Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

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

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 

Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast Last year, Canadian Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather, a loud and proud Jewish political leader for many years, passionately denounced a virulently anti-Israel House resolution and even voted against his own party on it. His defiant and eloquent oration was the “speech heard ‘round the Jewish world,” inspiring others to take similar stands in their own communities.  Today, Housefather joins Jonah to discuss the shocking challenges that face the Canadian Jewish community, while offering expert insights and genuine hope on how to move forward towards a safer, more stable future. Together, they discuss the importance of holding political parties accountable, pushing for change from within, and always being proud of who you are. They also chat about the truth behind Trudeau’s ouster, Montreal’s rich Jewish history, and bagels! Tune in for this eye-opening and enlightening conversation you won’t hear anywhere else than 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.comConnect with Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.housefather/ https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/parliamentary-secretaries/anthony-housefather 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 EpisodeEpisode 3 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Boundless Israel Survey: Zionism in FocusEpisode 8 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Etymology of Anti-Jewish Slurs Israeli Independence Publicly Traded Israeli Companies Episode 12 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” Guest Patricia Heaton Jeopardy (Season 34, Episode 121)Ritchie Torres on “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Anthony Housefather Campaign Sign Vandalized with Nazi SignTrudeau Announces Plans To Resign Who is Canadian Parliament Member Marco Mendicino?Anthony Housefather’s Speech on Jewish Hate in CanadaWho is Canadian Parliament Member Ben Carr?Which Candidates Might Replace Justin Trudeau? Canadian Parliament Member Michael LevittSchwartz’s Deli Montreal The ADL Global 100: Index of Antisemitism Maccabi Sports USACote St. Luc BagelFairmount Bagel Montreal Dizz’s Bagels - MontrealSt. Viateur Bagel Shop - Montreal 

Watch the episode @BeingJewishPodcast Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as both Ron Artest and Metta World Peace) joins Jonah to delve into the complexities of what it means to be misunderstood, as Metta has been for much of his life, and as the Jewish community has been for centuries. Together, they explore Metta’s incredible personal growth journey, his desire to spread happiness, and his mission to better understand different cultures. Jonah also sheds light on Metta’s strong support for the Jewish community after October 7th, his tumultuous childhood, and the meaning behind each of his public name changes. And of course, we celebrate many of Metta’s most iconic basketball moments: from being drafted to the NBA right out of the Queensbridge projects, to the infamous "Malice at the Palace" to championship sealing game winners, this conversation has all your favorite hoop highlights. Tune in for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with the one and only Metta Sandiford-Artest.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 Metta: https://www.instagram.com/mettaworldpeace37/ https://x.com/MettaWorld37?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards and Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeOrigin of Jewish slurMetta’s Article in the New York Post: Peace Can Only Come By Freeing Gaza From HamasGulf War in Iraq/Middle East in the Early 1990sJews Talk Justice/Tel Aviv InstituteMetta’s documentary - Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story2009 NBA Playoff Highlights: Ron Artest vs the LakersMcDonald’s All American 1997Long Island Lutheran Defeats LaSelleMetta tells the Circuit City story on Podcast P with Paul GeorgeTahitian TreatsAllegro Pizza Eliminates Late Night HoursMalice At The PalaceUntold: Malice At The Palace - DocumentaryGame 5 2010 WCF- Ron Artest Game Winner v Phoenix SunsRon Artest wins Kennedy Citizenship Award: ​​https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6431861

Watch on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast In this highly-anticipated episode of Being Jewish, Jonah speaks with New York Congressmen Ritchie Torres about a wide range of issues including anti-Israel hate, the future of the Democratic party, and the soul of America. Torres, who has devoted much of his 10+ year career in politics to fighting anti-Jew hate and defending the State of Israel, opens up about his trips to the Holy Land, the lessons learned there and the broad, pragmatic reasons behind his unwavering loyalty and support for the Jewish state and people. Together, Jonah and Torres discuss the Biden Administration’s handling of the ongoing war in the Middle East, their thoughts on Donald Trump’s incoming administration, and the challenges that may lie ahead. Throughout this conversation, Torres offers hope, insight, and even a few Yiddish and Hebrew gems! Be sure to check out this exclusive, high level interview you won’t find anywhere but here, 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.comConnect with Ritchie Torreshttps://www.instagram.com/ritchietorresny15/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeLos Angeles FiresSpeech & Quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Richard Sandler’s Book: Witness To A Prosecution: The Myth of Michael MilkenDemocratic Socialists Chapter Ask Candidates To Pledge Not To Travel To Israel Senator John Fetterman The Church of Holy Sepulchre Two Muslim Families Entrusted with Care of Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem Jerusalem Open House - LGBT Center in Israel 

Watch the show on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast  We’re kicking off 2025 with a very special, first-ever LIVE episode of Being Jewish! Filmed in front of a studio audience at the iconic CBS Television City, Jonah sits down with Tony nominee Josh Gad, TV/film star Ginnifer Goodwin and Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin in a must-see, brilliantly honest conversation on a wide array of Jewish and personal topics. From their very different Jewish upbringings, to interfaith marriages, to fighting anti-Jew bigotry, to the silence of Hollywood post October-7th, these Hollywood stars open up about their real lives and Jewish journeys like never before. There are lots of laughs, some tears, a few major revelations, and many deep insights into the Jewish experience we all can relate to. Don’t miss this supersized showbiz episode of Being Jewish that’s sure to leave you feeling energized and inspired!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 Josh Gadhttps://www.instagram.com/joshgad/‘In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some’ Book Connect with Ginnifer Goodwinhttps://www.instagram.com/ginnifergoodwin/Connect with Marlee Matlinhttps://www.instagram.com/themarleematlin/Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeJewish Federation LACBS Television CityMarlee’s upcoming PBS documentaryWhat is Kol Nidrei?Gutenberg! The Musical Josh Gad’s Instagram Post After October 7th Marlee Matlin’s Instagram Post After October 7th Ginnifer Goodwin’s First Post After 10/7Bret Stephens on Becoming 10 Percent More Jewish Ginnifer Goodwin’s Speech at Temple Israel Congregation Bene Shalom (Deaf & Hearing Congregation) Deaf Presence in the IDF Josh Gad plays Tevye in High SchoolJosh Gad’s Post on Antisemitism The Shoah FoundationMarlee’s Hannukah postGinnifer Goodwin Speaks on Behalf of 4-Year-Old Israeli HostageJosh Gad’s Comic “The Writer”Ginnifer Goodwin Bat Mitzvah PicRabbi Sharon Brous

David Lichtenstein, a Haredi podcaster and billionaire real estate mogul, dives into the complexities of Jewish identity and Halacha. He discusses navigating life as an ultra-Orthodox individual in a secular world, touching on topics like intermarriage, technology's impact, and the balance between spirituality and business. Lichtenstein emphasizes community engagement, moral responsibility, and the importance of addressing sensitive subjects within Judaism. His insights shed light on the challenges faced by the Orthodox community while advocating for meaningful conversations about faith and identity.

Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast   Broadway director and arts activist Zhailon Levingston has been making waves in the New York theater scene through his ability to challenge audiences emotionally at the same time he is entertaining them. In this episode, Zhailon, who is not Jewish, describes his love of the very Jewish practice of “Havruta,” a collaborative method of rigorously debating ideas with a single partner over a long period of time, and how this intense intellectually wrestling is a far more productive method of bringing folks together than trying to get everyone to agree on the same positions. As artistic director of The Inheritance Theater Project, Levingston reveals deep insight into how collaborative playmaking can be a powerful technology for bringing disparate communities together. In this week’s episode, Levingston joins Jonah for an illuminating conversation on a number of deep and difficult topics, from Jewish and Black identity, to the Israel/Gaza war, to Gen Z’s struggles with social media, to the ideas of “Black Aliveness”. Don’t miss this complex, thought-provoking discussion you can only find right here, 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: Patrick Edwards); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell; and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeInheritance Theater ProjectJon Adam RossDr. Rebecca Schorsch Havruta Meaning & Definition The Story of The ExodusJames Baldwin Text About Black/Jewish Relations in 1968 Kevin Quashie on How to Read & Interpret Black Text Through “Aliveness”Juneteenth Seder Jonah Platt Speaks About Undiagnosed ADHD Douglas Lyons Chicken & Biscuits PlayTable 17 Play The Normal Heart Play by Larry Kramer

Michael Solomonov, a five-time James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur known for his innovative Israeli cuisine, shares his journey of embracing his dual identity. He candidly discusses overcoming addiction while building his culinary empire, the profound impact of food on family and cultural identity, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian culinary landscape. As he reflects on personal loss and recent challenges, Solomonov emphasizes food's unifying power in times of conflict, blending heartfelt storytelling with expert culinary insights.

Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast 3-time Emmy-winning actress and longtime activist Patricia Heaton found a new calling 15 months ago - leading the Christian charge to stand with Israel and the Jewish community in the wake of October 7th. In this week’s episode, Jonah and Patricia explore why her faith demands her to stand for truth and justice, and how she is using her platform to garner solidarity with Jews worldwide. From rallies at Columbia University, to visiting hostage families in Israel, to starting the October 7th Coalition non-profit,  the beloved “Everybody Loves Raymond” star highlights the urgency around her advocacy and the importance of rising to meet the moment. Patricia and Jonah also talk about the no-no’s of conservative politics in Hollywood, Heaton’s Irish Catholic upbringing, and her unwavering sense of faith in this no-holds-barred 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.comConnect with Patricia Heaton & The October 7th Coalitionhttps://www.instagram.com/patriciaheaton/https://www.instagram.com/TheOfficialO7C/Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards); Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeChris Rock (On Taking Care of Your Kids) (warning - explicit content)Patricia Heaton Presents at Jewish Media AwardsOctober 7th Coalition (Patricia Heaton’s Non-Profit) “The Promise Sessions” bringing Israeli musicians to NashvillePatricia talks Unity Dinner & Nova Exhibit (Section in video: 2:29-6:37)Nova ExhibitionRegistration for Patricia’s “Deborah Rising” Womens’ Trip to IsraelPaul’s Scripture (Put on the Armor of God) Jewish Girls Attacked in LondonJewish Man Shot While Walking to Synagogue in ChicagoLone Jew Arrested at Anti-Israel Rally in TorontoPolice Tell Jewish Man to Leave Downtown Montreal During Anti-Israel RallyJonah discusses Availability HeuristicMenachem Begin “Jew with Trembling Knees” speechJewish Federation of ClevelandJewish Nobel Prize WinnersApproximately 22% of Nobel Prize Winners/Laureates Are JewishMalcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point Lord of The Rings Speech (About Goodness in a Dark World) MyZuzahYourZuzahBillings, Montana: How A Town Banded Together to Fight Jew-HatredMagen David Adom