GOLDA Girls

GOLDA Media
  • 5.0 (58)
  • Judaism

A podcast for Jewish women with a lot to say. GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick sits down with journalist Gabby Deutch, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko each week to talk culture, community, identity, and the everyday moments shaping modern Jewish life.

  1. 6d ago

    Jewish Magic in Detroit

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko talk about Stephanie’s recent trip to Metro Detroit to interview Dara Horn at an event for the local Jewish community. Plus the state of Jewish humor, Nathan Fielder’s new movie You Can See Everything, and a “Type A challah baking” listener update.   Recommendations: Dara Horn’s new book: bookshop.org/a/110357/9781668090169 The Talmud Daily from Dovid Bashevkin: talmuddaily.org/Good for the Jews:  Stephanie: Grandpa Al’s 95th birthday!Esther: Bertha Sabbagh making studio quality prints of Esther’s children’s art Diana: Getting an aliyahCheck out our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events Follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. More from the GOLDA Girls: Diana's book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism: rabbidianafersko.com/books.  Esther's novel Sisters of Fortune: bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544.Esther's children’s book I Share My Name: bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187. Stephanie’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia: From Abraham to Zabar's and Everything in Between: bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939.GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today.

  2. Oct 16

    Spooky Season with Jamie Denbo

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko talk Jews and Halloween. This week’s guest is writer and comedian Jamie Denbo of The Beverly Podcast.  Good for the Jews picks:  Stephanie: Lin Manuel Miranda performing “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” at the 30 Rock 20th anniversary celebration.  Esther: Jerry Seinfeld telling hecklers he’s donating their ticket sales to Israel. Diana: Hearing a subway saxophonist play Jewish music.  Jamie Denbo/Beverly: Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder bringing a plunger on a plane in a nod to the plumber who helped avert the FlyDubai hijacking.  Upcoming events: October 19, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead. 7 p.m., Sutton Place Synagogue; spsnyc.shulcloud.com/form/rrabooklaunch. October 20, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Dr. Katie Davis about her new book Actually, You’re Fine. 6:30 p.m., WTHN Upper East Side; register at https://luma.com/rwzedeza.   October 23, 2026 — New York City: Join GOLDA for a special Mini Mahj Shabbat for you and your mini at ColorPop Workshop. 5 - 7 p.m., 1289 Madison Avenue; get your ticket at https://luma.com/cgn6d0u1.  October 26, 2026 — New York City: Join Jill Kargman and GOLDA for a frighteningly fun night of mahjong featuring Jill’s signature Halloween tile sets from Center & Spring, which will be available for purchase. Breads Bakery, 1294 Third Avenue, 6 p.m.; get your ticket at https://luma.com/xtfeb4df.  Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Send in your GOLDA Grams: record a voice note or voice memo and email it to hi@goldaguide.com to be included in an upcoming episode. Tell us who you are, where you’re calling from, and what you’re thinking about. Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where you can find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today.

  3. Oct 9

    When Life Gives You Etrogs with Iddo Gefen

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko discuss the grand finale of the High Holiday season—Simchat Torah—plus a new survey that says Americans aren’t inviting each other over for dinner anymore. They also commemorate the third anniversary of Oct. 7 and explore how to talk to kids honestly and age-appropriately about it.  This week's guest is Israeli writer Iddo Gefen, author of Jerusalem Beach, Mrs. Lilienblum’s Cloud Factory, and the Substack Neuron Stories.  Send in your GOLDA Grams: record a voice note or voice memo and email it to hi@goldaguide.com to be included in an upcoming episode. Tell us who you are, where you’re calling from, and what you’re thinking about.  Good for the Jews:  Stephanie: The Exodus Mentorship Alliance (she’s part of the founding fellow cohort!)  Esther: Etrog jelly Diana: This pomegranate napkin holder  Upcoming events:  October 14, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie in conversation with Matti Friedman about Jewish identity beyond the West. 8 p.m. at 92NY; https://www.92ny.org/event/matti-friedman-with-stephanie-butnick. October 19, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead. 7 p.m., Sutton Place Synagogue; spsnyc.shulcloud.com/form/rrabooklaunch. October 20, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Dr. Katie Davis about her new book Actually, You’re Fine. 6:30 p.m., WTHN Upper East Side; register at https://luma.com/rwzedeza.   October 23, 2026 — New York City: Join GOLDA a special Mini Mahj Shabbat for you and your mini at ColorPop Workshop. ​Pizza will be served, along with challah and grape juice. There will be goodies and giveaways from our favorite kids' brands. Please note: everyone should already know how to play; there will be no instruction. 5 - 7 p.m., 1289 Madison Avenue; get your ticket at https://luma.com/cgn6d0u1.  October 26, 2026 — New York City: Join Jill Kargman and GOLDA for a frighteningly fun night of mahjong featuring Jill’s signature Halloween tile sets from Center & Spring, which will be available for purchase. Breads Bakery, 1294 Third Avenue, 6 p.m.; get your ticket at https://luma.com/xtfeb4df .  Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where you can find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  You can listen to GOLDA Girls on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golda-girls/id1895644983Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eLma0Exh3LDv2Ay8fx8CqPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/golda-girls/ed7285a0-2487-013f-2ec2-0e872f6a2b21Leave us a review and we’ll send you a GOLDA sticker! Email a screenshot of your review to hi@goldaguide.com.  Stay GOLDA.

  4. Oct 2

    American Dream with Jessica Siskin

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko discuss the Sunkist Fruit Gem drama and the new Hanukkah sweater Barbie doll, and answer a listener’s “Type A challah question.” This week’s guest is Jessica Siskin, author of the new novel Looks Perfect.  Recommendations: The Balloon Museum  Looks Perfect, by Jessica Siskin Good for the Jews:  Stephanie: Challah Back Girls  Esther: Shul bonnets Diana: The sukkah Jessica: The Chabad guys outside Zara in Soho.  Upcoming events:  October 8, 2026 — New York City: Esther Chehebar interviews artist and food writer Linda Dangoor, author of From the Tigris to the Thames at the Moise Safra Center; https://tinyurl.com/ASFMSCDangoor October 14, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie in conversation with Matti Friedman about Jewish identity beyond the West. 8 p.m. at 92NY; https://www.92ny.org/event/matti-friedman-with-stephanie-butnick. October 19, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead. 7 p.m., Sutton Place Synagogue; spsnyc.shulcloud.com/form/rrabooklaunch. October 20, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Dr. Katie Davis about her new book Actually, You’re Fine at the Upper East Side WTHN studio. https://luma.com/rwzedeza  Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where you can find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today.  This episode is also sponsored by the Simchat Torah Challenge’s Shema Initiative, created in collaboration with NJOP. The Shema Initiative invites us to reconnect with Judaism’s most foundational prayer through beautiful videos, art, inspiration, and even a free Hebrew Reading Crash Course. Join The Shema Initiative and you can enter to win a beautiful gold-plated Shema bracelet handmade by Oriya—a piece of jewelry designed to remind you to keep this foundational prayer top of mind and close to your heart. Learn more and sign up at SimchatTorahChallenge.org/Golda.  – GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  You can listen to GOLDA Girls on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golda-girls/id1895644983Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eLma0Exh3LDv2Ay8fx8CqPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/golda-girls/ed7285a0-2487-013f-2ec2-0e872f6a2b21Leave us a review and we’ll send you a GOLDA sticker! Email a screenshot of your review to hi@goldaguide.com.  Stay GOLDA.

  5. Sep 30 ·  Bonus

    GOLDA Interviews: Ron Segal, Author of ‘Delicate’

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick talks to Ron Segal, the Israeli-born, Berlin-based author of Delicate, the latest pick from our presenting sponsor Nu Reads, the Jewish subscription series that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Delicate is a brilliant and haunting novel about memory, and the Holocaust, and the stories we leave behind. The book is officially out in English next year, but Nu Reads subscribers have early access to it, along with exclusive experiences with authors, and a community built on a shared passion for Jewish storytelling. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda—visit www.NuReads.org to get started today. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. You can listen to GOLDA Girls on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/golda-girls/id1895644983Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eLma0Exh3LDv2Ay8fx8CqPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/golda-girls/ed7285a0-2487-013f-2ec2-0e872f6a2b21Stay GOLDA

  6. Sep 25

    2 Break-Fast 2 Furious

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko break through their post-break-fast delirium to discuss fasting for Yom Kippur while parenting, the tri-state-area run on rainbow bagels for break-fast, and Sotheby’s upcoming Magnificent Judaica sale (aka the new Met Gala).  Chef and recipe developer Arielle Nir joins the GOLDA Girls to share how she updates the Persian, Moroccan, and Israeli recipes she grew up with for a new generation—and offers two Sukkot-ready recipes that Esther swears by. Subscribe to GOLDA to get the recipes delivered to your inbox: goldaguide.com/subscribe Tell us about your magnificent Judaica—email us at hi@goldaguide.com and we'll share it on air. This week’s recommendations: Under the Persimmon Tree, by Suzanne Fisher Staples  DIY Graham Cracker Sukkah, Our Happy Tribe  Audrey Levy Women’s Siddur, Sephardic Heritage Foundation Siddur bedazzling Good for the Jews:  Stephanie: Susan Alexandra’s new sticker book Esther: The film Legend of Destruction, voiced by Oscar Isaac and Evangeline Lily Diana: Yom Kippur afternoon programming at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Upcoming events:  October 14, 2026 — New York City + virtual: Stephanie in conversation with Matti Friedman about Jewish identity beyond the West. 8 p.m. at 92NY (in-person and streaming); https://www.92ny.org/event/matti-friedman-with-stephanie-butnick. October 19, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead. 7 p.m., Sutton Place Synagogue; spsnyc.shulcloud.com/form/rrabooklaunch. Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where you can find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today. This episode is also sponsored by the Simchat Torah Challenge’s Shema Initiative, created in collaboration with NJOP. The Shema Initiative invites us to reconnect with Judaism’s most foundational prayer through beautiful videos, art, inspiration, and even a free Hebrew Reading Crash Course. Join The Shema Initiative and you can enter to win a beautiful gold-plated Shema bracelet handmade by Oriya—a piece of jewelry designed to remind you to keep this foundational prayer top of mind and close to your heart. Learn more and sign up at SimchatTorahChallenge.org/Golda.

  7. Sep 18

    Back to Basics

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko are joined by Mamaleh Jewelry founder Dara Katz to kick off 5787. The Girls talk about the behind-the-scenes stress of the High Holidays, the Macklemore drama, and more.  They also go back to basics and dig into the Shema prayer, with some help from the Simchat Torah Challenge’s Shema Initiative. And of course, there’s jewelry involved: join the Shema Initiative and enter to win a Shema bracelet by Oriya Jewels. Sign up at SimchatTorahChallenge.org/Golda.  This week’s recommendations: Mamaleh’s Yente nameplate necklace, mahjong tile charm, and challah charm.    Good for the Jews:  Stephanie: Sydney Sweeney spotted at synagogue on Rosh Hashanah. Dara: Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts’ daughter Kai Schreiber walking the Thom Browne runway at New York Fashion Week.  Esther: Dara Horn’s new book, The Final Solution to the Jewish Question: A Love Letter to the Living.  Diana: Miznon’s Bag of Green Beans.  Upcoming events:  September 22, 2026 — New York City: Diana interviews Zibby Owens about her new book Between Chapters at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan;  https://www.mmjccm.org/event/between-chapters-zibby-owens-in-conversation-with-rabbi-diana-fersko October 14, 2026 — New York City + virtual: Stephanie in conversation with Matti Friedman at 92NY (in-person and streaming); https://www.92ny.org/event/matti-friedman-with-stephanie-butnick. October 15, 2026 — New York City: Save the date for the next event in our Harmonie Club residency, all about redefining Jewish jewelry and Judaica and featuring some of our favorite designers and artists.  October 19, 2026 — New York City: Stephanie interviews Rabbi Rachel Ain for the launch of her book, Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead, at Sutton Place Synagogue; spsnyc.shulcloud.com/form/rrabooklaunch. Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where you can find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today. This episode is also sponsored by the Simchat Torah Challenge’s Shema Initiative, created in collaboration with NJOP. The Shema Initiative invites us to reconnect with Judaism’s most foundational prayer through beautiful videos, art, inspiration, and even a free Hebrew Reading Crash Course. Join The Shema Initiative and you can enter to win a beautiful gold-plated Shema bracelet handmade by Oriya—a piece of jewelry designed to remind you to keep this foundational prayer top of mind and close to your heart. Learn more and sign up at SimchatTorahChallenge.org/Golda.

  8. Sep 11

    Ringing in 5787

    GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick, journalist Gabby Deutch, novelist Esther Chehebar and Rabbi Diana Fersko welcome the new Jewish year the GOLDA Girls way: by saluting the “temple dress” wardrobe staple, breaking down why some Jews avoid leather shoes on Yom Kippur, and wondering how the shofar blower trains for the High Holidays, aka the shofar Super Bowl.  The GOLDA Girls also say farewell to co-host Gabby, who will be joining the Atlantic as a staff writer later this month. We love you, Gabby! Follow along with Gabby’s work by subscribing to her Substack at gsdeutch.substack.com.  Good for the Jews picks:  Stephanie: P!nk making kugel on Instagram.  Diana: Communal Jewish singing.  Esther: Nathan Fielder.  Gabby: The GOLDA Girls podcast!  Upcoming events:  Tuesday, September 15—New York City: Stephanie interviews curator Dr. Smadar Sheffi at the opening reception of A Taste of Belonging, an exhibit about the intersection of art, culture, and cuisine. 6 p.m. at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan; register here. Thursday, September 17 — New York City: Stephanie in conversations with Dr. Beth Ricanati at the launch event for her book The Braided Prescription: Seven Practices for Living Well from the Ancient Ritual of Making Challah. 7 p.m. at The Strand Columbus; register here. Find out about all of our upcoming events at goldaguide.com/p/events.  Send your high holiday fashion tips to hi@goldaguide.com.  Subscribe to GOLDA at goldaguide.com and follow us on Instagram at @goldaguide. Where to find the GOLDA Girls: Sign up for Diana Fersko’s print newsletter, Modern Jewess, at modern-jewess.com, and buy her book, We Need to Talk About Antisemitism, at rabbidianafersko.com/books.   Get Esther Chehebar’s novel Sisters of Fortune at bookshop.org/a/110357/9780593734544, and her children’s book I Share My Name, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781532432187.  Buy Stephanie Butnick’s book, The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia, at bookshop.org/a/110357/9781579658939. GOLDA Girls is a production of GOLDA Media. The show is executive produced by Ariel Shapiro and edited by POLDHU.  Sponsors: GOLDA Girls is presented by Nu Reads, a new Jewish book subscription series curated by the Jewish Book Council that brings remarkable literature straight to your door. Get 15% off your subscription with code NuGolda. Visit NuReads.org to get started today.

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About

A podcast for Jewish women with a lot to say. GOLDA founder Stephanie Butnick sits down with journalist Gabby Deutch, novelist Esther Chehebar, and Rabbi Diana Fersko each week to talk culture, community, identity, and the everyday moments shaping modern Jewish life.

Information

  • Creator
    GOLDA Media
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GOLDA Girls
  • Show Website
    GOLDA Girls

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