JCast Journey: Recent Episodes
JCast Network
Join host Darone Ruskay as he chronicles his experience creating a new Jewish podcast network. Folllow Darone in his highs and his lows as he follows his passion and attempts to harness his entrepreneurial spirit in creating this new, New Media project.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges with regret the end of one of the most important shows on the Network Daily Daf Differently. After explaining the ins and outs of the issues with keeping the show going, Darone thanks Jeremy Kalmanofsky and The Conservative Yeshiva for all of their help in making DDD a reality, and expresses his hope that perhaps the show could be revived in the future.
We ask that you consider making a donation to honor the important work that Daily Daf Differently did, and to help support our network. Please donate at http://JCastNetwork.org/donate.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the disappearance of subcategories in the section of iTunes that has podcasts. Darone posits that this is because of the plan in October to end iTunes and put in its place a dedicated podcast application (like is already the case on the iPhone […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay shares what he did over the summer as he has not put out episodes in a while. He also shares that the network has launched a new podcast #PopTorah, with Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky. It is available everywhere you get your favorite podcasts, and we […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the experience on Friday of listening to the final hours of broadcast of WPLJ, a radio station he grew up with, and that provided Top 40 music for the past 49 years. Video killed the radio star, and YouTube killed the Video Star, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the ways that the technology surrounding podcasts have changed since the launch of JCast Network, and how those changes have invited the network to rethink some of its organizing principles. What do you think of the changing “times” on the JCast Network? Let […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the recent launch of the new podcast platform Luminary, and why, although JCast Network usually wants to be on as many platforms as possible, he is putting his foot down on this one, and is doing everything he can to make sure JCast […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some “spring cleaning” that needed to be done on the JCast Network website, and how that led him to work on updating his biography on the site. Darone discusses how difficult he has been finding it to compose a complete and thoughtful biography, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay shares that a few months ago he “sunsetted” the JCast Network app that was available on IOS and Android. The reasons were primarily financial (but based on the fact that nobody has complained, it was probably a good idea.) However, although he no longer has […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges that it was only three episodes ago that he discussed there being too many platforms to put his podcasts on but then talks about the fact that he has now spent hours trying to figure out how to create JCast Network skills for your […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about an unexpected conversation that he had with his children about JCast Network, and why he does all of the work for the network if he isn’t getting paid. Darone contemplates the reason he does what he does for JCast Network, and for the […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the biggest news in the podcast world in the past few weeks, and probably the biggest news of the year (or any year)… the sale of Gimlet Media to Spotify for 230 Million dollars. What does this purchase mean for the world of […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a podcast he listened to years ago that decided NOT to have a website, not to make it easy for others to find and listen to it. He discusses the pros and cons of making your show as available as possible, and asks is there […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the thin line between trying to help and advise, and the feeling of being taken advantage of. How much advice do you think you should give out, and when do you start charging for your advice? Does it matter if the person is […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay asks one more time that you consider donating to JCast Network. While Darone usually only produces one request episode during the Winter holiday season, this year that episode did not garner any donations at all. This was definitely a disappointment, not only because of the […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay returns for his semi-annual request for support. Have you been listening to JCast Network podcasts for days, weeks, months, years? Well as we say, podcasts are free to listen to, but not free to produce. Darone discusses some the cost of keeping the network afloat, and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the reasons that the JCast podcast stable has not grown a great deal over the past year or so. Even though our growth has slowed, he is proud to welcome The Amen Corner, the latest JCast Network podcast. Although new to JCast Network, The […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay again reflects on the changing landscape of podcasts, and his continuing desire to be where the “earballs” are. While Apple and iTunes used to be the only important place to have your shows, the times have changed, and now everybody’s “earballs” are on Spotify, which […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the changing landscape of podcasts. It used to be that people needed to connect to their computer so it was important to space out podcasts, but now that people can download wherever they are, maybe it is not as big of an issue. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the new series of podcasts by the folks at RadioLab, in their series More Perfect in which the producers have found 27 musicians to record a song each on one of the 27 amendments to the United States Constitution. This concept got Darone […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the crazy and unexplainable experiences that sometimes goes into the recording of podcast episodes. Do you want advice on your podcast? Reach out to Darone, as he would love to try to help you out if he can. Once again, we ask that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his recent experience going down the rabbit hole that is the Stuttering John vs. Artie Lange Feud. For those who don’t know, Artie and John are both past members of the Howard Stern family, and it appears that they are feuding with one […]
This week, Executive Director and JCast Journey host Darone Ruskay wishes all of our listeners a Shana Tova, in this short episode for this special day. Once again, we ask that you consider donating to help support our network. Please donate at http://JCastNetwork.org/donate.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his favorite infomercial host, Ron Popiel, and how one of his tag-lines, “Set It, And Forget It” has become one of his life mottos (at least for the small stuff.) However, due to changes in the Facebook rules and regulations (which completely confuse […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay does something that he nearly never does… he asks for money. In general, Darone puts out a single episode each year, that he posts on all of the JCast Network podcast channels, in December. In that episode, he talks about the important work of the […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay gets just a little political when he opens by discussing how Donald Trump’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was defaced. Don’t worry, this podcast isn’t veering into the political, rather Darone uses that story to discuss how many of this type of thing (Hollywood […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about what he thinks should be your intent when you put something out on the internet. With over 4,000 podcasts or blog posts on the Network, Darone knows something about posting on the internet, but he feels that the intention of the poster is vital. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay looks back over seven-years to the second ever episode of JCast Journey, entitled Standing On The Shoulders in which he talked about the podcasters and entrepreneurs that gave him the courage to try to launch this network. He reflects on the different roles some of his […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay returns to the episode Podcasts On TV from April. He looks back at why the show didn’t work and considers what this means for the continued growth and acceptance of podcasts. What do you think? Did you enjoy Alex, Inc? Let us know on Facebook. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks a bit about the issues of consistency in podcasts and the content that goes into them. Darone discusses the important agreement that he feels is made between a podcast producer and the listener, to have shows available on a regular CONSISTENT basis, but also […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a recent technology upgrade he made to his recording set-up, and how it doesn’t really feel like an upgrade at all. What do you think? Have you ever upgraded to the newest, shiniest, most bells-and-whistles full option and then realized that you wished […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay continues to riff on his last episode about Alex, Inc. to discuss Living Biblically, the new show on CBS, that is based on the amazing book by A.J. Jacobs The Year Of Living Biblically. Darone reflects on why, like Alex, Inc. this show does not […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the new ABC show Alex, Inc. As a Podcast evangelist, finally having a prime-time network show starring Zach Braff about podcasters should be great for the medium, but after watching four or five episodes of the show, Darone has other thoughts. What do […]
Last time on JCast Journey, Darone Ruskay shared that he was preparing to go “out of pocket” to enjoy a family vacation… I am sure that since the world asked “Who Shot JR?” and “Were Ross and Rachel On A Break?” The world has not been on the edge of their chairs to find out […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay tells everyone listening that as this episode is being published, he is, for the first time since the launch of the Network truly “Out Of Pocket” which is to say, that he will not be anywhere near his computer. Darone talks about his nerves that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay struggles with an issue. After a bad experience previously, he had made a pledge not to call out other podcasts for things that he doesn’t like, but now he feels the need to go back on that pledge. What are our roles as podcast hosts? Does […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay asks the eternal question… “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet”, which is to say, why are so many organizations changing their names, again and again, and again? While their are good names and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks about the newest changes in Facebook, and the ways that it will impact JCast Network and other organizations. It is clear that Facebook and the other social networks have been vital to the growth of JCast Network, but you will be surprised by Darone’s […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the new type of podcast that has become popular, the retelling of a historical moment. From following a true crime, or the life and times of a specific person, these are all the rage in the podcast world. What types of stories could […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay explains some of the reasons that there was no episode of JCast Journey when it was due to weeks ago and contemplates the future of the network. Is JCast Network important to you? Do you want to be able to continue to enjoy the programming […]
It’s that time of year! Each year, at the end of December, JCast Journey host, and JCast Network Executive Director and Producer looks back at the year that was for JCast Network, and asks that, as you consider your end of year philanthropic giving, that you include JCast Network. Although over the course of this […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay does what he usually does on his other episode KVETCH. What is the issue at hand? It is the bill he got for $100 in order for the JCast Network app to remain on the App Store. Why does Apple need to charge for an […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay comes back to the subject he discussed in the last episode. He understands that he teased a different topic for this weeks episode, and the topic he had planned to cover was actually time-sensitive (well sorta…) but sometimes when things happen, you have to change […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a podcast he recently listened to Reply All in which they were discussing how it seemed that cellphones were listening to us and then advertising the items we were talking about. This led Darone to think about the way it feels like his […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay makes an offer that may sound pompous but is intended as a sincere offer. With nearly seven years of success at JCast Network, and additional podcasting experience elsewhere before, Darone is an expert in the field and he wants to help other Jewish organizations (or […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the crazy experience he had when the download numbers for the month of September dropped by forty percent. This was something to worry about until he remembered that this month has been the month of the Jewish High Holidays, and so obviously people didn’t […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the false start this summer of #AbbaCamp. While the summer was the perfect time to launch a show about camp, it was not the perfect time when it came to choosing between the work of launching a new show and just being with […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks AGAIN about one of his favorite podcasts, The Promised Podcast, but more specifically about their decision to create a Patreon Campaign. This got Darone to think about what such a campaign might look like for JCast Network. Would you donate on a recurring basis? […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay has a bone to pick with you, the listener. When going to record the previous episode (on SoundCloud) he noticed that the episode before that one looked strange in his recording software. Further investigation found further problems (all of which have now been fixed), but […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some articles he has seen over in the past month, and in the years before that about the future and solvency of audio storage mega-company SoundCloud. Darone talks about the pros and cons of the service, the trouble that has plagued it throughout […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the reality that Summer often falls at the same time when there are fewer episodes of our shows. While many of the shows on the network are based on sermons and other teachings done by Rabbis, Rabbis spend their summers taking vacations, visiting […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay marvels at the recent announcement that ABC is launching a television show based on the first season of StartUp, the great Gimlet show about the creation of a podcast network. Darone reflects on the changing place in our culture of podcasts, from a niche technology […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay makes a plea for financial support from you our listener. JCast Network is proud that we do soo much with soo little, but after six and a half years, our main computer, the thing that keeps us running has died. Getting a high-powered computer that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about all of the birthday notices that he received on Facebook when he celebrated his birthday on June 6th. While it always feels nice to get noticed, his Birthday and all of those comments made him think of putting out a challenge. The challenge, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay provides some unsolicited advice to the growing number of Jewish podcasts, and it all comes down to how you gain a larger audience. Do us a favor, take a look at the category that your favorite podcast uses in iTunes (you don’t have to check […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on his last episode of JCast Journey, responds to the comments he has received in response, explains some of the more confusing aspects, and gives an update on what is different now than was going on then. One thing that has not changed is that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay follows up on a lot of questions that he has received since an episode of JCast Journey from a few weeks back. In response, Darone talks a bit about the current status of JCast Network and what he sees and hopes to be the future […]
In response to the amazing response to his last podcast about the pros and cons of S-Town, this week, Darone looks at what he feels makes a great podcast, and what doesn’t work. For those of you who have been listening to JCast Journey over the years, he has surely discussed some of this before, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the newest season of Serial, and the three things that he thinks they did wrong: Not using the Serial feed… why loose all of that audience? Putting all of the episodes of the podcast out at the same time? Netflix is bingeworthy, podcasts […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay focuses on the continued growth of podcasts over the past few years, and celebrates the #TryPod campaign that is going on throughout the month of March. Have you shared your love of podcasts to others? Which shows do you share for others who are just […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay continues his exploration of video, an issue that he has been thinking about over the past number of months. He shares a video that he recently created for Ansche Chesed, and even creates a video of the creation of this weeks episode. Listen in (and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his relationship to his earphones, and what goes through them. He then considers the reality that there are so many ways to listen to music these days, and asks is it harder to make money as a musician or a podcaster? Once again, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes a look at the growth of podcast networks. I guess people have finally learned what Darone knew from the start. Once again, we ask that you consider donating to help support our network. Please donate at http://JCastNetwork.org/donate.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay revisits an old topic… VIDEO. Darone has always believed that video and podcasts are not like chocolate and peanut butter, and are thus better by themselves. But, he is open to reconsidering. What do you think? Share your thoughts about this and every episode on […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks a bit about the differences between local organizations, national organizations and “Umbrella organizations”. Darone considers the ways that umbrella organizations have a more difficult time figuring out their mission as their constituencies are so emorphous. What do you think? Do you think that there […]
Happy New Year from JCast Journey and host Darone Ruskay. In this episode Darone discusses the relationships from close and afar that one makes. He discusses this as he wishes a quick healing (and as it happens, a Happy Birthday) to JCast Network podcaster Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf. In honor of Rabbi Knopf’s birthday and […]
Every year at about this time, JCast Network Executive Director and Producer takes a moment to reflect on the year that was, and to ask you, our JCast Network listeners to stand up and support the work that we do, the podcasts that we create, and the Jewish Education, information and life that we try […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on the Jewish Communal Events Calendar. In May of 2016, after hearing the usual complaint by those who work in the Jewish communal space, that there was no single source to go to to find out what events are happening, Darone launched the Jewish […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the JCast Network mobile application which is available for IOS and Android, and contemplates whether a podcast network that runs on the shoe-string budget that JCast Network does, should spend it’s money on this type of technology. What do you think? Do you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay stops for a moment to sit with Danny Burkeman, who has been podcasting Two Minutes of Torah on JCast Network for nearly five years. Not only that, Danny and his podcast was recently included in an article by the JTA about the Top Seven Jewish […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the endorsement by The Jewish Week of Hillary Clinton. However, his thoughts might surprise you. He is not focusing on the decision of who to endorse, or even of the decision to endorse for the first time. He is not really even focusing on the capacity […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay continues to discuss the Summer that was. One of the things that came out of his experience with his sons, was that of the two-pronged social media campaign that went along with Abba Camp. The first the general #AbbaCamp and the second, the more perticular […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks more about his Summer, and what came out of trying to share his summer with the rest of the world, in which he learned that he enjoys writing. This is part two of a three part series entitled “How I Spent My Summer Vacation”… […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the best summer of his life, this past summer! What made it such a great summer? Listen in to hear all about it. This is the first in a three part series of podcasts entitled “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” about his […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay revisits a favorite topic, the technological hurdles of running JCast Network. Darone shares the horrible time he has had over the past three weeks in maintaining the uptime of his website, and reminds us that although it is easy to assume that it is something […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the change at Google that meant that they were now adding Podcasts to the Google Play app on Android phones. While this is a great addition for podcast listeners, there is a problem for Darone. Listen to this episode to learn why! Once […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on the rabbit hole that is keeping and maintaining the JCast Network website up, running, pretty, useful, funcitonal, all with no web training. His major take away, if he can do it, so can you! Once again, we ask that you consider donating to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the surprise he had a few weeks ago when he was getting message after message congratulating him on the fifth Anniversary of JCast Network. It is not that he didn’t know that LinkedIn existed, it was more that he didn’t really think that anyone […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the newest show on the JCast Network, Kvetch. The new show is an opportunity for Darone to take a few minutes every few weeks to rant about something that is annoying him in the Jewish community/Jewish world. Do you have something that you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the JCast Network Listener survey which he recently posted. He talks about the importance of the survey, and asks that if you listen to any JCast Network podcasts, that you please consider taking a few moments to complete the survey telling us a little […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay comments that the network has finally reached ten thousand downloads a month, and is thus ready to talk to potential advertisers about supporting the network. The only way that JCast Network can continue is if we find advertisers who understand the amazing niche that the […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about one of the newest shows on JCast Network Re-Arranged. This show follows the FYI show Arranged, which is about three arranged marriages, including Vicki and Ben, who are a Modern Orthodox couple from New York. Darone talks about one of his introductions to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the ad that has been placed at the start of each episode on the network over the past month or so. You know the one about the JCEC. The Jewish Communal Events Calendar is the newest project of JCast Network and is a […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay breaks his usual conversation about the network, and the issues related to creating and maintaining it, to take a moment to discuss Pesach and the unhealthy way that we eat, and more so, purchase food for this holiday. Take a listen and let us know […]
In the last episode host, Darone Ruskay complained about the difficult time he has had over a month when his website was in a consistent sense of ‘down’. This episode he turns around and talks about some of the great things that have happened to JCast Network podcasters and some of his close friends. Once […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the last month with regards to his website. It has been a terrible, horrible, no good month, with so much down-time and so many hours spent trying to get it back up and running. Darone explains some of the work that he had to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the importance that we all seem to give to “The Like.” When we post on Facebook, we do it to get “likes” and “comments” as much, if not more, then as a way to express ourselves. Darone considers the practice that many podcasts […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes the time for one of his own personal rants. He asks why the Jewish community always seem to focus on everything as a “Jewish Issue?” While some things are surely Jewish, how is it important that Alfred Einstein was a Jewish Physicist, or that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges the long break since the last episode of The JCast Journey, and explores the reasons behind the unexpected hiatus, and considers what the future for this podcast should be. Should Darone continue doing what he has been doing, going into the minutia of creating […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay introduces a new concept for a new podcast on the JCast Network, Maasim Tovim. Maasim Tovim translates to good things, and the concept of the podcast is to take some time to showcase an organization or project that is doing good work. The podcast when it launches […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a recent episode of The Startup, in which the host, and CEO of Gimlet Media talks about what it takes to produce episodes of Gimlet shows. For those interested in podcasts, the tutorial is fabulous, but perhaps there are other ways as well, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his feeling of being duped by the new podcast The Message. This leads him to discuss what it means to have a brand, and what it means to confuse your brand. Once again, we ask that you consider donating to help support our network. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the recent announcement that Google is adding podcasts to its Google Play product. Darone discusses why it took so long for them to get in, and what it means for the podcast landscape. How do you listen to podcasts? What application do you use? What […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges with regret the end of one of the most important shows on the Network Daily Daf Differently. After explaining the ins and outs of the issues with keeping the show going, Darone thanks Jeremy Kalmanofsky and The Conservative Yeshiva for all of their help […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay revisits the issue from last episode where he tried to “game the system” to make sure that all of the JCast Network shows would show up on the home page of the iTunes Judaism podcast page. Darone discusses the trouble that he faced when trying to make […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the unfair action of many podcasters to “post-date” their episodes with the result of having only their shows appear (or rather prominently appear) on the Judaism iTunes Podcast page. Rather then continue to complain to Apple and continue to ask them to only […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay explains why there was no episode two weeks ago, and discusses the difficulty in running an entire network all by yourself. Darone, joins all of JCast Network in wishing you all a Shana Tova, and hopes that you will consider making a donation to JCast […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about one of his new favorite Jewish podcasts, Responsa Radio from Jewish Public Media, and considers why he and JCast Network never created such a show. What are your favorite Jewish podcasts? We would love to hear from you. Once again, we ask that you consider […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks a bit about the state of blogs. There have been a variety of blogs on JCast Network over the years, but at this point none of them seem to get updated. Darone has a number of thoughts on why this is the case, and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the many conversations he has had recently about podcast amateurs about ways to podcast. This has led him to revisit the ways he podcasts, and to try new technologies to podcast, especially when it comes to podcasting interviews of people who are not in […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a recent article in The New York Times entitled Podcasting Blossoms, but in Slow Motion about the new boon in podcasting. Darone was sent this article by his father, who doesn’t quite understand podcasts, but does read the New York Times religiously, so it was […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the shows (podcast and television) for which he is a completist, versus the ones in which he feels that it is ok to miss full episodes or parts of episodes. What do you think? What makes a show that you will not miss […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about what he always hated about summer tv, reruns! Television has gotten better over time, but why do some podcasts put up reruns on drop dates when they do not have new episodes to share? What do you think? Do you think that there is […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a recent triumph when he finally was able to fix a problem with the images that showed up when he put links to podcast episodes on his Facebook page and the JCast Network page. Once again, we ask that you consider donating to […]
Over the past few months, host Darone Ruskay has been asked by many to help them re-vision their websites. In their minds, they think that the need a facelift (which they do) but they also need a content infusion. In this episode, Darone thinks about the different needs, and the ways to move forward with […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about three current television shows on broadcast and cable television: Kosher Soul, Dig, and The Goldbergs. Darone has always wanted to have a show on the network about Jewish television and movies entitled “You Don’t Have To Be Jewish To Love TV”, but what would […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the “Production Value” of his podcasts. He considers the different types of podcasts that are currently being created, and discusses the ways in which each one needs to be “produced” and the positives and negatives of each of them. Once again, we ask […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a concept he has learned from his children. The idea of “filling your bucket.” His children have learned that when you do something nice for someone, or say something kind, you are filling the other persons bucket, and when you say something not nice, you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about an exciting new moment in podcasting. The podcast about podcasts. While podcasts about movies and books and television shows are not new, a podcast that follows another podcast has never happened before. That is… until Serial, and the Slate Spoiler Special that follows each […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the disappointment he felt when after over seven hundred days (and seven hundred episodes) there were two weeks where JCast Network did not have episodes of Daily Daf Differently. After being frustrated, he found a small silver lining in the reality in that listeners reached […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thanks all of you who contributed in response to his previous podcast asking for support, and so as we celebrate the final day of Chanukah, and prepare for the New Year, we ask you one more time to consider making a tax-deductible donation to help […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay invites you to think about sponsoring a JCast Network podcast. Do you have something to sell, a service or a product? Do you know someone that does? Why not place an ad in a JCast Network podcast? After listening to the Startup podcast, Darone realizes that […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes over all of the streams on JCast Network to ask you for support. Darone is very proud of the many successes that we have had on JCast Network, but doing this project requires financial support. Over the last three years we have boot-strapped this […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay invites you, the listener, to think about a show (or blog) that you would like to start on JCast Network. What would you want to share with a listening (or reading) audience? If you think that you have the desire to podcast (even if you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the need to split feeds, so that people get exactly what they are looking for when they subscribe to podcasts. There are definitely reasons NOT to do so, but Darone talks about the reasons TO DO so, and why he has chosen to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some of the other wonderful Jewish podcasts out there, even those not affiliated with the JCast Network. He encourages you to take a look and listen to Come and Listen and the Open Quorum family of podcasts. Once again, we ask that you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the unusual people that one may find living in their neighborhood, or for a city boy like Darone, the people who live in the same building. Who are you unaware of who lives right by you? What can you learn from them, how […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the different ways that people learn. Some prefer to learn by listening, some by reading and some by experiencing things. For a podcaster, we want people to learn by listening, but obviously we embrace people in all of the ways that they learn. What […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the things that he LOVES and HATES about his work at JCast Network. What do you love and hate about your work? What would you do differently professionally to get more pleasure out of the work that you do? Once again, we ask […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the experience he recently had when a “friend” David offered to “sponsor” some of his posts on Facebook. While Darone has always thought that additional “likes” on Facebook should come naturally from the social network, he can’t ignore the reality that in less than […]
It may not be obvious to you, but JCast Network Executive Director and Producer Darone Ruskay spends a lot of time thinking about when shows should go live on our network. While you may listen to a show at your leisure, Darone spends time thinking about when the shows should drop. This week, Darone explains […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his decision not to apply for many of the grant programs available for the Jewish social entrepreneur. Darone discusses the pros and cons of these type projects, and his realization that getting funding for JCast Network will require a more personal approach. Once again, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes a moment to thank someone close to the JCast Network family for all that he has done to help grow the network. After 583 episodes of The Daily Daf Differently, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky is stepping down from his educational management role of the podcast. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the frustration he has with the “secret sauce” that iTunes uses to make the list of 200 “Top Podcasts.” How can a list include 44 shows that have ZERO episodes, 62 shows that have not had a new episode in over two years, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the idea of organizations creating swag as a way to create brand awareness as well as to use as donor cultivation. Would you purchase swag from JCast Network? What would you want, a mug? a shirt? an iPhone case? Please let us know […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes a little time to vent about Facebook. As the biggest social media site in the world, it is really important that when you link on Facebook that the right image comes up with the post. But there is no guarantee that that will happen. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the concept of Binge Watching, the idea of watching an entire series, or a season of a series in a matter of days. Be it the Netflix show “House of Cards” or a tv show that you didn’t watch when it came out […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the necessity to keep your podcasts (and all things) short and simple. There is no need to have a long podcast episode (or movie or sermon.) Just say what you need to say, and stop. Shorter can sometimes be better. What do you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay introduces you to “A Taste of Romemu” the newest podcast to join the JCast Network. Darone and Rabbi David Ingber have been in conversations for years about romemu and JCast Network working together, so it is especially exciting that this announcement has finally been made. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the recent announcement that JTA and MyJewishLearning are merging. He discusses that while some people are up in arms because they consider these to be two very different organizations, but Darone has a very different take on the matter. Darone also considers other the […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some friendships he made years ago when he worked for a summer at Camp Ramah in Nyack New York. Darone talks about a friend he made, Menachem, and how he is so glad that this friend, now a Rabbi in Berkely, CA is […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the realization that 2013 is only days from conclusion, and talks about the decisions that he and Stephanie think through as they make their end of year donations. He discusses the introduction of tzedakah into the lives of his three year old children, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about an email he received a month ago from an unexpected listener. Darone considers the ramifications of being public, and sharing so much when you can not control who will and or will not be listening (and responding) to your content. While Darone’s first […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks about his friend Joel Gershon who is creating a new documentary about a circus school in Cambodia, and is attempting to fund this film collectively. What Darone thought was most interesting about Joel’s method is that each time someone makes a donation, he takes […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay takes a moment to stop and acknowledge the success of Daily Daf Differently which has now reached over four hundred episodes, over forty teachers, tens of thousands of downloads, and which is now entering it’s fifth Masechet (tractate). Darone thanks his partner in this project […]
Today Darone talks about the transition to Apple’s iOS 7, his hopes for iTunes Radio and the podcast app on iOS device. Darone had really hoped that iTunes Radio would bring forth a new energy by Apple to focus on podcasts, as they can serve as the “talk radio” section of iTunes Radio, but so […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay advertises his capacity to do project work for other organizations who might need some technology help, be it updating their website, launching (or updating) a newsletter and of course podcasting and blogging. He invites those who think that they might be able to use his […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about how the Jewish holidays slowed down the production of new episodes on the network, and asks you, the listener to let us know what new shows you would like to see in the year ahead. What topics, or teachers, or areas of focus […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thinks a bit about the differences between local organizations, national organizations and “Umbrella organizations”. Darone considers the ways that umbrella organizations have a more difficult time figuring out their mission as their constituencies are so emorphous. What do you think? Do you think that there […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his decision to leave his full time (or 80% time) job to work full-time on JCast Network. While Darone has been working on JCast Network in his free time for the past thirteen months, he realized that in order to really succeed in […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a new podcast and blog on the network called “This Week’s Torah”. The concept behind this feed is an archive of podcasts and blogs that relate to the coming weeks torah portion. Just because the content may be old, this does not mean […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about schadenfreude. While not proud, Darone has felt a sense of schadenfreude as he heard about the news about a local rabbi who was arrested for impersonating a police officer and pulling people over for driving too slowly.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the amazing focus that came out of the posts on eJewish Philanthropy recently when a blog post about the Jewish communities focus (or lack thereof) regarding the needs of Jews in their 40’s and 50’s. Darone refects on his feelings that as a […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some of the shows and blogs on the network that have gone on hiatus (some permanent, some temporary) and thanks the wonderful hosts who created those shows (and blogs) for bein a part of the network, helping it grow and change, build and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the celebrities that he always thought would play him in the movie version of his life, and how he now believes that the celeb who has a life most similar to his is Marc Maron, the star of the new IFC show Maron. […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the project of, after two years, the need to find a new home and new platform for the website. While JCastNetwork.org started on SquareSpace, it became obvious recently that it was time to move to a new platform. Darone has decided that WordPress was […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on the degree to which podcasts should be/need to be/should NOT be produced. He talks about a number of podcasts and reflects on the degree of production used in each. The podcasts he discusses include: RadioLab TanakhCast and our very own Meet Me at […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay sits down with Dr. John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO of UJA Federation of New York, who announced last week his retirement in June 2014 after fifteen years as CEO and twenty years working for the Federation. John reflects on his work, his successes […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on the blog he wrote for Darim OnLine in Early March and the mixed feelings he had when there didn’t seem to be a lot of response to the post. Darone also invites you to consider making a donation to JCast Network, to show your […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his recent experience editing an episode of WORD, Amichai Lau-Lavie’s weekly podcast in which in one episode Amichai did not end with his traditional “Shalom”. Darone talks about how he felt a bit like a torah scholar of old who read into texts […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about taking the time for Shehecheyanu Moments, moments to feel grateful for reaching a point in time. Darone focuses on this, the 50th episode of JCast Journey as well as his childrens acceptance into Nursery School for next year. He encourages us all to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about a blog post he was invited to write for the Darim Online blog JewPointO about things to think about when considering starting a podcast. Darone’s five tips are: What are you passionate about? What is your brand? Is podcasting the best way for […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his latest experiences with video, and the ways that these experiences have made him reconsider the role of video within JCast Network. To view the videos that he has been creating for RAVSAK, please visit http://YouTube.com/user/RAVSAKDigital The music at the open and close […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the amazing way that technology has changed the world. He reflects on the passing of his mother, and his need to listen to her outgoing voicemail message before it was deleted and marvels on the fact that his children will have access to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his role in helping the JCast Network content creators when it comes to what they focus on in their content. He reflects on his mother’s advice that he take courses by teachers he loved teaching content that they loved. As the fiscal year […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay thanks those of you who have donated to help sustain JCast Network, and talks about the wyas that you, the listener, can help decide the future direction of the Network. Do you have an idea for a show, or for an area that we might […]
Please pardon the interruption… As we near the end of the fiscal year, we are adding this podcast episode to each of the nearly twenty JCast Network shows to invite you, our listeners, to help support the work of JCast Network. Please listen to this podcast, and if you enjoy the many podcasts, blogs, and […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay aknowledges the coming end of the year, and with it the onslaught of requests by organizations for end-of-year gifts to help support their work. Instead of a solicitation letter, this episode is a solictation podcast. In which Darone indicates all of the ways that you […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay is excited to announce the release of the JCast Network mobile app for iOS and Android (with an option for Windows Phone on the way. To download the iOS app, please visit http://JCastNetwork.org/ios, for the android version, pleaes visit http://JCastNetwork.org/android. The opening and closing music […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay reflects on the effects that Hurricane Sandy has had on JCast Network. We hope that you listen to these shows and write reviews for them on iTunes. The opening and closing music in this weeks episode is Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the reality that although he is now working full-time at RAVSAK, the network is growing more and more. Darone discusses the launch of From Dreams to Deeds (Rak Rega), WORD, and the biggest time suck of them all, JCast Network’s first daily podcast […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the decision he made to go back to work “nine to five” while still working on JCast Network. He discusses the reasons that influenced the decision, and the wonderful organization where he found work, RAVSAK. Once again, Darone invites you the JCast Network […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the dissapointment he has felt when all of the organizations that are known to fund New Jewish Entrepreneurial projects have rejected the proposals that JCast Network has submitted. Once again, Darone invites you the JCast Network listener to consider making a donation at […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the newest podcast to join the JCast Network, a collaborative work with The Covenant Foundation. The new podcast, entitled From Dreams to Deeds: Join The Journey will be an opportunity for Covenant Award recipients and other grantees to tell their stories, tell about their work, […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the wild experience that he had when a virtual stranger commented to him that they have been listening to this podcast, JCast Journey. He talks about how meaningful it was for him to hear from others that they appreciate the work that he […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the complexities of taking vacation as a parent of twin boys under the age of two, and when he is solely responsible for the production of tens of podcasts a week. Once again, Darone invites you the JCast Network listener to consider making […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about an experience earlier in his career when he had to make a difficult decision, and how he made it WRONG. He tells this story in thinking about the complex goings on at Camp Ramah, Canada, and the story of Solomon. Once again, Darone […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about how naive he was fourteen months ago when he began JCast Network. At the time he thought that finding money would be simple, as he had an idea that everyone thought made sense, and he had the passion and know-how to make it […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his attendance at the Launch Event for the New York cohort of PresenTense. This was the second launch event that he attended, the first, last years event he attended right after he concieved of JCast Network. In this episode, he talks about the difference […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his experiences in the past few weeks going to three distinct conferences. TechCrunch Disrupt NY, The Jewish Futures Conference and BlogWorld and New Media Expo. Darone talks his many experiences with conferences, but as he has always been the organizer, the new experience […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the ways to listen to JCast Network podcasts on your computer, on IOS devices, and Android phones. These simple instructions will help you to enjoy the JCast Network shows. One of the apps that Darone mentioned is DownCast, a fabulous app that allows […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay sits down with his dear friend Robin Bady. Robin Bady is an award-winning storyteller, and has also just launched her own podcast on JCast Network, Beyond Chelm in which she will be telling tales for all ages. In this episode, Darone and Robin talk about their […]
n this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about listening to The Freakanomics Podcast where they talked about their Twitter followers. This got him to think about why he cares about the numbers of followers he has on Twitter, and how many Facebook fans he has. Although the ethos of Facebook is don’t […]
In the twenty eighth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about some work that he has been doing lately on a number of grant proposals for JCast Network, and something that he realized while in the midst of completing the application. While working on the application, Darone realized that what he had […]
In the twenty seventh episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges that JCast Network is now nearly a year old, and thus takes a little time to look back at the year that has passed. He considers what his expectations were a year ago, what he has learned over the past year and […]
In the twenty-sixth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about something that was delivered by a uniformed representative of the Federal government today. Yes, the mailman dropped off a piece of mail from The Jewish Federations of North America, that recognized his participation in The Jewish Community Heroes program. Darone then discusses […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay sits down to talk with Sara Shapiro-Plevan, lead consultant at Rimonim Consulting (http://RimonimConsulting.org) , and the host of JCast Network’s newest upcoming podcast Jewish Education Salon. Darone and Sara talk about their background and history and Sara explains what it is that she hopes to […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay sits down to talk with Deborah Grayson Riegel of MyJewishCoach.com and author of upcoming book Oy Vey Isn’t A Strategy: 25 Solutions for Personal and Professional Success (Behrman House, May, 2012) to talk about her new JCast Network Podcast Oy Vey! Isn’t A Strategy: Success and Solutions […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his experience recently at a lecture and a conversation he had afterwards. While sitting at the lecture he wondered where a lecture like that one, could fit into JCast Network. And then afterwards, he spoke with someone who wanted to blog on JCast […]
In the twenty-second episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the reality of working with people who have can’t make JCast Network their primary priority, and the learning that he has done about learning to take it easy, and “go with the flow.” Anyone who knows Darone even just a little bit […]
In the twenty-first episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about where he has been for the past few weeks, and why there has been no new show) as well as some of the intraspection that he did during the holiday season. In a frank monologue, Darone talks about how difficult it is […]
In the twentieth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks numbers… He talks about many of the accomplishments that JCast Network has had in the past few months, he also talks about the need for the support of you, our listeners, our visitors, our viewers… JCast Network is a labor of love, but […]
In the Nineteenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay shares some words and phrases that he has learned from his nieces. One, that we don’t use nearly enough is “Don’t Yuck My Yum.” But Darone focuses more on the other, that of “Frienemy” which is a person who is both your friend and […]
In the Eighteenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the question of what is a podcasts “point of view” and how to make sure that all of his hosts have their own distinct points of view. Darone discusses the question of how to respond to people who approach him and want […]
In the Seventeenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay shares a conversation he had with a Rabbi who has a blog on a blogging platform other then JCast Network. Darone discusses the benefits of being on a network rather then amidst the hidden blogs of a standing blogging platform, his changing thoughts about […]
In the Sixteenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay gives a blow-by-blow explanation of how he spends his day as he works on JCast Network. He talks about how much time he spends on the different facets of this project and how his long solitary days have helped to make JCast Network into […]
In the Fifteenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the huge week that has just passed in the Tech World. The announcement of the iPhone 4S as well as the death of Apple Co-Founder, Charman of the Board and Former CEO, Steve Jobs. Darone discusses the way that Apple products, including the […]
In the Fourteenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about all of the exciting new happenings on JCast Network. Darone talks about going from one show to six, no blogs to three, and gives a little synopsis about all of the excitement at JCast Network. We hope that you will visit JCastNetwork.org to learn […]
In episode thirteen of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay interviews David Weisberg, the Executive Director of The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. Darone and David discuss the launch of Isabella FreeRadio, a new project of Isabella Freedman which will allow for those interested to participate in learning live on their computers, or via telephone. […]
In episode twelve of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay interviews Jonah Geffen, the writer of Ish Ben Partzi, the first blog on JCast Network. Darone and Jonah discuss his background, what he is doing now, and what his vision for the Ish Ben Partzi blog. While we are thrilled to have Ish Ben Partzi […]
In the Eleventh episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his own Obsessive Compulisive Disorder and his personal need to be able to finish the podcasts he begins. He then debates the question of how long The JCast Journey podcast should be as well as the length of the future podcasts on […]
In the Tenth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the positive and negative aspects of doing this project solo rather then finding a larger, already established organization to work within. Darone asks the listener “How much autonomy would you give up for the safety and security of working for others?” The […]
In the ninth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about figuring out all of the legal issues that are needed to begin a new non-profit venture. Darone talks about the frustrations in trying to find a lawyer who would do the paperwork for incorporation, EIN filing, and 501(c)(3) status filing pro bono. […]
In the eighth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about his need to be flexible as he continues to explore and refine what JCast Network will be. While Darone initially conceived JCast Network to be an audio podcast network, he has been slowly convinced to think more broadly, now including video podcasts […]
In the seventh episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about choosing JCast Network as the name of this organization. Darone also discusses the technical terms of Podcasts, and what he means when he uses such words. From there, Darone explores the ways in which JCast Network hopes to be able to evolve and change as […]
In the sixth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about finding his own “Radio Voice” as well as trying to think about what the “voice” of JCast Network should be. Darone discusses the complicated issue of trying to makes sure that the JCast Network is as diverse as the Jewish community in […]
In the fifth episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay talks about the support system that he has in place as he works to create this new project. While Darone discusses his many supporters, in honor of Fathers Day, Darone focuses on his father, who has been an inspiration to him, as well as […]
