Carol Leifer on Jewish Identity, Comedy, and Living Authentically

Award-winning comedian and writer Carol Leifer joins Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi for a candid and hilarious conversation about life, legacy, and laughter.
From her groundbreaking start as a stand-up comedian to her acclaimed writing for Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Ellen, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, to her recent Emmy and Golden Globe wins for Hacks, Leifer reflects on how her Jewish identify, family roots—including a father who was the household “tumler”—and her personal journey as a gay woman in Hollywood have shaped her voice and career.
Carol also discusses her brand-new book, How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn’t Want to Go to in the First Place—a laugh-out-loud guide for anyone who’s ever been asked to speak in public and wished they hadn’t.
With warmth and wit, she reflects on navigating show business, staying true to herself, and finding meaning through humor.
🎧 Listen now for an inspiring look at authenticity, resilience, and the power of comedy to connect us all.

Watch a clip from “The Marble Rye” episode of Seinfeld

Watch a clip from “The Ugly Section” episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm