In this episode, I sit down with Reza Farahan to talk about something very few people are willing to discuss honestly: being an open gay Iranian, what's happening inside Iran right now, and how that collides with Israel, identity, and freedom.

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In our first episode of this brand new Highly Jewish podcast, presenter Tanya invites long term friend Amanda Markowitz for a drive around LA. In this podcast they talk about being proud Jews in today's world, having grandparents that survived the Holocaust, raising Jewish kids,  going to LGBTQ events as a Jew and how crazy Tanya's Starbucks order was.

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In Episode 3, I sit down with Elizabeth Barcohana to talk candidly about navigating life, work, and identity in one of the most politically progressive states in the U.S. From social pressure and self-censorship to finding your voice when it feels unpopular, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets real about what “living red in a blue state” really looks like.

No talking points. No outrage bait. Just an honest discussion about values, culture, and the cost of speaking up — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Whether you agree, disagree, or are just curious, this episode offers a perspective you don’t often hear.

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What does it really mean to stand up for Israel, speak openly about being Jewish in America, challenge politics — and yes… talk about a weed club?
In this raw and honest conversation, Jonah Platt holds nothing back. 🇮🇱

Identity. Courage. Culture. Free speech.
It’s all on the table.
Watch the full episode now. 🎙️🔥

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What happens when pop stardom meets unapologetic Jewish identity?

In this powerful episode of Big Time Jewish, James Maslow joins Tanya on the Highly Jewish podcast for an honest conversation about fame, faith, and standing up to antisemitism. Best known for his breakout role in Big Time Rush, James opens up about life in the spotlight, navigating Hollywood as a proud Jew, and why speaking out has never felt more important.

From global tours and teen idol status to rediscovering his spiritual roots, James shares how Judaism shapes his values, resilience, and sense of responsibility. He and Tanya dive into the rise of antisemitism, the importance of using your platform with purpose, and what it really means to live proudly and visibly Jewish in today’s world.

This episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply relevant — a conversation about identity, courage, and owning your story.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with bold Jewish voices.
💬 Comment your thoughts and let us know what resonated most.
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In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Matthew Nouriel shares his journey from growing up around extremist ideology to discovering his own voice, freedom, and identity. His story explores the difficult path of challenging beliefs, breaking away from harmful narratives, and finding the courage to live authentically.

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Part two of this powerful and deeply personal conversation.  In this episode Matthew Nouriel shares his journey from growing up around extremist ideology to discovering his own voice, freedom, and identity. His story explores the difficult path of challenging beliefs, breaking away from harmful narratives, and finding the courage to live authentically.

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Jacki Karsh is an American media personality and activist. In 2025, she launched the Karsh Journalism Fellowship, a fellowship created with the stated goal of helping Israel win an "information war. Watch and listen to her story in full with Tanya. 

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Tanya is joined by the incredible Sivan of Sivan's Kitchen. Listen to this episode where they talk all things Jewish food and identity. Guaranteed to leave you feeling hungry.

Sivan’s Kitchen is the brand and online platform of Sivan Kobi, a popular Israeli-American recipe developer, food influencer, and content creator known for her viral kosher and traditional Jewish recipes. 

Based in Los Angeles, Sivan was born in Israel and raised in a family deeply rooted in the food industry. Her father and grandparents were bakers who owned well-known bakeries (such as Sherman's Bakery) in the LA area. She rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when, at her daughter's suggestion, she began sharing her family's traditional Iraqi and Ashkenazi recipes, Shabbat meal prep, and daily cooking videos on social media. 

Today, she has built a massive community across Instagram and her official Sivan's Kitchen Website, where she shares approachable comfort food, baked goods, and tablescaping ideas. You can follow her cooking journey and find her recipes directly on the Sivan's Kitchen Instagram

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In this episode of Highly Jewish we have Stella Inger Escobedo, an American television news anchor and reporter who works at One America News Network. She was formerly at KFMB, the CBS affiliate in San Diego where she was the morning and afternoon anchor.

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Steve Hilton shares his vision for California 🇺🇸

From economic reform to rebuilding opportunity, he lays out what he’d change if elected.

Big ideas. Big ambitions.

What do you think? 👇

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In this episode Emmy Award-winning actor, filmmaker, journalist, and political advisor Yuval David joins Tanya as they drive around LA. He is widely recognized for his advocacy for Jewish, Israeli, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as his performances in television shows like Madam Secretary and What Would You Do?. 

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