Ronna Marlene Glickman and Beverly Ginsberg are the 50-something characters created and embodied by actor/comedians Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo. They hosted a podcast on the Earwolf network from 2011 until 2017 wherein they interviewed/interrogated a celebrity guest, interacted with one another, and dispensed advice to listeners. Chaffin and Denbo developed their characters in 2006 when they were asked to host an all-Jewish 'Kosher Christmas Show' at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Live performances from the pair are frequently advertised as "seminars" in which their characters discuss the fictional book they co-authored, "You'll Do a Little Better Next Time: A Guide to Marriage and Re-marriage for Jewish Singles." After introducing the book, either Chaffin or Denbo will often add the clarification, "It says Jewish in the name, but it's for everyone!"
Podcast
Episodes of their eponymous podcast, Ronna and Beverly, were released every two weeks by Earwolf. Guests included people working in comedy, as well as actors, authors, and filmmakers. The podcast premiered on May 25, 2011. In episode 161 on June 15, 2017, Ronna and Beverly suddenly announced they were taking off "for the summer." Since then, no new episodes have been released and the actresses have not appeared together in character. Jessica Chaffin has kept Ronna alive by appearing in character as a guest on other podcasts and by maintaining an Instagram account. On the April 16, 2018 episode of the Why Mommy Drinks podcast, guest Jamie Denbo confirmed that she "used to" have a podcast called Ronna and Beverly, ostensibly indicating the conclusion of the series. On March 11, 2019 Denbo announced she will be launching a spinoff podcast titled Beverly In LA on Stitcher Premium.
Spinoff Podcasts
Beverly in LA
Denbo currently hosts a solo spin-off podcast on the Stitcher network titled Beverly in LA chronicling the life of Beverly Ginsberg as she pursues wellness and explores various means of living a healthier, more mindful life in Los Angeles.
In November, 2019 Chaffin and co-host Bryan Safi premiered a new podcast called Ask Ronna, in which Chaffin continues to appear as Ronna Glickman. Safi and Chaffin's show focuses on requests for advice and questions from listeners, and often feature a celebrity guest.
Ronna and Beverly perform monthly in Los Angeles at the UCB-LA Theatre. They also brought their show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010. The characters make especial fuss over their international lifestle, and London is a frequent topic of note on their podcast and in print. In 2010, Denbo and Chaffin performed in as Ronna and Beverly for a brief run at London's Soho Theatre.