The Personal Pizza Podcast

What Orthodox Jews Really Want to Watch w/ Raphael Margules

In this savory episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg rolls up his sleeves with friend and film producer Raphael Margules for a fresh-baked conversation about movies, meaning, and making grandma pizza from scratch. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z4pAN9p8QIg As the dough rises, so does the dialogue - Raphael shares his path into the film industry, what it really takes to produce compelling work, and how his Orthodox Jewish background influences the kinds of stories he champions. They explore the idea of frum movies - films that resonate with observant Jewish audiences, not because they're overtly religious, but because they carry emotional truth, depth, and dignity. From industry hurdles to creative wins, he opens up about what draws him to a project and the tension between personal values and commercial demands. The two swap favorite films, debate which directors almost qualify as frum-friendly, and reflect on how stories can subtly reflect faith without preaching. With warmth, curiosity, and just the right amount of mozzarella, this episode offers a fresh take on faith, film, and finding resonance in unexpected places. 👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning. Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/)  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.  This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co  [http://rainbowcreative.co/]

My Oldest Friend Became a Rabbi w/ Rabbi Dov Yona Korn

In this rich and reflective episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg reconnects with his lifelong friend Rabbi Dov Yona Korn, spiritual director of Chabad House Bowery, for a conversation that spans nearly four decades of friendship and two very different pizzas. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vjengrn0BE0 As they cook side by side, Simcha and Rabbi trace the arc of his life: from wild teen years to spiritual searching, and ultimately, to becoming a rabbi. It’s a story of transformation told with humor, honesty, and deep personal insight. They revisit their childhood antics, unpack their biggest arguments, and open up about the ways they’ve grown - emotionally, spiritually, and even physically - thanks to their recent fitness journeys. Along the way, Rabbi Korn shares how he found his calling, what he’s building at Haba House, and why he's writing a memoir that pulls no punches. This episode blends laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of unfiltered truth that only old friends can offer. It’s a conversation about growth, faith, forgiveness—and how pizza can bring it all to the table. 👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning. Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/)  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.  This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co  [http://rainbowcreative.co/]

What Stand-Up Comedy Taught Me About Healing w/ Gerry Katzman

In this flavorful and insightful episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg sits down with his friend Gerry Katzman — stand-up comedian, teacher, and deep thinker — for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts heart and humor. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eGY8qO3eqhY The two reflect on their shared love of pizza, starting with the grandma pie they baked together, and spiral into deeper topics like life lessons from therapy, the role of comedy as a healing force, and how laughter can crack open pathways to growth. Gerry opens up about his journey as both a performer and teacher, sharing how he helps others uncover joy and meaning through humor. Together, they unpack the pros and cons of large group awareness training like Landmark, and Gerry offers his honest take as someone who’s been through it. He also shares his unique approach to therapy, blending stand-up smarts with tools inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help others navigate their inner worlds with more compassion and clarity. From fatherhood to funny bones, personal development to pizza dough, this episode covers a rich spread. They wrap up with a tasting session and feedback on their homemade pie — a delicious metaphor for growth, collaboration, and the kind of environment Gerry believes comedy (and life) thrives in: supportive, kind, and real. 👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning. Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/)  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.  This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co  [http://rainbowcreative.co/]

How Movies Help Us Mourn w/ Shira Rose

In this tender and laugh-filled episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg is joined by his longtime friend Shira Rose for a rich conversation about two seemingly unrelated — but deeply connected — topics: grief and gluten. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BQQOMaLxVww What starts as a chat about the struggles of gluten-free living (and the trials of making a gluten-free pizza crust) quickly expands into something more profound. Together, Simcha and Shira explore how food, memory, and media shape the way we process loss and hold onto joy. With warmth and vulnerability, Shira shares her personal experiences navigating grief — and how these moments have shaped her decision to pursue a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. The two dive into beloved movies and series like The Lion King, Harry Potter, and Finding Nemo, unpacking how these stories gently introduce us to themes of parental loss, identity, and resilience. Their reflections are both emotionally resonant and sprinkled with humor, offering a rare mix of insight and levity. Throughout the episode, Shira and Simcha weave in shared memories, movie references, and honest reflections on coping mechanisms — from therapy to storytelling to pizza-making experiments gone slightly wrong. By the end, Shira offers a moving reflection on how we carry our grief, and how it can coexist with laughter, love, and even a perfectly imperfect slice of gluten-free pizza. 👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning. Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/)  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.  This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co  [http://rainbowcreative.co/]

How Growing Up with Addiction Shaped My Comedy w/ Byron Bowers

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg sits down with comedian and actor Byron Bowers. Byron opens up about growing up with a drug-addicted father and facing mental health challenges head-on. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aNIisLuBfqQ Together, they explore Byron’s powerful journey into spirituality and healing through psychedelics, unpacking how these experiences reshaped his view on life and mental wellness. Byron shares exciting news about his upcoming Marvel role in Wonderman and his soon-to-be-released book, giving us a glimpse behind the scenes of his evolving career. They dive into the stigma of mental illness in different communities and reflect on the delicate balance of life, love, and personal growth. Whether you’re curious about comedy, spirituality, or just love a good slice of pizza with your podcast, this episode serves up an unforgettable mix of honesty, humor, and heart. 👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning. Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/)  is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.  This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co  [http://rainbowcreative.co/]