MAMAS' BOYS at FJMC

Call your mama! 501c(3) non-profit FJMC International is excited to premiere MAMAS’ BOYS, a new podcast that spotlights the uncanny rapport of hosts-creators Rabbi Noam Raucher (Executive Director, FJMC International) and writer-comedian Rob Kutner (THE DAILY SHOW, CONAN, bestseller THE JEWS: 5,000 YEARS AND COUNTING). With a sterling interview roster, the novel talk show explores what it means to be a Jewish man today. Through smart, funny, and candid conversations with actors, thinkers, athletes, artists, and cultural voices, MAMAS’ BOYS digs into masculinity's evolving landscape: from identity and vulnerability, to power, purpose, fatherhood, friendship, plus the ways that we learn (and unlearn) the definition of Jewish man. 

Recorded half-hours include chats with a wide variety of thought leaders and taste-makers. Actor Joshua Malina (SCANDAL, WEST WING, BIG BANG THEORY), writer/director/Accidental Talmudist Salvador Litvak (GUNS AND MOSES, WHEN DO WE EAT?), actor Mark Feuerstein (GUNS AND MOSES, DMV); essayist and filmmaker Etgar Keret (bestseller SUDDENLY, A KNOCK ON THE DOOR); Colorado Governor Jared Polis; and author/journalist/podcaster Hanna Rosin (bestseller THE END OF MEN) populate the first five episodes. 

MAMAS’ BOYS also contains signature MENSCH ON THE STREET segments in which Raucher and Kutner take to LA neighborhoods for unfiltered schmoozing amongst Jews and gentiles alike. The frank dialogue sometimes twists, turns, and leaves the BOYS with more questions than answers. Pilot episode MENSCHES are good sports Noah Bleich (proprietor of The TeaBook online retail store) and Dan Messinger (owner and principal of Bibi’s Bakery in Beverly Hills, California).

Dropping monthly on YouTube, TikTok, and top listening platforms, MAMAS’ BOYS receives creative development, production, and moral support from official Righteous Shiksas Marlene Sharp and Grace Fraga of Pink Poodle Productions. Fraga live directs, engineers, and edits; Sharp produces and pontificates (she’s Catholic) on-camera.

MAMAS’ BOYS is unique in that it marks an unprecedented FJMC entertainment career mentorship initiative with neurodivergent talent Chelsea Darnell, Tyler Berman, and Vadim Govorov courtesy of Autism in Entertainment, Spectrum Laboratory and Sandstone Artists Management, respectively. Darnell and Berman serve as recurring voiceover talent. Darnell also is assistant writer, and Berman edits. Govorov directs 2D and stop motion animated sequences.

“In the movie version, David Corenswet is the first choice to portray Kutner and also to play me,” enthuses Raucher, “We think that he’d do a marvelous job in both roles and probably win two Oscars in the process! For now, though, we’d love for him to join us on the microphone and maybe a nosh.” 

FJMC International President Bruce Tomar echoes Raucher’s high hopes. “MAMAS’ BOYS is poised to take FJMC into its second century - which commences in 2029 - with chutzpah and compassion. We look forward to sharing Jewish culture, humor, and heart in imaginative ways that touch audience members of all ages. The show aims to create a space that's honest, curious, lightly irreverent, and deeply necessary. Each installment ushers distinguished visitors into a conversation about stories that shape them, the pressures that men carry, and the opportunities to redefine manhood for the better. Long live MAMAS’ BOYS!”

Rabbi Noam Raucher and Rob Kutner are available for interviews, guest essays, live recordings, festival or community partnerships, and editorial collaborations connected to Jewish life, culture, and men’s evolving roles.

The YouTube streaming premiere is on Friday, January 9 at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Live shows are coming soon!

FJMC International (formerly, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs) inspires men to lead fuller Jewish lives, strengthen their communities, and build a legacy of leadership and brotherhood. FJMC stands for the following:

·       Friendship – that is lifelong and rooted in meaningful experiences;

·       Judaism – that is pluralistic and joyful;

·       Mentorship – that is loving and wise;

·       Community – that is inclusive and supportive.

With clubs across North America, Canada, and beyond, FJMC International empowers men to grow together—in friendship, in faith, and in service. For more information, to get involved, or to locate a local chapter, visit www.fjmc.org.