A local Christian radio station begins broadcasting a Jewish talk show tomorrow morning.

The program, airing Sundays at 11 a.m. on Faith FM (94.3 FM) will be hosted by Barry Shainbaum, a professional photographer and inspirational speaker who lives in Toronto.

Shainbaum said he plans to cover a variety of topics such as mental health, business, ethics, photography and Jewish issues.

"It will be a unique blend," Shainbaum said in a telephone interview.

Shainbaum said he has been cured from 18 years of debilitating bipolar disorder and now works to inspire people to help them overcome challenges.

He is author of the photo-and-interview book Hope & Heroes: Portraits of Integrity and Inspiration.

Depending on the talk show's guest list, some of the program will consist of pre-recorded telephone interviews. So far, Shainbaum said he has lined up actor Ed Asner and Israeli psychic Uri Geller for interviews.

Shainbaum has roots in Waterloo Region. His mother was raised in Kitchener and grandfather owned a tailor shop, Ben Osvey Tailoring, in the downtown core.

Shainbaum's show will be half-an-hour in length, said Dave MacDonald, station manager of Faith FM.

"It will expand, hopefully."

The station's license from the Canadian Radio-Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is for a religious broadcasting -- not exclusively Christian programming, MacDonald explained.

"Part of our CRTC mandate is to open our airwaves to other faiths."

MacDonald said he has invited the local Islamic community to provide on-air programs, but so far hasn't received a response.

For more information visit the website www.barryshainbaum.com or www.faithfm.org

Credit: RECORD STAFF