The Kibbitz

The Kibbitz

"The Kibbitz," is a podcast hosted by Melissa and Andrea, two middle-aged Jewish moms/wives/women from the Midwest, who see a lack of representation of their demographic in the media -- and they have A LOT to say. Writing buddies who spent more time talking than writing is where the podcast was born. Their voices, their viewpoints -- and those of their peers -- are really worth sharing, and the best way to do it is through The Kibbitz.

Episodes

Zionism, Engagement & Leadership w/ Rabbi Ari Jun

January 7, 2026 • 64 mins
Melissa and Andrea welcome Rabbi Ari Jun, where they discuss the importance of giving grace and understanding in today's society, particularly within the Jewish community. They explore the challenges of navigating Jewish identity amidst rising antisemitism and the complexities surrounding Zionism. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling, community engagement, and mental health support, while also addressing the...
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Meet The Husbands!

December 24, 2025 • 85 mins
In this engaging conversation, the hosts and their husbands share personal stories about their relationships, discussing the privileges of marriage, the importance of support, and the challenges of parenting. They reflect on how love evolves over time, the role of humor in navigating tough times, and the impact of their upbringings on their views of marriage. The discussion highlights the significance of gratitude and appreciation ...
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Cookbooks as Crucial Jewish Texts

December 10, 2025 • 47 mins
In this conversation, Andrea and Melissa explore the significance of cookbooks in Jewish culture, particularly focusing on the Settlement Cookbook and its role in the Americanization of Jewish immigrants. They discuss how cookbooks serve as texts that reflect community values, identity, and memory, while also sharing personal anecdotes about family recipes and the legacy of cooking traditions. The dialogue highlights the evolution ...
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Finding Solace Through Shared Grief

November 26, 2025 • 82 mins
This week, Andrea and Melissa welcome their friends, sisters Amy and Dedra, to talk about loss and grief. The episode runs the gamut of emotions, from joy of family to the profound sadness in the loss of a parent.

The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information, go to jewfolk.com/podcast or email podcast@jewfolk.com
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Celebrating and Exploring Family

November 5, 2025 • 44 mins
In this conversation, Melissa and Andrea explore the significance of family connections, the role of being a family keeper, and the emotional weight of inherited stories and artifacts. They discuss the impact of family history on personal identity, the journey of discovering ancestry, and the importance of technology in genealogy. The conversation highlights the shared experiences that connect generations and the legacy of Holocaus...
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Empowering Women in Jewish Leadership w/ Rabbi Liz Hirsch

October 22, 2025 • 55 mins
This conversation explores the evolving role of women in Jewish leadership, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of community engagement. Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch discusses her experiences transitioning to Cincinnati, the significance of sisterhood, and the impact of the pandemic on family dynamics. The dialogue emphasizes the need for inclusion and advocacy within the Jewish community, drawing parallel...
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9. The 'Fiddler on the Roof' Experience

August 26, 2025 • 46 mins
Before a late-summer hiatus, Andrea and Melissa reflect on their experience seeing the iconic "Fiddler on the Roof" at Music Hall Cincinnati. The Kibbitzers talked about the current run of the show, but also the importance of the show not just in Jewish culture at large, but also specifically to them and their families.  

The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information, go to jewfo...
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8. College Search Part 2: Jewish Life on Campus

August 12, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode, Andrea and Melissa talk with Sarah Fried from Hillel International about what Jewish college students are facing today — and how Hillel is helping them find connection, safety, and meaning. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or both, you’ll get honest insights and practical advice on navigating Jewish life on campus. Spoiler: It’s going to be okay.

The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Je...
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7. College Search, Part 1: Challenges of the Process

July 29, 2025 • 42 mins
It's never been more challenging to find the right college for your child. In a world where antisemitism is rising, what are some of the things that it's important to look for? This week, Andrea and Melissa welcome Keri Bahar, the founder of KSB College Consulting, to the podcast. Keri and the Kibbitzers talk about the modern challenges, what parents and kids are really looking for, and how to determine if what you're reading about...
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6. Anxiety

July 15, 2025 • 33 mins
In this raw and intimate episode of The Kibbitz, Andrea and Melissa explore the complex world of anxiety through personal stories and shared experiences. The two friends dive deep into their struggles with anxiety, discussing how it impacts their lives, creative work, and relationships. They unpack generational trauma, coping mechanisms, and the importance of acknowledging emotional challenges. With humor, vulnerability, and mutual...
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5. The Middle

July 1, 2025 • 32 mins
This week, Andrea and Melissa are exploring the challenges and nuances faced by those in the "Sandwich Generation" — people who are simultaneously caring for their children and aging parents. Their discussions on life in The Middle—whether geographically in the heartland or within family dynamics—offer relatable insights into juggling responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and finding personal space amidst it all. 

The Kibbitz...
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'What The Hell?!?!' Live From Cafe Alma

June 19, 2025 • 52 mins
The Kibbitzers welcomed the community to Cafe Alma for the show's launch party. Listen to the live interview with Cincy Jewfolk editor Sam Fisher helping the people learn about Andrea and Melissa, get to know about what's in store for this season, and answer some VERY deep listener-submitted questions. 

Books that would be good reads based on the discussions: 

People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present by Dara Horn

Can We T...
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4. Dan Nichols

June 17, 2025 • 61 mins
We have our first guest! Andrea and Melissa welcome singer/songwriter Dan Nichols to the show. What started as a discussion of the importance of Jewish overnight camp in shaping Dan's story turned into a deeper discussion of how he found his place in the Jewish community, mental health, family, and of course music. Plus, Dan shares a new track from his forthcoming album, "The Mirror." 

The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Netw...
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3. Facing Anitsemitism

June 3, 2025 • 37 mins
This week, Andrea and Melissa discuss the rise in antisemitism, express frustration over the normalization of antisemitism and the challenges of addressing it, including the uninviting of a Zionist rabbi from an anti-Neo Nazi event and the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Cincinnati. They emphasize the historical and cultural significance of Israel, refute the claim that Jews are white colonizers, and highlight the need for nuan...
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2. Our Bodies

May 20, 2025 • 30 mins
Andrea and Melissa dive into the complicated world of body image. From societal pressures in the Jewish and secular worlds to self-acceptance, they open up about their personal journeys and the ongoing struggle to feel at home in their own skin. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of empathy as they unpack what it means to love (or even just like) your body in a world that doesn’t always make it easy. Whether you’ve battled ...
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1. Meet The Kibbitzers

May 6, 2025 • 30 mins
n the premiere episode of The Kibbitz, meet your hosts Andrea and Melissa—two longtime friends with sharp minds, big laughs, and even bigger opinions. Join them as they kick off the conversation, sharing who they are, why they started this podcast, and what you can expect from the episodes to come. From pop culture to personal stories, current events to candid confessions—nothing’s off the table when Andrea and Melissa start to kib...
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The Kibbitz Trailer

April 8, 2025 • 1 min
Learn about the newest Jewfolk Podcast: The Kibbitz!

The Kibbitz is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. For more information, go to jewfolk.com/podcast or email podcast@jewfolk.com
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