In this latest episode of Storied, Benji Rosenzweig sits down with David Manheim of the acclaimed Dopey Podcast to explore the crossroads of rock history, addiction, and recovery culture. From Lou Reed’s Jewish roots on Long Island to the raw groove of The Velvet Underground, they trace the ripple effect that carried through punk, grunge, and modern alternative music.
The episode dives into how Bob Dylan’s legendary meeting with The Beatles changed everything — from sparking Rubber Soul and the psychedelic revolution to reshaping what it meant to be a songwriter. Along the way, Benji and David unpack forgotten stories about Al Arnowitz, Maureen Tucker, George Harrison, The Band, and Daniel Johnston, plus how addiction, recovery, and creativity intersect across generations of artists.
David also shares the origin story of the Dopey Podcast, a show that began as darkly funny tales of drug use and evolved into a cultural touchstone in the recovery community, now celebrating its tenth year.
If you love classic rock, music history, or stories of resilience, this episode hits all the right notes — part musicology, part recovery storytelling, all heart.
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Storied was started in The J Detroit in partnership with The Berman Theater
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Credits:
Host and Executive Producer: Benji Rosenzweig.
Producer: Ryan Storm
Editing: Andrea Rizzuto
Production and Project Management: Eric Nelson - Hello@Storied.Show
Booking by Leanne Deutsch of 16 Mile Talent Leanne@16mile.com
Design: Tessa Hewitt
Research by Avishai Bauman
Music was recorded by Evan Sherman
The song was written by Benji's late father, Rabbi Yosil Rosenzweig, as the original opening of the song that he wrote for the diaspora Yeshiva band, Pitchu Li
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us as we continue exploring the Jewish contributions to music history.
