hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan speaks with singer, educator, and activist Ghazal Mizrahi about her family’s extraordinary journey of resilience. Ghazal shares how her mother escaped the Iranian Islamic Revolution and how her grandmother—a gifted singer—passed down the voice and strength that continue to guide her life.Together, they explore the role of music as a tool for healing and unity, from Persian family traditions to Ghazal’s powerful performance of Hatikva at Hostage Square in Israel. She also reflects on the lessons she carried from hearing Holocaust survivor Irving Roth as a child, and why keeping memory alive is inseparable from fighting today’s rise in antisemitism.A moving conversation about survival, heritage, and the power of using one’s voice to inspire hope and resilience.Support the show

Send us a textIn this gripping third installment, host Richard Acritelli and journalist Bob Chartuk revisit some of the most haunting disasters tied to Long Island’s coast and beyond. Chartuk recounts his years as a public information officer with NOAA, where he became the spokesman during some of the nation’s darkest moments—the crash of TWA Flight 800, the tragic loss of John F. Kennedy Jr., and EgyptAir Flight 990.With rare behind-the-scenes insight, Chartuk reveals how crisis response unfolded, from sonar ships locating wreckage to government briefings under crushing media scrutiny. Along the way, he reflects on the balance between fact, sensitivity, and public truth when lives, families, and even nations are shaken.A sobering yet powerful conversation that connects local shores to global history.Support the show

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Dr. Jerry Cammarata—educator, author, civic leader, and the first father in U.S. history to win paternity leave. Dr. Cammarata reflects on a remarkable career that has spanned service under multiple presidents and New York City mayors, leadership roles in education and health care, and authorship of The Future of the American Family and The Fun Book of Fatherhood.From his Catholic upbringing to his later conversion to Judaism, Cammarata shares a deeply personal journey shaped by mentors, faith, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening families. With humor and candor, he discusses the challenges facing parents and children today, the dangers of social media as a substitute parent, and why restoring the family unit is critical to the future of society.A conversation filled with wisdom, history, and a call to action for building stronger, more connected communities.Support the show

Send us a textEp 256: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Bob Chartuk (Part 2) on hmTv:Podcast Description: In part two of their conversation, host Richard Acritelli and journalist–historian Bob Chartuk explore Long Island’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. From William Floyd’s restored Mastic estate to Tangier Smith’s Manor of St. George, they trace the battles, raids, and sacrifices that shaped the nation’s early struggle for independence.Chartuk recounts the daring raid of Colonel Benjamin Talmadge and his dragoons, the burning of British hay at Coram, the first-ever Purple Heart awarded by George Washington, and the heroism of General Nathaniel Woodhull. Along the way, they connect the past to present-day Long Island landmarks, where musket holes, cemeteries, and preserved estates still tell the story of freedom hard-won.A deep dive into Revolutionary War history—told right where it happened.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli sits down with veteran journalist, author, and public servant Bob Chartuk. A lifelong resident of Center Moriches, Bob shares stories of growing up in a tight-knit seaside community, a lifetime of surfing adventures, and a career spanning local journalism, government service, and historic preservation.From his father’s World War II experiences intercepting German Morse code and helping save the Queen Mary troopship, to his own decades of writing and civic leadership, Bob offers a window into Long Island’s past and present. Together, Rich and Bob connect community history, national events, and personal narratives that reveal how memory and service shape our humanity.Part one of a two-part conversation filled with storytelling, history, and lessons in resilience.Support the show

Send us a textEp 254 – Influential Origins with Rory LancmanIn this episode of Influential Origins, host Alan Mindel sits down with public servant and advocate Rory Lancman for a powerful conversation about service, leadership, and the urgent fight against rising antisemitism.From his early years in the National Guard to a distinguished career in the New York State Assembly, City Council, and beyond, Rory reflects on how his experiences shaped his drive to serve. He shares candid insights into today’s challenges on college campuses, the dangers of the BDS movement, and why Jews are often the “canary in the coal mine” for threats to democracy and individual rights.Despite the troubling rise in hate, Rory highlights the extraordinary wave of Jewish activism and solidarity since October 8th—lawyers, leaders, and ordinary people stepping up to confront antisemitism and defend democratic values.This is an honest, timely, and inspiring conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the enduring importance of speaking out.Support the show

Send us a textEp 252 – Many Voices One Community with Gaitley Stevenson Mathews and guest Ranelle WolfIn this heartfelt episode, host Gaitley Stevenson Mathews welcomes artist, professor, and educator Ranelle Wolf for a deeply moving conversation about art, memory, and values. Ranelle shares how her grandmother’s stories of the Holocaust shaped her childhood and inspired her lifelong mission to teach and heal through creativity. Together, they reflect on the power of storytelling, the role of art in processing pain, the importance of interfaith understanding, and why universal values like compassion and respect are essential in today’s divided world.A powerful dialogue on authenticity, resilience, and the lessons we must carry forward to build a more humane future.Support the show

Send us a textIn this episode of History Repeats on hmTv, host Liam Carballal sits down with historian and educator Richard Acritelli to reflect on the 24th anniversary of September 11th. Together they trace Osama bin Laden’s path from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the rise of al-Qaeda, exploring the events that led to the deadliest attack on American soil. With personal stories from Long Island classrooms, firehouses, and military service, Liam and Rich connect global history to local memory—showing how 9/11 reshaped America, exposed vulnerabilities, and left lasting lessons for a new generation. Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 251 – Humanity in the Arts with Ranelle Wolf and Gaitley Stevenson MathewsIn this episode of Humanity in the Arts, host Ranelle Wolf welcomes actor, director, voice coach, and community engagement leader Gaitley Stevenson Mathews for a powerful conversation about art, authenticity, and the soul.Gaitley shares lessons from a career spanning theater, music, and community service—from performing on Barney & Friends to leading arts nonprofits and engaging audiences at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center. Together, they explore how breath connects to spirit, how creativity bridges divides across culture and history, and how social media can be reclaimed as a force for good.The episode features reflections on resilience, the transformative role of theater and music, and a live performance excerpt that captures the essence of art as soul-care. At its core, this is a conversation about authenticity—and how the arts can heal, inspire, and help us practice Tikkun Olam: healing the world.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 250 – Humanity in the Arts with Ranelle Wolf and Bernie FurshpanIn this milestone episode of Humanity in the Arts, host Ranelle Wolf sits down with educator, producer, and visionary Dr. Bernie Furshpan, founder of Humanity Matters. Together, they explore how art can heal the soul and repair a fractured world—through story, film, music, and community.Bernie shares the inspiration behind the documentary The Weight of Memory: I Am Bernie Furshpan, his urgent mission to reach young people with lessons of tolerance, and his upcoming concert in Israel supporting the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. The conversation spans soul-care, the power of film, the science of our shared ancestry, and his anthem “15th to 50th,” a reminder that nearly everyone you meet is family.This episode is a heartfelt call to reboot humanity through art, empathy, and kinship.Support the show