The Light Within: Joel Mesler on Art, Faith & Recovery

In this uplifting episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist Jon Frankel talk with artist Joel Mesler, whose journey from addiction to artistic acclaim is deeply intertwined with his rediscovery of Judaism. Mesler opens up about sobriety, identity, and how painting old “rabbi portraits” helped reconnect him to tradition and joy. Together, they explore generational trauma, the search for light, and the power of turning your life — however messy — into a work of art.