hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEpisode 151 of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv features an inspiring conversation with Holocaust survivor and activist Sami Steigman. Sami shares his harrowing childhood experiences in Transnistria, surviving Nazi medical experiments, and the profound impact of his family’s history. He reflects on the importance of educating the next generation to combat hatred, anti-Semitism, and intolerance in today’s world. From stories of survival and resilience to his ongoing mission with groups like Christians United for Israel, Sami offers powerful lessons on hope, courage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Join Bernie Furshpan and Sami as they explore history, memory, and the fight to build a more compassionate future.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 150 of Ordinary Heroes on HMTV features an inspiring conversation with Sami Steigman, an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor, activist, motivational speaker, and educator. Sami shares his remarkable journey from surviving the Holocaust, serving in the Israeli Air Force, and immigrating to the United States, to becoming a passionate voice against Jew hatred and a powerful advocate for tolerance and education.In this heartfelt episode, Sami and host Bernie Furshpan discuss the importance of educating young people about empathy, the unique challenges Holocaust survivors face, and the urgent need to combat hate in today’s fast-paced social media world. Sami’s firsthand experiences and wisdom offer a compelling call to action to preserve memory, fight intolerance, and inspire future generations.Tune in for a deeply personal and thought-provoking dialogue with a true ordinary hero who proves that courage and hope endure.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 149 - The Upstander ResponsibilityJoin host Ella Ben-Hamo and her advisor Nechama Ester in this inspiring episode of The Upstander Responsibility on hmTv. Together, they delve into the teachings of Pirkei Avot, exploring the timeless wisdom of the forefathers and how it applies to modern life as young leaders.Ella and Nechama discuss the importance of being an upstander in today’s world, emphasizing the value of taking initiative and standing up against injustice. They share personal stories, insights on the significance of community and connection, and the transformative experience of Shabbat.Whether you’re navigating social media challenges or seeking to make a positive impact in your community, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to embrace your role as a leader. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will inspire you to fulfill your mission and make a difference!Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 148 of Ordinary Heroes, Dr. Bernie Furshpan welcomes Professor Ranelle Wolf—chair of Fine Arts at Suffolk County Community College—to explore Modern Sacred Realism, her signature fusion of spirituality and meticulous craft. They discuss how art ignites healing and empathy, the role of technology (like QR-enhanced storytelling) in visual literacy, and the power of reclaiming creativity in education. Ranelle also shares how her grandmother’s Holocaust testimony fuels her work and unveils her upcoming Divine Feminine series, reimagining women of the Hebrew Bible through a modern, sacred lens. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on art’s ability to unite us all. Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with publicist, journalist, and community advocate Joseph Wolkin to explore how one person can amplify vital voices in today’s polarized media landscape. From his early days leading Hillel at Stony Brook to building award-winning PR campaigns for NASCAR and nonprofit organizations in Israel, Joseph shares the strategies and stories that drive his work—from protecting an 11-year-old Israeli advocate facing online hate to preserving Holocaust memory through immersive education. Tune in to learn how thoughtful advocacy, tireless persistence, and a commitment to truth can transform ordinary efforts into extraordinary impact. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 146 of Many Voices One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews welcomes Bob Freeland, Commander of Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819 in Port Washington and Kiwanis leader, to discuss how local veterans and service clubs unite to honor the next generation of enlistees, support families in need, and strengthen our shared community. From the Ben Farnin scholarship ceremony for five new service members to Kiwanis’ golf outings, pancake breakfasts, literacy drives, and “Coolest Dog on the Harbor” fundraiser, tune in to hear how Bob’s dedication keeps both veterans and children at the heart of civic life on Long Island. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 145 of Many Voices One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Christine Rice—Executive Director of the Glen Cove Senior Center and Chairwoman of NOSH Delivers—to explore how her upbringing as one of ten siblings in Garden City inspired a lifetime of service. They discuss NOSH Delivers’ origins at the start of the pandemic, the growth of its food pantry and volunteer network, and how intergenerational programming at the Senior Center fosters connection, purpose, and well-being across Long Island’s aging community. Tune in to hear how Christine’s leadership and community partnerships are building unity, resilience, and compassion one delivery and one dance step at a time.Support the show

Send us a text In Episode 144 of Many Voices One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Dr. Sharon Harris, Executive Director of SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment), to explore how a Bronx-born only child grew into a community leader, the origins and evolution of SAFE’s drug-awareness programs—like Red Ribbon Week, medication-disposal drives, and youth outreach—and the power of partnerships with schools, law enforcement, faith groups, and multilingual staff to foster lasting behavioral change across Glen Cove. Tune in to learn how SAFE’s all-inclusive approach is building a healthier, more connected Long Island community—and visit safeglenov.org to find out how you can get involved. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 143 of Raised by Survivors, Dr. Bernie Furshpan welcomes Sid Waxman, a dedicated museum educator and second-generation Holocaust survivor, to explore how Sid transformed his own family’s silent past into a mission of education and empathy. After years of “hiding” his background, Sid shares what finally inspired him to delve into his parents’ experiences—piecing together survivor stories from neighborhood gatherings in Boston, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn—and why he’s been guiding thousands of students through the Center’s galleries since 2004.Throughout their conversation, Sid and Bernie reflect on the small, everyday legacies of the Holocaust: the comforting aroma of kishka and chulent on a Brooklyn kitchen stove, the ritual of meticulously cleaning work tools until they gleamed, and the weekend trips to the Catskills where laughter became its own form of survival. Sid reveals how these family traditions taught him gratitude, respect for people and possessions, and an unwavering commitment to community.You’ll also hear about Sid’s most memorable tours—like the group of Catholic school students who, encountering survivor testimony for the first time, were moved to tears and hugs—and his vision for keeping younger generations engaged in Holocaust remembrance. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why personal storytelling remains our strongest tool against indifference, and how each of us can play a part in ensuring the phrase “never again” is more than just a slogan. Tune in for a deeply human conversation about memory, resilience, and the power of sharing our histories.Support the show

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