• Joseph: Finding Strength in Adversity (Parsha Power: Vayeishev) 5785
    Dec 11 2025

    Uncover the transformative power of honesty and adversity as we journey through Parshas Vayeishev, unraveling the intricate dynamics among the twelve tribes and their contentious relationship with Joseph. Prepare to see revered figures of the Torah in a new light, with their human flaws serving as profound lessons in integrity. This episode promises a deeper understanding of how the Torah’s commitment to truth transcends the superficiality often found in politics, offering us timeless teachings on authenticity and ethical living.


    As we navigate through the challenges faced by Joseph, discover how adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Joseph's resilience and ability to perceive a divine plan amid his trials inspire a mindset of gratitude and forgiveness. Explore how small acts of kindness and thoughtful communication can embody larger principles essential for personal development. Join us as we emphasize gratitude, forgiveness, and the importance of recognizing life's bigger picture, drawing wisdom from Torah teachings and recommending valuable resources like the Schottenstein interlinear Chumash to enrich your learning journey.

    _____________
    This episode (Ep 7.9) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeishev is dedicated in Honor of Yossi & Ashlene Azoulay & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 20, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

    • NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
    _____________
    #Torah, #ParshaVayeshev, #Joseph, #Adversity, #Growth, #Gratitude, #Forgiveness, #Authenticity, #Ethics, #Integrity, #PersonalDevelopment, #DivinePlan, #TorahTeachings, #SchottensteinInterlinearChumash, #StoneEditionChumash, #TorahLearning, #Yaakov, #Struggles, #Tribes, #Jealousy

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    20 mins
  • Guarding Temptations (Parsha In-Focus: Vayeishev) 5784
    Dec 10 2025

    Promised to take you on a journey of exploration through the profound stories of Er, Onan, Joseph, and Potiphar's wife in Parsha Vayeishev. In this episode, we lay bare the dire repercussions of squandering one’s potential and power, particularly in the realm of procreation (Shemiras Habris). We delve into the vital responsibility we all carry to responsibly utilize our God-given abilities and power. We also highlight the key role women play in maintaining modesty and fostering a righteous life, and how crucial it is not to provoke inappropriate thoughts in others.

    In a world riddled with distractions and temptations, safeguarding our spirituality becomes paramount. As we navigate through the story of Yosef, we highlight the courage it took for him to flee a situation that threatened his spirituality. The narrative prompts us to reflect on the potential pitfalls that may jeopardize our own spiritual well-being and the well-being of our children. Drawing from personal experiences, we emphasize the significance of prioritizing our spiritual health and seeking divine guidance and protection on our journey towards holiness. Tune in, and let's take this enlightening journey together.

    This episode (Ep 6.9) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeishev is dedicated in Honor of our dear friend Moshe Butler & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing


    ****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 5, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 6, 2023

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    17 mins
  • 1.9 Parshas Vayeishev Review: Joseph's Tale - The Unseen Master Plan
    Dec 9 2025

    This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 1.9) by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayeishev offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah.

    This episode is dedicated in honor of Alan & Diane Levin who have been solid stalwarts of TORCH and its mission!

    00:00 Parsha Summary
    7:50 Important Lessons Segment

    Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    *****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this parsha to awolbe@torchweb.org.

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 15, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 15, 2022

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    42 mins
  • He Lived 20 Years With the Most Evil Man Alive – And Came Out HOLIER Than Ever! (Parsha Pearls: Vayishlach) 5786
    Dec 5 2025
    In Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov returns home after 20 years with the wicked Laban and immediately sends real angels as messengers to his murderous brother Esav, prefacing their message with the cryptic line “Im Lavan garti” – “With Laban I sojourned.” Rashi reveals the hidden code: the word “garti” (גרתי) has the numerical value of 613 (תרי״ג), meaning “Even while living with the evil Laban, I kept all 613 mitzvos and never learned from his wicked ways.” Yaakov is teaching every Jew for all time: no matter how far away you are, no matter how hostile the environment, the Torah is the ultimate protective shield that preserves and elevates your soul. As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declared: “When you stay firm in Torah study every single day, there is nothing in the world that can take you down.”The parsha’s eternal message is crystallized in the Friday-night blessing we give our children: “Yisimcha Elokim k’Ephraim v’chi’Menashe” – may God make you like Ephraim and Menashe, the only two tribal ancestors raised in decadent, idolatrous Egypt yet who grew into pure tzaddikim. Why them? Because wherever our children end up – Houston, Memphis, Vegas, or the middle of nowhere – they may not have a yeshiva, a kosher restaurant, or even a minyan, but they will always have the Torah. As Rabbi Wolbe summed up: “The Torah is the blueprint of the world… and when you live with that blueprint, no darkness can touch you.” Yaakov, Ephraim, and Menashe all proved that one Jew + one Torah = unstoppable light._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #JewishWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth, #Angels, #jacob ★ Support this podcast ★
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    35 mins
  • “Quitters Always Finish First” – The Brutal Truth About Spiritual Growth (Parsha Pearls: Toldos) 5786
    Dec 3 2025
    Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b’vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you’re not comparing apples to apples, you’re comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother’s shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac’s heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I’m wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can’t quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it’s the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #...
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    35 mins
  • Live Beyond the Ordinary (Parsha Power: Vayishlach) 5785
    Dec 2 2025

    Discover the profound lessons from Parshas Vayishlach as we unravel the intricate tapestry of fear, faith, and divine assurance. Join us on a journey through the gripping narrative of Yaakov's preparation to face his brother Esau, where we explore the human struggle between worry and trust in God's promises. Through a strategic blend of preparations for war, gift offerings, and heartfelt prayer, Yaakov exemplifies the complex dance of faith and doubt. This episode delves into why divine assurances often leave us questioning our worthiness and how introspection and prayer can lead us to a deeper connection with Hashem.

    Our exploration doesn't stop there. Reflect on the broader theme of trusting in God's plan even when life veers off the expected path. We examine historical and biblical figures to understand the enduring value of struggles as signs of vitality and growth. By relinquishing anxiety and embracing a stronger bond with the Almighty, we find that true faith goes beyond mere belief—it's about knowing Hashem intimately. Finally, we discuss the surpassing power of spiritual over physical defenses, echoing the timelessness of Yaakov's reliance on divine strength over worldly arms. Let this episode guide you to live beyond the ordinary and foster an unwavering emunah in your own life.
    _____________
    This episode (Ep 7.8) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayishlach is dedicated in Honor of Tom & Bobbi Asarch & in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on December 10, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 11, 2024
    _____________
    DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
    _____________
    SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

    • NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.tansistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    _____________
    EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
    _____________

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
    _____________
    #Vayishlach, #Fear, #Faith, #DivineAssurance, #Yaakov, #Esau, #Worry, #Trust, #GodsPromises, #Preparations, #War, #GiftOfferings, #Prayer, #Introspection, #Struggles, #Vitality, #Growth, #Almighty, #Emunah, #DivinePlan, #Unexpected, #Perspective, #HistoricalFigures, #BiblicalFigures, #Struggles, #Indicators, #Life, #Anxiety, #Connection, #Hashem, #SpiritualWeaponry, #TechnologicalDefenses, #DavidsSling, #IronDome, #Intellect, #DivineGuidance, #Protection, #Strength

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    28 mins
  • Don't be Good. Be Great. (Parsha In-Focus: Vayishlach) 5784
    Dec 1 2025

    Unlock the power of resilience and character development in your life as we navigate through this week's Parsha, Parshas Vayishlach, featuring the tales of Yaakov's encounters with Esav and the Angel. You'll gain invaluable insight into the supernatural struggle between our good and bad inclinations, epitomized by Yaakov's wrestling match with the Angel. We'll reveal the importance of standing strong in the face of challenges, continuously striving towards self-improvement and becoming the best version of ourselves.

    Then, we'll dive into the compelling story of Dina's abduction, the brothers' cunning retaliation, and Yaakov's stern reprimand, reminding us to forsake trickery and aim for greatness. We'll also delve into a heartwarming conversation with my grandmother about the concept of "Gadlut-Ha-adam," the greatness of mankind, and how her pre-holocaust life in Lithuania shaped her views on human greatness. Taking a leaf from the book "Good to Great," we'll discuss the criticality of maximizing our potential, overstepping the bounds of mediocrity, and reaching for exceptional heights. So, are you ready to transform from being good to becoming great? Let's begin.

    This episode (Ep 6.8) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayishlach is dedicated in Honor of Dr. Zev & Susan Munk & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!

    • Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing


    ****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes


    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories to awolbe@torchweb.org


    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/donate.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com


    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on November 28, 2023, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on November 29, 2023

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    25 mins
  • 1.8 Parshas Vayishlach Review: The Story of Yaakov and Esav
    Nov 30 2025

    This Parsha Review Podcast (Ep 1.8) by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Vayishlach offers a refreshing, clear and concise review as he does for each Parsha in the Torah.

    This episode is dedicated in honor of Ed Hoffman who have been solid stalwarts of TORCH and its mission!

    00:00 Parsha Summary
    7:50 Important Lessons Segment

    Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharing

    *****

    To listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: https://linktr.ee/ariwol

    • Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
    • Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

    Please send your questions, comments and even your stories relating to this parsha to awolbe@torchweb.org.

    Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our Jewish outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area and please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help support our global outreach at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php.
    Thank you!

    For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

    Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on December 8, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
    Released as Podcast on December 8, 2022

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    26 mins