Épisodes

  • Inside the DSA: Viral Creator Zach Sage Fox Goes Undercover for our Education AND Entertainment!
    Nov 5 2026

    Can one viral video do more to fight antisemitism than an entire Jewish organization?


    Recorded at the Jewish American Summit in Los Angeles, Jonah sits down with Zach Sage Fox, the creator and producer of Street Smart, and founder of the nonprofit Think Again, to discuss his unconventional approach to fighting anti-Israel misinformation and extremism.


    Zach explains how Street Smart, his viral man-on-the-street content satirical platform, and Think Again, his new education-focused nonprofit, use Hollywood-level production, comedy, and data-driven storytelling to change minds. He takes us behind the scenes of his Times Square child-bride social experiment, and how he put Holocaust survivors face-to-face with Gen Z Holocaust deniers. Zach makes the case for investing millions in digital education to beat anti-Zionists at their own game. Plus, Zach shares his concerns about Zohran Mamdani, the future of New York City, and why he believes the battle for Western values and the Jewish community's future will be won on social media.



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    Street Smart Instagram

    CREDITS:

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild Ivker, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt


    Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate



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    29 min
  • Midterm Mania! LIVE FROM WASHINTGON DC: Can Jews Save Independent Media? with Jake Sherman (Punchbowl News) & Mosheh Oinounou (Mo News)
    Nov 3 2026
    Why is trust in the media collapsing? Who’s telling the truth in today’s media war?Election Special! Live from the JCC in Washington, DC, Mosheh Oinounou, founder of Mo News and former CBS News executive, and Jake Sherman, co-founder of Punchbowl News and former Politico reporter, combine their media expertise to discuss the future of political journalism, independent media, and the fight to earn public trust.Mosheh explains how Mo News grew from Instagram posts for friends and family into a news platform by making journalism conversational, transparent, and accessible. He discusses why acknowledging mistakes and issuing news corrections matters, how he provides context to non-Jews on Jewish issues, and why he still believes that people genuinely want to learn. Jake argues that major news organizations are fundamentally broken, and shares an inside look at Capitol Hill where lawmakers sometimes rely on Instagram and ChatGPT instead of expert sources. He warns that political incentives and influential podcasters can amplify misinformation.Together, they also tackle the unique challenges Jewish journalists face covering Israel, and rising antisemitism across the political left and right. Mosheh and Jake also lay out their midterm predictions.Plus, L’dor Vadorable is BACK! Jonah interviews his adorable little cousins for another round of intergenerational Jewish wisdom. The future of the tribe is in very cute hands!This episode is sponsored by Citizen Cafe. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:Citizen CafeThe Collapse of Trust in Mainstream Media and the Rise of Independent Journalism11:40–21:30Being Jewish in Journalism: Bias, Objectivity, and Covering Israel21:30–30:30Misinformation, Political Polarization, and the Death of Objective News 30:30–42:30Antisemitism, Israel, and the Future of News in the Social Media and AI Era 42:30–53:30The Political Future of Israel, American Jews, and the 2026 Midterms 53:30–58:20More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:partnerships@jonahplatt.comMerchandisehttps://merch.beingjewishpodcast.com/ Follow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishLearn more about Mo Oinoinou & Jake Sherman:Mo News WebsiteMo News InstagramMo News YouTubePunchbowl News WebsitePunchbowl News InstagramPunchbowl YouTubeJake Sherman InstagramMosheh on InstagramCREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild Ivker, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah PlattThanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Michigan Midterm Special: Jewish Democrat Joel Rubin Sounds the Alarm
    Oct 29 2026

    Could antisemitism cost Democrats the Jewish vote?


    Joel Rubin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for House Affairs and founding political director of J Street, joins Jonah for a candid conversation about the growing divide between Jewish Americans and the Democratic Party.Rubin explains why he’s sounding the alarm over Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, citing his rejection of Israel as a U.S. ally and his response to an attempted synagogue terrorist attack.


    Drawing on his experience working in the State Department and as Jewish outreach director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, Rubin examines how progressive politics have shifted since October 7, why he believes Bernie Sanders has failed to push back against antisemitism within his movement, and why Jewish voters can no longer be taken for granted. He also explores the distinction between criticizing Israeli policy and anti-Zionism, the future of Jewish Democratic voters, and the fight to keep Jews included in progressive spaces. Reflecting on his family’s history and the legacy of the Tree of Life synagogue attack in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Rubin makes a passionate case for Jewish resilience and American Jewish identity.



    More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

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    Learn more about Joel Rubin


    Joel Rubin LinkedIn

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    CREDITS:

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild Ivker, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt


    Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate


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    26 min
  • "Suicidal Empathy" author Dr. Gad Saad Wants to Save The West from Itself
    Oct 27 2026
    Why are Jews expected to show empathy to everyone, even those who want them dead?Dr. Gad Saad, evolutionary psychologist, bestselling author, and newly arrived Jewish immigrant to America, breaks down the provocative thesis behind his New York Times bestseller, Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind.Saad explains what he calls “suicidal empathy” and how it can lead societies to excuse extremism, overlook threats to Western values, and sacrifice their own safety in the name of tolerance. Using examples including Canada’s handling of returning ISIS fighters, the rise of antisemitism on university campuses, and Jewish activists who turned against Israel after October 7, Saad argues that empathy must be grounded in reality. He also shares his deeply personal history of growing up Jewish in Lebanon, recalling childhood experiences of antisemitism, including classmates cheering for a boy who declared he wanted to become a “Jew killer.”Now teaching at the University of Mississippi’s Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom, Saad discusses why he left Canada after receiving death threats, his concerns about immigration and assimilation, and the psychological blind spots that prevent people from recognizing danger until it reaches their own doorstep. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:Suicidal Empathy: When Compassion Becomes Dangerous01:30 Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism & Jewish Self-Hatred11:50Jewish Identity, Israel & the Fight Against Antisemitism20:00The Threat to Western Civilization & Lessons from Lebanon29:45Why Gad Saad Left Canada for America & His Mission to Defend Freedom44:00More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:partnerships@jonahplatt.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishLearn more about Gad Saad:Gad Saad’s WebsiteGad Saad YouTubeGad Saad InstagramGad Saad FacebookCREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah PlattThanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate
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    58 min
  • CA Election Special! Can Republican Steve Hilton End 16 Years of Democrat Domination?
    Oct 22 2026

    In the first episode of our Jewish American Summit series, Jonah sits down with Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor, for a candid conversation about antisemitism, Jewish safety, and the future of the Golden State.


    Hilton discusses what he calls the growing threats facing California’s Jewish community, from Jewish students afraid to display their identities, to concerns about antisemitism in public schools and university campuses. He shares his plans to address antisemitism, reform education, and hold teachers’ unions accountable, while explaining why he believes California needs a major change in leadership.


    Jonah also presses Hilton on antisemitism on the political right, the rise of extremism, and how he would support Jewish Californians across party lines. Plus, Hilton makes his case for tackling California’s affordability crisis, homelessness, crime, and struggling entertainment and agriculture industries.



    More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    To contact us & all things BJJP:

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    Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

    bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

    For Sponsorships, please email:

    partnerships@jonahplatt.com

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    Follow Jonah on:

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    Learn more about Steve Hilton


    Steve Hilton’s Campaign Page

    Steve Hilton on Facebook

    Steve Hilton on Instagram

    Steve Hilton on X


    CREDITS:

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt


    Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate


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    27 min
  • Broadway Legend Tovah Feldshuh on a Lifetime of Playing (and Defending!) Iconic Jewish Women
    Oct 20 2026
    What does it mean to be unapologetically Jewish in an industry that has often encouraged people to hide their identity?This week, Jonah sits down with legendary actress Tovah Feldshuh, the four-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Emmy nominee whose extraordinary career has brought some of history's most iconic Jewish women to life, from Golda Meir and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Yentl.Fresh off her role as the fiercely protective and controversial Bina Rockloff on Netflix's Nobody Wants This, Tovah opens up about the backlash surrounding her character, accusations of Jewish stereotypes, and why she believes Bina represents something far more meaningful than audiences might realize.But the conversation goes well beyond Hollywood. Tovah and Jonah tackle the alarming rise of antisemitism, the aftermath of October 7, the importance of Israel's survival, and why she refuses to soften her Jewish identity to make others comfortable.Tovah also reflects on her experience starring in the groundbreaking 1978 miniseries Holocaust, her deeply personal connection to Golda Meir, her family's immigrant history, and the remarkable decision to embrace a more recognizably Jewish name at a time when so many performers were doing the opposite.From Hollywood controversies and Jewish representation to courage, survival, and the responsibility of passing Jewish identity to the next generation, this is a passionate, funny, and unfiltered conversation with a woman who has spent her life refusing to be anyone but herself.Because for Tovah Feldshuh, being Jewish isn't something to hide. It's something to stand up for.MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:01:30Playing Bina on Nobody Wants This: Jewish Mothers, Stereotypes & Survival08:30Jewish Identity, Golda Meir & Speaking Out Against Antisemitism25:00A Lifetime in Hollywood: Yentl, Ruth Bader Ginsburg & Holocaust42:10From Terry Sue to Tovah: Embracing Her Jewish Name & Identity51:05Portraying Iconic Jewish Women, Jewish Pride & the Power of LegacyMore Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:partnerships@jonahplatt.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishLearn more about Tovah Feldshuh:Tovah’s WebsiteTovah’s InstagramTovah’s FacebookCREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah PlattThanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Being Jewish In… Publishing, with Author Meg Keene
    Oct 15 2026

    NEW SEGMENT! In the first installment of our new segment “Being Jewish In…” we explore the hostile environment facing Jewish authors, agents and editors in the world of Publishing with acclaimed author and digital publisher Meg Keene, newly appointed editor of the eponymous Meg Keene Books, a new imprint focused on publishing Jewish stories by Jewish authors.


    Keene shares her own experience of being advised to remove Hebrew, Jewish names, and cultural details from a Jewish romance manuscript that might “trigger” editors – a story later featured in PEN America’s The Silent Moratorium.



    More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:

    Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.

    To contact us & all things BJJP:

    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com

    Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

    www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast

    Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

    bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter

    For Sponsorships, please email:

    partnerships@jonahplatt.com

    Merchandise

    https://beingjewishpodcast.com/merch

    Follow Jonah on:

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    Follow Being Jewish on:

    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

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    Learn more about Meg Keene


    Meg Keene’s website

    Meg Keene’s Instagram

    Meg Keene’s X

    Buy Meg Keene’s Books on Amazon

    

    CREDITS:

    Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt


    Thanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate


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    24 min
  • Is Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman Living the Persian Jewish American Dream?
    Oct 13 2026
    Can a CEO speak out against antisemitism without becoming the story?Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman reflects on his Persian Jewish family's escape from Iran to Los Angeles and the entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of the Persian Jewish community. He talks about his mother’s arrival in Los Angeles in 1979 for what was supposed to be a summer visit and never returned to Iran, and growing up feeling like an outsider. Jonathan also discusses his evolving pride in his Persian Jewish identity, and the values that shaped his entrepreneurial ambitions.Jonathan tells us about the backlash to his public comments about antisemitism after October 7, 2023, including his viral response to a letter from Harvard student groups blaming Israel for the attacks. He shares what he learned about using his platform to educate rather than provke, and why he believes the best response to Jew-hatred is to lead by example, celebrate Jewish culture, and invite others in through traditions like Shabbat.Plus, Jonathan opens up about Sweetgreen's business challenges, the company's farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, and why he believes creativity and craft are essential to its future. He shares how his nearly 1,000-day meditation streak helps him navigate the pressures of leadership, how meditation has deepened his connection to Jewish prayer, and whether kosher Sweetgreen could one day become a reality.MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:Speaking Up as a Jewish CEO After October 700:50Fighting Antisemitism Through Jewish Pride and Connection10:50The Persian Jewish Experience: Immigration, Resilience, and Entrepreneurship22:00The Sweetgreen Crisis? Food Safety, Media Panic, and Building a Business33:20Kosher Sweetgreen, Jewish Traditions, and Rapid-Fire Questions43:00More Ways To Connect with Being Jewish:Support the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comWatch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:partnerships@jonahplatt.comMerchandisehttps://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishLearn more about Jonathan Neman:Jonathan Neman on InstagramJonathan Neman on XJonathan Neman on LinkedInCREDITS:Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Supervising Producer: Alex Alcheh, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Chief of Staff: Abbe Feder, Production Intern: Tova Benarroch, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah PlattThanks to Birthright, the Presenting Title Sponsor of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt - Season 3 https://birthrightisrael.foundation/donate
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    50 min