Episode 18: "Chai"-Lights from the World Cup, NHL and NBA Finals

Episode 18: "Chai"-Lights from the World Cup, NHL and NBA Finals

The World Cup takes center stage as Menschin' with the Boys reaches its 18th ("chai") episode. We break down the knockout rounds,  Yannis shares his unforgettable rain-drenched experience in Philadelphia, and we spotlight Jewish and Israeli connections throughout the tournament. Plus, Ethan Belchetz's first-round NHL Draft selection, Devon Levi's fresh start in Edmonton, Jewish champions from the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals, the opening of the Maccabiah Games, and a look back at the pioneering career of sports radio trailblazer Suzyn Waldman. We wrap up with a sports-themed D'var Torah on Parashat Pinchas and the importance of staying ready when your number is called. Follow us @menschinwiththeboys on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and much more Jewish sports news.

Episode 17: Yes! World Cup Fever & Celebrating Marv Albert's 85th Birthday

World Cup fever has officially arrived! The boys preview the 2026 FIFA World Cup and examine the Jewish connections to the tournament, including Team USA goalkeeper Matt Turner and a surprising training ground with a Jewish connection being used by Team Switzerland. They also break down the latest NHL award voting results, discuss the futures of Quinn Hughes and Jeremy Swayman, highlight rising prospect Ethan Belchetz, and celebrate accomplishments by Jewish athletes across hockey, tennis and baseball. Plus, a special historical segment honours broadcasting icon Marv Albert on his 85th birthday, including a look at his remarkable career and the legacy continued by his son, Kenny Albert. Follow us @menschinwiththeboys on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and much more Jewish sports news.

Episode 16: Habs Animator Olivia Benaroche Talks Hockey, Stand-Up and Jewish Identity

This week on Menschin’ with the Boys, Montreal comedian and Canadiens in-game host Olivia Benaroche joins the show to discuss her journey through comedy, Habs fandom, surviving leukemia, Jewish identity, and what it's really like being an in-game animator at the Bell Centre. Plus, Jordan Stoopler and Yannis Harrouche break down Quinn Hughes’ future with the Minnesota Wild, Southampton FC’s shocking “Spygate” scandal and more Jewish stories from across the sports world.  Visit https://cjcsfoundation.org/sportscelebrity/ for more information about the upcoming Sports Celebrity Evening.  Follow Olivia on Instagram @mightyoswag  Follow us @menschinwiththeboys on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and much more Jewish sports news.

Episode 15: Playoffs, Patriotism & Powerful Anthems feat. Cantor Gideon Zelermyer

The playoffs are heating up and so is Menschin’ with the Boys! This week, Yannis Harrouche, Matthew Cutler, and Jordan Stoopler break down all the biggest stories across the Jewish sports world. The boys dive into Quinn Hughes’ dominant NHL playoff run with Minnesota,  Zach Hyman and the Oilers’ disappointing exit, and the shocking NHL Draft Lottery result that sends the first overall pick to Toronto.  In the NBA, they unpack Deni Avdija’s breakout postseason despite Portland’s collapse against San Antonio, debate his future as the franchise centerpiece, and discuss the latest around Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Also on the show: Daniel Peretz and Southampton’s promotion push, Jake Retzlaff’s NFL opportunity with the Jets, and a full MLB roundup featuring Max Fried, Alex Bregman, Spencer Horwitz, Zach Gelof, and a tribute to legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling. The crew also celebrates the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026, including Julian Edelman, Omri Casspi, Nancy Lieberman, Al Michaels, Marv Albert, and more. Then, Jordan sits down with Cantor Gideon Zelermyer of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim — beloved anthem singer at Montreal Canadiens games and passionate sports fan — for a conversation about music, hockey, fandom, and representing the Jewish community on some of sports’ biggest stages. All that and more on this episode of Menschin’ with the Boys. Follow us @menschinwiththeboys on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and much more Jewish sports news.

Episode 14: Avdija Ascends to Even Greater Heights

The guys are back with a loaded show as the sports world shifts into playoff mode—and one name is stealing the spotlight: Deni Avdija. Fresh off a jaw-dropping 41-point performance in the NBA play-in tournament, Avdija has officially arrived. The boys breaks down his heroics, his growing superstar buzz, and what it all means as his Portland Trail Blazers head into a first-round clash with the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, on the ice, it’s all about the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The boys preview key matchups, spotlight Jewish talent across the NHL, and discuss storylines to watch—from Quinn Hughes’ dominance to Zach Hyman’s postseason impact. We also look back at Al Rosen’s historic Sports Illustrated cover, make our Minyan Spread picks, and close with a Dvar Torah on performing when it matters most. Follow us @menschinwiththeboys on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and much more Jewish sports news.