The Bagel Report: The Podcast: The Series w/ Julia Lester!

[additional-authors]

Erin Ben-Moche

March 12, 2021

The Bagels welcome Julia Lester, one of the stars of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” After some getting-to-know-you conversations and Jewish geography, we talk about her character Ashlyn on the Disney+ reboot and what it’s like to be a part of the 15-year-old franchise. Erin geeks out with Julia over a cappella connections and Esther does her best to understand nostalgia for a show she never watched. Plus, a speed round of questions delving into favorite Broadway shows, bat mitzvah themes and beyond!!

Relevant Links:

“Wondering” Music Video

“HSMTMTS” Season 1 Trailer

Hanukkah Medley from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special”

Follow Julia Lester on Instagram and Twitter!

Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

Did you enjoy this article?

You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review

Marion Haberman

The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC

Tabby Refael

What Ever Happened to the LA Times?

Dan Schnur

Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?

Ryan Torok

You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House

Marion Haberman

No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center

Larry Greenfield

Latest Articles

Print Issue: Making Jewish Fiction New Again | October 16, 2026

Jewish Journal Staff

Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Taff and Aliyah

Ari L. Noonan

Michael Douglas Memoir, ‘One Helluva Ride,’ Is a Helluva Read

Alan Zeitlin

A Burst of Inspirational Art in Hadassah

Toby Klein Greenwald

"Two serious men with shoulder bags stand in front of a weathered, sunlit building, partially shaded by window light inside a worn, possibly abandoned environment."

‘We Had a Mission to Tell the World Our Story’: ‘Fauda’ Creator Avi Issacharoff

Ayala Or-El

Three Years Later: 1-in-5 Israelis Report Severe Mental Health Impairment

Brian Fishbach

Two High-Stakes Church-State Cases for the Jewish Community

October 15, 2026

The possibility of tuition-free Jewish religious education has taken a significant step forward.

Jon Polin Wants Answers, Not Revenge, Three Years After Oct. 7

October 15, 2026

One day before the three-year anniversary of the Oct. 7th attacks, the father of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin called for a national commission of inquiry, spoke about what comes next for him and Rachel, and said punishment for Israel’s failures is not what he seeks.

Oct. 7 Survivors Share Stories of Loss, Courage and Resilience

October 15, 2026

The memorial event was organized by StandWithUs in partnership with the Israeli-American Council (IAC), American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles, Temple of the Arts, the Consulate General of Israel and The Jewish Journal.

“Seeing Reality Clearly”: Noah Tishby’s Oct. 7 Address

October 15, 2026

This speech is my honest look at where we are as a Jewish community.

Beit Issie Shapiro Gala Celebrates Resilience, Independence and the Power of Possibility

October 15, 2026

Among the evening’s highlights was an inspiring address by Israeli Paralympic champion Moran Samuel, 44, whose remarkable journey from tragedy to triumph captivated the audience.

Proposition 37: The California Middle-Class Homeownership Act and the Future of Jewish Community in Los Angeles

October 15, 2026

Housing costs affect whether younger families can remain near grandparents, educators can live near schools and congregations can sustain participation across generations.

Challahs in the Air — Rainbows Everywhere

October 15, 2026

Someday, I hope to make this rainbow challah with my granddaughters.

Table for Five: Noach

October 15, 2026

World Gone Wrong

Making Jewish Fiction New Again

October 15, 2026

In a climate of anti-Jewish censorship, a new fiction imprint from Wicked Son will play a part in determining the future of Jewish fiction in America.

Rosner’s Domain | Meet Galit: Israel’s Decider

October 14, 2026

If we are right, this election will be decided by a right-winger who agrees with her government on almost everything, except how hard to push.

Torah Portion: Noah

October 14, 2026

Here is yet another example of the Torah’s eternal relevance.

Noah’s Ark: Building a World of Giving

October 14, 2026

The enduring lesson of Noah’s Ark is that a better world is built not simply by insisting upon our rights, but by embracing our responsibilities.

Abraham and the Tower of Babel: What Is the Connection?

October 14, 2026

Human beings are fraught with many inclinations, some good, some bad, including the desire for particular societal outcomes, grand visions, monolithic ones — exemplified by the Tower of Babel — not guided by Godly right and just action.

Pray Go On

October 14, 2026

I’ve never been able to pray, whatever that is. I remember trying to back when I was a kid in church but always kept hearing TV theme songs in my head.

Three Years After October 7, Israelis Parallel Americans’ Post-9/11 Mood Swings

October 14, 2026

Such confusion and frustration three years later is logical.

Baseball’s Bounce Through the American Founding

October 14, 2026

As the Dodgers continue their march toward a World Series three-peat during America’s 250th year, it’s worth revisiting the relationship between baseball and the American Founding.

Building After Destruction: The Resilience of Am Yisrael

October 14, 2026

The story of Am Yisrael is one of a people that has endured extraordinary suffering and nevertheless continues to look ahead with faith and hope.

Light and Joy

October 14, 2026

Inspired by the unbridled bliss of the Simchat Torah holiday, I promised myself that whenever I am overwhelmed, I will focus on things that remind me of why I should be grateful.