hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textEpisode 103: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Eric SpinnerIn Episode 103 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli welcomes educator, veteran, and community leader Eric Spinner for a heartfelt and powerful conversation spanning decades of service, craftsmanship, and remembrance.From his early days in Brooklyn to a lifelong career in education and military service, Eric shares stories of hands-on learning, mechanical ingenuity, and the values that guided his journey. He reflects on his time in the National Guard during the Vietnam era, his role as an industrial arts teacher in New York City public schools, and his passionate involvement in veteran advocacy through the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and the Legion Riders.Eric also speaks movingly about his pilgrimages to Normandy, walking the sands of Omaha Beach and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces. His reflections on World War II, the preservation of history, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism are a stirring reminder of the importance of memory, service, and standing up for humanity.This episode is a tribute to those who serve—in uniform, in classrooms, and in communities—and to the enduring lessons of the past that shape our collective future.Support the show

Send us a textIn Episode 102 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Acritelli sits down with Holocaust educator and survivor-descendant Renee Pardo to trace the extraordinary journey of her father, Victor Partardo. From hiding in the mountains of Salonica and surviving brutal labor camps, to daring escapes, clandestine arms-smuggling missions for the nascent state of Israel, and a new life built in America’s garment district and butcher shops, Victor’s story spans continents—and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Join us for a deeply personal conversation about memory, betrayal, survival, and the enduring quest for safety and freedom across generations. Support the show

Send us a textJoin host Rich Acritelli for Episode 101 of The Fog of War and Humanity, featuring special guest Renee Pardo. In Part 1 of this deeply personal conversation, Renee traces her family’s journey from Sephardic roots in pre-World War II Greece and Turkey to life in Brooklyn, Long Island, and Texas. She shares vivid memories of her childhood—riding her Big Wheel outside her father’s pizza shop, navigating cultural divides as an immigrant’s daughter—and the profound impact of her parents’ Holocaust survival stories. From her decision to pursue law (driven by her father’s belief in debate and education) to her work as a prosecutor, private defense attorney, and coach of fellow lawyers, Renee reveals how history, trauma, and resilience have shaped her identity. Tune in to explore the legacy of displacement, the struggle for belonging, and the enduring quest to protect family and humanity. Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 100: The UN, Society, and Antisemitism with Dr. Susanne Seperson and Guest Assemblyman Chuck Lavine (Part 2) | hmTvIn this powerful milestone episode, Dr. Susanne Seperson continues her conversation with New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine to explore the deepening crisis of antisemitism in education, politics, and public discourse. From the failures of Holocaust education to the politicization of hate, this dialogue tackles the uncomfortable truths about our nation’s readiness to confront bigotry in all its forms.Assemblyman Lavine reflects on the erosion of civil discourse, the growing theocratic undercurrents in American governance, and the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses. He shares personal stories, legislative efforts, and insights into the complex relationship between American Jews and the State of Israel—especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks.With candor and conviction, Dr. Seperson and Assemblyman Lavine address:The gaps in mandated Holocaust education and its impact on youthHow economic instability fuels hatred and divisionWhy safeguarding secular democracy is critical to fighting antisemitismThe weaponization of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on U.S. campusesThe responsibility of parents, educators, and leaders in shaping moral citizensThis conversation is a compelling reminder that combating antisemitism isn't just a Jewish issue—it's a test of our democracy and humanity.Subscribe to Antisemitism and the UN in Society on hmTv and join us in these crucial conversations.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 99 Title: The UN, Society, and Antisemitism with Assemblyman Charles Lavine – Part 1 Series: Antisemitism in the United Nations and in Society Host: Dr. Susanne Seperson Guest: Assemblyman Charles LavineIn this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, host Dr. Susanne Seperson sits down with New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine to explore the complex landscape of modern antisemitism in the U.S. and beyond. As president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and a national board member, Lavine offers historical insight, personal reflection, and policy perspective on the fight against Jew-hatred.They discuss his upbringing in small-town Wisconsin, the impact of Jewish immigration in the Midwest, the founding purpose of NAJL in supporting Holocaust reparations, and how its mission has evolved to combat the alarming resurgence of antisemitism today. The episode highlights systemic challenges across higher education, law enforcement, politics, and social media, while championing the importance of moral leadership, civic education, and respectful discourse.Lavine also shares his experiences with antisemitism growing up and provides a sobering analysis of white supremacy, academic freedom, and legislative responses—including immersive Holocaust education initiatives and new hate crime penalties in New York.This is Part 1 of a vital two-part series that addresses one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time. Tune in, learn, and reflect on how we can all be part of the solution.Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes.Support the show

Send us a textHabits of a Whole Heart *Episode 98: Seeing the Best in Others & Reclaiming Power – Part 2 with Rob ResnickIn Part Two of this enriching conversation, host Arnie Herz and guest Rob Resnick dive deeper into the transformative power of intentional living. They explore two vital habits from Arnie’s forthcoming book: seeing the best in others and moving beyond victimhood. With personal stories, psychological insights, and references to thought leaders like Daniel Kahneman and Nelson Mandela, this episode unpacks how we can rewire our subconscious through daily practice and develop habits that foster connection, resilience, and inner wholeness.From handling everyday frustrations with grace to reclaiming power after personal loss, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live more consciously and compassionately. Tune in to learn how cultivating positive habits not only changes how we see others—but how we see ourselves.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 97 of Habits of a Whole Heart on hmTvIn this deeply reflective and heartfelt episode of Habits of a Whole Heart, host Arnie Herz is joined by longtime friend and spiritual companion Rob Resnick. Together, they explore the profound concept of "wholeness" and what it means to live in alignment with one’s purpose and deeper self. Drawing on a decade of daily study and conversation, Arnie and Rob discuss how consistent spiritual habits, Torah study, and reframing personal challenges have helped transform their lives and foster personal growth.Rob shares his journey through personal adversity—navigating divorce, job loss, and depression—and how a return to simple, grounding Jewish practices sparked healing and clarity. Arnie and Rob unpack the ripple effects of positivity, the dual reality of individuality and interconnectedness, and how growth, not comfort, is the ultimate purpose of life. From mystical experiences to scientific insights, this episode opens a gateway to deeper understanding of the soul, resilience, and the habits that sustain a whole heart.Tune in for a powerful, personal, and philosophical exchange that reminds us: transformation begins with perspective, purpose, and practice.effects of positivity, the dual reality of individuality and interconnectedness, and how growth, not comfort, is the ultimate purpose of life. From mystical experiences to scientific insights, this episode opens a gateway to deeper understanding of the soul, resilience, and the habits that sustain a whole heart.Tune in for a powerful, personal, and philosophical exchange that reminds us: transformation begins with perspective, purpose, and practice.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 96 of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv Guest: Joshua M. Greene | Host: Donna RosenblumIn this powerful episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, is joined by acclaimed author, historian, and educator Joshua M. Greene for a deeply moving conversation about storytelling, Holocaust education, and the importance of preserving memory for future generations.Together, they explore Joshua’s journey from journalist to documentarian to bestselling author, the emotional weight of survivor testimony, and the challenges of conveying the Holocaust’s enormity to younger audiences. Highlighting his book The Girl Who Fought Back, about resistance fighter Vladka Meed, Greene shares insights into crafting Holocaust narratives for middle-grade readers and the enduring lessons of courage, resistance, and moral clarity.Listeners will also hear about Greene’s latest projects, including Fighter in the Woods, and how he continues to bring voices of the past to life through accessible, age-appropriate storytelling. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of humanity—and the critical role of education in ensuring “Never Again” becomes a shared global value.An episode for educators, students, and all who believe in the power of memory and moral action.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 95 – Disrupting Hate: A Columbia Student’s Stand for IsraelIn this powerful and timely episode of Disrupting Hate, host Ken Schachter speaks with Columbia University student Noah Lederman about the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses, the aftermath of October 7th, and what it means to be proudly Jewish in a hostile environment. From harrowing personal encounters to the ideological battles reshaping higher education, Noah offers raw insight into the reality facing Jewish students today—and the hope that keeps them going. This is a must-listen conversation about courage, identity, and the fight for truth.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 94 – The Fog of War and Humanity (Part 2) Host: Richard Acritelli │ Guest: James “Jimmy” Henke, U.S. Army (Ret.)In this gripping second installment, Vietnam veteran Jimmy Henke returns to hmTv to deliver an unflinching, moment‑by‑moment account of the 1967 Battle of Concordia—one of the Ninth Infantry Division’s bloodiest days. Henke guides listeners from the predawn river insertion and the commander’s fateful decision to forego air support, through an L‑shaped ambush that left his company outnumbered twenty‑to‑one and pinned down in open rice paddies for thirty‑six harrowing hours.Beyond the firefight, Jimmy reflects on the costs of command errors, the instinctual brotherhood that forms under fire, and the desperate measures soldiers took to survive when ammunition and water ran dry. He also shares the long shadow of war: navigating PTSD in an era with no name for it, rebuilding a life of service in his hometown, and testifying before Congress to see a heroic Navy corpsman’s Silver Star upgraded to a Medal of Honor.If you want to understand courage, regret, resilience, and the enduring bonds of combat, this conversation is essential listening. Tune in and bear witness to a soldier’s raw, unvarnished truth—and the humanity that endures long after the guns fall silent.Support the show