What The Falafel – Details, episodes & analysis

In this first EVER episode of What the Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with the bold and brilliant Elaine Chaya... the fashion blogger-turned-activist who’s as passionate about her Persian heritage as she is about empowering the next gen!

Elaine talks about what it's like growing up in a traditional Iranian-Jewish household and then doing the exact opposite of what was expected... skipping Pre-med at UCLA, falling in love with The Hills, and landing a job at Bolthouse (yes, actually!).

We chat about breaking cultural moulds, learning to trust your gut, and her journey from fashion blogger to activist, with faith at the core.She opens up about finding purpose, tapping into a deeper trust in G-d, and how that shift led her to become a voice for her community and a source of strength in times of crisis.

Elaine is an absolute GEM, and we know you're going to LOVE this episode!

🎧 Follow, like, and get involved:

→ Podcast Instagram: @wtfalafelpodcast

→ Host: @jodiebrandman

→ In collaboration with: @joiceglobal

Find Elaine Chaya:

→ Instagram: @elainechaya

→ Website: https://elainechaya.com/

→ Kids Show @chayaorlyforkids

→ Teen workshop @workshop8teen

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram @balaganuk . Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off!

In this episode of What the Falafel, I sit down with the one and only Zach Margolin... a hilarious Jewish comedian who somehow makes hiding in bomb shelters sound like stand-up material!

We dive into what it was like being in Israel during the war, why he swapped real estate for comedy (spoiler: thank G-d he did), and how he uses humour to bring joy during seriously unfunny times.

We chat Jewish identity, dating, snog-marry-avoid but with food (iconic), and his hopes for the future!

This one is FULL of laughs and the BEST kind of Jewish joy!

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and tell your mum!

→ Podcast Instagram: @wtfalafelpodcast

→ Host: @jodiebrandman

→ In collaboration with: @joiceglobal

Find Zach Margolin:

→ Instagram + Tik-Tok: @zachmargs

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram @balaganuk . Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off!

https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

In this episode of What the Falafel, I'm joined by the brilliant Ben Rebuckm content creator, foodie, and proud Jew!

We had an exclusive chat about everything from his shift out of veganism, and covered topics from navigating body image and mental health, to the wild world of content creation and being on TV, all through a Jewish lens!

Ben opens up about antisemitism, identity, and what it really means to be yourself online when everyone has something to say.

There’s laughter, some deep moments, and of course… falafel!!

🎧 Tune in for Jewish joy, hot takes, and heart to heart that’ll leave you hungry for humous... and more of Ben!

→ Podcast Instagram: @wtfalafelpodcast

→ Host: @jodiebrandman

→ In collaboration with: @joiceglobal

Find Ben Rebuck:

→ Instagram: @Benrebuck

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram @balaganuk . Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off!https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie sits down with the brilliant Hen Mazzig... author, speaker, and activist... to talk Pride, the complexities of being a gay Mizrahi Jew, the rise in antisemitism… and of course, food (because what else?)!

Hen opens up about coming out in the IDF, his humanitarian work in the military, and the emotional toll of war.

They chat about cultural identity, Mizrahi roots, the politics of shakshuka, and how food can be the ultimate way to connect!

🎧 Tune in for Jewish pride, spicy stories, and soul food that’ll leave you craving a Sabich… and more of Hen!

→ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/

→ Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/

→ In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Hen Mazzig: https://www.instagram.com/henmazzig/

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

In this powerful episode of What the Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Dov Forman… one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Content Creators, author, activist, and Holocaust educator… to talk about his family legacy, and what it means to use your voice for good!

Dov shares the story of his incredible great-grandmother, Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, and how their work together has sparked global conversations around remembrance, and rising antisemitism.

We dive into identity, community, the role of social media, and even how having ADHD can be a superpower! It’s full of heart, history, and hope, reminding us why we must NEVER stay silent!

🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters…

→ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/

→ Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/

→ In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Dov Forman: https://www.instagram.com/dovforman/?hl=en

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with travel content creator Nicky Kelvin who shares insights into his life as a travel lover and aviation geek!

We chat about the realities of being a content creator, his amazing experiences living in Israel, and his journey with Crohn's disease. Nicky also opens up about his identity as a gay Jewish guy and how important it is to be yourself!

He gives those all- important tips on maximizing travel rewards and the joy of exploring diverse cultures through food and travel!

🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters…

→ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/

→ Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/

→ In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Nicky Kelvin: https://www.instagram.com/nickykelvin

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food!

Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

What does it take to make a match that lasts? In this episode FULL of Jewish joy, Jodie Brandman sits down with Aleeza Ben Shalom, Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker, to explore why matchmaking matters more than ever!

We talk about Aleeza's journey to Netflix, why EVERY community needs a matchmaker, what values couples should look for when choosing a partner, and how to create Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) for lasting marital happiness!

We also talk about her personal journey from to becoming more observant, and how she’s bringing matchmaking to communities around the world!

This conversation is packed with wisdom, SO much laughter, and shows why matchmaking isn’t just tradition, it’s a mitzvah!

Whether you’re dating, married, or just want massive amounts of Jewish joy, this episode will leave you inspired!

🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters…

→ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/

→ Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/

→ In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Aleeza Ben Shalom: https://www.instagram.com/aleezabenshalom

Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

Sponsor:

→ Phone and learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/learnteach https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn

What does it mean to stay proud, grounded, and hopeful as a Jew today?!

In this powerful episode, Jonny Daniels sits down with Jodie Brandman to talk about everything from antisemitism in the UK and the current political climate around Israel, to the deeper question of what keeps us connected to our faith and culture.

We dive into Jonny’s life story… from the experiences and mentors who have shaped him, to the values that have guided him.

This isn’t just a conversation about conflict; it’s about pride, purpose, and the beauty of Jewish life! We explore how faith, community, and giving back can keep us anchored through chaos, and why celebrating who we are matters now more than ever!

This is reminder that even in uncertain times, being Jewish is something to cherish!

🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters…

→ Podcast Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ →

Host:

https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Jonny Daniels:

https://www.instagram.com/jonnydaniels

→ Find Jonny's foundation: https://www.instagram.com/fromthedepthsfoundation

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

Sponsor:Phone and learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/learnteach https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro and Current Events10:47 – Jews in the UK17:52 – Anti-Semitism 22:29 – Jewish Pride and Israel33:42 – Food, Culture, and Community38:00 – 📞 Sponsored Message: Phone & Learn (PaL) 45:12 – Life’s Purpose, Mental Health and Being Jewish53:00 – Politics and War1:00:00 – Jonny’s Personal Journey01:14:00 – Health Challenges and Covid01:20:00 – Jewish Future 01:31:00 – Legacy and Inspiration: The Impact of Mentorship01:41:00 – Giving Back and Humility

In this special Halloween- themed episode, Jodie Brandman sits down with the incredible Emma Kingston, currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked the Musical (yes, the actual green witch herself!)

We talk about everything from Emma’s early obsession with singing and her rise through the world of theatre, to what it’s really like behind the scenes at Wicked. She shares her experience performing in Evita and Fiddler on the Roof, the wildness of auditioning, and what it’s like dating in the entertainment industry.

But we also get real about identity... about being part of a Jewish minority in theatre, finding pride in who you are, and the surprising links between Wicked and Jewishness!

It’s a fun episode, a little witchy, and a whole lot Jewish... the perfect blend for Halloween!

🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters…

→ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Emma Kingston: https://www.instagram.com/emkingstonSponsor:Israel Blessing: https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

Chapters:00:00 – Wicked/ singing 6:56 – Early life 13:30 – Training 21:50 – The world of theatre 30:00 – Playing Elphaba 40:00 – Food 41:20 – Israel Blessing Sponsor45:25 – Getting green 48:22 – Auditioning for Wicked 59:40 – Previous roles 01:01:33 – Being Jewish 01:09:34 – Dating 01:17:49 – Halloween + Judaism

In this episode of What the Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Adam Lind to talk all things boat life, adventure and mindset!

After losing his dad, Adam spent years hitchhiking across the world, exploring human kindness, the limits of his own mind, and what it means to truly live a free life!

We talk about everything from breaking out of the “Jewish bubble” and questioning identity, to mental health, intrusive thoughts, and life aboard a boat.

Adam opens up about finding peace, social media algorithms, and taking responsibility for life!

It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest challenges lead us on the most incredible journey!

→ Podcast Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ →

Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/

→ Find Adam Lind:

https://www.instagram.com/adam.floatinghome

Get his book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Floating-Home-Lessons-life-ordinary/dp/1526683520/

→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/