hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textWhen special‑education veteran Joanne Savastano joined forces with host Samantha Sosnik, sparks flew—in a good way! In this heartfelt episode of Putting the Brakes on Bullying, Joanne draws on over 40 years of classroom wisdom to show how small acts of inclusion can spark big changes. From her pioneering “Buddy Club” that transformed playground dynamics to real‑world stories of parents, teachers, and even neighbors overcoming their fears, Joanne reveals the no‑nonsense tools we all need to build compassionate communities. Samantha and Joanne also dig into the power of empathy—why giving of yourself might just be the best defense against cruelty. Tune in for straight‑talking insights, a few laughs, and an inspiring blueprint for making every school (and neighborhood) a place where every kid feels safe, seen, and celebrated.Support the show

Send us a textAt 95 years young, lifelong New Yorker Harriet Roslow has lived through eras without TV, smartphones, or safe‐walking apps—and she’s here to tell us why kindness was the secret sauce back then and how we can reclaim it today. In this no‑sugar‑coated conversation, Harriet recalls stutter‑breaking tap‑dance lessons, first‑grade teachers who insisted “this is a right‑handed world,” and solo train rides into Manhattan at age eleven. Host Samantha Sosnik and Harriet unpack how over‑parenting, social media cliques, and fear have made today’s childhood tougher—and how a little old‐fashioned neighborliness can still put the brakes on bullying. Tune in for straight talk, a few laughs, and timeless wisdom on raising kinder communities. Support the show

Send us a textJoin Donna Rosenblum for Episode 179 of Legacy Chronicles, where two Hewlett teens—Romy Fruman and Harley Moritz—reimagine remembrance with their Kindertransport clothespin project. Discover how interviewing survivor Manfred Corman led them to collect 10,000 decorated pins as a powerful art installation and classroom activity, launch a dedicated website, and inspire local assemblies. They’ll share their playbook for turning history into hands‑on learning, preview HMTC’s new fifth‑ and sixth‑grade curriculum packet, and invite you to their September 14 reception unveiling the Kindertransport bench. It’s proof that when young people lead, memory becomes momentum—and you can help carry it forward. Support the show

Send us a textJoin Arnie Herz for Episode 178 of Habits of a Whole Heart, as Holocaust educator and activist Bernie Furshpan returns to share the story behind his powerful documentary, The Weight of Memory: I Am Bernie Furshpan. Dive into his father’s astonishing survival in a Polish forest, the urgent mission to teach young people that hate is a choice—and how building your “kindness muscle” one daily act at a time can change the world (and your own heart). Plus, Bernie opens up about a near‑death brain bleed that taught him the true weight of gratitude—proof that sometimes life’s toughest moments are the best workout for the soul. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Ordinary Heroes, Dr. Bernie Furshpan sits down with longtime friend and financial visionary Peter Klein, the driving force behind the Claire Freedlander Family Foundation. Together they unpack how grants can be treated as strategic investments rather than simple donations, explore the million‑dollar launch of HMTC’s Institute for Tolerance Training, and celebrate the impact of their Upstander Award—where high schoolers become modern-day heroes in lunchroom showdowns. Peter also shares insider tips on building a multigenerational “family mission statement” for lasting legacy gifts, weighs in on the future of philanthropy (spoiler: America’s generosity streak isn’t going anywhere), and offers a candid look at what keeps him up at night—from sticky inflation to the stubborn persistence of hate. Tune in for practical wisdom, uplifting stories, and a no‑nonsense roadmap for doing good that actually moves the needle. Support the show

Send us a textIn this week’s episode, Arnie Herz sits down with producer‑activist Peter Samuelson—author of Finding Happy and founder of the First Star foster‑care mentorship program—to reveal the no‑BS habits that power his wholehearted life. Learn how a 5 a.m. writing ritual, an hour of student email “office hours,” and a $200 pay‑it‑forward challenge transform empathy into action. Discover why bite‑sized chapters and reflection prompts hooked Gen Z readers (no TikTok attention span required), the life‑changing benefits of a weekly digital Sabbath, and the one habit Peter would gift every young person: “Serve first.”Tune in for straight‑talk wisdom, clever laughs, and a practical roadmap to living with purpose, resilience, and genuine joy.Support the show

Send us a textJoin host Liam Carballal and special‑ed social studies teacher Russell Cohen in Episode 175 of History Repeats on HMTV, as they unpack Shanghai’s jaw‑dropping asylum for nearly 20,000 Jews during World War II. From an opium‑fueled trade imbalance that opened “treaty ports” to the bizarre irony of Nazis begging the Japanese to hand over Jews—and being told “no thanks”—this episode traces how Shanghai’s international zone became one of history’s greatest rescue operations. Along the way, you’ll meet Dr. Jacob Rosenfeld, an Austrian urologist turned Red Army general, and discover how diplomatic quirks and unexpected allies saved thousands. Tune in for a story of crooked treaties, unlikely heroes, and the enduring power of sanctuary. Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 174: “Finding Home—and Hope—in Glen Cove” In this special conversation, host Gaitley Stevenson‑Mathews sits down with Glen Cove’s beloved Poet Laureate, Victoria Crosby. Victoria shares the surprising, radio‑inspired moment that brought her from England to our shores, her journey as a community champion—from serving as music director of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival to her involvement with the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. March—and her latest literary venture, Close Encounters of the Elvis Kind, launching this Sunday at Janine’s American Beastro. Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of creativity, civic engagement, and the many voices that create one vibrant community.Support the show

Send us a text In Episode 172 of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel sits down with Jorge Cortez, who escaped El Salvador’s civil war and a devastating earthquake to chase the American dream. From a remote farm—where hospitals were as rare as snow—to midnight supermarket meet‑cutes and building a thriving maintenance business, Jorge’s story is pure grit. He worked seven days a week, disinfected hospitals through COVID, earned his citizenship—and still faced racial profiling at JFK. Tune in for an unfiltered, forward‑thinking conversation about resilience, dignity, and what it truly means to belong. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 173 of Many Voices, One Community, Gaitley Stevenson‑Mathews sits down with Glen Cove legend Toya Davis to explore what “service above self” truly means. From championing students at Tiegerman School and serving as President of the Rotary Club, to hosting a sold‑out pickleball tournament for Cove Animal Rescue and dressing 100 kids for winter, Toya’s energy is contagious. They also share the heartwarming story of a fundraiser for local resident David Geliashvili, who is fighting cancer, and the timeless wisdom passed down from Nana: treat others as you wish to be treated. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical ways to give back, and proof that a small team can move mountains. Support the show