hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEp 205 – Disrupting Hate with Ken Schachter and guest Vered Atzmon Meshulam on hmTv:In this powerful episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Ken Schachter speaks with psychologist Vered Atzmon Meshulam, head of the resilience division at ZAKA and founder of One Resilience for Israel.Vered shares her frontline experiences from the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attacks, when ZAKA volunteers were first on the scene, retrieving victims under fire and offering dignified treatment to the dead. She reveals how that day transformed her life’s mission—creating innovative, integrative trauma-healing programs for first responders, blending evidence-based therapy with spiritual tradition.The conversation explores Vered’s deeply personal Holocaust family history, the emotional Argamani Project to reunite a hostage’s terminally ill mother with her sisters, and the urgent need for unity and resilience in Jewish communities worldwide. She also unveils her upcoming digital platform—a “safe, unifying space” designed to connect, protect, and strengthen Jews globally during both crises and everyday life.This episode is an inspiring testament to courage, healing, and the unbreakable spirit of those who choose to repair the world in the face of hate.Support the show

Send us a textEp 204 – The Fog of War and Humanity with Janet Santeramo, Part 3 on hmTv:In the conclusion of this three-part conversation, Marine Corps veteran and attorney Janet Santeramo shares how her service in the Gulf War ultimately led to a lifelong mission of helping others — especially her fellow veterans.Janet reflects on her transition from the battlefield to the courtroom, starting in child protection law before moving into Social Security disability and finally finding her true calling in veterans’ law. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the VA system, the cultural mindset in the military that keeps service members from seeking help, and the personal satisfaction of guiding veterans toward the benefits and support they’ve earned.From her years in a respected law firm to running her own practice, Janet continues to serve the veteran community both professionally and through her decades-long involvement with VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point, NY. She highlights the importance of camaraderie, finding purpose after service, and supporting causes like the 3256 Foundation and Tunnel to Towers.It’s a powerful closing chapter on resilience, advocacy, and the enduring bond between those who’ve served.Support the show

Send us a textEp 203 – The Fog of War and Humanity with guest Janet Santeramo, Part 2 on hmTv:In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, United States Marine Corps veteran Janet Santeramo takes us deeper into her Gulf War experience — from the moment Desert Shield turned to Desert Storm, to the realities of life in the Saudi desert.Janet reflects on the buildup to war, the restrictions placed on women in combat roles, and the surprising beauty of the desert landscape. She shares vivid stories of living on MREs, improvising hot meals on engine blocks, and navigating the early days of internet communication from the front.Her accounts cover the tension of incoming fire, the environmental devastation of burning oil wells, and the toll of pollution on wildlife and human health. Janet also opens up about the challenges of post-war cleanup, life stationed in Okinawa, and her long path from Marine to law school graduate.With unflinching honesty, she describes her work in child protection law, the emotional challenges of serving vulnerable populations, and the ongoing importance of purpose after military service.This is a candid, human look at war, recovery, and resilience — from the battlefield to the courtroom.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Description: Episode 202 - The Fog of War and Humanity with Janet Santeramo (Part 1)In this episode of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Acritelli welcomes Janet Santeramo, a Marine Corps veteran and dedicated veterans advocate. Janet shares her journey from growing up in Ridgewood, Queens, to her transformative experiences in the military.Join Rich and Janet as they discuss her time in the Marine Corps, the challenges she faced, and how her upbringing shaped her resilience and determination. Janet reflects on the importance of discipline, teamwork, and the strong influence of her family throughout her life.This engaging conversation explores not only the personal stories of military service but also the broader implications of war and humanity. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the strength and spirit of those who serve!Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 201 - History Repeats with Liam Carballal and Rich Acritelli (Part 2)In this episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal welcomes back Rich Acritelli for a deep dive into the personal narratives that shaped history. They explore the life of Billy Joel, examining how his Jewish heritage and family history—particularly the impact of the Holocaust—inform his music and identity as a quintessential post-World War II figure.Rich shares insights from his recent article on Joel, discussing the social dynamics of Long Island and the communities built in the aftermath of the war through the GI Bill. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of reintegration for veterans, the lasting effects of historical trauma, and the complex legacy of Truman's presidency, including the establishment of Israel.Join us as we uncover the intertwining stories of individuals and the larger historical forces at play, revealing how personal experiences continue to shape our world today. Tune in for an engaging discussion that highlights the human side of history!Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 200 – The Endgame in the Pacific: Truman’s Decision and Japan’s Surrender In this milestone episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal welcomes historian Richard Acritelli for a deep dive into the final chapter of World War II in the Pacific. With the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as the backdrop, the conversation explores President Truman’s momentous decision to use the atomic bomb, the staggering casualty estimates for a planned invasion, and the fierce Japanese resistance that persisted even after catastrophic losses.From the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering at Potsdam to Stalin’s ambitions in the Far East, from the bushido code’s influence on Japan’s military leadership to the near-deployment of a third bomb, this episode examines the moral, military, and geopolitical stakes of ending the war. Along the way, Rich and Liam unpack the human cost, the shadow of the Cold War, and the enduring lessons of one of history’s most consequential decisions.If you think WWII ended neatly after VE Day, think again. This is the story of how it really concluded — and the razor’s edge on which peace was decided.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 199 – Many Voices, One Community Guest: Sheryl Goodine | Host: Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews | hmTv – Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance CenterIn this powerful and heartfelt episode, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with community leader and activist Sheryl Goodine to explore the legacy of her late father, a driving force behind civil rights progress in Glen Cove. From the city’s longest-running Martin Luther King Jr. celebration to the desegregation of local schools, Sheryl shares personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for equality. The conversation weaves together history, faith, and present-day challenges—highlighting the ongoing importance of standing up for justice, building unity across communities, and carrying forward the work of those who came before us.A moving reminder that true legacy is lived every day.Support the show

Send us a textEp. 198: Many Voices, One Community with Dr. Jeremy TigermanIn this inspiring episode of Many Voices, One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman, COO of the Tigerman School, to explore a remarkable family legacy of education, advocacy, and empowerment. Founded by his mother in 1985, the school began as a preschool for speech- and language-impaired children and has grown into a multi-location, full life-cycle agency serving students from preschool through adulthood across Long Island and New York City.Dr. Tigerman shares his personal journey — from running around the halls as a child while his mother worked, to becoming a school psychologist, principal, and now COO — and how his family’s deep commitment to education shaped his career. The conversation covers the school’s unique language immersion model, exceptionally low student–teacher ratios, and the individualized support that transforms challenges into strengths.With heartwarming success stories, including graduates who have gone on to higher education and thriving careers, this episode celebrates the power of believing in every student’s potential. It’s a testament to how one family’s vision can impact thousands of lives — and a reminder that every voice matters in building one community.Support the show

Send us a textLegacy Chronicles Ep. 197In this moving episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Holocaust survivor John Woolf to hear his extraordinary story of survival, resilience, and rediscovery. Born in Transcarpathia, Czechoslovakia, John recounts his deportation to Auschwitz, the harrowing death marches, and eventual liberation by American forces. He shares the rare and miraculous story of being reunited with both of his parents—an uncommon outcome for Holocaust survivors.John reflects on rebuilding his life in America, working as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, and how decades later, he found himself drawn back into Holocaust education through volunteer work at a local Holocaust center in New Jersey. Now at age 96, John speaks candidly about the emotional toll of remembering, the rise of antisemitism, and the urgent need to preserve testimony for future generations.This episode is a powerful reminder of why survivor voices matter—especially now. Tune in to hear a firsthand account that is both deeply personal and historically essential.🎧 Listen now on hmTv or at hmtci.orgSupport the show

Send us a textEpisode 196: Echoes of the Past with Joe GartenIn this deeply moving episode of Echoes of the Past, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Holocaust survivor and Kindertransport refugee Joe Garten. Joe shares his remarkable journey from Nazi Germany to safety in England, and eventually to the United States. With warmth, candor, and a touch of humor, he recounts the heartbreak of separation, the kindness of strangers, and the resilience it took to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss.Listeners will hear about Joe’s childhood escape from Berlin, life with a British foster family during WWII, his postwar reunion with his parents, and how he found his voice decades later to educate young people about the Holocaust. Joe’s testimony is a testament to memory, survival, and the power of sharing our stories—especially when fewer and fewer survivors remain to tell them.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the personal impact of history, the strength of the human spirit, and why Holocaust education remains as vital today as ever.Support the show