The Mazel Pups podcast is that perfect space for Jewish and Jew-ish (however you define it) dog lovers to connect. Join us for a delightful blend of learning, insight, humor and love for our four-legged friends.
You'll hear from a wide variety of Jewish people who do all kinds of fascinating things related to dogs: an academic who studies Jewish pet names; a pet lawyer; veterinarians; human parents of canine social media stars; a long-time employee, and current Board Member, of the Israel Guide Dog Center; an entrepreneur who started a dog-walking and pet-sitting business; artists who paint dogs; a dog mom who had a Bark Mitzvah for her pup; a couple who included their dogs in their wedding; and many others.
The podcast is filled with heart, humor and a deep appreciation for both Jewish culture and our beloved canine companions. It's Paw-sitively awesome and we hope you'll join us!
Lisa Schechter & Dunkin: Bringing Joy in Difficult Times
Send us a text Join me for a truly inspiring episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast featuring Lisa Schechter and her delightful Goldendoodle, Dunkin. Lisa talks about the strong connection to Judaism and the Jewish community she developed while growing up, and her love for Shabbat and the mitzvah of welcoming guests. She also shares her unique journey of becoming an influencer and advocate for Israel. And she lets us in on how her family's deep ties to Israel and her Zionist values were shaped. Th...
11 Dec 2024
Suzy & Arlene - Mazel Tov Pups: Dogs in a Jewish Wedding
Send us a text Join me in celebrating love, tradition, and the joy of furry companions as I welcome Suzy and Arlene, accompanied by their adorable Maltese pups, Vorno and Levi. In this touching episode of the Mazel Pops podcast, where Suzy and Arlene tell the fun story of how they met and how their love for each other grew, they also speak of their love for their dogs, Vorno and Levi. And they share poignant memories of their beloved dog Lucca, who has passed over the rainbow bridge. The epis...
21 Nov 2024
Ellis Weiner - Author: "How to Raise a Jewish Dog"
Send us a text Join me on the Mazel Pups podcast as I welcome the incredibly talented Ellis Weiner, known for his humorous books like Yiddish with Dick and Jane and How to Raise a Jewish Dog. Ellis takes us through his creative process and shares how his collaboration with his late wife, Barbara Davilman, brought out the best in his writing. Our conversation also explores the profound connection between storytelling and personal growth. Ellis candidly reflects on how his Jewish upbringing – a...
13 Nov 2024
Dr. Rachael Nelson-Smith, VMD: Conversation With a Veterinarian
Send us a text Join me for a fun and informative episode with Veterinarian Rachael-Nelson Smith. Ever wondered how a childhood fear can transform into a lifelong passion, and even profession? That was the case with Rachael, who was terrified of dogs as a child and now is not just a dog mom, but a veterinarian. You’ll hear what her parents did when she was young that helped her to overcome her fear of dogs. And then you’ll learn about her journey from wanting to be a doctor for humans, to real...
4 Nov 2024
Greg Fox: From Suits to Dog Shelters
Send us a text Join me, Rabbi Robyn Frisch, for this inspiring episode in which I talk with Greg Fox, who shares about his transformative career shift from working in the corporate world to becoming development director at a municipal animal shelter. Learn how Greg leveraged his network and implemented innovative ideas to successfully create significant new revenue channels. His initiatives have not only brought in essential funds for the shelter, but they’ve also engaged the community and in...
30 Oct 2024
Ben Lenovitz: Pet Portrait Artist
Send us a text Join me as I engage in a fascinating conversation with the talented artist Ben Lenovitz, and learn why his journey into the world of pet portraiture is both surprising and remarkable. Hear about Ben's experience in college, where he majored in art and drew inspiration from artists like Jackson Pollock and Basquiat. He describes the transformative shift the led him to intimate sketches, and how a painting opportunity in Japan led him to unexpectedly find a fulfilling nich...
23 Oct 2024
Laurie Staller: Painter of Hyperreal Dog Photos
Send us a text Join me on a fun and fascinating episode of the Mazel Pups podcast as I interview the talented Laurie Staller, a passionate dog lover and gifted painter. Our conversation kicks off with the story of how we met on a trip to Morocco, where we bonded over our love for our Jewish heritage and stray dogs. Laurie shares delightful anecdotes about her pit bull, Button, and her journey as an artist of hyperreal portraits. We also explore her vibrant connection to Jewish traditions, as ...
16 Oct 2024
Kevin Osborn: A US Veteran & His Service Dog - Part 2
Send us a text Join me for a second episode exploring the world of service dogs with Kevin Osborn, a former US Military Sergeant and now a Senior Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this episode you’ll discover the critical role that service animals play beyond the realm of regular pets, especially when wearing their service vests. Kevin opens up about his personal stories from public interactions, offering valuable insights into the unique bond between ...
9 Oct 2024
Kevin Osborn: A US Veteran & His Service Dog - Part 1
Send us a text Join us for the first of two inspiring and heartfelt episodes with Kevin Osborn, who shares his remarkable journey from small-town Iowa to his service in the Iowa Army National Guard. Listen in as Kevin introduces his five-year-old PTSD service dog, Eddie and shares the joy and support that Eddie brings to his life. Kevin also talks about his family’s rescue dog, Maggie. Kevin tells about the unique bond he formed with stray dogs during his deployments, focusing on his experien...
2 Oct 2024
Melissa Goldman: Lucy's Bark Mitzvah
Send us a text Have you ever been to a Bark Mitzvah, or even heard of the concept before? Whether you’re thinking of having a Bark Mitzvah for your own dog, you’ve never heard of a Bark Mitzvah but want to learn more, or you just want to smile and have a good time listening to a great conversation…you don’t want to miss this episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast. Join me for a delightful discussion with Melissa Goldman – who’s joined by her beloved dog, Lucy. We begin with Melissa sharing about h...
25 Sept 2024
Jeremy Cohen, Esq.: The Boston Dog Lawyer
Send us a text Join me for an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Cohen, Esq. from Boston Dog Lawyers in which we explore the fascinating world of pet law. Jeremy takes us through his intriguing journey from aspiring high school basketball coach to a renowned pet lawyer. We discuss his early experiences with Jesse, a German Shepherd, and how this bond steered him towards a career in pet law. Listen in as we explore the evolution of this niche legal field. We cover a range of t...
18 Sept 2024
Heidi Silverstone and Shayna Maydele: The Instagram Famous "Jewish" Pup
Send us a text Join us for a heartwarming episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast as we welcome Heidi Silverstone and her adorable Instagram-famous Coton de Tulear, Shayna Maydele. Shayna Maydele (who is the January “calendar girl” for Mazel Pups and PrintArtKids’ Positively Jewish 2025 Calendar) has a fluffy coat and calm demeanor that make her the perfect ambassador for blending Jewish traditions with delightful doggy snapshots. Discover the charming tale of how Shayna Maydele ...
11 Sept 2024
Compassionate Care for Dogs with Dr. Deborah Aronson, VMD
Send us a text In this episode I sit down with Dr. Deborah Aronson, a trailblazing veterinarian specializing in palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care for small animals. We begin with the Mazel Pups “Four Questions,” which give us insight into Dr. Aronson’s love for her rescue dogs, Rascal and Nava. She then shares about her deep connection to Judaism and how it shapes her sense of community and identity. Next we delve into Dr. Aronson’s decision to become a veterinary acupuncturist and he...
6 Sept 2024
Bark Them Home: Helping Israel
Send us a text In this episode we speak with Shiri Homler, from the touching new Instagram initiative Bark Them Home. Shiri shares how shaken up she was by the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel and how – though she lives in Connecticut – she wanted to do something to help Israel. Ultimately, Shiri joined Barry and Cindy, who both live in Canada, in creating Bark Them Home. Bark Them Home uses Instagram to make people aware of and educate them about Oketz, the canine unit of the IDF. S...
28 Aug 2024
Israel Guide Dog Center - Part 2
Send us a text How do guide dogs transform lives beyond offering mobility and safety? Join me, Rabbi Robyn Frisch, as I welcome back Michael Leventhal, Treasurer of the Board of the Israel Guide Dog Center, who shares some of the heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys behind these incredible animals. First, you’ll hear me share about the "Positively Jewish 2025" calendar, a charming collection showcasing dogs celebrating Jewish traditions – a percentage of the proceeds will be dona...
21 Aug 2024
Israel Guide Dog Center - Part 1
Send us a text Join Rabbi Robyn for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Michael Leventhal, former Executive Director and current Treasurer of the Board of USA Friends of the Israel Guide Dog Center. Discover the incredible journey of Noach Braun, a former IDF paratrooper, whose unwavering determination led to the creation of Israel's first guide dog school for the blind in 1991. Noach traveled from Israel to the US to raise funds from Jewish sources to create the guide dog school, a...
14 Aug 2024
Tu B’Av: Jewish Holiday of Love & Loving Our Dogs
Send us a text Join us for an informative as well as touching episode focusing on tradition, romantic love and the special bond we share with our furry friends. We begin by exploring the heartwarming connection between Rabbi Sam Yolen and his absolutely precious dog Stella – who joined us in the studio with Rabbi Sam. Rabbi Sam takes us through his inspiring journey from his ordination at the Academy of Jewish Religion to his current role at Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester, Pennsyl...
7 Aug 2024
Jewish Pet Names Unleashed
Send us a text Dr. Sarah Bunin-Benor, a leading scholar in contemporary Jewish studies & linguistics, joins Rabbi Robyn for a heartwarming & enlightening episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast. Listen in as she recounts her transformation from a child who was scared of dogs to an adult who does serious academic research into the names of Jewish people’s pets. You’ll also hear how her daughter convinced her & husband to adopt a dog, & how she now loves dogs! Sharing facts &...
29 Jul 2024
Turning a Love for Dogs into a Thriving Biz
Send us a text This heartwarming episode of the Mazel Pups podcast features Sammy Leighton, a passionate Jewish entrepreneur from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sammy shares her journey from dreaming of having a dog as a child to running her successful dog-walking and pet-sitting business, The Dog Walker FL. Listen in as she introduces her beloved rescue dog, Zuli, and talks about her warm feelings for Judaism, especially the sense of community and family-centric holidays like Hanukkah. We then ...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
13,710
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
78
Social presence
94
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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