
We all experience anxiety, anger, grief, jealousy, and joy—but what if the goal isn't to eliminate difficult emotions, but to learn how to work with them? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with bestselling author and University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross to explore the science of emotional regulation, the wisdom of Jewish tradition, and practical tools for navigating life's emotional highs and lows.
Aug 6
52 min

Hollywood was built in large part by Jewish immigrants, but how much of that legacy remains today? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the Jewish roots of the movie industry, the evolving role of Jewish identity in American culture, and whether Hollywood is losing its creative soul. Joined by author and cultural critic David Mikics, they discuss everything from Louis B. Mayer and Casablanca to Spielberg, Kubrick, and the challenges facing Jewish voices in entertainment today.
Jul 30
53 min

What happens when two Jewish women meet in Los Angeles and discover their families came from the same Polish town - and survived the Holocaust through a little-known journey across the Soviet Union? Authors Daniela Gerson and Talia Inlander join Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel to discuss The Wanderers, their remarkable story of exile, survival, family history, and unexpected love. Together they explore memory, refugee experiences, and the hidden histories that continue to shape Jewish life today.
Jul 23
50 min

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we learn, communicate, and build community—but what does Jewish tradition have to say about it? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the promise and peril of technology with Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone of Chabad.org and Daniel Kelley of the ADL. From using AI to spread Torah and strengthen Jewish connection to confronting online hate and antisemitism, this conversation examines how Jewish values can guide us through the digital age.
Jul 16
51 min

What happens when athletic competition becomes a vehicle for Jewish identity, global connection, and love of Israel? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with Maccabi USA CEO Marshall Einhorn and longtime participant Dr. Danny Cosgrove to explore the Maccabiah Games—the world's largest Jewish sporting event. From elite competition to lifelong friendships, they discuss how sports unite Jewish athletes across generations, countries, and backgrounds.
Jul 9
51 min

As America marks its 250th anniversary, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore the deep connections between the American experiment and the Jewish experience. They reflect on the promises of freedom, citizenship, and opportunity that have shaped Jewish life in the United States before welcoming Dan Tadmor, CEO of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Together, they uncover little-known stories of Jewish involvement in the Revolutionary War and discuss how museums help preserve—and reimagine—the American Jewish story for future generations.
Jul 2
51 min

Breast cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women every year, yet conversations about screening, prevention, and genetic testing remain difficult for many families. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel sit down with renowned breast surgeon Dr. Elisa Port to discuss what everyone should know about breast health, the role of BRCA genetic testing, and why early detection saves lives. Drawing from her new book The Breast Advice, Dr. Port shares patient stories, medical insights, and practical guidance that can empower individuals and families to make informed health decisions.
Jun 25
52 min

Food is far more than nourishment—it is memory, identity, culture, and connection. In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore how Jewish food serves as a living archive of history and tradition. Through conversations with Jewish Food Society founder Naama Shefi and renowned food writer Joan Nathan, they examine how recipes carry family stories across generations, how shared meals build community, and why food remains one of the most powerful gateways into Jewish life.
The episode also highlights The Great Nosh, a large-scale Jewish food festival on Governors Island that celebrates Jewish culture through culinary innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Jun 18
52 min

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in North America, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore why soccer captivates billions around the globe but remains culturally distinct in America. With authors Franklin Foer and Andrei Markovits, they examine globalization, identity, Jewish belonging, and what the world's most popular sport reveals about who we are.
Jun 11
52 min

What if the most meaningful stories are the ones we almost overlook?
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel explore why the smallest stories often matter most. Then they welcome bestselling author and longtime New Yorker writer Susan Orlean for a conversation about storytelling, curiosity, memory, Jewish identity, and the extraordinary hidden inside everyday life.
Jun 4
52 min
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