hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEpisode 195: Legacy Chronicles with Donna Rosenblum and Dr. Linda BurghardtIn this deeply personal and enlightening episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Donna Rosenblum welcomes Dr. Linda Burghardt, scholar-in-residence at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC), for a heartfelt conversation about her identity as a second-generation Holocaust survivor. Linda shares powerful family stories of escape from Vienna, the trauma of loss and silence, and the resilience passed down through generations.The discussion explores her path from journalism to earning a PhD in Holocaust history, her unique role at HMTC, and her efforts to make Holocaust education engaging through fiction-based book clubs and creative webinars. Linda also speaks directly to other 2Gs (second-generation survivors), offering encouragement, insight, and a reminder that the past lives within us—genetically, emotionally, and spiritually.Whether you’re part of the survivor community or simply curious about how history shapes identity, this episode delivers wisdom, warmth, and a powerful call to preserve memory through connection and storytelling.Support the show

Send us a text Ep 194: Echoes of the Past with Zachary Graulich and Donna RosenblumIn this powerful episode of Echoes of the Past, host Zachary Graulich is joined by Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at HMTC, for an in-depth discussion on the history and legacy of the Yellow Star. Together, they examine its implementation under Nazi rule, its symbolic weight, and the broader context of forced identification of Jews throughout history—from medieval Europe to the Holocaust.Through survivor testimonies, historical documentation, and personal insights, Zachary and Donna explore how the Yellow Star evolved into a tool of shame, control, and dehumanization—yet today serves as a symbol of remembrance and resilience. They also highlight acts of resistance and rescue, including the story of King Christian X of Denmark and the efforts of upstanders who refused to remain silent.This episode challenges listeners to reflect on the dangers of state-sanctioned hatred, the human capacity for courage, and the moral responsibility to stand up against injustice.For more episodes, visit hmtcli.org.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 193: “Life Talks: Its Different Walks” with Fred Nielsen, Yuri Komoto-Weber & Kuga RexIn this heart-stirring episode of Life Talks: Its Different Walks, host Fred Nielsen, USMC Major (Ret.), sits down with Yuri Komoto-Weber—a devoted single mother of five—and her son, Kuga Rex, a national karate champion with a mission far beyond medals.Yuri shares her powerful parenting journey, raising a household of remarkable kids, including Kuga, whose passion for karate started at age nine and has since led him to national acclaim. Kuga then joins the conversation to reflect on his growth in martial arts, his work honoring veterans through storytelling and ceremony, and the values that fuel his relentless spirit: resilience, humility, and purpose.From muddy obstacle courses to gold medal podiums, this episode explores what it means to raise a champion in character—not just in sport. And if you’ve ever underestimated the power of belief, grit, and a mother’s love—this one will open your eyes.Featuring: – Yuri Komoto-Weber, mother of five and model of perseverance – Kuga Rex, Team USA karate champion, veteran advocate, and rising starSupport Kuga’s journey to Paraguay and beyond on GoFundMe – search “Kuga Rex.”Only on hmTv.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Episode 191 Description – Influential Origins with Alan Mindel and Guest Anthony Housefather (Part 1)In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of Influential Origins on hmTv, host Alan Mindel sits down with Canadian Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather for a deeply personal and political journey through identity, public service, and the power of community.From growing up in Quebec as part of the English-speaking Jewish minority to becoming mayor of Côte Saint-Luc and ultimately a federal MP, Housefather reflects on his family's long-standing roots in Canada dating back to the 19th century. He shares insights into the evolution of Jewish life in Canada, his early passion for competitive swimming, and the profound impact of language laws, cultural tension, and legislative challenges in Quebec.Listeners will hear how Housefather's early exposure to public service, legal and business leadership, and his mother's academic influence shaped a multifaceted career. With wit, clarity, and conviction, he speaks on the fight for bilingualism, religious freedom, and the nuanced struggle to protect minority rights in a changing political climate.This episode is a compelling portrait of a public servant who’s as comfortable in a courtroom as he is in the community pool — and who carries both heart and history into Parliament. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation turns to today’s global challenges and their ripple effects in Canada.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Description – Ep. 192: Influential Origins with Alan Mindel and Guest Anthony Housefather (Part 2)In this gripping second installment, Influential Origins host Alan Mindel continues his powerful conversation with Canadian Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather. Together, they confront the disturbing global resurgence of antisemitism following the October 7th attacks and examine how it has infiltrated politics, education, and public discourse—especially in North America.Housefather speaks candidly about standing up to extremism on both the far right and far left, the weaponization of anti-Zionist rhetoric, and the challenges of protecting Jewish students on college campuses. He recounts his own principled stand against his party's legislation and outlines the critical need for political courage, bipartisan cooperation, and a clear definition of antisemitism in policy and education.This episode is a wake-up call for leaders and listeners alike. It’s not just about history—it’s about the fight for moral clarity in the present.Tune in to hmTv for an unflinching conversation about identity, courage, and the choices that shape our future.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Episode 190: Leadership & Lessons from the Holocaust – A Conversation with Bernie Furshpan hmTv | Series: Humanity Matters Hosted by Dr. Daniel Holtzman & Dr. Stephanie WeeksIn this powerful prelude to the upcoming podcast series Leadership & Lessons from the Holocaust, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Holtzman and Dr. Stephanie Weeks sit down with special guest Bernie Furshpan, board member of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center. Together, they explore the critical connections between Holocaust education and the development of ethical, courageous leadership for today’s generation.Through candid conversation, the hosts share their vision for the series—highlighting themes such as moral courage vs. complicity, the peril of indifference, the power of propaganda, and ethical decision-making under pressure. Bernie reflects on the mission of the HMTC and the vital role of teaching young people to become upstanders in the face of hate, injustice, and misinformation.This preview episode sets the tone for a bold and timely podcast that bridges historical truth with modern leadership challenges—equipping listeners of all ages to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.Subscribe now to Humanity Matters and join us on this essential journey of reflection, action, and leadership.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 189 of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center Vice Chair Jolanta Zamecka and CBN White House correspondent Kelly Wright to tackle the seismic aftermath of October 7th. No sugar‑coating: they explore how our museum reinvented its education programs, the White House’s high‑stakes bid for a hostages‑anchored ceasefire, and the war of ideas raging on college campuses. Then, they turn to the healing power of music—from a December 22 “Day of Hope” at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance to a long‑overdue Congressional Medal of Honor for the Harlem Hellfighters. Raw, forward‑thinking, and ultimately hopeful, this episode proves that ordinary people can spark extraordinary change. Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Description – Episode 188: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Gary Port (Part 2) | hmTvIn Part 2 of this compelling conversation, host Richard Acritelli welcomes back Gary Port—Army Reserve Ambassador, attorney, and advocate for veterans—for an in-depth look at the legal, social, and emotional realities facing American service members past and present. From the nuanced definitions of what it means to be a "veteran" to navigating benefits, elder care, and the state’s underutilized support systems, Gary breaks down the critical issues that impact veterans' lives long after they’ve returned home.The episode also explores the evolution of military recruitment, the Army’s response to declining enlistment numbers post-COVID, and the innovative programs reshaping how we engage future soldiers—especially Gen Z. With stories from the front lines of law, policy, and public service, Gary brings humor, humility, and clarity to a topic too often buried under bureaucracy.Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or someone who just cares about those who served, this episode offers eye-opening insights and real-world advice straight from the source.Listen now and discover how the fog of war lifts when humanity steps in.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 187 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Aertelli sits down with Army Reserve Colonel and veteran attorney Gary Port to explore the crossroads of military service and civilian life. From Gary’s Brooklyn‑born roots and unexpected path into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, to his work defending soldiers at courts‑martial in Texas and prosecuting cases during Brooklyn’s crack‑era homicide surge, this conversation spans decades of service, law, and community.Together they uncover:How a chance meeting with a JAG officer reshaped Gary’s careerThe highs and lows of defending soldiers far from homeWhat combat medics and Medal of Honor recipients taught him about trauma, duty, and silenceThe challenges veterans face in family courts—and why every lawyer needs to understand PTSD, military pensions, and veterans’ treatment programsJoin us for an honest, wide‑ranging discussion on leadership, service, and the human cost of war—both on and off the battlefield.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 186: History Repeats — Part 2 In this second installment, Liam Carbal and Rich Acritelli trace the very origins of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, revealing how Moscow’s miscalculated force ratios, bungled logistics, and fractured command left it face‑to‑face with a battle‑hardened Ukrainian defense. From daring special‑forces raids and cutting‑edge drone warfare to Europe’s rapid rearmament and NATO’s eastward surge, we explore how this conflict has reshaped the global balance of power. Along the way, we confront the human cost—mass graves, forced deportations, war‑crimes investigations—and ask what a just peace might demand when the guns finally fall silent. Tune in for a hard‑hitting analysis of one of the defining struggles of our time. Support the show