public intellectuals in navigating misinformation. Together, they strive to balance understanding amidst a charged political landscape.

Two Zionist Jews discuss: "Until Israeli politics can radically reorient itself, it’s time to construct a vision of Jewishness that’s independent of the state that pretends to act on our behalf. It’s time for Jews to reclaim the moral mantle of our ancestors. For the Palestinians, but also for the future of the Jewish people, it’s time for Jews to abandon Israel." https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/about Josh Szeps is the host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps.

Dan Naturman and Periel Aschenbrand dive into the complex relationship between comedy and international affairs, addressing the ongoing tensions with Iran. They candidly share personal stories about stage fright and the unique pressures of live performance. The discussion then shifts to Israeli espionage, focusing on the life of spy Eli Cohen, and the emotional weight of his legacy. From the intricacies of language fluency to humorous takes on aviation challenges, this podcast offers a rich blend of political insight and relatable anecdotes.

Stephen Macedo, Lawrence S. Rockefeller Professor at Princeton, dives into the controversial impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns based on his book 'In COVID's Wake.' He debates the effectiveness of various public health strategies, including the contrasting approaches of Great Barrington and Sweden. Macedo challenges assumptions about lockdowns' efficacy and their societal consequences, including educational disparities and mental health effects on children. With a mix of serious commentary and humor, he reflects on broader implications for civic values and ethical accountability in public health.

Rabbi Yishai Fleisher is an influential voice as the International Spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron and a Councilman in Efrat. He dives deep into the complexities of the Israeli religious right, contrasting their viewpoints with secular perspectives on identity and land. The conversation covers the historical roots of Israel, intricate land claims, and the moral quagmires involved. Fleisher expresses concerns about the future of Israel amid demographic shifts and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring themes of identity, governance, and coexistence.

Daniella Greenbaum Davis is an Emmy-award-winning producer, writer, and social media strategist with bylines in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Daily Beast, Commentary, and Washington Post. She executive produced the first ever holocaust-edu-series for TikTok, How to: Never Forget, which garnered 20M views and was profiled by ABC, NBC, Deadline, Variety, PBS, and E!.

Sarah Rose Siskind, a science comedy TV writer and roboticist, shares her unique perspective on blending humor with technology. She dives into her experiences living with Sophia the Robot, exploring the quirks and ethical challenges of AI. The discussion also covers the humorous side of navigating New York's subway, the complications of AI in relationships, and its impact on creativity and jobs. With anecdotes and insights, Siskind highlights the importance of connection in an increasingly digital world.

Noam Dworman invites Ross Barkan and Jesse Singal join to reconcile their Twitter feud . Ross Barkan is a columnist for New York Magazine and a contributing writer to the NY Times Magazine. He's the editor in chief of The Metropolitan Review, a new books and culture review magazine, and his new novel, Glass Century, is out now. Jesse Singal is a former writer-at-large at New York Magazine, cohost of Blocked and Reported, and author of The Quick Fix: Why Fad Psychology Can't Cure Our Social Ills.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza native and political analyst at the Atlantic Council, shares his deep insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses his personal experiences living in Gaza and highlights the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians under Hamas. Alkhatib navigates the complexities of geopolitical dialogues and critiques identity politics influencing narratives. He emphasizes the necessity for open dialogue and mutual understanding, while outlining the harsh realities of military strategies that displace families and communities.