Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply h...
Episode 24: 2000 Years of Jew Hatred & Australian Journalist Erin Molan
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.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Our GuestErin Molan: https://www.instagram.com/erin_molan/Host & Production TeamHost: 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 BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeVery helpful timeline of Historical Jew HateMurder of Jews During Holocaust in Romania Erin’s Father General Jim MolanErin Molan Meets Israel’s President Isaac Herzog General Jim Molan, Erin’s Father, Visits Israel & Gaza in 2015Erin Molan’s Video: Hamas Are Responsible for Suffering of Innocent PalestiniansErin Molan unloads on UN official Francesca Albanese over 'insane' responseErin Molan’s Monologue on Sinwar’s Death A Timeline of Anti-Jewish Attacks in Australia Time Magazine: The Worst 45 MInute Film You Will Ever See (Raw Hamas Footage Screenings in Israel & Beyond)What is Erin’s Law? Molan Attributes Sky News Departure To “Budget”Erin Molan’s Trip to Israelhttps://blogs.timesofisrael.com/erin-the-magnificent/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMPBJDMRXckErin Molan’s X Post About Her Stance on Israel and Terrorism Erin Molan on 69X Minutes - News Program on X
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Episode 23: The Sound of Silence & Shoe Legend Stuart Weitzman
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. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: 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 BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeMask & Wig (UPenn Musical Improv Group) History of the I. Miller Shoe Store Hahn ShoesU.S. Shoe (Which Jonah’s Grandpa Ran)“The Origins of The Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain” by B. Netenyahu Stuart Weitzman’s Productions in Spain Jonah Platt Interviews Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Drew Weissman Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (PBS Documentary Weitzman Produced)The Hamas Charter/CovenantPLO CharterThe Weitzman Museum Soon-to-Open Hispanic Jewish Museum in Madrid (March 2026)The Spanish Inquisition Jews in the Revolutionary PeriodJews in Moorish Spain Fuego Dance ShoesStuart Weitzman’s Collectibles Maccabi Games with Stuart Weitzman Stuart Weitzman named Maccabi USA Flag Bearer at 21st Maccabiah Opening Ceremonies Penn Lecturer Behind Grotesque Antisemitic CartoonsControversy Behind Palestine Writes Festival At UPennLiz Magill’s Downfall At UPennGigi Hadid & Stuart Weitzman’s Footwear Collaborations What is Shemini Atzeret?Stuart’s Cinderella Slippers
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Episode 22: The Normalization of Jew Hatred & Presidential Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz
Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast Like many American Jews, formal religious education for Sarah Hurwitz ended with her Bat Mitzvah at age 13. But after an unbelievable career as a Speechwriter for some of the nation’s most influential Democratic leaders (including Hilary Clinton, President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama), she found herself searching for a deeper meaning in life, only to discover that Judaism held all the wisdom for which she was looking– It was Here All Along, which is what Hurwitz named her brilliant book about her Jewish journey, the focus of her deep and thought provoking conversation with Jonah in this week's episode. They tackle the problems with modern Jewish education, the disappointing internalized self-hate of some American Jews, and the miraculous power of Jewish textual study. Hurwitz also opens up about her current college speaking tour, launched just days after the October 7th Hamas attacks, and shares invaluable advice for Jewish students and parents navigating the horrific anti-Jew climate on American campuses today. Rich with valuable insight, humor, and introspection, Sarah and Jonah bring their passion for the beauty of all things Jewish to this very special episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: 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“Here All Along” - Sarah HurwitzPre-order “As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame and Try to Erase Us” by Sarah Hurwitz“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 1: The Years of Persecution” by Saul Friedlander“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 2: The Years of Extermination” by Saul Friedlander“A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish Identity and Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion” by Rabbi Jonathan SacksThe British White Paper of 1939 & How it Halted Jewish Migration to IsraelFDR & The Evian Conference Regarding JewsJewish Enrollment At Harvard at Historic LowA Jewish Value: Argument For The Sake of HeavenHillel International Al Gore’s “Lockbox” SpeechHadar Institute (For Torah Study)“The Heart of Torah: Volume 1” by Rabbi Shai Held Mijal BittonHashkiveinu PrayerSvara YeshivaRabbi Isaiah Rothstein Sefaria (Free Online Jewish Texts & Teachings)
Watch the Podcast @BeingJewishPodcast 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.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: 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 EpisodeJewish Nobel Prize WinnersDrew Weissman & Katalin Karikó Win The Nobel Prize in Medicine Dr. Drew Weissman Calls His Parents After Winning Nobel Prize Dr. Drew Weissman Receives The Harvey Prize in Israel RFK Junior’s Lawsuits Against Drug Companies What Is The National Institute of Health?Liz McGill Resigns From UPennUPenn President Larry Jameson Calls For Anti-Israel Protestors to DisbandAnti-Vaxxers and Antisemitism Dr. Drew Weissman Describes Himself As “More of a Daoist”Piers Morgan’s Interview with Neil DeGrasse Tyson
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Episode 20: Bringing Back The Hostages & Social Media Megastar Baby Ariel Martin
Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast 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. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah + Subscribe to Newsletterwww.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Ariel Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babyariel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyariel?lang=en Host & Production TeamHost: 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 EpisodeRomi Gonen (Along with other Israeli hostages) Return Home to Israel Kobe Bryant’s “Job’s Not Finished” InterviewFemale Hostages Forced to Wave To Crowds When Released Jerusalem Bus Bombing in 2003Palestinian Prisoners Released in Exchange for Hostages Eight of the Hostages Set for Release in Phase One Already Dead Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Fleur Hassan-Nahoon“Dreaming Out Loud” - Book by Ariel Martin What is Musical.ly?Baby Ariel’s “Stupid Hoe” Lip Sync Video (2025)Baby Ariel’s “Stupid Hoe” Lip Sync Video (2017)Nova Exhibition “Jews Don’t Count” by David Baddiel “People Love Dead Jews” by Dara Horn “Israel: A Simple Guide To The Most Misunderstood Country on Earth” by Noa Tishby“Here All Along” by Sarah HurwitzTel Aviv Institute HaNaor HaTzioni (Ariel’s Grandpa’s Zionist Youth Org)Baby Ariel’s Childhood Photo of her lighting candlesBaby Ariel’s Childhood Photo of her with a Kiddush cupTrisha Paytas Trisha Paytas’ Israeli Husband
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves.
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