Being Jewish with Jonah Platt (Jonah Platt)
Explore every episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
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| 07 Jan 2025 | BEING JEWISH LIVE - Hollywood Stars & Jewish Advocates Josh Gad, Ginnifer Goodwin & Marlee Matlin, Live from CBS Television City | 01:24:59 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
All things Jonah: Connect with Josh Gad https://www.instagram.com/joshgad/ Connect with Ginnifer Goodwin https://www.instagram.com/ginnifergoodwin/ Connect with Marlee Matlin https://www.instagram.com/themarleematlin/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 25 Feb 2025 | The Sound of Silence & Shoe Legend Stuart Weitzman | 01:05:14 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish He’s a mogul, he’s a “macher” and most importantly … a mensch. Fashion designer and Jewish philanthropist Stuart Weitzman will steal your heart as he joins Jonah to discuss the two things most dear to his heart: Shoes and Jews. Beginning with an insightful conversation around career lessons and principles, Weitzman shares paramount advice on what it takes to be successful in nearly any industry or pursuit. Additionally, he shares his deep and unbreakable connection to Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. “When it comes to Israel, I laugh for them and I cry for them,” Weitzman says. “And I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t feel the same.” From participating in the Maccabiah games to speaking out against antisemitism on college campuses and building a Jewish museum in Spain, Weitzman’s connections and commitment to the Jewish cause is undeniable, and an inspiration to all. Kick off your shoes, grab a seat and check out this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 11 Feb 2025 | Going “Full Jew” & Covid Vaccine Inventor Dr. Drew Weissman | 00:44:47 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish One of the fundamental values in Judaism is Tikkun Olam, or “Repairing the world.” On this week’s episode, Jonah sits down with Dr. Drew Weissman, co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his creation of the life-saving Covid vaccine - talk about repairing the world, literally! Dr. Weissman teaches Jonah the basics of mRNA, the truth about RFK Jr., and the intersection of anti-vaxxers and antisemitism. Finally, a science class that definitely doesn’t feel like homework! Don’t miss hearing from humanity’s hero in this exclusive conversation, only on BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT. All things Jonah:
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!
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| 26 Nov 2024 | Giving Thanks & NFL Vikings Owner Mark Wilf | 00:46:36 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish NFL Vikings co-owner and philanthropist Mark Wilf opens up about his family’s American rebuild in the wake of the Holocaust, the importance of Israel, and the “family business” approach that has led to so much success for the Vikings franchise.. As a child of Holocaust Survivors, Wilf discusses the resilience and values his parents imparted to him, and how building a strong community is the antidote to trauma. He and Jonah also discuss numerous critical Jewish + Holocaust focused organizations such as The Jewish Agency, Jewish Federations of North America, March of the Living, and Yad Vashem. Wilf emphasizes the importance of teaching Jewish history to each new generation and how sports can be a meaningful vehicle for bringing people together around shared values. Don’t miss this eye-opening and inspirational conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt! All things Jonah: Connect with Mark Wilf https://www.vikings.com/team/front-office-roster/mark-wilf Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflection 00:50 The Surge in Jewish Identity Post-October 7th 01:36 Remarkable Statistics of Jewish Community Engagement 04:00 Impact of the Podcast and Community Feedback 06:16 Interview with Mark Wilf: Jewish Values and Sports 10:33 Family Legacy and Holocaust Stories 21:16 The Importance of Jewish Education and Philanthropy 24:36 Hope and Resilience in the Jewish Community 24:54 Legacy of a Holocaust Survivor 25:44 Yad Vashem: A Beacon of Memory and Education 27:32 Challenges in Holocaust Education 29:10 Commitment to Jewish Advocacy 29:58 Support for Terror Victims and Community Building 31:27 Global Jewish Support: Ukraine and Ethiopia 33:21 Jewish Advocacy in Sports 36:44 Reflections on Recent Trips to Israel 39:52 Community Involvement and Philanthropy 42:22 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | A City on Fire and Congressman Ritchie Torres | 00:27:36 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this highly-anticipated episode of Being Jewish, Jonah speaks with New York Congressmen Ritchie Torres about a wide range of issues including anti-Israel hate, the future of the Democratic party, and the soul of America. Torres, who has devoted much of his 10+ year career in politics to fighting anti-Jew hate and defending the State of Israel, opens up about his trips to the Holy Land, the lessons learned there and the broad, pragmatic reasons behind his unwavering loyalty and support for the Jewish state and people. Together, Jonah and Torres discuss the Biden Administration’s handling of the ongoing war in the Middle East, their thoughts on Donald Trump’s incoming administration, and the challenges that may lie ahead. Throughout this conversation, Torres offers hope, insight, and even a few Yiddish and Hebrew gems! Be sure to check out this exclusive, high level interview you won’t find anywhere but here, on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. All things Jonah: Connect with Ritchie Torres https://www.instagram.com/ritchietorresny15/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode Speech & Quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Richard Sandler’s Book: Witness To A Prosecution: The Myth of Michael Milken Democratic Socialists Chapter Ask Candidates To Pledge Not To Travel To Israel Two Muslim Families Entrusted with Care of Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem | |||
| 03 Jun 2025 | "Call Me by Your Name" Author André Aciman - A "Jew of Discretion" Struggles with Sephardic Identity | 00:59:54 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Jonah Platt sits down with celebrated author André Aciman, the literary voice behind the beloved novel Call Me By Your Name, in this intimate and illuminating conversation. Known for his lyrical prose and deep explorations of longing, identity, and exile, Aciman opens up about his Sephardic Jewish heritage, his family's displacement from Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Spain, and the Dalmatian Coast, and how a lifelong sense of otherness has shaped his storytelling. Together, they dive into the emotional layers of young love, memory, and spiritual yearning that define Aciman’s most iconic works. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into his latest book, Room on the Sea, and teases what’s next in his creative journey. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his world, this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of our most thoughtful contemporary writers.
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Sign Up For “One Mitzvah A Day”
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| 29 Apr 2025 | Erased by the Algorithm + CNN anchor Dana Bash | 01:01:53 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: News anchor Dana Bash is the face of CNN’s biggest political nights, a trusted voice in American journalism—and deeply, proudly Jewish. In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Dana sit down for an unfiltered conversation about media, politics, identity, and what it means to show up as a Jew. Dana shares the harrowing true story of her grandparents' survival during the Holocaust, revealing the deep personal history that shapes her today. She also opens up about what it was like reporting live on October 7th, 2023, and how the weight of the moment impacted her both professionally and personally.
If you're interested in Jewish identity, Holocaust stories, journalism, media trust, or behind-the-scenes moments at CNN, this episode is a must-listen! Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Fo5fFkBni-s Connect with Dana Bash Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danabashcnn/?hl=en X - https://www.instagram.com/danabashcnn/?hl=en Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O' Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell MENTIONED IN EPISODE
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| 15 Apr 2025 | REPLAY: “Bad Jews” + CNN Analyst & Activist Van Jones | 01:07:22 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: It’s Spring Break! So this week we’re bringing you a replay of our Webby & RCC Wilbur Award-winning episode with Van Jones - with whom Jonah will once again be sitting down with for a Passover “Freedom Seder” this week, almost one year to the day from the first Seder where they met. We’ll be back with all new-episodes next week! Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/ZR0qUIUGAKM Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | Why This Podcast Exists + Actor Skylar Astin | 00:46:33 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In the premiere episode of 'Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,' host Jonah Platt sits down with Hollywood actor Skylar Astin. Skylar opens up about his evolving Jewish identity, childhood experiences, and navigating the entertainment industry as a proud Jewish professional. They discuss the impact of recent events on Jewish advocacy, the challenges of anti-Jew hate, and the importance of openly celebrating Jewish culture. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation about Jewish identity, representation, and resilience. Mentioned in this episode
All things Jonah: Connect with Skylar! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarastin/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Jewish Identity 00:38 The Turning Point: Spring 2021 01:32 Advocacy and the Podcast's Mission 05:52 Guest Introduction: Skylar Astin 07:45 Skylar's Jewish Journey 15:34 Navigating Jewish Identity in Hollywood 21:35 Combating Antisemitism: Past and Present 24:24 Reflecting on Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism 26:17 Navigating Social Media and Public Perception 28:31 Balancing Activism and Professionalism 32:45 Experiences in the Entertainment Industry 37:45 Personal Connections and Jewish Culture 39:42 Engaging with the Audience 45:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | I’m Not Talking About Mahmoud Khalil & Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg | 00:55:34 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Female Business Leader Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and VP of Google, opens up about God, grief, resilience, and ambition. She discusses her experience in Big Tech, embracing her Jewish identity, the terrifying silence from allies after October 7, and the harrowing stories of sexual violence against Israeli women in her documentary “Screams Before Silence.” Sheryl also reflects on the lessons from her books Lean In and Option B, and shares never-before-told stories of how she found strength after the tragic loss of her husband. Watch this episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishPodcast All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Mentioned the Episode
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| 08 Oct 2024 | “Shortcut Empathy” + Rabbi David Wolpe | 00:56:04 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this thought-provoking episode of "Being Jewish," Jonah Platt dives deep with Rabbi David Wolpe to explore what being Jewish means to one of Judaism’s most renowned faith leaders. From rabbinical wisdom to addressing anti-Jewish bigotry on college campuses, to October 7th, no topic goes untouched. Rabbi Wolpe weighs in on his controversial time at Harvard, his storied career as a rabbi, and his own sense of Jewish identity. Join us for an in-depth and reflective conversation just in time for the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur. Mentioned in this episode Why Be Jewish - Rabbi David Wolpe David: The Divided Heart - Rabbi David Wolpe All things Jonah: Connect with Rabbi David Wolpe! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjwolpe Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!
00:23 Psychological Biases and Self-Awareness 01:06 Shortcut Empathy: A Modern Fallacy 02:36 The Importance of True Empathy 03:36 Personal Experience on Middle Ground 04:47 A Disheartening Encounter 06:10 The Need for Genuine Empathy 06:30 Introduction to Rabbi David Wolpe 07:41 Growing Up as a Rabbi's Child 11:07 Journey to Becoming a Rabbi 15:16 Challenges and Achievements at Sinai Temple 23:47 Reflections on Jewish Identity and Heroes 26:38 Experiences at Harvard Divinity School 30:01 The Resignation Letter 30:50 Congressional Hearings and Disillusionment 34:38 DEI and Systemic Inequality 37:44 Advice for Jewish Students 39:21 Cultivating a Relationship with the Divine 44:18 Jewish Identity and Modern Challenges 51:27 Audience Questions and Reflections | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | “Bad Jews” + CNN Analyst & Activist Van Jones | 01:07:22 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Mentioned in this episode All things Jonah: Connect with Van Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanjones68/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction and Context 00:16 Exploring Jewish Identity 01:05 Challenging Jewish Validity 02:23 Solidarity and Unification 06:05 Introducing Van Jones 08:00 Van Jones' Early Life and Influences 13:29 Experiences with Racism and Activism 23:20 Media Integrity and Bias 27:08 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Advocacy 34:20 The Palestinian Cause and Hamas 35:23 Personal Impact and Progressive Identity 36:18 Social Media and Public Perception 37:06 Standing Up for All Communities 37:29 Facing Fear and Speaking Out 40:46 Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 45:15 Black and Jewish Community Relations | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | All Things Passover with Author Dara Horn (PART TWO) | 00:36:38 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
This episode is a must-listen and watch for lovers of Jewish culture, literature, and tradition — and for anyone seeking deeper insights into how Judaism shows up in the stories we tell and the ones we inherit. Watch the episode at @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/-Hv3F7nV2M8! All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Mentioned In The Episode
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| 22 Oct 2024 | The “Four C’s” of Productive Conversation + Jackie Tohn | 00:54:31 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Jonah is joined by Jackie Tohn, one of the hilarious stars of Nobody Wants This, the Jewish Netflix series people can’t stop talking about. From raising Jewish children and intermarriage to Jewish representation in Hollywood, no topic goes untouched in today’s conversation. In this one-of-a-kind episode, Jackie Tohn opens up about her family’s Holocaust roots, the Jewish characters she’s gotten to portray in her career and the ongoing challenge in getting Jewish portrayals right. Beyond this, we learn about Sukkot and the cultural meaning this holiday holds. This episode offers humor and hope while authentically highlighting the challenges the Jewish community is facing. All things Jonah: Connect with Jackie Tohn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietohn/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in this episode
01:27 Introducing the Four Cs of Productive Conversations 01:35 C1: Curiosity - The Key to Understanding 02:54 C2: Calm - Keeping the Stakes Low 03:32 C3: Camaraderie - Building Connections 04:17 C4: Compassion - Shared Humanity 04:48 Boundaries and Positivity in Conversations 05:24 Engaging with the Audience 05:49 Welcome to 'Being Jewish' with Jonah Platt 07:05 Jackie Tone's Jewish Upbringing 12:26 Jackie Tone's Acting Journey 14:17 Jewish Representation in Media 20:37 Critiques and Responses to the Show 27:08 Visual Storytelling and Character Dynamics 28:07 Feedback from the Jewish Community 28:51 Authenticity in the Writer's Room 30:00 Navigating Jewish Traditions On-Screen 32:44 Interfaith Relationships and Jewish Identity 36:18 Creating Joy Amidst Adversity 39:55 Season Two Expectations and Personal Projects 49:27 Audience Questions and Future Plans | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | Reclaiming Social Media & Top Chef’s Gail Simmons | 00:57:45 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Gail Simmons has captured our hearts and stomachs as a judge on Bravo’s Emmy and Peabody-winning series Top Chef for more than 18 years! Today, she joins Jonah to discuss her connections to food and family through the lens of her Jewish identity. A Canadian native, she reflects on her Jewish upbringing in Toronto and Montreal and how those Jewish communities persevere today in the face of immense anti-Jew hate. Additionally, she shares her concerns for the future as a Jewish mother, goes deep on all things Top Chef, and of course, sprinkles in some culinary wisdom on Jewish specialties like latkes, kosher pickles, and most importantly, Mom’s Brisket. Together, Jonah and Gail tackle a wide breadth of topics with hope, humor and heart.
All things Jonah: Connect with Gail https://www.instagram.com/gailsimmonseats/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction and Context 00:27 The Power of Social Media 03:39 Historical Reflections and Call to Action 05:34 Practical Steps for Jewish Advocacy 07:10 Guest Introduction: Gail Simmons 09:01 Gail's Jewish Culinary Heritage 12:28 Gail's Career Journey 23:52 Top Chef and Cultural Impact 29:59 Jewish Food Challenge Ideas 31:17 Support and Community Post-October 7th 35:04 Social Media Advocacy and Reactions 42:05 Memories of Israel and Kibbutz Life 46:39 Contemporary Jewish Food and Deli Culture 48:55 Thanksgiving Traditions and Preferences 50:39 Audience Questions and Reflections 56:26 Closing Remarks and Credits | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | Standing Up To Bigotry & Emmy winner Patricia Heaton | 00:59:47 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish All things Jonah: Connect with Patricia Heaton & The October 7th Coalition https://www.instagram.com/patriciaheaton/ https://www.instagram.com/TheOfficialO7C/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 11 Mar 2025 | Reflection from The Oscars & Wicked Producer Marc Platt | 01:16:05 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
Hollywood and Broadway producing legend Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land, Legally Blonde) sits down with his son Jonah Platt for an intimate and powerful conversation on Jewish identity, Hollywood, and storytelling. In this special episode, Marc shares: 📍 Growing up Jewish in segregated Baltimore and the values of justice, inclusivity, and giving back instilled by his parents Marc’s legendary career in entertainment and deep-rooted Jewish values make for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation. If you love theater, film, Jewish culture, and honest discussions about Hollywood, this episode is for you! 🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more deep dives into Jewish life, history, and entertainment! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHMkJLWNyQMS9HM9Y4N2bw?sub_confirmation=1 All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Mentioned in Episode
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| 01 Apr 2025 | Three Passover Reflections & “People Love Dead Jews” author Dara Horn (PART ONE) | 00:58:26 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Is the world more comfortable with dead Jews than living ones? In this powerful conversation, bestselling author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) joins Being Jewish with Jonah Platt to discuss the origins of antisemitism, how it manifests today—including on college campuses—and why Holocaust education may be doing Jews more harm than good. Dara and Jonah also explore the role of Jews as history’s great non-conformists, the truth about Zionism and… ancient Greek reverse circumcisions?! If you want to understand the real story behind antisemitism, Jewish resilience, Israel, and why these issues matter more than ever, don’t miss this episode! Check out Dara Horn’s newest book, One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZxS8iATYQqY All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Mentioned In The Episode:
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| 10 Dec 2024 | My ADHD Journey & Chef Michael Solomonov | 01:00:13 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish 5-time James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Michael Solomonov is famous for his groundbreaking & wildly popular Israeli cuisine for American palates, all of which he dishes on with Jonah in this week’s episode. A child of both Israel and America, Solomonov has made it his mission to bring Israeli culture to the fore by showcasing its diverse and delicious food, a quest that’s grown more complex since October 7th and the anti-Israel sentiments that have followed - even from his own staff. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Solomonov also opens up about the death of his younger brother while serving in the IDF, overcoming addiction, the unifying power of food, and expert culinary tips you’ll only find here, on this week’s episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. All things Jonah: Connect with Michael Solomonov
Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
09:11 Interview with Chef Michael Solomonov | |||
| 27 May 2025 | Listening to Anti-Israel Jews & “The Babka King” Chris Caresnone | 01:02:00 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: Hey Podcast People! In this FLAVORFUL and heartfelt episode, Jonah is joined by rising social media sensation Chris Caresnone — a Black, non-Jewish content creator known for his hilarious multicultural food adventures and cross-cultural humor. Together, they dive into the vibrant culinary culture of Los Angeles, sampling iconic Jewish foods from Sephardic pastries to Wagyu shawarma, and more. As Chris shares his transformational journey from unknown content creator to beloved bridge builder, the conversation turns to identity, resilience, and how food can break barriers and foster community. What you'll hear in this episode:
Whether you're a foodie, a fan of Jewish culture, or just love a good origin story with laughs and heart, this episode delivers. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/R5MtH0a5FW0 Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Patrick Edwards & Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell
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| 17 Dec 2024 | Holding Two Truths & Broadway Director Zhailon Levingston | 00:56:30 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
Broadway director and arts activist Zhailon Levingston has been making waves in the New York theater scene through his ability to challenge audiences emotionally at the same time he is entertaining them. In this episode, Zhailon, who is not Jewish, describes his love of the very Jewish practice of “Havruta,” a collaborative method of rigorously debating ideas with a single partner over a long period of time, and how this intense intellectually wrestling is a far more productive method of bringing folks together than trying to get everyone to agree on the same positions. As artistic director of The Inheritance Theater Project, Levingston reveals deep insight into how collaborative playmaking can be a powerful technology for bringing disparate communities together. In this week’s episode, Levingston joins Jonah for an illuminating conversation on a number of deep and difficult topics, from Jewish and Black identity, to the Israel/Gaza war, to Gen Z’s struggles with social media, to the ideas of “Black Aliveness”. Don’t miss this complex, thought-provoking discussion you can only find right here, on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt! All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!
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| 19 Nov 2024 | The Politicization of Jewish Identity & Artist Zoe Buckman | 01:00:25 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Museum-represented Artist, Feminist Advocate and Proud Jewish Mama Zoe Buckman joins Jonah in a frank conversation about anti-Jew bigotry on the left, both in the United States and the UK, where Buckman was raised. They discuss the progressive movements Buckman was once part of and how they’ve abandoned her since October 7th, while also looking at how the art world has changed for Jewish and Israeli creators. They also dig into the process behind Zoe’s unique artistic style and how she’s channeled grief, both personal and global, to create vibrant museum quality pieces. Additionally, she and Jonah discuss ways that Jewish individuals can deal with relationships that have been frayed since October 7th, while providing ideas on how to further unity within the community at large. Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt! All things Jonah: Connect with Zoe https://www.instagram.com/zoebuckman/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 05 Nov 2024 | Anti-Jew Inversion & Political Journalist Isaac Saul | 00:55:21 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this week’s episode, Jonah sits down with journalist Isaac Saul, founder of independent, non-partisan political newsletter Tangle. They discuss Isaac's evolving journey with Judaism - from the local Jewish Community Center to a Yeshiva in East Jerusalem and back. Isaac also lends his expertise to the discussion of journalistic integrity today, and elaborates on Tangle's mission to bridge what he calls “The Perception Gap” between Democrats and Republicans, and the political divide on contentious issues. Additionally, Saul offers unique perspectives on the ongoing conflicts in Israel and offers his election predictions just in time for Election Day! Jonah and Isaac’s conversation offers new insights on bridging civic divides and illustrates how to have an honest, humble and respectful conversation about sensitive issues. Mentioned in this episode
All things Jonah: Connect with Isaac Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikesaul/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction to Anti-Jewish Hate 00:44 Understanding Inversion: A Core Strategy 01:58 Examples of Anti-Jewish Inversion 03:09 The Weaponization of Jewish Identity 04:38 Challenging the Apartheid Label 05:52 Debunking Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide Claims 07:57 The Misuse of 'Never Again' 09:39 Interview with Isaac Saul: Early Jewish Memories 14:16 Isaac Saul's Journey to Jewish Observance 19:54 The State of Journalism Today 29:18 Addressing Election Fraud Claims 30:53 Understanding Political Perception Gaps 34:00 Election Predictions and Analysis 36:40 Personal Reflections on Trump 42:12 The Israel-Palestine Conflict 57:19 Social Media Questions 59:04 Conclusion and Farewell | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | Ditching the Term “Antisemitism" + Music Manager Kenny Hamilton | 00:49:31 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this eye-opening episode of BEING JEWISH, Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of the term “antisemitism” with guest Kenny Hamilton, a music mogul and former Justin Bieber bodyguard. The conversation dives deep into Kenny's journey towards converting to Judaism, his experiences working with Bieber and Scooter Braun, and how his identity as a Black Jew shapes his perspective on the current social climate. They also reflect on the shared cultural experiences between Black and Jewish communities, and the significance of Shabbat in fostering deeper connections. Kenny emphasizes the importance of speaking up against anti-Black and anti-Jew bigotry, and fostering a community of understanding and support. Join us for an enlightening discussion on breaking barriers and building a more inclusive world. All things Jonah: Connect with Kenny! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyhamilton/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Reframing Antisemitism: A Call to Action 01:40 Research Insights: The Ineffectiveness of 'Antisemitism' 05:50 Introducing Kenny Hamilton: A Unique Journey 07:15 From Radio to Bodyguard: Kenny's Career Path 08:36 Discovering Judaism: Kenny's Conversion Story 09:44 Experiencing Israel: A Life-Changing Trip 15:36 Cultural Connections: Black and Jewish Experiences 25:25 Systemic Racism and Jewish History 26:40 Jewish Contributions to Civil Rights 27:36 Personal Journey to Judaism 29:01 Conversion Process and Reflections 33:57 Challenges and Reactions 41:25 Social Media and Public Perception 46:54 Finding Joy in Jewish Traditions | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | Bringing Back The Hostages & Social Media Megastar Baby Ariel Martin | 00:57:10 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish With over 50 million followers across platforms, “Baby” Ariel Martin is one TikTok’s first homegrown stars. Known for her high energy lip-sync videos and youthful antics, Ariel’s career took a sharp turn after October 7th, when she witnessed the explosion of anti-Jew hate around the world and the silence from friends she’d so often stood by in the past. In today’s conversation, Ariel sits down with Jonah to discuss her newfound advocacy, her unique Israeli/Latin American Jewish heritage, and her decision to double-tap into her Jewish identity and use her enormous platform to inspire and empower others every day. Providing both practical tools and personal anecdotes, Ariel proves herself to be a modern day Maccabee, embracing the responsibility of standing up for her people where so many others with similar careers have not. Tune in for this inspiring and insightful conversation you won’t hear anywhere, on BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT. All things Jonah + Subscribe to Newsletter Connect with Ariel Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babyariel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyariel?lang=en Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 04 Mar 2025 | 2000 Years of Jew Hatred & Australian Journalist Erin Molan | 01:01:15 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Australian broadcaster Erin Molan, an award-winning journalist, television presenter, and outspoken advocate for Israel. Known for her fearless commentary and sharp insights, Erin shares her unexpected journey—from having no Jewish friends to becoming one of Israel’s strongest international allies. She opens up about her career transformation—from sports journalism, covering rugby and Australian football, to reporting on global affairs, terrorism, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Erin discusses her decision to call out terrorism, challenge media bias against Israel, and stand in unapologetic support of the Jewish people when many others stayed silent. For the past 17 months, Molan has been an unwavering voice in the conversation on Israel and Gaza, driven by a deep sense of morality, her father’s influence, and her firsthand experience in Israel. She also shares insights from her recent meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reflecting on the importance of allyship, media responsibility and combating misinformation. This must-watch interview explores the power of journalistic integrity, the challenges of speaking up in today’s media landscape, and what it truly means to stand against antisemitism and terrorism. All things Jonah: Connect with Our Guest Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 28 Jan 2025 | Redefining Zionism & Canada's Anti-Israel Problem with Liberal MP Anthony Housefather | 00:48:25 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish All things Jonah: Connect with Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.housefather/ https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/parliamentary-secretaries/anthony-housefather Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 08 Sep 2024 | Introducing...Being Jewish with Jonah Platt | 00:02:33 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Introducing...Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. A weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal journeys of both Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Each week, actor/artist/advocate Jonah Platt will interview a celebrity figure from any number of fields—Art, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Food, Music, Business, you name it—allowing the esteemed guest a safe space to dig deep into their own individual connection to the question, “What does it mean to be Jewish TO YOU?” Both the show’s audience and the established audience of each guest will have a unique opportunity to discover their hero’s connection to the Jewish experience through a thought-provoking conversation they won’t have heard anywhere else. Follow and Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram: @beingjewishpodcast Coming soon to YouTube! | |||
| 23 May 2025 | Special Bonus Episode! An interview on "Unholy" featuring Jonah Platt | 00:31:42 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: We're dropping in a compelling conversation from the Unholy podcast, hosted by Jonathan Freedland and Yonit Levi, featuring our very own Jonah Platt. Jonah dives into the need for stronger Jewish community security, the tensions within families and institutions, and how Hollywood and college campuses are wrestling with Jewish identity. He also shares why he sees signs of a modern Jewish renaissance—and what gives him hope. This thoughtful, wide-ranging interview reflects the heart of Being Jewish: honest dialogue, cultural insight, and voices that matter. Tune in and share—it’s one you won’t want to miss. Connect with UnHoly | |||
| 06 May 2025 | My Muslim Trip to Auschwitz & Legendary Broadway Composer Jason Robert Brown | 01:06:30 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years, 13) joins Jonah for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to be Jewish in American theater today. From the complexities of Jewish pride and representation to the discomfort he feels being labeled “America’s greatest Jewish composer,” Jason opens up like never before. The two dive into Jason’s legendary career, exploring the cultural impact of his shows and how Jewish themes have shaped and challenged his work. Jason shares intimate reflections on his relationships with Broadway icons Hal Prince and Alfred Uhry, the artistic tension between creative integrity and commercial success, and how he’s always felt like an outsider, even within the institutions and communities where he “should” feel at home. If you care about Broadway, authentic storytelling, identity, or what it means to stay rooted as an artist in turbulent times, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Watch this episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishOfficial - https://youtu.be/x74YTgGNc_c
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharakango/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justluai Connect with Jonathan Elkhoury Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_elk https://www.instagram.com/p/DI5w6Dbxmou/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell MENTIONED IN EPISODE
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| 18 Feb 2025 | The Normalization of Jew Hatred & Presidential Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz | 01:05:41 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
All things Jonah:
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 15 Oct 2024 | Anniversary of October 7th + Fleur Hassan-Nahoum | 00:51:37 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
All things Jonah: Connect with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleurhassann/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Jonah's Arrival in Israel 00:48 Reflecting on the Tragedy of October 7th 03:43 Encounters and Stories of Resilience 06:39 Unity and Mourning in Israel 09:02 Interview with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum 11:54 Fleur's Background and Family History 22:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Jerusalem 29:11 Diverse Jerusalem: A Melting Pot of Cultures 29:27 Differences Between Israeli and Diaspora Jews 29:59 Understanding Antisemitism: A Wake-Up Call 31:07 The Evolution of Zionism 32:12 Diaspora Jews and Israeli Identity 34:47 The Communications War: Israel's PR Struggles 38:19 Israel's Current Trajectory and Challenges 44:49 Resilience and Hope for the Future 45:30 Celebrating Sukkot Amidst Turmoil 46:28 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | The Jewish Case for Both Trump & Harris + Social Media Activist Montana Tucker | 00:51:42 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this episode we are joined by dancer, singer, actress and social media star Montana Tucker. In this conversation with Jonah, she shares her journey from entertainer to Jewish advocate, discusses her Holocaust documentary “How To: Never Forget: A Holocaust remembrance film by Montana Tucker”, her powerful activism post-October 7th, and the importance of unity amidst rising anti-Jew hate. Montana also reflects on her upbringing in a predominantly Jewish area, her career in the entertainment industry, and her ongoing commitment to using her platform to uplift others for positive impact. Mentioned in this episode All things Jonah: Connect with Montana! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanatucker/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction: The Weight on American Jews 00:19 Election Year: Jewish Perspectives 01:13 Arguments for Kamala Harris 02:01 Arguments Against Donald Trump 05:12 Arguments for Donald Trump 06:38 Arguments Against Kamala Harris 08:30 The Complexity of Jewish Voting 10:22 Interview with Montana Tucker 11:27 Montana's Jewish Upbringing 17:04 Montana's Career and Social Media Rise 20:58 Holocaust Education and Activism 26:59 Personal Connection and Authenticity 27:08 Holocaust Education Challenges 27:36 Impact of Social Media on Awareness 28:03 Public Conversations and Media Influence 30:05 October 7th: A Turning Point 31:14 Rallies and Community Resilience 31:53 Family Stories of Survival 33:13 Advocacy and Social Media Challenges 34:06 Balancing Activism and Personal Life 41:28 Future Plans and Projects 43:58 Community Support and Collaboration | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | My Struggle with God & Comedian Tiffany Haddish | 01:05:07 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian Tiffany Haddish opens up about discovering Judaism as an adult and having her “Black Mitzvah” at age 40! She covers all her toughest struggles in this raw and unfiltered conversation—from growing up in foster care, her mother’s tragic accident, to fighting her way to the top of Hollywood stardom. But one of her biggest personal revelations? Discovering her Jewish roots. From sleeping in her car to selling out Netflix comedy specials to headlining blockbuster movies like “Girl Trip,” Tiffany gets real about her journey to embracing Judaism, reuniting with her African Jewish father, and what it means to navigate the world as both Black and Jewish. From Bat Mitzvah dancer to a Bat Mitzvah herself, what has faith taught her about resilience, success, and staying true to herself? This is one episode you don’t want to miss. EXPLICIT LANGUAGE* This episode features more F bombs than usual son we just wanted to give y'all a heads up! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5QccpVosg3A All things Jonah: Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell Mentioned the Episode
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| 13 May 2025 | A Mantra for the Digital Age + Jewish Student Leaders Tessa Veksler & Eden Yadegar | 01:12:04 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: Jewish college students are standing up—and they’re not backing down. In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with two outstanding Jewish student leaders: Tessa Veksler (former UCSB Student Body President) and Eden Yadegar (Columbia University senior). These passionate advocates open up about what it's really like to be Jewish students facing antisemitism on college campuses today, no matter what you might see (or not!) on the news. Armed with their voices, courage, and personal histories as daughters of immigrants who escaped anti-Jewish regimes abroad, they’re reclaiming Jewish identity, challenging misinformation and demanding visibility, safety, and truth. And they’re doing it all in some of the most charged environments in higher education. Watch this episode on YouTube at: YouTube.com/@BeingJewishPodcast
Whether you're a Jewish student, parent, educator, or ally, this episode offers honest insight, personal stories, and empowering takeaways. This episode is sponsored by PJ Library, the amazing non-profit that sends FREE age-appropriate Jewish storybooks and activities every single month to families with kids age 0-12. Did we mention, it’s free! Sign up today at pjlibrary.org/Jonah Connect with our guests!
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell MENTIONED IN EPISODE
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| 24 Dec 2024 | The Importance of Allies & Haredi Real Estate Mogul David Lichtenstein | 01:00:00 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
Jewish law, or Halacha, is as ancient as it is timeless, providing a fertile ground for centuries of rigorous debate and discussion - and few enjoy this fundamental Jewish practice more than Haredi podcaster and billionaire real estate mogul David Lichtenstein. Together with Jonah, Lichtenstein, who runs the Lightstone Group and the acclaimed podcast Halacha Headlines, explains the different denominations within Judaism and how the Haredi, or ultra Orthodox, navigate Jewish law and life in a vastly secular world. From intermarriage to the internet, Sabbath observance to sexuality, Lichtenstein talks frankly and wisely about some of Judaism’s most taboo topics. Beyond this, Jonah and David explore the uniqueness of each human being and their mission on earth, how a strong moral compass guides you in both professional and personal challenges, and shed light on some of Judaism’s most sacred stories and teachings. All things Jonah: Connect with David Lichtenstein Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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| 20 May 2025 | JAHM is My Jam + Animation Icon Tara Strong | 00:53:37 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: The Canadian Queen of Cartoons is in the house! Legendary voice actor Tara Strong has created some of the most iconic characters of all time—Timmy Turner (The Fairly OddParents), Bubbles (Powerpuff Girls), Raven (Teen Titans), Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony), and Dil Pickles (Rugrats)— now she’s speaking out as herself. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah and Tara sit down for a candid and courageous conversation about using your voice—on and off the screen. Tara opens up about what it’s like to be a proud Jewish woman in the entertainment industry—navigating the intersection of celebrity, activism, and antisemitism in 2025. With humor, heart, and an unapologetic sense of self, she shares the personal cost of standing up for Israel, the vitriol she’s received online, and why she refuses to stay silent. Watch this episode on YouTube at: YouTube.com/@BeingJewishPodcast We dive deep into: ✅ The Jewish takes on classic cartoon characters you never knew you needed!
Follow Tara Strong https://www.instagram.com/tarastrong
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editors: Nathan Wheatley & Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell
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| 22 Apr 2025 | The Cost of Freedom and Arizona’s Jewish Latina legislators Alma, Consuelo, and Daniel Hernandez | 01:07:40 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Follow Being Jewish on: A Jew, Two Jewish Latinas, and a gay Latino mass shooting survivor walk into a podcast… and 3 of them are related! In this unique episode of Being Jewish, Jonah sits down with Arizona legislators Consuelo, Alma, and Daniel Hernandez—three powerhouse siblings shaping Arizona’s Democratic party. Together, they are living proof that representation matters—and that activism starts at home.
🏛️ Daniel, known for his pivotal role in saving Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' life and currently running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th district Special Election, opens up about his life in public service, his commitment to his LGBTQ+ community, and his unbridled passion for Israel and Jewish culture - despite not technically being Jewish himself! This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a testament to what’s possible when you choose to show up, speak out, and lead with your full authentic self. Come get inspired! Watch the full episode on YouTube: @BeingJewishPodcast: https://youtu.be/1hYHlqW5DyY Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Nathan Wheatley); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell MENTIONED IN EPISODE
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| 21 Jan 2025 | Preserving Jewish Unity & NBA Champion Metta Sandiford-Artest | 00:47:36 | |
Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: For Sponsorships, please email: To contact us & all things BJJP: Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish
All things Jonah: Connect with Metta: https://www.instagram.com/mettaworldpeace37/ https://x.com/MettaWorld37?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards and Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! Mentioned in Episode
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