Comedians Elon Gold and Yohay Sponder sit down for a raw, hilarious, and deeply moving conversation about Jewish identity, comedy in the shadow of October 7, and what it means to make people laugh when the world is on fire. From viral fame and canceled shows to hospital visits, grief, and the power of humor to heal, this episode of Stars of David is equal parts stand-up, soul-searching, and Jewish resilience.
Recommended video: Coming soon.
00:00 – Season 2 Kickoff: Success, Gratitude & Israel Trip
02:32 – Yohay Sponder’s Rise: From Tel Aviv Clubs to Viral Fame
08:31 – Comedy After Trauma: Using Humor to Heal
12:55 – Jewish Identity Debate: Colonizers, Culture & Shape-Shifting
18:17 – Turning Pain Into Purpose: A Comedian’s Spiritual Journey
24:02 – Performing After October 7: The Emotional Toll
30:50 – Israeli Comedy Under Fire: Boycotts, Threats & Resilience
37:49 – Performing for Family: Pressure, Pride & Expectations
43:00 – Global Ambition: Yohay’s Mission and The Three Ws
53:10 – Bagels, Israel & Jewish Food Debates
01:01:03 – Rapid Fire: Boxed Water, Carlin & Comedy Influences
01:05:14 – Kayla’s Impact & “Far Leaped” in Yiddish
—————
About this podcast
Join comedian Elon Gold as he explores the highs and heartfelt lows of Jewish life in an 8-episode limited podcast series filled with laughter, candid conversations, and guest appearances from both seasoned icons and emerging voices.
Step into a world where laughter meets heart. Join comedian Elon Gold (and guests) and navigate the joys and quirks of Jewish life in an 8-episode comedy podcast that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Each episode features genuine, relatable conversations with a blend of humor and candid moments. Featuring guests that range from familiar names to Millennials and fresh voices of the Gen Z crowd, our show guarantees to provoke laughter while also resonating deeply. Get ready to kvetch and kvell with us as we celebrate life, love, and the shared joy of being part of our vibrant community.
This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand.
Join the Unpacked community and get a weekly round-up of our latest content straight to your inbox: https://unpacked.bio/3820ce
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OWLlijjix8R2yUfUhPGXfb
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5Ml5_nykyeyleIqIewT80F6
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8FPSywS7X-3Sdv2cdO0Ql-8PRqfzTus
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgPaAFlsq_5OPEEzj7qIyHDCL3ojnlARg
Special thanks to Joleen & Mitch Julis and JLTV.
#Comedy #Judaism #Israel
