Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Thomas Cullen, a federal judge and lifelong writer whose powerful debut novel, "Charlie-Man," has just been published. A seasoned legal mind with a passion for storytelling, Thomas shares how writing has always been his first love—something he returned to with intensity once he became a judge. With an eye toward judicial ethics about writing about issues that might come be-fore him, he crafted a coming-of-age novel set in the deeply evocative world of a Southern prep school in Richmond, Virginia—a place and time etched into his memory.
In this engaging episode, Thomas opens up about the inspiration behind Charlie-Man, the emotional reaction from family and friends, and the surprising moment he revealed the book’s existence at a graduation ceremony. He talks about the discipline it took to carve out writing time, how the story began to pour out after a few chapters, and the invaluable feedback from his wife and son—his first readers. From the careful crafting of the title to the emotional resonance that brought his son to tears, Thomas reflects on resilience, the impact of teachers, and the importance of not bearing burdens alone. It’s a candid conversation about creativity, legacy, and the healing power of storytelling.
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Noshing With Brian Cranley – July 10, 2025

This week on "Ira’s Everything Bagel," Ira dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Brian Cranley, author of "The Call of Wonder." Once aspiring to become a doctor, Brian found himself drawn instead to theology—a path that led him to explore the harmony between faith and science.
In this deeply personal and intellectually engaging episode, Brian shares:
Why he believes science and spirituality aren’t at odds but rather part of the same quest for truth.
How his dual love for scripture and science shaped the book.
What inspired the title The Call of Wonder and what the Big Bang has to do with belief.
How he tackles big questions like evil and suffering without vilifying either atheists or believers.
His take on God as the architect of both reason and reality—and why we shouldn’t fear evolving scientific discovery.
The importance of finding common ground—even with those who don’t share your faith.
How philosophy changed the way he thinks, and why people are craving more depth in the age of shallow scrolling.
With warmth, clarity, and curiosity, Brian invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual and intellectual journeys—and reminds us that wonder itself might be the most powerful bridge between belief and understanding.
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Noshing With Deb Miller – July 3, 2025

This week on "Ira’s Everything Bagel," Ira sits down with Deb Miller, author of "Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness," for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Deb opens up about how her memoir—born during the isolation of the pandemic—grew into a powerful message encouraging women to break free from the scripted “fairy tale” and instead craft a life built on authenticity, choice, and joy. She shares how the book became a deeply personal legacy project, something more enduring than a box of old photographs for her grandchildren—an emotional roadmap for navigating life with courage and intention.

Deb dives into the parallels between modern self-discovery and the classic Disney transformation—except, in her version, the goal isn’t a prince, but purpose. With all three of her adult children involved since the beginning, the memoir also serves as a “love letter” to her family. She reflects on her “apple pie” childhood, the challenges that followed, and the surprises of discovering a multigenerational audience that resonates with her message. From confronting the vulnerability of telling her story to forming a panel on the science and storytelling of happiness, Deb reveals why the journey to fulfillment is less about ideology and more about self-knowledge—and why joy, even in small doses, can change everything.

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Noshing With Evan Sayet – June 26, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira serves up a provocative conversation with Evan Sayet, author of “The Woke Supremacy: An Anti-Socialist Manifesto.”

In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Evan dives into the many twists and turns of his eclectic career—from performing during the golden age of stand-up comedy to becoming a sharp voice in the world of culture and politics. Born and raised a liberal, Evan shares how the events of 9/11 became a turning point in his worldview, triggering a dramatic political transformation.

He recounts how fatherhood led him to trade the comedy stage for television writing, and how he discovered his unique edge: a comedic voice from the right—something he felt was sorely lacking. Evan reflects on the rise and fall of political correctness in comedy clubs, the deep motivations behind writing his book, and why he believes wokeism func-tions as a form of supremacism.
Plus, he unpacks the intense animosity toward President Trump — and whether he sees hope or despair on the horizon.

Insightful, edgy, and unfiltered—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
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