hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEpisode 225 (Part 1) – The Fog of War and Humanity with Marcelle LeisIn this first part of a powerful two-episode conversation, host Richard Acritelli speaks with Marcelle Leis, a 24-year Air National Guard veteran and leader with the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency.Marcelle shares her journey from growing up in Belmore, Long Island, to making the unexpected decision to enlist in the Air National Guard in 1989. She reflects on her early days at Lackland Air Force Base, the challenges of joining as a young woman at the end of the Cold War, and how teamwork, mentorship, and a sense of mission transformed what began as a search for college money into a lifelong career of service.Listeners will hear about Marcelle’s experiences at the Roslyn and Westhampton bases, her path into leadership as a First Sergeant, and the historical backdrop of the late 1980s and early 1990s—from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the shifting role of the U.S. military.This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where Marcelle opens up about 9/11, deployment to Kuwait, and her leadership journey supporting airmen through decades of conflict.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 224 – Ordinary Heroes with Dan MariaschinIn this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes Dan Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, for an in-depth conversation on combating antisemitism, defending human rights, and preserving Holocaust memory.Mariaschin shares his journey from a small Jewish community in New Hampshire to leading one of the world’s oldest Jewish organizations, founded in 1843 on the principle of helping those in need. Together, Bernie and Dan explore the “perfect storm” of modern antisemitism—social media disinformation, campus hostility, biased media, and global indifference—and the urgent strategies needed to counter it.They also discuss B’nai B’rith’s advocacy at the United Nations, its global reports on antisemitism, ongoing work in Holocaust restitution, and the moral responsibility to carry survivor stories forward. This episode is both a warning and a call to action: to stand firm, educate future generations, and fight for truth in an age of disinformation.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 222 – Raised by Survivors with Esther MullerIn this heartfelt and often humorous episode of Raised by Survivors, host Dr. Bernie Furshpan welcomes visionary educator, real estate leader, and fellow child of Holocaust survivors, Esther Muller, for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, memory, and the power of legacy.Together, they explore their shared roots—both born in Israel, raised in Brooklyn, and shaped by parents who endured the horrors of Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, and the emotional aftershocks of survival. Esther shares raw stories of her family’s journey: her mother’s courage, her father’s quiet strength, and the resilience that allowed her to build a meaningful life—and raise a son who now leads as CEO of The Gap.Packed with wit, wisdom, and powerful reflections, this episode reminds us that trauma doesn’t just echo—it also inspires. From matzo ball mishaps to sacred memories, Esther and Bernie show how humor, purpose, and moral courage can carry forward the stories that must never be forgotten.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 223 – Humanity in the Arts with Tobi RubensteinIn this inspiring episode of Humanity in the Arts, host Ranelle Wolf welcomes Tobi Rubenstein—rabbi, author, and fashion industry veteran—for a fascinating conversation on the fusion of faith and fashion. Known as the founder of The House of Faith and Fashion and author of The House of Faith and Fashion and Hot and Holy, Tobi shares how clothing, creativity, and Torah intersect to reveal beauty, dignity, and divine purpose.Together, Ranelle and Tobi explore the empowerment of women, the misunderstood role of modesty in Judaism, and how faith can transform fashion from vanity into spiritual expression. From Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis’s influence to biblical dress codes, from animal prints as divine design to modern interfaith collaborations, this episode highlights how creativity and spirituality can coexist and uplift.Listeners will be inspired to embrace their individuality, stop dimming their light, and see art, style, and faith as powerful tools for healing and empowerment.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 221 – Humanity in the Arts with Ranelle Wolf and Guest Esther MullerIn this inspiring episode of Humanity in the Arts, host Ranelle Wolf sits down with visionary real estate leader and educator Esther Muller, affectionately known as “Queen Esther.” The daughter of Holocaust survivors, Esther shares how her family’s legacy of resilience and creativity shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, her billion-dollar real estate career, and her mission to teach ethics, human rights, and moral courage through education.Together, Ranelle and Esther explore the idea of real estate as sacred space—not just transactions, but places of memory, healing, and human dignity. From her parents’ survival in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, to her own journey of building and giving back, Esther shows how creativity, Torah values, and the strength of the divine feminine can transform business into a force for humanity.Listeners will come away inspired by Esther’s story of survival, her commitment to ethical leadership, and her passion for empowering the next generation to succeed with courage, compassion, and vision.Support the show

Send us a textEp 219: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Modi on hmTv:In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with internationally acclaimed comedian Modi (Rosenfeld) to explore the healing power of humor in the face of adversity.Modi shares his journey from investment banking to the comedy stage, reflecting on how the rise of antisemitism and the events of October 7th have reshaped both his material and his mission. From closing shows with Hatikvah to weaving Holocaust memory into his act, Modi reveals how laughter can unite communities, offer respite from pain, and even educate audiences without them realizing it.Together, Bernie and Modi discuss resilience, Jewish identity, and what Modi calls “Mashiach energy”—the collective joy and relief of laughing together in difficult times. Listeners will gain insight into the responsibility and calling behind comedy, the evolution of Jewish humor, and the universal hope for light in dark times.Tune in for an extraordinary conversation that proves comedy is more than entertainment—it’s a form of courage, connection, and hope.Support the show

Send us a textEp. 220: Ordinary Heroes – Michael Li: A Chessboard Against HateIn this inspiring episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with teenage activist and chess prodigy Michael Li, the powerhouse behind Checkmate Hate. At just 15, Michael has already helped raise thousands for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center and is using chess as an unlikely—but powerful—tool to fight hate, build empathy, and educate his peers.From discussing the resilience of Shanghai's Jewish refugees to navigating social media misinformation and the ethics of AI, Michael shares thoughtful insights that defy his age. He credits his parents, his Chinese-American heritage, and a deep love of history and logic for shaping his worldview—and his mission.Michael’s story proves that leadership doesn’t wait for adulthood. It starts with a pawn, a purpose, and the courage to move forward.Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, hope, and humanity from one of Long Island’s youngest changemakers.Support the show

Send us a textOrdinary Heroes – Episode 218 with Bernie Furshpan and guest Elie HonigIn this compelling episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Elie Honig—former federal prosecutor, CNN senior legal analyst, bestselling author, and grandson of Holocaust survivors—for an eye-opening conversation about justice, power, and resilience.Honig shares insights from his years prosecuting mob bosses in the Southern District of New York, reflects on the proud and complex tradition of the “sovereign district,” and unpacks the challenges of protecting prosecutorial independence in an era of political pressure. He discusses his bestselling books Hatchet Man and Untouchable, his upcoming work on the history of the DOJ’s investigations of U.S. presidents, and his mission to explain complex legal issues to the public with clarity and fairness.The dialogue goes deeper as Honig connects his professional life to his personal heritage, sharing powerful stories about his grandparents’ survival of the Holocaust and the legacy of resilience he carries forward. Together, Bernie and Elie explore the importance of integrity in public service, lessons for young lawyers, and why Holocaust remembrance is vital for safeguarding democracy today.This episode blends history, law, and personal legacy into a conversation that inspires courage, sharpens perspective, and reminds us that “ordinary heroes” can change the course of communities and nations.Support the show

Send us a textEp 217 – Raised by Survivors with Alan LocherIn this powerful episode of Raised by Survivors on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Alan Locher, the son of two Holocaust survivors, to share a deeply personal and inspiring story of resilience, memory, and activism.Alan reflects on his parents’ harrowing survival stories—his mother hidden by a courageous farm family who risked eleven lives to save her, and his father navigating forests, the underground, and a fateful reunion that defied the odds. Together, Bernie and Alan explore what it means to be raised by survivors, the lasting effects of trauma, and the extraordinary courage of upstanders who risked everything for others.The conversation also dives into Alan’s journey—from working in television and film publicity to creating The Locher Room podcast, where he brings people together for meaningful conversations about antisemitism, racism, and social change on Conversations with Alan.At its heart, this episode is a reminder of the importance of speaking out, listening, and carrying forward the legacy of those who endured humanity’s darkest chapter.Support the show

Send us a textEp 216: Echoes of the Past with Zachary Graulich and Donna RosenblumIn this episode of Echoes of the Past on hmTv, Assistant Director of Education Zachary Graulich and Director of Education Donna Rosenblum examine one of the most infamous propaganda tools of Nazi Germany: the tabloid Der Stürmer. Together, they unpack its origins under Julius Streicher, its grotesque caricatures and headlines, and the staggering reach that shaped public opinion against Jews across Europe.The conversation draws sharp parallels to modern misinformation and highlights how lies, stereotypes, and hate-filled imagery fueled incitement to genocide—leading to Streicher’s conviction at the Nuremberg Trials. Through examining this 1937 edition and its disturbing messages, Zachary and Donna remind us why it’s essential to recognize propaganda for what it is and confront its echoes in today’s world.Listeners are invited to visit the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County to see a replica of this newspaper on display and reflect on the ongoing need for vigilance against hate.Support the show