hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv, host Donna Rosenblum sits down with second-generation survivor and educator Meryl Menashe to explore the powerful legacy of Holocaust survivors and the enduring importance of education. Meryl shares intimate stories from her family’s history—from her father’s journey through wartime Poland and Siberia to Palestine—and reflects on how those experiences shaped her lifelong passion for teaching. They discuss the evolution of Holocaust education, the vital role of survivor testimony, and innovative programs that continue to inspire new generations both locally and in Florida. Together, Donna and Meryl emphasize resilience, hope, and the responsibility to keep survivors’ voices alive through meaningful storytelling and leadership development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about memory, legacy, and the profound impact one voice can make.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 134 of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal continues his in-depth conversation with guest Richard Acritelli as they explore the harrowing realities of the Bataan Death March and the brutal treatment of American and Filipino soldiers during World War II. They discuss the stark differences in the concept of “unconditional surrender,” the horrific conditions POWs endured, and the complex military and political decisions surrounding the Pacific Theater. From personal anecdotes and survivor stories to the legacy of Japanese war conduct and the impact on post-war relations, this episode sheds light on a dark chapter of history and the resilience of those who lived through it. Support the show

Send us a text In Episode 133 of History Repeats on hmTv, host Liam Carballal welcomes back historian Richard Acritelli for a powerful and sobering conversation about the treatment of American and Filipino POWs in the Pacific during World War II. Together, they trace the evolution of Japanese military culture—from humane practices in earlier wars to the rise of extreme nationalism and brutality by the 1940s. Rich details the harrowing experiences of U.S. troops stationed in the Philippines, the devastating Bataan Death March, and the psychological and physical toll inflicted on thousands of prisoners. This episode offers a vital historical lens into wartime atrocities and the enduring consequences of dehumanization in conflict. Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 131 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Rich Acritelli welcomes Mike McClure, a United States Army Special Forces veteran. Mike shares compelling insights from his early life on Long Island to his entry into the Army at the end of the Vietnam War. He vividly recounts his training experiences at Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Belvoir, service during the tense Cold War years in Germany, and the significant transformation of the U.S. military under President Reagan. Mike also introduces his pathway into Special Forces, detailing the rigorous airborne training at Fort Benning. Tune in to gain an authentic perspective on military life, resilience, and dedication during a critical period in American history.Support the show

Send us a textIn this compelling second part of Episode 132 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli continues his insightful conversation with Michael McClure, a veteran of the United States Army Special Forces. Mike vividly recounts his rigorous training experiences at Fort Bragg, the demanding physical and mental preparation needed to earn the prestigious green beret, and the profound pride of graduating Special Forces training. He shares deeply personal reflections about his deployments, including powerful memories from Operation Provide Comfort and interactions with Kurdish children. The episode concludes with Mike’s candid thoughts about transitioning back to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of veteran camaraderie and community support. Join us for this meaningful exploration of duty, resilience, and humanity. Support the show

Send us a textJoin Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews on Episode 130 of Many Voices One Community as she sits down with Sergeant Evelyn Kandell—a pioneering female Marine, Nassau County’s former poet laureate, celebrated art educator, and lifelong community leader. In this heartfelt conversation, Evelyn reflects on:Her unexpected journey from Westchester high school graduate to Marine Corps recruiting poster model and featured subject on a U.S. postage stampThe power of art and poetry as tools for connection, healing, and self-expression, including the moment she discovered her own poetic voice during a summer residencyLifelong lessons in resilience, humor, and service—whether in uniform, the classroom, or the chapel pewTune in for an inspiring portrait of how one woman’s ripples of creativity and courage have enriched Long Island and beyond—and how each of us can leave our own lasting imprint on community.Support the show

Send us a textIn this uplifting installment of Many Voices One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Father Panteleimon “Father P.” Papadopoulos of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection in Glen Cove. Together, they explore how a simple Greek festival—complete with gyros, baklava, and old-world hospitality—has become a vibrant gathering point that unites neighbors of all backgrounds.Father P. recounts his journey from a childhood calling in Connecticut to nineteen years as deacon to the Archbishop of America, meeting world leaders and traveling to historic centers of faith. Drawing on inspiring stories of courage—from Holocaust rescuers in Athens and Zakynthos to interfaith upstanders—he reveals how the belief that every person is made in the image of God compels us to treat each other with kindness, dignity, and shared purpose.Tune in to discover how watering the “grass” of community compassion can help us all grow—and why, in an age of division, our faiths and cultures offer a powerful blueprint for unity.Listen now on hmTv at HMTC, and join us in celebrating the common thread of goodness that binds us all.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 126 – “Raised by Survivors” hmTv with Dr. Bernie FurshpanHow does the child of Holocaust survivors transform inherited trauma into a life-long mission for justice? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Bernie Furshpan sits down with Dr. Suzanne Bleiberg Seperson—UN representative, activist, and proud 2G—to explore:Identity & Legacy: why Suzanne keeps both “Bleiberg” and “Seperson” to carry her father’s name forward.Parents’ Survival Stories: a daring jump from a death-train, an escape from Janovska labor camp, and the righteous gentiles who risked everything to help.Act III Activism: how retirement became her busiest chapter—chairing the Committee to End Antisemitism & Promote Peace and pushing for the UN’s first resolution condemning Jew-hatred.Intergenerational Healing: turning a childhood without grandparents into a devotion to her own six grandchildren—and to every young person who deserves a hate-free world.Call to Action: why each of us must use our unique talents “for good,” and how even symbolic victories (a pebble in a pond, a butterfly’s wing) can ripple into global change.Listen in for an inspiring reminder that memory fuels responsibility—and that raising our voices together can still turn the tide against antisemitism and all forms of hate.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 125 — The Fog of War and HumanityGuest: Jeff Brett, President & Founder, King Quality Host: Richard “Rich” Acritelli Series: hmTv OriginalsFrom the weight of 9/11 to the weight of a 50-year roof, service is the common thread.In Part 3 of Rich Acritelli’s deep-dive with Long Island entrepreneur Jeff Brett, we trace a through-line that starts with Jeff’s nephews enlisting the morning after the Twin Towers fell and ends with King Quality’s goal of operating in all 50 states while giving every customer a half-century peace-of-mind warranty. Along the way:Family & Country: How Jason and Shane Spence turned a Port Jeff football scholarship and childhood asphalt jobs into decorated Army and Marine careers—guided by a grandfather who preached duty over fear.Service-First Leadership: Jeff explains why small businesses flourish only when “How can I serve?” replaces “What’s in it for me?”—a lesson lifted straight from military culture.Scaling with Purpose: 24 states down, 26 to go. Hear the strategy behind Vertex partnerships, purple underlayment, and the vision of protecting VFW roofs for generations to come.Heroes on Repeat: Patton’s Battle of the Bulge weather speech, MacArthur’s iron nerve, and the bagpipes of post-9/11 Long Island—Rich and Jeff swap the leadership moments that keep them pushing forward.King Quality Cares: From AHRC and Angels of Long Island to Feeding Westchester, Jeff’s philanthropy blueprint proves growth and giving can—and should—happen side by side.Whether you’re a veteran, a business owner, or someone who still feels the echo of 9/11, this episode is a masterclass in turning hardship into higher purpose.🔊 Listen now on hmTv, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.Support the show

Send us a textEp 124: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Jeff Brett (Part 2) | hmTvIn Part 2 of our powerful conversation, The Fog of War and Humanity host Richard Acritelli continues his dialogue with Jeff Brett, founder and CEO of King Quality. This episode dives deeper into Jeff’s national expansion, his unwavering belief in people, and his commitment to building a business rooted in compassion, family, and purpose.Jeff shares how his experiences—from early mentorship to wartime family legacy—inspired the King Quality Cares initiative and a culture of giving back. With heartfelt reflections on community service, the importance of showing up for others, and why the best investment is in people, this episode is a masterclass in leadership with heart.Whether you're an entrepreneur, community leader, or simply someone seeking purpose, Jeff’s message will stay with you: “We’re not just putting on roofs—we’re rebuilding lives.”Support the show