In this episode, we speak with Dr. Oded Adomi Leshem—Senior Research Associate and Director of the International Hub for Hope Research at Hebrew University. Oded’s journey shifts from covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a documentary filmmaker and cameraman to deep-dive into the human psyche, as he explores one of the most powerful forces in our lives: hope. He shares insights from his research, and reflections on what hope really is—how it shapes political behavior, why it is important in moments of crisis, and how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our societies. From the philosophical to the practical, and against the backdrop of ongoing violence and conflict, Oded invites us to consider whether hope is a destination or a tool—and why, especially now, it may be our most vital resource.

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Heineman, the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker behind Cartel Land, City of Ghosts, The First Wave, American Symphony, and more. Originally on track to become a history teacher, a post-college RV trip turned impromptu film project launched him into a career documenting the world’s most urgent and harrowing stories. From the emergence of ISIS in Syria and cartel drug wars to the battle against COVID in New York City’s hospitals and an artist couple’s struggle with cancer, Heineman shares the twists that shaped his career—why he chooses the hardest subjects, the prices he’s paid for those choices, and what documentaries can teach us about how to live our lives.

In this episode, we sit down with Dominique Lévy—renowned gallerist, collector, and force in the international art world. A self-described “Pure Diaspora Product,” Dominique reflects on a childhood shaped by the exile of her Egyptian father and Belgian mother, and the lifelong need to establish a sense of stability and belonging. From dreaming of the circus to founding world-class galleries, her journey spans continents, collaborations, and cultural movements. With decades of experience navigating competitive spheres, Dominique reflects on the evolving nature of the art world, the need for tenderness in the current moment, and the immigrant drive to build something of one’s own—offering insights into motivation, success, and, perhaps most of all, her ultimate aspiration: to finally be able to chill.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, the “first Syrian-Jewish woman rabbi”, a title which carries some complexities. Raised in Brooklyn in a traditional community, Dianne’s journey has been marked by persistence, self-determination, and a willingness to go off the predetermined path. She reflects on her childhood, her early moments of spiritual revelation, and the struggle for acceptance—within her family and her community—when she chose a rabbinic path. Now a leader at Kehilat Romemu and educator across multiple institutions, Dianne speaks candidly about motherhood, community, and finding hope amid despair.

In this episode, we sit down with Jody Gottfried Arnhold—visionary dance educator, founder of the Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) at 92NY, and a passionate advocate for arts in public life. From her early love of dance to decades spent teaching in New York City public schools, Jody’s journey has been guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of movement. She reflects on her path from dancer to teacher to philanthropist, and shares insights into what dance offers beyond technique: empowerment, expression, and democratic literacy. A tireless champion for dance as essential education, Jody speaks about founding DEL, the joy of seeing her students become leaders, and what it takes to create lasting change in the arts.

In this special live episode recorded at the 92nd Street Y, we sit down with Jay Michaelson—writer, rabbi, journalist, scholar, meditation teacher, and LGBTQ activist. Jay shares how his life has been shaped by the interplay of seemingly opposing identities and disciplines. From work in the Jewish and LGBTQ communities to teaching about law and psychedelics, Jay reflects on walking the line between structure and liberation, tradition and transformation. We talk religion, justice, mysticism, and meaning—and what it takes to hold complexity in today’s fractured world.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Mira Rivera, the first Filipina-American rabbi ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary. A lifelong seeker, Rabbi Rivera’s journey weaves together movement, spirituality, and activism. From growing up in the Philippines to experiencing a spiritual awakening in India, and dancing in Martha Graham Dance Company, her path led her to explore her faith in many ways and places. Rabbi Rivera shares her challenges working with Jews of Color and engaging in political activism, and reflects on the role of leadership in uncertain times.

In this episode, we sit down with journalist, author, and podcast host Abigail Pogrebin. From growing up in a media-savvy household with feminist trailblazer Letty Cottin-Pogrebin to navigating life as an identical twin, Abigail’s path has been shaped by the interplay of shared identity and the pursuit of individuality. A former producer at 60 Minutes, Abigail went on to become a prolific writer and interviewer, known for her deep dives into Jewish life in works like Stars of David and My Jewish Year. She reflects on the twists in her personal and professional journey—from Broadway misfires to spiritual awakenings—and shares her evolving thoughts on American Jewish identity in this politically charged moment.

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Shira Stutman, interim rabbi at Aspen Jewish Congregation, founding rabbi of the Sixth & I congregation in Washington, DC, and co-host of the podcast Chutzpod. Shira reflects on her path to becoming a spiritual leader, and how unexpected detours—from personal loss to leaving a thriving congregation—became opportunities for evolution and transformation. Shira also shares insights from her new book—The Jewish Way to a Good Life, explains what Judaism has to say about the concept of destination, and discusses the need of fostering honest dialogue in this polarized moment.

In this episode, we sit down with futurist and social innovator Ari Wallach. As the founder of Longpath and author of Longpath: Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs, Ari challenges us to think beyond short-termism and into a future shaped by collective responsibility and empathy. His work blends strategic foresight with moral imagination, offering a bold vision for how we might navigate today’s chaos with intention and hope. Join us for a conversation on intergenerational thinking and how embracing the long view can transform how we live and lead today.

A conversation about the nature of truth, identity, and the detours that unexpectedly lead us home. This episode welcomes bestselling author and host of the podcast Family Secrets, Dani Shapiro. Dani and Rabbi David explore how Dani's mid-life discovery that her beloved father was not her biological parent reshaped her world, brought clarity to a lifelong sense of disconnection, and inspired her prolific creativity. With honesty and depth, Dani reflects on the power of secrets, the concept of the “unthought known,” and the healing that comes from facing the truth.

In the premiere episode of Detours and Destinations, Rabbi David Ingber talks with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, the visionary spiritual leader and founder of LabShul, and the subject of the documentary Sabbath Queen about the journey from a lineage of a 38-generation esteemed rabbinic dynasty, to becoming a drag performer, radical storyteller, and groundbreaking rabbi. Amichai’s life has been a bold negotiation between tradition and transformation. His journey is one of self-discovery, rebellion, and ultimately, reinvention. Through humor and heartbreak, Amichai reflects on the detours that shaped him and the power of storytelling as spiritual activism, humanism and empathy in times of crisis, and reimagining tradition.