The Carpool Guys

Send us Fan MailAs the High Holidays approach, Jon, Asher, and Dave slow down for a more reflective conversation, though not without the usual chaos first. Asher recaps a passive-aggressive flag football sideline standoff (WhatsApp texts only, naturally), the ongoing Tisha B'Av beach chair debate, and a genuinely great bit about Dave's new "I Already Davened" personalized shirt, born from Dave's guilt about being seen walking past shul during Mincha without going in.Happy birthday shoutouts go out to Asher's daughter Ayelet and Dave's daughter Tzivi, both born the same week, with a sweet story about Tzivi getting her whole class hooked on the podcast without even telling them her dad was one of the hosts.Then the conversation turns toward the season itself. The guys share the chazanim who live permanently in their heads during the Yamim Noraim, from childhood cantors and grandfathers to the ongoing Menachem Brick versus Yossi Brick debate. They get into a genuinely funny and surprisingly heated ranking of holiday niggunim (Machnisei Rachamim is controversial, "the good Chamol" is sacred, and there is exactly one correct opinion on all of it), plus their personal pre-Yamim Noraim rituals: mikvah trips, shofar traditions passed down from grandfathers, and Asher's streak of listening to Rabbi Fran's Erev Yom Kippur drasha.The tone shifts into something more personal as each of the guys shares an honest resolution for the new year, from increasing Torah learning and davening for others by name, to simply reaching out more to the people they love. It's funny, it's real, and it closes out the way this show does best: humor and heart in the same breath.Plus: the great Slichos start-time debate (does 9pm count?), the Announcer's Test performed in full from memory, and a genuinely moving reflection on what Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur mean across the Jewish people.We want to hear from you: what has been your favorite part of this season? Reach out and let us know, and while you're at it, reach out to someone else too.📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:22 — Welcome Back From Vacation (Sort Of)1:46 — The Flag Football Sideline Standoff7:36 — Happy Birthday Ayelet Dworetsky7:46 — Happy Birthday Tzivi Tannenbaum, Secret Podcast Recruiter17:23 — The "I Already Davened" Shirt Origin Story20:32 — Setting the Scene: Heading Into the Yamim Noraim21:38 — The Chazanim Who Live in Your Head: Grandfathers and Childhood Shuls33:53 — Pre-Season Rituals42:38 — New Year's Resolutions50:16 — The Big Question: Is This Season Joyful, Scary, or Both?59:51 — Question of the Week!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailDave from Flatbush is. Ack to defend his vacation pet peeves, but what doesn’t he want his doc to know? It’s the Drive By!!!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailAsher addresses his vacation pet peeves from last episode. Did they play out as he expected? Was Dave more right than we all thought? Find the answers here on this short Drive By update episode!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailVacation Pet Peeves That Drive Us CrazySpecial episode alert: Asher is joined in-studio by his son Gavi! Before getting into the main event, the guys catch up on end-of-summer chaos: Dave's house felt eerily quiet with his family away at Camp Kaylie for the month (he may or may not have kept score during ESPN Jeopardy), and he surprised his daughters with a fully renovated shared bedroom, split into two separate rooms, managed top to bottom by friend of the show Tzvi Goldgrab while the family was away. Asher is off to Niagara Falls for the family's first real road trip, with a Shabbos stop in Monroe along the way.Then it's time for the main event: an ode to the beloved School of Mock podcast, done mock-draft style. Jon, Dave, and Asher each draft their top vacation pet peeves, and the results are equal parts hilarious and painfully relatable. Kids throwing up in the car. The mysterious ten-minutes-before-you-get-home meltdown. Vacations that are somehow busier than real life. Kids who refuse to carry a single bag into the house. Resort fees. And a uniquely Jewish entry: the vacation Mincha guy who insists everyone daven together, whether you want to or not.Plus: Dave's unexpected Buddhist monk era, an incident involving an unbuttoned shirt at a bar mitzvah, Asher's stance on GPS-checking Mincha compass guys, and Jon's surprisingly controversial pet peeve about anticipating the school year a little too much.Question of the Week: What are you most looking forward to as summer winds down?📩 Email us your own vacation pet peeves at [email protected], or better yet, join the WhatsApp community and tell us there.📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod0:30 — Welcome Back, Featuring Special Guest Gavi1:35 — Happy Birthday, Jon!3:10 — Round the Horn: Dave's Quiet House While the Family Was at Camp Kaylie8:26 — Jon's Pet Peeve Preview: School Supply Season18:45 — The Fake Potty and the Portable Toilet Debate19:54 — Intro to the Vacation Pet Peeve Mock Draft, Ode to School of Mock21:16 — Draft Order Set: Jon Leads Off for His Birthday55:56 — Question of the Week: What Are You Most Looking Forward To?Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailThe Drive By: What's Your Take on Camp Tipping?Camp season is winding down, which means one thing: it's tipping season. In this Drive By, Jon and Asher tackle one of the most debated end-of-summer questions in the Jewish community: what is the right way to tip camp counselors?Asher, who works in camp himself, makes the case for consistent, thoughtful tipping. Counselors are the surrogate parents for your kids all summer long, and undertipping as a statement isn't just cheap, it's genuinely insulting. Jon pushes back on the scale of it, noting that some sleepaway camps hand parents a list of 50 different staff members to tip, turning a gesture of gratitude into an overwhelming financial obligation on top of an already expensive tuition.The conversation moves into the real debate: pooled tips versus individual tips. Should camps collect everyone's tips and distribute them evenly, or should counselors get exactly what their specific families give them? Jon floats an alternative: a flat salary with a merit-based bonus at the end of the summer, removing tipping from the equation entirely. Asher shares a genuinely painful story about a camper who spent all summer promising a $100 tip from his famous musician father, only for it to never materialize.This one is homework for the listeners. What is the right camp tipping policy? Pooled? Individual? Salary plus bonus? The guys want your take.📩 Email your answer to [email protected] or join the WhatsApp group! There are prizes!!!🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspodPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailTech Trouble Can't Stop UsTwelve tries. That is not an exaggeration. This episode nearly did not happen at all, with mic failures, internet outages, and enough technical chaos to make the guys question whether the pod was cursed. But true to form, nothing stops The Carpool Guys, not even the internet itself apparently breaking on them mid-record.Jon opens with a wild vacation story: his first trip away with his wife in 18 years of marriage, interrupted by a 2am call that a tree had fallen through their roof mid-storm, flooding the house while they were away. Thankfully his in-laws and a roofing company with an unbeatable name saved the day. He also recounts a cliff jump into a pool that Dave and Asher are determined to make sound far less heroic than Jon remembers it.Then Dave tells one of the wildest stories this show has ever aired: a golf outing where a friend sliced a ball so badly it hit a groundskeeper in the head, followed days later by Dave going viral after calling into WFAN and discovering the trivia question being discussed on air was about him, from a contest 19 years ago. The math on that coincidence alone is worth the listen.Asher brings a genuinely relatable rant about school and camp nurses over-diagnosing kids to get them out of the office, sparking a real debate about where the line is between caution and convenience. Plus a full and extremely honest conversation about backwash, kids' germs, drinking from their water bottles, and where everyone draws their personal hygiene line.Also in this episode: a Hatzalah call mistaken for a celebrity motorcade, palate expander pill struggles, suppository home remedies from a father in law who was a pharmacist, an unfortunate Shabbos bathroom emergency involving a clogged toilet and a lucky pocket full of tissues, and the debate over whether Dave should have shouted out the podcast during his viral radio moment.Happy Birthday to Jon's wife Nechama. And Happy early National Middle Child Day to Asher, who considers it the most important day of the year.Question of the Week from Dave: It's 8pm, you have no internet, what are you doing?🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. Five stars please! though on this particular episode maybe three will do.📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod0:57 — Twelve Takes In: The Craziest Tech Difficulties Ever1:32 — Round the Horn: Jon's Vacation and the Tree on the House9:28 — Dave Went Viral On WFAN Last Week!11:42 — The WhatsApp Poll: Would You Laugh?19:52 — Asher's Turn: The School Nurse Rant23:12 — Jon's Story: The Nurse Who Questioned His Parenting Authority28:23 — The Water Bottle Debate: Would You Drink From Your Kid's Bottle?32:05 — Dave's Suggestion Goes Too Far Too Fast35:50 — The Shabbos Tissue Emergency: A Clogged Toilet and a Snake Situation39:12 — Question of the Week: No Internet at 8pm, What Do You Do?41:12 — Happy Birthday Shoutout to Jon's Wife Nechama41:50 — National Middle Child Day: Asher's Favorite Day of the Year44:14 — Closing: Like, Subscribe, Join the WhatsApp GroupPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailShabbos Ground Rules: Whose Side Are You On?The whole team is back together, and Dave was not going to let his absence go unnoticed. He missed the guys so much he had major FOMO from his own podcast, and he is here to make sure everyone knows it.The guys kick off with a proper What Are We Thinking About segment, catching up on WhatsApp group energy, a wave of positive feedback from the Imposter Syndrome episode, and a very unfortunate JetBlue saga that left Jon's 15 year old daughter stranded in LA after a canceled flight. Shout out to NCSY Give West staff for stepping up when JetBlue fumbled completely. Asher recaps a beautiful Shabbos and a truly heroic attempt at watching the World Cup finals, which he did not enjoy even a little bit and has some thoughts about.Then the guys get into the real topic of the night, and arguably the most important unspoken debate in Jewish community life: Shabbos meal etiquette and ground rules. What is the appropriate end time for a Shabbos meal? Is there a statute of limitations on re-inviting someone who has said no twice? Is it acceptable to drop a potluck commitment for a better offer later in the week? Can you ask to bench early because you want to take a nap? The guys poll their WhatsApp group, argue passionately, call in a wife for a live ruling, and somehow still do not fully agree by the end.Also in this episode: the group chat name "Tannen GONE," sponsored voice notes as a business idea, indoor soccer nostalgia, a hockey stick fight in yeshiva that ended in an awkward equipment return, the potluck versus real invitation hierarchy, and a legitimately deep question from a camper about celebrity status that Asher refuses to answer.Question of the Week: What level of celebrity do you think we are?🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. Five stars please!📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps1:05 — Dave's FOMO Over Missing an Episode2:40 — The Voice Note Debate Continues — Dave Says He's Getting 20x More Now3:35 — Shout Out to the WhatsApp Group and First Raffle Winner Naftali Pfeiffer6:01 — Great Feedback on the Imposter Syndrome Episode8:03 — Dave's Month at Camp Kaylie Training the Intern Program11:28 — Jon's JetBlue Nightmare: Daughter Stranded in LA14:46 — Asher's Honest World Cup Review: The Most Boring Sport in the World21:50 — Main Topic: Shabbos Meal Ground Rules and Etiquette26:12 — The Poll Results: What's the Acceptable End Time?28:03 — Jon's Real Question: How Long Do You Wait to Re-Invite Someone Who Said No Twice?31:17 — Dave's Confession: The Fear of Being Invited Back by People You Don't Want to See32:42 — Asher's Devious Idea: Inviting Someone the Week of Their Simcha35:19 — The Potluck Downgrade Rule: Can You Drop a Potluck for a Better Offer?35:36 — Calling in the Wives for a Live Ruling38:00 — The Yeshiva Hockey Fight Story and the Awkward Stick Return40:47 — The Couch Sleeping Debate42:51 — Can You Ask to Bench Early Because You Want a Nap?44:10 — Question of the Week Setup: The Camper's Celebrity QuestionPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailDave is back, and he has some thoughts on our last episode, WhatsApp Voice Notes, and more! It’s your 2 Minute Drive By!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailImposter Syndrome: The Struggle is real... but am I?Dave is off at Camp Kaylie helping with their intern program, which means Jon and Asher are flying solo tonight, and somehow still managing to fill nearly an hour with conversation, tangents, and a very important child in underwear watching fireworks from a car roof.But before all that, Jon and Asher kick things off with a proper What Are We Thinking About segment. Asher just visited Camp Kaylie himself and cannot say enough about the staff, the Rabbeim, and the magical island they have built there. Shout out to Mommy Rachel, the first husband of Camp Kaylie, and Izzy, who not only cleaned Asher's car before he left for the summer but refused money for it and waited to open his brand new phone until after camp started. Meanwhile Jon spoke to a group of OU AI interns today, felt like the smartest person in the room for about four minutes, and then realized he was the oldest person in the room by approximately one generation.Which brings us to the topic of the week: Imposter Syndrome. The guys dig into what it actually feels like to walk into a room and wonder whether you belong there, at work, at a Shabbos table, in a job interview, in your own career. Jon talks about the period in his professional life when he felt stuck at the bottom rung, and how learning to podcast, of all things, unlocked something in him that changed his trajectory. Asher opens up about taking on a new leadership role without his longtime mentor as a safety net, and what it felt like to suddenly be the person everyone else was looking to for answers.There is also a real conversation about the difference between imposter syndrome and humility, why saying "I don't know" is actually a sign of confidence, the Dunning-Kruger curve, setting professional boundaries during long weekends, and the difference between being a team player and being a doormat.Plus: the word "correct" as a conversational power grab, how long is too long for a WhatsApp voice note, the era of asking permission before calling someone, Camp Kaylie visiting day survival, the chain of yelling from How I Met Your Mother, root beer floats as a spiritual experience, the grand finale that nobody can identify, and one of Asher's children watching July 4th fireworks from the roof of a car in their underwear.Big announcement: The Carpool Guys WhatsApp listener community is launching. Email [email protected] to get in.Also coming soon: Official Carpool Guys car magnets. Yes, really.Question of the Week from Jon: What is your favorite part of the Fourth of July, and what is your least favorite?🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. 📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:59 — What Are We Thinking About: Asher Visits Camp Kaylie1:17 — Happy Birthday Izzy — Our Number One Listener4:57 — The Word "Correct" as a Conversational Power Grab8:26 — How Long Is Too Long for a WhatsApp Voice Note?16:30 — Announcement: The Carpool Guys WhatsApp Listener Group Is Launching18:39 — Jon Speaks to the OU AI Intern Program Today22:19 — Topic of the Week: Imposter Syndrome, the Struggle Is Real26:01 — Why Saying "I Don't Know" Is Actually a Sign of Confidence28:43 — When Early Career Overconfidence Gets in the Way of Actually Learning29:38 — Asher's Mentor Susan Heckler: It's the Conversation After the Conversation31:00 — How Learning to Podcast Unlocked Something in Jon Professionally38:00 — The Chain of Yelling From How I Met Your Mother and What It Has to Do With Work Culture40:13 — You Never Know What's Going On in Someone's Life, Even as a Therapist43:08 — Question of the Week Is Sponsored by Asher in Honor of Dave50:30 — WhatsApp Group Launch: How to JoinPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailAsher and fam are on the way to visiting day at Camp Kaylie… and perhaps a rendezvous with Dave from Flatbush? What are your favorite visiting day customs? What about the mishaps? Send us an email with your visiting day stories and we may share them on the next episode of The Carpool Guys!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailFrom Comedy to Courage: Eli Lebowicz Joins the CarpoolIf you have ever wondered what it looks like when one of the funniest people in the Jewish world sits down with three dads who have absolutely no idea how to use Google Chrome, wonder no more.Comedian Eli Lebowicz joins Jon, Asher, and Dave for what is without question the funniest episode The Carpool Guys have ever recorded. Eli is the mind behind J Sketch, the Jewish comedy account that has produced some of the most shared and quoted content in the Orthodox world — Jewish Jeopardy, the Sium sketch, the supplies to Israel video, and dozens more. He is also one of the sharpest voices in Jewish comedy working today, using humor not just to get laughs but to make real points about Jewish identity, antisemitism, and what it means to be proud of who you are.But this episode is not just a comedy interview. Eli talks about how J Sketch got started, how he comes up with his Torah-based material, why he went to Israel to perform during the Iran war, and what it actually looks like to fight antisemitism with humor in 2025. There is a genuine conversation about Jewish identity and what it means to be proud of who you are — wrapped inside one of the most chaotic, hilarious, and completely unscripted hours this show has ever produced.Also in this episode: Dave catches a tiger shark and attends a Trevor Bauer game in the same week, the guys do a Shabbos lunch together for the first time and Jon melts the ices, missing giraffes in Virginia, Asher's mother prefers the recorded version of him, the origin of the Sota joke, a Paroh bathroom theory that may be too long but is definitely funny, Dave's colonoscopy note, the Twizzler straw debate, and the most important question of the episode — how many holes does a straw have?Oh, and Eli's Netflix special will be called "Remind Me After Shabbos." Mark your calendars.Question of the Week from Dave: What is your road trip go-to snack?��️ Find Eli Lebowicz online: 🌐 elicomedy.com 📱 Instagram: @elicomedyagram 🐦 Twitter/X: @EliLebowicz🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. Five stars please!📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:27 — Welcome + What Are We Thinking About This Week6:51 — Eli Lebowicz Joins the Carpool!13:37 — The Secret Origin of J Sketch25:06 — The Evolution of Jewish Comedy: It's Not Just Stand-Up Anymore36:47 — The Origin of the Sota Joke: Mortal Kombat Meets the Parsha50:45 — Eli During the War: Comedy as a Frontline Tool57:35 — Upcoming Shows: Chai Lifeline Alumni, Cheese Store Singles Event, Catskills Summer57:53 — Five Rapid Fire Questions1:04:24 — Question of the Week: What Is Your Road Trip Go-To Snack?1:11:22 — Thank You Eli, Closing Shoutouts, and How to Find Eli OnlinePlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailEmergency Episode: The New York Knicks Are World ChampionsWe interrupt our regularly scheduled programming because the New York Knicks are the 2026 NBA World Champions, and the Carpool Guys could not let that go unmarked.Jon, Asher, and Dave jump on for an emergency episode the morning after, and the energy is exactly what you'd expect. Asher has been a die-hard Knicks fan his entire life and is fully in his feelings. Dave, a self-described "Knicks fan since last week," brings the perspective of a Nets-Knicks-Nets-Nets fan who got swept up in the run despite himself. And Jon, a lifelong Timberwolves fan with zero skin in the game, brings the outsider's view of a city losing its mind in the best possible way.The guys talk about the crossing guard who stopped them on the way to shul to share the news, the shul security guards who somehow always know the score before anyone else, the WhatsApp groups that have not stopped buzzing for a week, and the wild story of someone who rented a hotel in Seattle just in case Game 7 fell on Shabbos.There's a real conversation about the Jalen Brunson story, why an underdog who was written off by everyone resonates so deeply, and what it means to say "we" when your team wins. Plus: a debate about New York sports rivalries, Dave's complicated Knicks-Nets history, a tribute to the Dallas Mavericks for the Luka and Brunson draft disaster, and a very memorable story involving Rebbe Hecht, a basketball hoop, and a coach bus.Question of the Week from Asher: What are the top three sports moments you've ever watched live or experienced in real time?Mazel Tov to Knicks Nation. And to Asher, Steven Mermelstein, and Meir Simcha specifically. Enjoy this one.🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. Five stars please!📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:25 — Welcome to an Emergency Episode: The Knicks Are Champions1:22 — Asher Has Been a Knicks Fan "Since Last Week"11:19 — Are the Knicks New York's Most Universal Team?12:06 — The Brunson Underdog Story and Why It Resonates13:43 — Izzy Calls It at Halftime: The Comeback Theory15:45 — Why Years of Losing Make This Run Mean More21:53 — Ranking New York Sports Rivalries29:48 — Question of the Week: Top Three Sports Moments of Your Life37:43 — "We Did It" vs. "They Did It": The Great Sports Fan Debate38:36 — Closing: The Brunson Pose, a Logo Idea, and Mazel Tov to Knicks NationPlease give us a 5 Star Rating! Don't forget to like and subscribe!Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailSome people spend their whole lives searching for where they came from. Sarit Saffer-Allal spent hers perfectly content not knowing — until one birthday changed everything.Born in South Africa and adopted at just two weeks old into a warm, observant Jewish family, Sarit always knew she was adopted. She had a loving upbringing, a strong Jewish identity, and no particular urgency to open the box. Then she turned 35, looked at her two kids, her only known blood relatives, and quietly asked herself: who am I really?What followed is one of the most extraordinary stories the Carpool Guys have ever heard. Sarit opened her adoption file, discovered her birth name was Gina Thompson, learned her birth mother had hidden the pregnancy entirely, and found out she had a brother she never knew about. Then, through a single Facebook message, she discovered something nobody saw coming. A half-sister. Adopted in South Africa. Also into a Jewish family. Also in Toronto. Living less than two kilometers away, or as the guys needed it translated, up the street.In this conversation, Sarit opens up about what it felt like to read someone else's biography that turned out to be her own. She talks about confronting a birth mother who denied her existence, flying to New Zealand to meet a birth father who welcomed her with open arms, and navigating the beautiful chaos of suddenly having an entirely new family, while making sure her adoptive family, who chose her and raised her, knew they were never being replaced.And underneath all of it runs a quietly profound thread: what does it mean to be Jewish when you were chosen to be? When your birth mother was not Jewish, your adoptive parents converted you, and your half-sister ended up on the same street living the same life? For Sarit, this journey answered that question once and for all. She did not stumble into Judaism. She was placed there. And she owns it completely.Also in this episode: Dave nearly gets arrested at the Israel on Fifth parade while photobombing a news crew, Jon's Israel parade video attracts 9,000 views and 91 comments of varying hostility, a mouse gives a peace sign, Asher shows up late, Jessica Tish is everyone's hero, Dave dreams of Saratoga, Jon loves a good garage sale, and Asher got stung by a thousand bees at the bay.Question of the Week from Dave Tannenbaum: If you could get lost for a day and go anywhere, 24 hours, travel time included, where would you go?🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts. Five stars only, please.📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps1:02 — Dave Nearly Gets Arrested at the Israel on Fifth Parade8:15 — Jon's Israel Parade Video: 9,000 Views and 91 Comments of Chaos17:30 — The Mayor Who Didn't Show Up and Jessica Tish Is Our Hero20:15 — Shout Outs: Happy Anniversary Avi + In Memory of Daniel Chernikov23:00 — Introducing Sarit Saffer-Allal: NCSY Colleague and an Incredible Story25:10 — Sarit's Background: Born in South Africa, Raised in Israel, Living in Toronto28:00 — The 35th Birthday That Changed Everything30:15 — Opening the Adoption File: Reading Someone Else's Biography40:15 — Did Sarit Ever Get the "Choose Your Judaism" Moment? + She Chooses Live on Air44:45 — "We Found a Sister and She Lives in Canada" — The Message That Changed Everything57:00 — The Birth Father in New Zealand: A Total Surprise Who Welcomed Her Completely1:02:30 — What This Journey Did to Sarit's Jewish Identity1:05:00 — October 7th and the Moment She Knew She Was Chosen to Be Jewish1:07:00 — Expanding Your Heart: Adding Family Without Replacing Family1:13:00 — Dave's Question of the Week: Get Lost for a Day — Where Do You Go?Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWhy Are We Always So Tired? The Exhausted Jewish Life EditionSomebody had to say it. We are exhausted. All the time. Every single day. And not in a "ran a marathon" kind of way... in a "stared at a dinner menu for four minutes and still couldn't decide" kind of way.Fresh off their most successful episode ever featuring Allison Blass, Jon, Asher, and Dave are back together- and Asher is fresh off a trip to Israel for nephew Meir Simcha's bar mitzvah. But jet lag quickly gives way to a much bigger conversation: why does it feel like everyone around us is running on empty?The guys dig into the real reasons modern exhaustion hits differently — the constant connectivity, the WhatsApp messages that start before 7am, the total disappearance of boredom, the dual curriculum school day, the shul commitments, the community obligations, and the creeping anxiety of a world that never really turns off. Plus Dave's infamous half-a-block bike ride that ended with him passed out in a Brooklyn garbage room. And the debut of a brand new segment: the guys go around the room and share what is on their minds this week, from aliens and AI to the Hanta virus and the eternal question of which is scarier: Independence Day or Terminator.Also: snoring during bar mitzvah speeches, AIM away messages, The Brick app (purchased, never used), Trump's Shabbos proclamation, Dave's "David Days," essential worker pride, and the most important question in Jewish history — which Parsha would you most want to live through?Question of the Week from Anonymous in Commack: If you could live through any Parsha, which would it be?We want to hear from you — are you exhausted? What is draining you most right now, and how do you combat it? Email us at [email protected] or drop a comment on YouTube.🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts — five stars only, please. Four and a half if you must.📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:00 — Cold Open: Snoring at a Bar Mitzvah. Avi Was Not Happy.0:27 — Welcome Back + Shoutout to Allison Blass2:00 — Welcome to New Listeners + Now on Amazon Podcasts and Podbean3:47 — New Segment Debut: Around the Room — Naming Rights Contest Announced17:10 — Today's Topic: Why Are We Always So Tired?20:26 — The Phone Problem: There Is No Off Button Anymore23:48 — Is the Jewish Lifestyle More Exhausting Than Everyone Else's?26:31 — The Anxiety Tax: Always Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop27:47 — No Escape From Work: WhatsApp Does Not Have an Away Message31:22 — Dave Falls Asleep During Bar Mitzvah Speeches — Full Story33:37 — Asher Falls Asleep on Someone's Couch — Also a Full Story43:11 — Dave Days: Twice a Year, No Explanation Needed43:41 — Question of the Week: Which Parsha Would You Want to Live Through?51:38 — Closing: Comment on YouTube, Email Us Your Exhaustion StoriesPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWhen Life Takes an Unexpected Turn: Allison Blass on Parenting a Child with Cancer, Faith, and Finding the FunnySome episodes stop you in your tracks. This is one of them.Allison Blass — longtime listener, friend of the show, and one of the funniest people to ever sit across from the Carpool Guys — joins Jon, Asher, and Dave to share the story of her daughter Perry's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and remarkable recovery. What begins as a frightening story of a six centimeter mass discovered on a Friday afternoon twenty minutes before Shabbos becomes something else entirely: a masterclass in parenting under pressure, faith in the hardest moments, and the kind of stubbornness that saves lives.Peri, Allison's oldest child, was diagnosed with one of the rarest malignant tumors on record — one of only twenty cases ever documented. She went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a week in the ICU with fungal pneumonia, hair loss, wild food cravings, and a surgery she woke up from demanding a double burger from Smash House. She was walking within hours, home by Shabbos, and is now a completely healthy teenager heading to high school next year.But this episode is about so much more than the medical story. Allison opens up about what it means to keep your other children grounded when one child needs everything. She talks about the friends who showed up without being asked and the ones who said "let me know if you need anything" — and why that phrase, though well intentioned, puts the burden on exactly the wrong person. She shares how her family turned every moment of the process — the hair donation, the chemo mug, the smash room — into a kiddush Hashem. And she delivers one of the most important lessons this show has ever aired: when someone you love is going through something devastating, it is not their job to comfort you.Also: gherkins, sushi rolls, an accidental antipsychotic mix-up, a son who slept for fifteen hours, Megan Trainor's Walk of Shame playing in an operating room, Disney turkey legs, and the best shirt ever made.Allison, thank you for your vulnerability, your humor, and your heart. Peri — you are extraordinary. Ad meah v'esrim.🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more people find the show!📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod🔗 linktr.ee/carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps0:57 — Jon Is Back! Welcome Home After Surgery4:29 — Introducing Allison Blass: Longtime Listener, First Time Guest6:02 — Meet Allison: Giant Bear, Banned from Little League, Parent of Three8:32 — Setting the Scene: Who Is Peri and Where Does the Story Begin?9:08 — Allison's Career and Life Before the Diagnosis10:05 — The First Signs Something Was Wrong: December 202415:58 — How Do You Tell Your Daughter She Needs Surgery?25:10 — Perry's Mindset: Control, Preparation, and a Double Burger From Smash House29:12 — April 9th: When the World Really Turned Upside Down30:20 — Hearing the Word Malignant: "Everything Went Quiet"32:30 — Turning Every Moment Into a Mitzvah: Hair Donation to Chai Lifeline41:00 — What Allison Learned About Perry She Didn't Know Before49:27 — NED: No Evidence of Disease — Perry Is on the Road to Survivorship52:05 — Who Showed Up and Who Didn't: What You Learn About People in a Crisis54:30 — "Don't Say If You Need Me" — The Most Important Lesson of the Episode56:33 — How to Actually Help Someone Going Through a Hard Time1:00:22 — The Hardest Part Is Now: Learning to Trust Again After Treatment Ends1:08:06 — Allison's Message to Parents at the Beginning of This Journey1:08:54 — Question of the Week: What Non-Kosher Food Do You Wish Was Kosher?1:17:45 — Thank You Allison — Closing Brachos for Peri and the Blass Family&<Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailDave and Asher Hold It Down: Adulting, and the Things We Still Can't Figure OutJon's out. The substitute teachers are in charge.In this episode, Dave and Asher fly solo for the first time in nearly two years of podcasting — and somehow manage to hold it together. Mostly. They spend most of the episode wrestling with one deceptively deep question: at what point did you realize YOU were the adult in the room? And does knowing that actually make you feel like one?From colonoscopies to root canals and Gatorade-plus-antacid pre-fast routines, Dave and Asher take an honest — and very funny — inventory of what it means to be in your 40s. They talk about watching athletes you grew up idolizing retire and become millionaires while you're still figuring out the thermostat. They talk about mentoring the next generation at work while privately Googling how to hang a picture frame. They talk about laundry — a lot — and the creative workarounds that keep households running when you're too proud to admit you never really learned.But underneath all the humor is something genuinely real: the weight and beauty of being the generation in the middle. Old enough to be the ones people turn to. Still young enough to remember when we thought the adults had it all figured out.Plus: substitute teacher stories, a very eventful little Tyke's car incident, a parent-teacher conference confession, LeBron vs. Jordan, a prank from Toys R Us, and the world's most relatable Seder question.Jon — we miss you. Come back soon.🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts — it genuinely helps more people find the show!📩 [email protected]📱 @carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps00:00 — Cold Open: Dave Asks His Wife About His Maturity. She Laughs.00:27 — Welcome to the Carpool Guys Podcast01:02 — Jon Is Out — Dave and Asher Go It Alone01:22 — Substitute Teacher Stories: Mrs. Bach, Mrs. Henry, and a Saved Life05:47 — Dave's Career Started as a Sub — Shout Out to Rabbi Hammer07:16 — Smart Boards, Coaching Boards, and the HANC Basketball Championship08:34 — Orange Juice, Decaf Coffee, and the Post-Fast Routine Debate09:30 — The Bagel, Tuna, Herring, and OJ Breakfast Club10:49 — The Big Question: When Did YOU Become the Adult in the Room?12:10 — Colonoscopies, Pillboxes, Gout, and the Reality of Getting Older14:09 — Root Canals, Dental Inheritance, and the First Cavity at 3015:00 — When Athletes You Grew Up With Are Now Retired Millionaires17:36 — LeBron vs. Jordan: The Eternal Debate18:16 — Taking Pictures WITH Athletes vs. Taking Pictures OF Your Kids With Athletes19:49 — Adulting at Work: You Don't Need All the Answers21:00 — Mentoring the Next Generation: The Shift From Sink-or-Swim to Sit-Down-and-Talk24:30 — Supervising Interns for the First Time: It's a Little Scary25:47 — The 15-Year Window of Adulthood and What Comes After27:09 — Taking Care of Your Health Differently: Recovery, Moderation, and Lactaid28:01 — The Adulting Moment: Adding an Antacid to the Pre-Fast Routine29:02 — Things Our Parents Did That We Wish We Knew How to Do29:33 — The Picture That Fell Off the Wall and the Lesson About Wall Anchors30:21 — Snaking a Toilet and the Pure Joy of Saving $50031:39 — The Toys R Us Prank and Passing the Torch to the Next Generation32:44 — Shout Outs: Aaron's Birthday, Dave's Wife's Birthday, Ayelet's Broken Arm33:43 — Asher's Story: Rolling the Car Over Leia's Foot (Everyone Is Fine)37:14 — Dave's Story: Ayelet "Fell Out of a Moving Car" (ItPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailLeaving Egypt: A Father & Son Take on Coming Home for PesachWhat do you do when your son is in yeshiva in Israel, sirens are going off daily, Pesach is approaching fast, and every flight home keeps getting canceled? You find another way. Even if that way goes through Egypt.In this episode, Asher and Jon sit down with Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, head of school at HANC West Hempstead, and his son Eli, a student at Mevaseret Yeshiva in Israel, who recently made it home to New York through one of the most memorable journeys you'll hear this year. From Eilat to the Egyption border crossing, through the Sinai Desert in a speeding van during a hailstorm, past a head-on collision, through Sharm el-Sheikh airport, and on to Rome before finally landing at JFK, Eli crossed four continents in 40 hours to be home for Pesach.But this episode is about a lot more than the travel story. Rabbi Hazan opens up about the emotional weight of parenting from a distance during wartime, the WhatsApp chat chaos that gripped every yeshiva parent group, the moment he flipped from "we are absolutely not sending him through Egypt" to "we are sending him through Egypt," and why he kept the whole plan secret from his own parents, including his Egyptian-born father, who had strong feelings about Egypt.Eli shares what yeshiva life actually looked like during the Iran war, what it felt like to run to the mamad, what it meant to experience those moments alongside his fellow Jews in Israel, and why — despite everything — he can't wait to get back.It is funny, honest, a little nerve-wracking, and deeply moving. A story about family, faith, decisive parenting, and one unforgettable ride through the Sinai Desert.🎙️ Rate and review The Carpool Guys on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, and YouTube... it helps more people find the show!📩 Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram @carpoolguyspod⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps00:00 — Welcome to the Carpool Guys Podcast00:43 — Good Pods Glory: The Guys Hit Number One on Jewish Podcasts02:30 — Introducing Rabbi Ouriel Hazan and Eli Hazan04:15 — Rabbi Hazan's Year in Israel and the Original Pesach Plan07:00 — Life at Mevaseret When the Iran War Broke Out10:30 — The Rebbe Van Shows Up: Yeshiva Life During Wartime13:00 — Sleep Deprivation, Sirens, and the Emotional Toll16:00 — The Parent WhatsApp Chat Chaos Begins19:30 — When Delta Cancels and Plan B Becomes Necessary23:00 — "We Are Absolutely Not Sending Him Through Egypt" (or... are we?)26:30 — The Concierge Service, the Cancellation, and the Last Two Spots30:00 — Eli Finds Out He's Going to Egypt... Tomorrow33:00 — The $500 Cash, the Bribes37:00 — Crossing the Border: Nine Desks, VIP Tours, and Armed Escorts42:30 — The Sinai Drive: 90 MPH, No Cell Service, Hail, and a Head-On Collision49:00 — Sharm el-Sheikh Airport: Bag Ransom, Boarding Passes, and a Yankee Hat55:00 — Rome Layover, Nine Hours, and Crackers for Dinner57:30 — The Reunion and a Sigh of Relief59:30 — The Bigger Conversation: Judgment, Social Media, and Choosing Without Guilt01:02:00 — What This Generation Has Witnessed and What It Means01:04:00 — Chag Sameach and Closing ThoughtsPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailLife in Israel Right Now: Real Stories from Friends on the GroundIn this powerful and personal episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast, we take a step out of the carpool line and into the real lives of people we know and care about.We’re joined by Nava Mermelstein (yes… Asher’s sister) and her son Meir Simcha, along with recent Olim Sarah and Yehoshua Auman, who many of you may remember from our hometown of West Hempstead. Since making Aliyah, their lives have taken on a new reality as they raise families in Israel during the recent war with Iran.They share what daily life actually looks like right now, from the sudden blare of sirens to the routine of heading to the mamad (safe room), and the strange balance of navigating real danger while still doing all the normal parenting things: getting kids to school, making dinner, and arguing about bedtime.But this conversation isn’t just about fear or headlines. It’s about resilience, community, faith, humor, and the incredible ability of families to keep moving forward even in uncertain times.We hear what it feels like the first time a siren goes off, how children process moments adults struggle to understand, and the surprising ways life still finds moments of normalcy — and even laughter.It’s a conversation about Aliyah, parenting, perspective, and what it means to build a life in Israel even when the world feels upside down.This episode offers a rare and deeply human window into what life looks like on the ground right now... told not by commentators or analysts, but by friends.And yes… there are a few classic Carpool Guys moments along the way.If you’ve ever wondered what daily life in Israel feels like during times like these, this episode will stay with you.Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to the Carpool Guys Podcast00:43 – Introduction: The Reality of Life in Israel Today01:04 – Firsthand Accounts: Interview with Nava Mermelstein and her son Meir Simcha07:34 – The Sound of Sirens: Emotional Responses to Air-Raid Alerts09:14 – Adapting the Routine: Daily Life Under Pressure13:56 – The Move to Israel: Reflections on Making Aliyah14:34 – Finding Light: Faith, Hope, and Miracles18:03 – Strength in Numbers: Community Solidarity and Respect for Soldiers22:12 – The Great Snack Debate: Favorite and Overrated Israeli Treats30:21 – Introducing Sarah and Yehoshua Auman: Perspectives on Security and Home43:24 – Looking Up: Witnessing Missile Interceptions45:46 – Kids in Crisis: Humor and Resilience in the Younger Generation52:05 – Deep Dive: Food Quirks and Cultural Guilty Pleasures58:14 – Living with Constant Alerts: A Summary of the "New Normal"Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan Mail📱 Phone Modeling Matters: Before We Blame Our KidsThis episode starts in serious territory and ends somewhere uncomfortably close to home.Asher, Dave, and Jon open with a raw conversation about the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping story and the unsettling feeling of violence “not supposed to happen here.” The guys unpack media reactions, double standards, the NBA controversy surrounding Deni Avdija, and the uncomfortable cultural conversations that follow global events.But then the episode pivots.High school acceptance week hits close to home. The stress. The comparisons. The tension. The rejection. The identity questions. The transfer portal jokes.And that leads to the real conversation of the night:Kids. Phones. Parenting. And the uncomfortable truth that before we tell our kids what to do… we might need to look at ourselves first.When do you give a child a smartphone? Are we raising anxious kids or modeling anxious behavior? Are we frustrated with their screen time… while scrolling ourselves?This episode becomes less about controlling kids — and more about owning the behavior we model.It’s funny. It’s honest. It’s a little uncomfortable.Which means it’s probably important.If you’re navigating parenting in the age of smartphones, social pressure, high school decisions, and digital overload — this one’s for you.👉 Follow @carpoolguyspod 👉 Leave a 5-star rating 👉 Share this with a parent who needs it⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps00:58 – The Nancy Guthrie Story A serious warm-up conversation about kidnapping, media attention, and why stories like this shake us.05:36 – NBA Controversy & Deni AvdijaSpike Lee, social media reactions, and the absurdity of singling out an Israeli athlete.09:47 – High School Acceptance WeekJon introduces the emotional rollercoaster of acceptance day.10:34 – The Stress Our Kids FeelComparisons, curiosity, rejection, and how kids process it differently.12:57 – Starting Fresh vs. Needing AnchorsDave’s experience going somewhere alone — and why every child is wired differently.16:19 – The Pivot: Kids & Cell PhonesWhen do you give a child a phone? And why is this so complicated?17:00+ – The Bigger Question: What Are We Modeling? Before we lecture our kids about screen time… what are we doing?Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailSnow days, Zoom school, airport chaos, parenting fails, awkward Publix conversations, and AI anxiety—this episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast has it all.Jon Ackerman, Asher Dworetsky, and Dave From Flatbush kick things off debating the most controversial modern parenting question: Is a Zoom snow day even a real snow day? From kids celebrating surprise days off to parents questioning what learning actually happens on Zoom, the guys break down why snow days should stay sacred.From there, the conversation takes a turn into classic Carpool Guys territory: ✈️ Airport pickup mishaps 🚗 Becoming an Uber… to become an Uber 🍪 The unspoken rules of taking snacks from someone else’s house ⭐ Giving (and receiving) five-star ratings—both earthly and divineAlong the way, they share winter vacation highlights, parenting moments that test your patience (and your dignity), celebrity misidentifications, and one unforgettable Publix checkout encounter involving Bible verses, Israel, and a heartfelt “Shalom.”The episode wraps by teeing up a bigger Shabbos-table conversation: how AI is changing our lives, our kids, and the way we think about learning, work, and the future—and whether we should be excited, terrified, or both.If you love podcasts about parenting, Jewish life, family humor, modern fatherhood, relatable conversations, and real-life chaos, this episode is for you.👉 Follow @carpoolguyspod, leave a 5-star rating, and tell us what topic you want to hear next.⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Cookie Etiquette & House Rules Is it okay to take snacks when you’re doing someone a favor? Where do we draw the line?00:56 – Surprise Snow Day Energy Kids celebrating, parents coping, and the joy of one more day off.02:05 – The Zoom Snow Day Debate Should snow days still be sacred—or has Zoom changed everything?03:27 – What Are Kids Actually Learning on Zoom? Honest takes from parents who lived through it.04:15 – Multi-Day Snowstorms: What’s the Right Balance? Snow day vs. Zoom day—how should schools handle it?05:31 – Fire Drills, Payback, and Vacation Chaos When real life mirrors your job a little too closely.06:06 – Like, Subscribe, and Join the Community Why the Carpool Guys care so much about listener engagement.07:41 – Being Recognized IRL From Shabbos taps on the shoulder to pizza shop shout-outs.08:31 – Podcast Topic Requests Gone Wrong Why “global warming” might not be a Shabbos-table hit.09:27 – Airport Pickup Gone Sideways No keys, slow Uber drivers, and a lot of stress.12:22 – The Snack Question Returns Black-and-white cookies, pantry boundaries, and moral dilemmas.13:39 – Five-Star Ratings (Earthly & Heavenly) Uber reviews meet Jewish philosophy.14:27 – Happy Birthday & Mazel Tov Corner Celebrations for friends of the show.15:52 – Winter Vacation Stories & Parenting Moments Fire alarms, celebrity mix-ups, and unforgettable meltdowns.21:05 – Parenting Through Public Temper Tantrums Judgment, discipline, and standing your ground.23:18 – Publix, Bible Verses, and Jewish Anxiety An interaction Jon will never forget.26:48 – Introducing the Big Topic: AI & The Future Are we helping our kids—or hurting them?Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWould you want to crash-land here?! 😳🐊Dave takes us inside the Florida Everglades, explaining exactly why this is the last place you’d ever want to make an emergency landing… and yes — there are ALLIGATORS.This moment is funny, terrifying, and somehow educational all at once — the kind of real-life storytelling that only happens when parenting, travel, and bad hypotheticals collide.👉 Listen to the full story on the latest episode of the Carpool Guys Podcast.Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWinter break sounds relaxing — until it actually begins.In this episode of The Carpool Guys, Asher, Dave, and Jon dive into the realities of winter break and family vacations, exploring the excitement, stress, anxiety, and unexpected joy that come with extended time off and traveling together. Through relatable stories and plenty of humor, they unpack why winter break often feels like anything but a break.The conversation touches on the pressure to create the “perfect” family vacation, the stress of travel and logistics, and the temptation to compare your holiday experience to everyone else’s highlight reel. Asher, Dave, and Jon make the case for prioritizing authentic experiences over perfect photos, embracing the chaos when things go wrong, and recognizing that the most meaningful holiday memories are often unplanned.They also share practical, real-life advice on planning family vacations that actually fit your family’s needs, avoiding empty parenting threats while traveling, making intentional time for your spouse during school breaks, and using humor as a powerful tool to navigate family challenges.Whether you’re packing bags, already on the road, or just trying to survive winter break at home, this episode offers laughter, perspective, and reassurance that you’re not doing it wrong — you’re just living real life.00:00:00 Introduction to Winter Break00:03:00 Family Vacation Anxieties00:06:00 The Importance of Authentic Experiences00:09:00 Navigating Family Dynamics00:12:00 Creating Lasting MemoriesPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWhat day is it? Honestly… does it even matter anymore?The guys kick things off by trying to figure out the day of the week, debating “real feel” time, and reacting to feedback from the last episode (yes, we read the comments... keep them coming).From there, the conversation turns more real as Asher, Dave, and Jon dive back into Aliyah anxiety — that very familiar emotional tug-of-war between loving life in the U.S. while feeling deeply connected to Israel. Listener messages spark honest reflections, meaningful laughs, and a reminder that this tension is something a lot of people quietly carry.Then the episode takes a powerful and inspiring turn with a very special guest: Eli Rosenberg. Eli shares his incredible story of donating a kidney through Renewal, walking us through the process, the support of the community, and what it’s really like to make a life-changing decision that impacts another human being forever. It’s moving, eye-opening, and deeply humbling, and somehow still fits perfectly into a Carpool Guys conversation.This episode has it all: laughs, big questions, real emotions, and a reminder of how much good one person — and one community — can do.Buckle up.Chapters -00:00:00 Introduction and Banter00:02:00 Aliyah Anxiety and Listener Feedback00:27:16 Eli Rosenberg's Kidney Donation Story00:47:55 Community Support and Impact01:12:02  Question of the WeekPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailWhat starts with a painfully awkward synagogue moment (you know the one, that late guy who somehow blocks everyone’s view) quickly turns into a much bigger conversation.This week, Asher, Dave, and Jon dive into the very real and increasingly common phenomenon of Aliyah Anxiety, the emotional tension between loving Israel, feeling spiritually connected to Jewish life in Israel, and also being genuinely happy, rooted, and fulfilled living in the United States.The guys unpack the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of making Aliyah, including identity, family considerations, community pressure, Jewish values, and the fear of making the “wrong” life decision. Along the way, they mix thoughtful reflection with humor, stories, and classic Carpool Guys travel mishaps.This episode touches on Jewish identity, Jewish community, modern Orthodox life, moving to Israel, work-life balance, parenting, and the emotional complexity of big life choices - all while keeping things honest, relatable, and funny.If you’ve ever felt pulled in two directions - Israel and America, idealism and reality, dreams and day-to-day life - this one’s for you.Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast, the guys explore how everyday leadership and small acts of kindness can create a powerful, lasting impact on the people around us. Through real-life stories, including Asher’s unforgettable car rescue adventure (Thank you Chaveirim!) they highlight the importance of doing the little things, showing up for others, and staying grounded in the middle of life’s chaos.The conversation dives into essential leadership qualities like empathy, humility, approachability, and consistency. Simple actions like helping a friend, supporting a neighbor, and staying (Very) patient with family, often demonstrate stronger leadership than any big speech or title.With humor, heart, and relatable stories about parenting, family life, teamwork, and growth, this episode reminds listeners that true leadership happens in the small moments: the ones no one applauds but everyone remembers.Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Carpool Guys Podcast, Jon and Asher take the wheel for a special Thanksgiving edition — and yes, Dave’s off the hook (or maybe just on turkey duty).In this cozy, laugh-filled episode, the guys share their love for Thanksgiving, from family traditions and favorite foods to the real power of gratitude. They swap personal stories about family gatherings, reflect on what makes this time of year so meaningful, and dive into listener-submitted Thanksgiving traditions that will have you smiling all the way to the dinner table.Along the way, they explore: 🦃 Why Thanksgiving might just be the best week of the year 🍗 How teamwork makes the turkey work 🥧 Food, family, and a side of Black Friday chaos 🕯️ The intersection between Thanksgiving gratitude and Chanukah gift-giving 🎬 Their favorite  family movie picks for the long weekendFrom heartfelt reflections to hilarious moments, Jon and Asher remind us that gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving — it’s a way of life.Chapters00:00The Best Week of the Year02:42Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Connections05:32Gratitude and Its Importance08:43The Role of Teamwork in Thanksgiving11:39Reflections on Food and Memories14:40The Significance of Thank You17:41The Power of Gratitude in Leadership21:23The Importance of Family and Gratitude24:49Cholent Hotline: A Culinary Idea25:57Thanksgiving vs. Yontif: A Cultural Comparison30:30The Flexibility of Thanksgiving Celebrations32:43Gift-Giving Traditions: Chanukah and Beyond34:56Holiday Decorations: The Challenge of Setup and Takedown39:01Thanksgiving Traditions from Listeners40:18Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Stories43:15The Beauty of Fall and Personal Reflections48:51Work-Life Balance and Thanksgiving Anticipation49:19Movie Recommendations for Family Time53:32Gratitude and Thanksgiving Reflections54:54Black Friday Shopping InsightsPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s mini Drive By episode, Dave From Flatbush shares what happens when dads decide to “save a few bucks” and give their kids haircuts at home. ✂️💈 Spoiler alert: the results weren’t exactly professional. From uneven bangs to emotional damage (mostly Dave’s), this quick pit stop of parenting chaos will make every parent nod, laugh, and say, “Yup… been there.”Catch this bite-sized dose of dad humor from The Carpool Guys Podcast — a little off the top, and a lot off the rails.Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailIn this lively episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast, the dads dive headfirst into the chaos, curiosity and comedy of learning from life's greatest teachers... our kids! From epic tantrums and jet-lagged meltdowns to the unforgettable concept of “foreign tushies” (trust us, you’ll never hear that phrase the same way again), this episode reminds us that even in the messiest moments, there’s always something to laugh about... and learn from!Along the way, Asher, Jon, and Dave share personal stories about family life, the importance of staying curious, and the lessons they’ve learned from their own kids — sometimes the hard way. Whether you’re a parent, future parent, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this one’s for you.ChaptersChapters00:00:00 Introduction: Jet Lag and Parenting Struggles00:03:00 Humor in Parenting:  Daily Challenges00:06:00 Early Risers: Kids and the Mystery of Extra Sleep00:12:00 Fan Mail: Foreign Tushies00:18:00 Lessons from Children: Insights and Life Lessons00:21:00 Curiosity and Openness: Essential Parenting Qualities00:24:00 Evolving Family Dynamics: Growing with Your Children00:27:00 Parenting Mishaps: Laughing Through the Chaos00:30:00 Closing Reflections: Gratitude and Parenting WisdomPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailThe 2 Minute Ride: High School Open Houses — Why Are We Still Nervous?You’d think we’d be over it by now… but apparently, high school open houses still make us sweat. 😅In this quick pit stop from The Carpool Guys Podcast, Asher takes the wheel to talk about the surprisingly real anxiety that comes with walking those shiny hallways... again. This “2 Minute Ride” hits every parent right in the nostalgia (and the nerves).PLUS: Wait... WHO fell asleep?It’s fast, funny, and uncomfortably relatable. Buckle up! It’s only two minutes, but it’s a ride. 🚗💨Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan MailRejection hurts- Whether it’s not making the team, missing that dream school, or just getting ghosted by opportunity itself. In this episode, The Carpool Guys — Asher Dworetsky, Jon Ackerman, and Dave “from Flatbush” Tannenbaum — take the scenic route through life’s “no’s,” sharing personal stories that hit home (and sometimes hit funny).From playground heartbreaks to midlife curveballs, the guys get real about what rejection teaches us, and how to help our kids grow from it too. They explore what it means to support your child without bubble-wrapping them, how to handle disappointment with grace, and why sometimes the best lessons come from not getting what we wanted.It’s heartfelt, honest, and just the right amount of hilarious — a reminder that rejection isn’t the end of the road… it’s just another lane on the highway of life.Chapters00:00Introduction and Initial Feedback04:35The Topic of Rejection05:39Personal Stories of Rejection15:40Parental Perspectives on Rejection22:51Growth Through Rejection25:33Encouragement vs. Discouragement in Growth27:44The Brutality of Letting Go30:37Navigating Difficult Conversations32:27The Complexity of Termination35:02Feedback and Growth in Management37:16Parenting and Handling Rejection43:51The Role of Coaches and Parents46:46Teaching Resilience in Children51:51Fear of Rejection and Its ImpactPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ The Pilot — The Best Advice We Ever GotWelcome to the very first ride of The Carpool Guys Podcast, where three dads — Asher Dworetsky, Jon Ackerman, and Dave “from Flatbush” Tannenbaum — talk about life, work, family, and all the chaos in between.In this inaugural episode, the guys open up about what it really means to balance personal and professional life in today’s world. From lighthearted dad banter to surprisingly deep moments, they share the best advice they’ve ever received, what authenticity means at midlife, and how to take action when opportunity knocks. Along the way, they swap hilarious dating stories, talk about mentorship, and reflect on the lessons that only come from making a few (okay, a lot of) mistakes.It’s funny, heartfelt, and refreshingly real — the perfect mix of dad humor, life advice, and mid-career honesty that makes you feel like you’re right there in the carpool with them.🚗 Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & Introductions 06:32 — Navigating Life’s Challenges: The Best Advice Received 17:23 — Dating Stories & Lessons Learned 22:38 — Dating App Disasters 25:54 — The Importance of Taking Action 33:10 — Life Lessons from Personal Experiences 38:40 — Professional Growth & Mentorship 44:54 — Asking for What You WantPlease rate and review The Carpool Guys!You can email us at [email protected] us on Instagram @carpoolguyspodSend us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!