hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEpisode 155: Raised by Survivors — A Conversation with Shelly Piekny SmolarJoin host Bernie Furshpan on Raised by Survivors as he sits down with dear friend and fellow second-generation survivor Shelly Piekny Smolar. Born in a displaced persons camp and raised in Brooklyn’s tight-knit survivor community, Shelly shares candid memories of growing up in a household shaped by trauma, resilience, and tradition. From tales of bullying and cultural clashes to enduring family customs and the struggle to preserve identity, this heartfelt conversation explores what it means to be raised by Holocaust survivors—and the enduring hope for a more humane future.Tune in for a powerful and personal glimpse into history, family, and the legacy of survival.Support the show

Send us a textIn this deeply moving episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Patti Edelstein to explore her family's incredible journey of survival and resilience. Patti shares the harrowing story of her father’s narrow escape from Nazi Germany in 1941, the challenges her family faced, and how their legacy shapes her life today. Together, they reflect on the importance of preserving history, the rise of antisemitism, and the hope Patti holds for future generations to foster tolerance and understanding. Join us for an inspiring conversation about courage, memory, and the power of never giving up.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 153: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan featuring Deborah LauterIn Episode 153 of Ordinary Heroes, host Dr. Bernie Furshpan sits down with Deborah Lauter, Executive Director of the Olga Lengyel Institute (TOLI), at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Deborah shares insights into TOLI’s remarkable mission—educating educators about Holocaust studies, human rights, and contemporary antisemitism. Together, they discuss the profound impact teacher seminars have in empowering educators across the U.S. and Europe, the importance of combating misinformation through education, and why understanding Jewish life before and after the Holocaust is essential for fostering empathy and tolerance. Join Bernie and Deborah as they explore how education can counter hate, create community, and inspire a generation committed to "Never Again."Listen in for a hopeful and heartfelt conversation about confronting the past to build a more compassionate future.Support the show

Send us a textLegacy Chronicles Ep 152: Carrying the Torch with Linda OrgelIn this powerful episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Linda Orgel, a dedicated second-generation Holocaust survivor and docent at HMTC. Linda shares her family’s harrowing history—from her father’s incredible survival story in Nazi-occupied Poland to the profound impact it has had on her life and her role as a storyteller today.Together, they explore the challenges of growing up with a survivor’s legacy, the moment that inspired Linda to become an advocate against antisemitism, and the importance of keeping history alive for future generations. Linda also opens up about how she weaves her family’s personal story into museum tours to make the Holocaust’s lessons resonate deeply with visitors, especially young people.This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of memory, resilience, and the responsibility to educate. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing our differences, confronting hate, and carrying the torch l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation.Support the show

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