Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

My Most Important Monologue (Part 1 or 3) and Entertainment Icon Howie Mandel

6 snips
Jan 20, 2026
Guest
Howie Mandel
In a captivating discussion, Howie Mandel, the beloved comedian and host of America's Got Talent, delves into his Jewish upbringing and influences that shaped his identity. He reflects on his career, blending humor with deeper themes like the resurgence of antisemitism and the duties that come with being part of a 'chosen people.' Howie candidly shares his views on tzedakah, Jewish visibility in Hollywood, and the complexities of representing Israel today, making for a thoughtful yet entertaining conversation.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Repetition Is Mass Manipulation

  • Jonah frames information warfare like rocket attacks and says repetition erodes truth through the illusory truth effect.
  • Repetition makes false narratives familiar, credible, and hard to challenge, creating pluralistic ignorance.
INSIGHT

Core Cause: Palestinian Goals Matter

  • Jonah argues the core conflict is that Palestinians often prioritize eliminating Jewish sovereignty over forming a state.
  • He insists peace requires Palestinian leadership wanting a state more than wanting to eradicate Jews.
ANECDOTE

Kaddish On The Road

  • Howie recounts saying Kaddish for his father while touring and writing a contractual rider to ensure services at night.
  • He described promoters finding local Jews or shiva attendees so he could join a minyan on the road.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app