Best Box Judaism Podcasts (2025)

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Dr. Keren Fraiman and Dr. Sivan Zakai - The Future of Israel Education 53:26

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17d ago53:26

53:26

Episode 72 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Dr. Sivan Zakai, Professor of Jewish Education at Hebrew Union Col…

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Sarah Hurwitz - Reclaiming Jewish Identity and Peoplehood 52:21

2M ago52:21

52:21

Episode 71 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, our guest is Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and the author of two widely discussed books about Jewish life and identity. Her newest boo…

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Elias Saratovsky - Immersive Israel Travel and the Future of Jewish Identity 53:35

3M ago53:35

53:35

Episode 70 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Elias Saratovsky, President and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation. As Birthright turns 25, we reflect not just on the nearly 900,000 young Jews who’ve visited Israel through thi…

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Evening as Encounter: Ma’ariv & Workshop Live from SLBC 1:02:56

4M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Welcome back to our three part pray-along series, live from Songleader Boot Camp. We’re closing it out in the evening with some ma’ariv magic. Join a glorious group of musicians, prayer-leaders, and participants to sing, feel, and perhaps open to something unexpected. And remember to register for our s*ngs ab-ut g?d curriculum & educator training i…

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Shai Held - Judaism is About Love 51:36

4M ago51:36

51:36

Episode 69 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Shai Held, President and Dean of the Hadar Institute and author of the new book Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Shai returns for his second appearance on t…

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Josh Miller - How Great Grants Get Made (and What Happens When They Don’t) 50:51

4M ago50:51

50:51

Episode 68 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Josh Miller, Chief Program Officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation. Over the past 17 years, Josh has helped shape some of the most significant philanthropic investments in Jewish educati…

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Simon Greer - Viewpoint Diversity 1:08:52

5M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Episode 67 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Simon Greer, a longtime leader in Jewish philanthropy, former CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, now the driving force behind the Viewpoint Diversity Initiative at the University …

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William Daroff - Building Consensus in a Divided World 52:46

5M ago52:46

52:46

Episode 66 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. With decades of experience navigating Washington and Jerusalem, William offers a behind-the…

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Rabbi Noah Farkas - Responding to Disaster, Rebuilding Jewish Life 51:48

6M ago51:48

51:48

Episode 65 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Noah Farkas, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Noah’s career has been shaped by crisis leadership: from his time as a Navy chaplain in Iraq, to rebuilding Jew…

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We Hold It All: Shacharit (morning service) Live from SLBC 1:14:16

6M ago1:14:16

1:14:16

Jewish educators in supplementary schools- please fill out our short community survey by May 1st! Shalom my friends! So grateful to bring you part two in our special pray-along series, live from Songleader Boot Camp. We’ve arrived at shacharit, the morning service. You’ll hear (and are invited to sing/feel/pray along with) an amazing band of artist…

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Dr. Neil Theise - Exploring Complexity and the Science of Belonging 55:01

7M ago55:01

55:01

Episode 64 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we learn about the intersections of science, spirituality, and community with Dr. Neil Theise. Neil is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a pioneer in the fields of…

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Softening the Heart: Mincha & Workshop Live from SLBC (with Chava Mirel & Eliana Light) 1:02:29

7M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Shalom my friends! We’re back with a special three part pray-along series, live from Songleader Boot Camp. This episode is the afternoon service, mincha, with the incomparable Chava Mirel. Join us for a heart check-in, song, and silence. And keep listening for a behind-the-curtain conversation/class on what it takes to lead t’fillah that softens th…

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Dr. Jeffrey Solomon - Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Jewish Philanthropy 43:29

8M ago43:29

43:29

Episode 63 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, a towering figure in Jewish philanthropy whose impact has shaped the field for decades. As Senior Advisor to Chasbro Investments and former President of the Andrea…

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Stephen Bronfman & Nigel Savage - Climate Action & Jewish Leadership 41:39

8M ago41:39

41:39

Episode 62 of What Gives?—the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we speak with Stephen Bronfman, a leader in Jewish philanthropy with a strong commitment to environmental activism, and Nigel Savage, a pioneer in Jewish environmental education and the founding CE…

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Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer - Bridging Divides Through Torah Study 53:31

9M ago53:31

53:31

Episode 61 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we explore the power of dialogue and the transformative potential of Jewish study across ideological and denominational lines. Joining today are author, journalist, and podcast returnee Abigail Pog…

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Dr. Noam Weissman - Empowering the Next Generation Through Jewish Storytelling 47:49

10M ago47:49

47:49

Episode 60 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, we host Dr. Noam Weissman, an educator and media expert who has pioneered new ways to tell Israel’s story and educate young people about the complexities and beauty of Zionism and Jewish history. N…

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Yehuda Kurtzer - Jewish Identity in a Changing World 1:02:11

11M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Episode 59 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Andrés and Yehuda dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of our communal and personal identities—how we grapple wit…

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Laura Lauder - Philanthropic Leadership and Securing the Jewish Future 51:16

11M ago51:16

51:16

Episode 58 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Laura Lauder, a trailblazer in Jewish philanthropy whose work has reshaped the way communities approach innovation and impact. Laura’s story is one of vision, legacy, and a deep …

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Andrés Spokoiny - Reimagining Jewish Communities, hosted by Abigail Pogrebin 44:40

12M ago44:40

44:40

Episode 57 of What Gives? the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, featuring JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés sits down with journalist and author Abigail Pogrebin, who takes over as host, placing Andrés in the hot seat to discuss his new book, Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hy…

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Rachel Sumekh - Dispelling Myths and Addressing Jewish Poverty 48:32

1y ago48:32

48:32

Episode 56 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive of TEN: Together Ending Need, a collaborative initiative of funders working to ensure that all Jews have access to basic needs. Rachel and Andrés…

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Zvika Krieger - Responsible Innovation 51:50

1y ago51:50

51:50

Episode 55 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Zvika Krieger, a dynamic figure who straddles the worlds of technology and spirituality. Zvika was the first ever Director of Responsible Innovation at Facebook, now Meta, though…

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Rabbi Sharon Brous – Love, Loss, and Building Sacred Communities 50:28

1y ago50:28

50:28

Episode 54 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder and senior rabbi IKAR, a vibrant Jewish community in Los Angeles known for its inclusive approach to Jewish life. Rabbi Brous delves into the themes o…

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Joshua Foer - Innovating Jewish Education and Storytelling 50:40

1y ago50:40

50:40

Episode 53 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Joshua Foer. Josh is the co-founder of Sefaria, an open-source digital library of Jewish texts. Recently, he launched Lehrhaus, a "Jewish Tavern" in Boston aimed at making Torah …

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Episode 66: Shabbat at Home - Hamotzi 1:03:14

1y ago1:03:14

1:03:14

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Ellen consider the Midrashic possibilities of Hamotzi - the blessing over the challah. Topics include how challah holy-tizes all of our time, to tear or to cut, and which gardens grow bread trees. Plus, we listen to our favorite 90s Jewish hip hop classics! As partners with g?d in the act of crea…

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Amy Spitalnick - Antisemitism, Democracy, and Coalition Building 56:16

1y ago56:16

56:16

Episode 52 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to explore the resurgence of antisemitism, the intersection of Jewish safety and democratic integrity, and the importance of building strong, inclusive coali…

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Rabbi Danny Schiff - Judaism in a Digital Age 49:44

1+ y ago49:44

49:44

Episode 51 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We bring you an episode recorded last year, before October 7th. Rabbi Danny Schiff joins JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny to discuss how far Judaism allows us to push technological advances. If medicine makes it possible, should Jews be allowed to increase t…

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Episode 65: Opening the Treasure Box of Tradition (with Casper ter Kuile) 1:06:36

1+ y ago1:06:36

1:06:36

This week, we are elated to bring you our interview with Eliana and Casper ter Kuile. Casper is the author of The Power of Ritual, and the co-founder of Sacred Design Lab, Nearness and the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. We explore finding the sacred in the secular, where folks find spiritual community these days, and snuggling your dog a…

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Episode 64: Shabbat at Home - Hand Washing 51:15

1+ y ago51:15

51:15

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Josh explore the hand washing. Topics include taking ownership over rituals, the act of giving and receiving to and of ourselves, and hand washing as a mikvah moment. Plus, we listen to our favorite hand washing nigunim! Check out this week’s show notes and transcript @ lightlab.co/episode-64-han…

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Confidence 52:49

1+ y ago52:49

52:49

Do you struggle with insecurities? Are you tired of trying to fake it until you make it? If so, join us as we discuss confidence.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Episode 63: Creativity - Codeword for g?d (with Rabbi Adina Allen) 56:43

1+ y ago56:43

56:43

This week, we are elated to bring your our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Adina Allen. Rabbi Adina is co-founder and creative director of the Jewish Studio Project. We explore expressing the divine spark within us, how to sit with discomfort, and how to teach our 3rd grade selves that art is their birthright. Check out this week’s show notes and t…

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Budgets 1:03:38

1+ y ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Are you wasting all your hard-earned cash on frivolous expenses like food, shelter and healthcare? If so, join us to learn how you can better keep a budget!By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Yotam Polizer - Adaptability, Care, and Post-Traumatic Growth 20:59

1+ y ago20:59

20:59

Episode 50 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, IsraAid CEO Yotam Polizer is joined by Prof. Nava Levit-Binnun to talk about IsraAid's transition to working within Israel in the wake of October 7th, and how m…

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Oded Adomi Leshem - Hope Amidst Conflict 16:07

1+ y ago16:07

16:07

Episode 49 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Oded Adomi Leshem, author of Hope Amidst Conflict, gives his perspective on hope, resilience, and vision, and shares a first person account of Israel's civic st…

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Dan Senor - How Israel Will Bounce Back 23:08

1+ y ago23:08

23:08

Episode 48 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. We continue our series of messages from the stage of the 2024 JFN International Conference. This week, Dan Senor, host of 'The Genius of Israel', speaks at the JFN International Conference about what makes Israel unique and why it will come back from the events o…

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Episode 62: SPARK - Pesach 1:02:14

1+ y ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Welcome to our spring SPARK! A more free-wheeling, connective conversation between our hosts that we hope sparks something new in you. In this SPARK, Eliana and Ellen explore our journey on the way to enoughness, binding our wounds, & the furry shapes prophets sometimes inhabit. Plus, we listen to some of our favorite songs for the season! Check ou…

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Box Lunch Lifestyle 59:45

1+ y ago59:45

59:45

What did you eat for lunch today? A sad microwaveable panini while scrolling reels? If so, you need to upgrade your life and your lunch. Join us as we talk to author Cheryl K. Johnson about the Box Lunch Lifestyle.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Sigal Yaniv Feller: Philanthropy and Israel - Charting the Future at the Jewish Funders Network 2024 Conference 21:03

1+ y ago21:03

21:03

Episode 47 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Explore the vital role of philanthropy in Israel's current challenges and opportunities for growth. JFN Israel Executive Director Sigal Yaniv Feller highlights the transition from nation-building to society-building, underscoring the importance of strategic phila…

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Andres Spokoiny addresses the 2024 JFN International Conference in Tel Aviv 20:42

1+ y ago20:42

20:42

After the unthinkable events of October 7th and the subsequent crises in Israel, we made the decision to suspend the podcast so that we could better focus on Israel’s recovery. Now, we are resuming our work on What Gives, sharing with you expert knowledge in the field of Jewish philanthropy. Episode 46 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast…

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Episode 61: Turning Sorrows into Songs (with Rabbi Ilan Glazer) 1:04:26

1+ y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

This week, we are honored to bring your our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Ilan Glazer. Rabbi Ilan is the founder of Our Jewish Recovery, author of the award-winning And God Created Recovery: Jewish Wisdom to Help You Break Free From Your Addiction, Heal Your Wounds, and Unleash Your Inner Freedom, and a Shatterproof Ambassador and Family Program …

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Ambition 56:01

1+ y ago56:01

56:01

Do you have dreams of making it big? Do you think life is all about the hustle? If so, join us as we discuss ambition.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Dignity 46:57

1+ y ago46:57

46:57

Do you strive to hold your head high? Do you aim to be a respectable member of society? If so, join us as we discuss dignity.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Episode 60: Open-Source Judaism (with Aharon Varady) 1:12:06

1+ y ago1:12:06

1:12:06

This week, we are delighted to bring you our interview with Eliana and Aharon Varady. Aharon is the founding director and primary shammes of the Open Siddur Project. We explore the alchemy of a minyan, taking responsibility for your prayer, and how to make a container to cross-pollinate our own liturgical wisdom with other people. Check out this we…

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Conversation 1:07:31

1+ y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Do you long to hear and be heard by your fellow man? Do you feel your anecdotes are leaving your listens listless? if so, join us as we discuss conversation.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Episode 59: Praying with One Kahal (with Batya Levine) 57:05

1+ y ago57:05

57:05

This week, we are ecstatic to bring you our interview with Eliana and Batya Levine. Batya (they/them) is a communal song leader, musician, shaliach tzibur (Jewish prayer leader), cultural organizer, and co-founder and the Director of Programs at Let My People Sing! We explore adversarial relationships with t’fillah, modeling pouring-out-your-heart …

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Authority 1:02:48

1+ y ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Do you like to follow the leader? Are you a sucker for a man in uniform? If so, join us as we discuss Authority. Sources: Authority | Definition, Types & Uses | Britannica Milgram's Experiment on Obedience to Authority "Siren" by Etgar Keret Ungroundable | South ParkBy Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Episode 58: Shabbat at Home - Kiddush 1:13:12

1+ y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

This week, in our Shabbat at Home series, Eliana and Ellen explore the Kiddush. Topics include the opening the Shabbat space/time portal, toasting time, and how to exercise our awe and wonder muscles. Plus, we listen to our favorite interpretations of the Kiddush! Check out this week’s show notes and transcript @ lightlab.co/episode-58-kiddush Foll…

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Complaining 59:23

1+ y ago59:23

59:23

Do you have something you want to get off your chest? A gripe you’re dying to express? If so, join us as we discuss complaining.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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Episode 57: Nerding out on T’fillah (with Rabbi Josh Cahan) 53:49

2y ago53:49

53:49

This week, we are proud to bring you our interview with Eliana and Rabbi Josh Cahan. A t’fillah (prayer) educator in NYC, Josh compiled and edited the Yedid Nefesh bencher and is introducing the new Yedid Nefesh Haggadah this Spring. We explore the origin story of a t’fillah nerd, praying at sleepaway camp, and the challenges and opportunities of t…

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Journaling 48:01

2y ago48:01

48:01

Do you feel the urge to record your thoughts? A desire to keep a record of your daily life? See the therapeutic benefits of writing down your feelings? If so, join us as we discuss journaling.By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz

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The North Sea 19:24

2y ago19:24

19:24

Our first mini-episode!!! Join us as we discuss the siren's call of the North Sea!By Rory O'Toole & Matthew Schultz