On the evening of Tuesday, June 10, I sat behind one of three microphones, next to my friend and cohost Andrea Beck, prepared to kibbitz. The art of kibbitzing is something we’ve perfected in the privacy of our home studios. On this particular evening, however, we were joined by Sam Fisher, editor of Cincy Jewfolk, at Café Alma for a live recording to celebrate the official launch of The Kibbitz Podcast!
Guests at The Kibbitz Podcast Launch Party (photo: Rebecca Hunter)
As we mingled with our guests, one statement kept coming out of my mouth: “I can’t believe we did this!”
When Andrea and I first dreamt up the idea of a podcast, we had no clue it would take off, let alone be picked up and produced by an actual media outlet.
With three released episodes and eight recorded episodes under our belts, and a wonderful partnership with Cincy Jewfolk, we were excited to share our success with so many of the people who had supported us from the beginning.
As our guests arrived, we were overcome with gratitude by the family and friends who took time out of their busy weeknight to join us!
Cincy Jewfolk editor, Sam Fisher, led a live Q&A and podcast recording. (photo: Rebecca Hunter)
After the mingling hour, everyone moved into Café Alma’s second dining space for our live podcast recording.
Listen to “‘What The Hell?!?!’ Live From Cafe Alma” on Spreaker.
Sam Fisher kicked off the night by sharing Cincy Jewfolk’s mission and the impact it’s making in our city, building and connecting community.
We then joined him in a conversation that was at times funny and lighthearted, and at other times deep and reflective.
A highlight was the segment “Will it Hamantaschen?” where we considered whether current issues would make a good cookie filling. Another meaningful and more somber moment occurred during the audience Q&A when someone anonymously asked:
“How can someone who isn’t Jewish support the Jewish community while also feeling grief over what’s happening in Gaza?”
It’s a question Andrea and I have discussed often, both privately and on our podcast. We shared what we always come back to:
Two things can be true at the same time.
We too feel for the loss of innocent Palestinian lives and don’t necessarily support the tactics of the current Israeli government, while still supporting the right of Israel to exist and fearing for the rise in antisemitism. And seeing so many of my friends in the audience who weren’t Jewish meant the world to me. In a time when antisemitism is a very real concern for the Jewish community, having people show up to be allies is powerful and comforting.
The Kibbitz Podcast Co-Hosts Andrea Beck and Melissa Hunter (photo: Rebecca Hunter)
For me, having Andrea by my side was incredibly grounding. We’ve been told our personalities complement each other, and I believe that to be true. I am constantly impressed by her breadth of knowledge and her ability to put into words what I sometimes struggle to say. Whenever we sit down together, though, our conversation comes naturally, and our laughter comes from the gut. I couldn’t be more excited about our partnership!
Live podcast recording at Café Alma (photo:Rebecca Hunter)
As our podcast continues to evolve, we understand that what we’re doing isn’t just kibbitzing — it’s continuing a longstanding tradition.
Jewish storytelling has always been a cornerstone of our culture. Whether through Torah, Talmud, Yiddish theater, or Shabbat table talk, our community has always found meaning through dialogue, debate, humor, and heart. Kibbitzing may seem like small talk, but it’s deeply Jewish: it’s how we connect, ask big questions, and keep our stories alive. With each episode, we hope to continue that legacy and bring contemporary voices and questions to the table.
The night ended on a lighter note with two giveaways we’d put together for our guests (One included homemade rugelach baked with love using my grandmother’s recipe!). Our family was deeply involved in our efforts. Our husbands lived out their “AV club” dreams running sound and setting up equipment. My daughter, currently studying design media, took professional photos. My mother helped bake. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and made the evening even more special.
The Kibbitz giveaways (photo: Rebecca Hunter)
As the night came to a close, Andrea and I looked at each other with slightly dazed, grateful smiles. The future of The Kibbitz Podcast and our work with Cincy Jewfolk is just beginning — and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Co-hosts Melissa Hunter and Andrea Beck with their podcast banner (photo: Rebecca Hunter)
