The Schmooze

Don and Jared
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The Schmooze brings together the voices, programs, and stories shaping Jewish life in Calgary. Hosted by Don Schapira and Jared Shore, each episode features a community calendar, interviews with leaders and students, and highlights from across the city. This is your space to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

  1. Episode 28: Schmooze with Gustavo Zentner and Dr. Brian Schwartz | When Museums Take Sides: The CMHR Nakba Controversy

    3d ago

    Episode 28: Schmooze with Gustavo Zentner and Dr. Brian Schwartz | When Museums Take Sides: The CMHR Nakba Controversy

    The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was founded to educate, challenge, and inspire Canadians through the lens of human rights. But with the upcoming opening of Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present, critics are raising serious questions about whether the museum is presenting a balanced account of one of the most contested chapters in modern history. In this episode, Don and Jared are joined by Gustavo Zentner, Vice President of CIJA for Manitoba & Saskatchewan, and Dr. Brian Schwartz, Professor and Asper Chair Emeritus of International Business and Trade Law. Together they discuss: • The controversy surrounding the CMHR's Nakba exhibit• Concerns about transparency and consultation• The historical origins of the Nakba narrative• Competing interpretations of the events of 1948• The role of public institutions in presenting contested history• Why trust in national institutions matters Whether you agree or disagree with the concerns raised, this conversation explores an important question: What responsibility do public institutions have when presenting complex and contested histories? 📖 Dr. Brian Schwartz's Report The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Its Nakba Exhibit 📰 National Post Human Rights Museum Treating Jewish Concerns as an Afterthought 📢 Learn More Don't Erase Jewish Voices 🎙️ The Schmooze PodcastHosted by Don Schapira & Jared Shore 🌐 schmoozeyyc.ca Further Reading & Resources

    1h 21m
  2. Episode 27: Schmooze with Warren Kinsella on The Hidden Hand, Propaganda, and The Campaign

    Jun 8

    Episode 27: Schmooze with Warren Kinsella on The Hidden Hand, Propaganda, and The Campaign

    What happens when information warfare becomes invisible? In this special episode of The Schmooze, we sit down with author, strategist, lawyer, and artist Warren Kinsella to discuss his new book, The Hidden Hand. We explore: ✅ Information warfare and influence operations ✅ Antisemitic propaganda in the digital age ✅ How narratives are manufactured and amplified ✅ The role of media and social media in shaping public opinion ✅ Why some movements appear grassroots when they may not be ✅ The challenges facing Jewish communities after October 7 One of the most memorable moments of the conversation came when Warren made the observation: "There's no f***ing way this is organic." Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation will challenge the way you think about activism, influence, and the battle for public opinion. Thank you to Beth Tzedec Congregation, the Calgary Jewish Federation, and everyone who attended our first-ever Schmooze Live event.

    1h 2m
  3. The Schmooze Between… | Don & Jared on The Word Mark Carney Wouldn't Say | Strong Words, No Accountability

    Jun 2

    The Schmooze Between… | Don & Jared on The Word Mark Carney Wouldn't Say | Strong Words, No Accountability

    Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a major speech on antisemitism, acknowledging what many Jewish Canadians have been saying for months: Canada is facing a serious and growing antisemitism crisis. Jewish schools have been shot at. Synagogues have been firebombed. Jewish students increasingly feel unwelcome on Canadian campuses. Holocaust memorials have been vandalized. On those facts, there is little disagreement. But did the Prime Minister identify what is driving the problem? In this emergency Schmooze Between, Don Schapira and Jared Freedman break down Carney's speech, the new advisory council on antisemitism, and the growing concern that Canada's political leadership continues to focus on the symptoms while avoiding a difficult conversation about the underlying causes. Topics discussed: • Carney's speech at Holy Blossom Temple • Canada's growing antisemitism crisis • The new federal advisory council • The role of political leadership and accountability • Anti-Zionism, Antizionism, and public discourse • Why many Jewish Canadians remain frustrated despite the speech We also discuss Don's latest Substack article: 📖 The Word Mark Carney Wouldn't Say If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Jewish life, Israel, Canadian politics, antisemitism, media, and current events, please like, subscribe, and share. 🎙️ The Schmooze with Don & Jared

    23 min
  4. Episode 26: Schmooze with Cecil Horwitz, Executive Director of Camp BB Riback

    Jun 1

    Episode 26: Schmooze with Cecil Horwitz, Executive Director of Camp BB Riback

    What makes Camp BB-Riback so special that former campers still talk about it decades later? On this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with new Camp BB-Riback Executive Director Cecil Horwitz to discuss the camp that helped shape generations of Jewish Albertans. From campfire friendships and Maccabiah memories to leadership development, resilience, Jewish identity, and life without screens, Cecil explains why camp remains one of the most important experiences a young person can have. The conversation also explores Camp BB's remarkable role in Alberta Jewish history, including the famous encounter between Jewish campers and students influenced by Holocaust denier Jim Keegstra, a story that ultimately became one of friendship and understanding. Whether you're a camp alum, a parent considering camp for your child, or simply someone interested in how communities build strong future leaders, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

    59 min
  5. Episode 25: Schmooze with The Last Yiddish Speaker Producers - Zelda Dean, Laura Schuler & Tracy Smith

    May 25

    Episode 25: Schmooze with The Last Yiddish Speaker Producers - Zelda Dean, Laura Schuler & Tracy Smith

    What happens when Jewish theatre returns to Calgary after nearly 40 years? In this episode of The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Zelda Dean, Laura Schuler, and Tracy Smith from Chai Life Productions to discuss The Last Yiddish Speaker, the award-winning new production now running in Calgary. But this conversation became about far more than theatre. Together, they explore the disappearance and reemergence of Jewish community theatre in Calgary, the legacy of the Beth Israel Players, mentorship, storytelling, identity, and the role live performance plays in preserving culture and building community. They also discuss why The Last Yiddish Speaker feels especially timely in the post-October 7 world, how modern antisemitism has changed, and why art still has the power to move people in ways social media never can. This was one of the most thoughtful and emotionally resonant Schmoozes we’ve recorded. 🎭 Featuring:Zelda DeanLaura SchulerTracy Smith Presented by High Life Productions. 📍 The Last Yiddish Speaker runs through June 7 in Calgary. 🎟️ Tickets:ChaiLifeYYC.ca

    1h 2m
  6. The Schmooze Between… | Don & Jared on Ben-Gvir, Massie, and a Difficult News Cycle

    May 21

    The Schmooze Between… | Don & Jared on Ben-Gvir, Massie, and a Difficult News Cycle

    There are weeks where the news cycle feels impossible to process. In this special edition of The Schmooze Between…, Don and Jared step away from the regular interview format to unpack a difficult week of headlines, politics, extremism, media narratives, and public reactions. The conversation covers:• Ben-Gvir and the flotilla controversy• Thomas Massie, AIPAC, and political polarization• Media framing and the Kristof debate• The San Diego mosque shooting• Radicalization, extremism, and the widening Overton window• Celebrity activism and navigating culture as Jews in 2026 This episode is less about “winning arguments” and more about processing the emotional and political weight of the moment together. 🎙️ Also join us LIVE on June 7 at Beth Tzedec in Calgary with special guest Warren Kinsella, author of The Hidden Hand. Subscribe to The Schmooze on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Check out Ben Shapiro's Take on Massie: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IIeeargVVMCpCdotfsuq9?si=48c240c8ddd04137#TheSchmooze #Israel #Antisemitism #Politics #Podcast

    47 min
  7. Episode 24: Schmooze with Kevin Pillar, on Baseball, Pressure, Identity & Life After the MLB

    May 18

    Episode 24: Schmooze with Kevin Pillar, on Baseball, Pressure, Identity & Life After the MLB

    “You knew Kevin Pillar the baseball player. This episode introduces you to the person.” Former Blue Jays star Kevin Pillar joins The Schmooze for a conversation that starts with baseball… and ends somewhere much deeper. Known in Toronto as “Superman” for his fearless catches and relentless style of play, Kevin reflects on the pressure of professional sports, redefining success through failure, growing up Jewish, navigating identity after October 7, and what life looks like after baseball. We also discuss: ⚾ the mindset required to survive in Major League Baseball⚾ why the best hitters fail 70% of the time⚾ Team Israel and the Olympics⚾ family, fatherhood, and perspective⚾ how athletes carry expectations from fans, media, and themselves One of our most thoughtful conversations yet. 🎟 Kevin Pillar will also be appearing at the Calgary JCC Sports Dinner on May 28:Calgary JCC Sports Dinner 2026 🎙 Check out Kevin’s podcast with former MLB closer Cody Allen:To The Majors Podcast Be sure to follow us on Spotify!

    1h 6m
  8. Episode 23: Schmooze with Fatema Alharbi and Rachel Brynien, Representatives from Sharaka

    May 11

    Episode 23: Schmooze with Fatema Alharbi and Rachel Brynien, Representatives from Sharaka

    The Middle East Is Changing. Is the West? This week on The Schmooze, Don and Jared sit down with Rachel Brynien and Fatema Alharbi from Sharaka, an organization dedicated to building relationships between Israel and the Arab world through the vision of the Abraham Accords. This conversation challenges many of the assumptions dominating Western discourse about Israel, the Middle East, and coexistence. Together, we discuss:• What the Abraham Accords have actually changed• Arab and Israeli cooperation in the region• The rise of antisemitism in the West• October 7 and its aftermath• Why many voices in the Middle East are more hopeful than voices in North America and Europe• The growing disconnect between activism online and realities on the ground One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Fatma shares her perspective as a Bahraini voice witnessing the rise of hatred and extremism in Western society. This is a conversation about peace, dialogue, courage, and the future of the region. 🎧 Listen on Spotify📺 Watch on YouTube📱 Follow The Schmooze on social media for clips and updates #TheSchmooze #Sharaka #AbrahamAccords #Israel #MiddleEast #Podcast

    1h 16m
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About

The Schmooze brings together the voices, programs, and stories shaping Jewish life in Calgary. Hosted by Don Schapira and Jared Shore, each episode features a community calendar, interviews with leaders and students, and highlights from across the city. This is your space to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    Don and Jared
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Don and Jared
  • Show Website
    The Schmooze

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