Here I Am With Shai Davidai

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matisyahu joins the show to discuss his personal and spiritual journey, from his rebellious youth and exploration of different branches of Judaism to his evolution as an artist and individual. He shares insights on identity, faith, and how pivotal life events—including October 7th—have shaped his perspective. The conversation dives into Matisyahu’s upbringing, his experiences in Israel, and the ongoing process of finding meaning and connection in both music and life. Don't miss Matisyahu's new album Ancient Child out now!This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners. Guest: Matisyahu Miller Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT SHAI ON PATREON! 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Credits:Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit ProductionsFilmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit ProductionsGraphic by Shira AumanFor sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

In this episode, Shai Davidai sits down with Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, to discuss the complexities of the Middle East and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. Gregg shares insights from his personal and professional journey, explores the intersection of Jewish and American values, and explains why the Middle East remains central to global politics. The conversation covers the history and mission of the Middle East Forum, the region’s influence on energy, religion, and geopolitics, and the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. and its allies. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners. Guest: Gregg Roman Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT SHAI ON PATREON! 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode📢 Follow us on social media:Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidaiTik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform:RSS:https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pI03BMwAuQDbYIy4Zp6ah?si=2bd1c3f8a11c46cd Credits:Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit ProductionsFilmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit ProductionsGraphic by Shira AumanFor sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

In this episode, Shai sits down with actress, singer, and “Mom Curious” host Daniella Rabbani. She shares her journey growing up as a Modern Orthodox Jew, her deep pride in her Jewish identity, and how her family’s history shaped her perspective. Daniella discusses her transition from a religious upbringing to a more secular life, her experiences at NYU and in the performing arts, and how she discovered a passion for Yiddish theater. She reflects on the importance of Jewish language, culture, and resilience, and the role of storytelling in preserving heritage. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about identity, tradition, and finding one’s voice. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners. Guest: Daniella Rabbani Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support!COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!Get more from Here I Am with Shai Davidai on Patreonpatreon.com/ShaiDavidai🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pI03BMwAuQDbYIy4Zp6ah?si=2bd1c3f8a11c46cd #JewishIdentity#JewishPride#ModernOrthodox#YiddishTheater#JewishCulture#JewishHeritage#JewishHistory#HolocaustSurvivor#Diaspora#JewishTradition#JewishCommunity#JewishWomen#JewishPodcast#ActressInterview#SingerInterview#MomCurious#NYUAlumni#YiddishRevival#JewishLanguage#JewishResilience#JewishStorytelling#JewishMusic#JewishArt#JewishLife#InspiringStories#JewishDiaspora#JewishFamily#JewishRoots#JewishEducation#JewishPrideMonth#JewishVoices Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit ProductionsGraphic by Shira AumanFor sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

In this episode, Shai interviews Jonny Daniels, founder of the From the Depths Foundation, dedicated to preserving Holocaust memory and supporting survivors. Jonny shares his journey from growing up in London to making Aliyah at 18 and joining the IDF paratroopers. He discusses his deep connection to Israel, the challenges of Jewish identity in the diaspora, and the recurring theme of Jews feeling like guests in other countries. Jonny reflects on Jewish history, the importance of pride in Jewish achievements, and the unique moral standards upheld by the Israeli army. The conversation also touches on the resilience of the Jewish people, the lessons learned after October 7th, and the ongoing need for unity and pride within the global Jewish community. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners. Guest: Jonny Daniels Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it.We thank you for your support!COMING SOON BUY MERCH!SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media:Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai InstagramLogin • Instagram ... Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: RssPodcast Hosting Made Easy - Start a Podcast Today | RSS.com ... Apple Podcasts: RssPodcast Hosting Made Easy - Start a Podcast Today | RSS.com ... Spotify: Spotifypodcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh ... #JonnyDaniels #FromTheDepths #HolocaustMemory #HolocaustSurvivors #JewishHistory #JewishIdentity #JewishPride #JewishUnity #Israel #Aliyah #IDF #Paratroopers #Diaspora #October7 #JewishResilience Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira AumanFor sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://givebutter.com/HIA50thEpisode COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai Guest: Nitzan Mintz & Dede Bandaid In this episode of "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," Shai sits down with renowned Israeli street and gallery artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede, known for his iconic Band-Aid art. The conversation explores their creative journeys, the meaning behind Dede’s Band-Aid symbol, and how art became a tool for healing personal and collective trauma. Nitzan shares her story of turning poetry into public art as a way to process her own experiences, while Dede discusses the origins of his Band-Aid motif and its evolution from a personal symbol of PTSD recovery to a universal message of hope and connection. Together, they reflect on anonymity, artistic freedom, and the power of art to bring people together. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithTik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithsApple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithsSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh#hereiampodcast , #shaidavidai , #NitzanMintz, #dede , #BandAidArt, #streetart , #IsraeliArt, #graffitiart , #arthealing , #ptsdrecovery , #arttherapy , #PoetryInPublic, #AnonymousArtist, #nycart , #TelAvivArt, #artstorytime , #healingthroughart , #artpodcast , #artistinterviews , #creativejourney , #urbanart , #publicart , #ArtAndTrauma, #ArtCouple, #inspiringstories , #mentalhealthawareness , #artcommunity , #artlife , #arttransformation , #artsymbolism , #artinspiration Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://givebutter.com/HIA50thEpisodeCOMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidaiGuest: Nitzan Mintz & Dede BandaidIn this episode of "Here I Am with Shai Davidai," Shai sits down with renowned Israeli street and gallery artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede, known for his iconic Band-Aid art. The conversation explores their creative journeys, the meaning behind Dede’s Band-Aid symbol, and how art became a tool for healing personal and collective trauma. Nitzan shares her story of turning poetry into public art as a way to process her own experiences, while Dede discusses the origins of his Band-Aid motif and its evolution from a personal symbol of PTSD recovery to a universal message of hope and connection. Together, they reflect on anonymity, artistic freedom, and the power of art to bring people together. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode📢 Follow us on social media:Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithTik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform:RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithsApple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithsSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh#hereiampodcast , #shaidavidai , #NitzanMintz, #dede , #BandAidArt, #streetart , #IsraeliArt, #graffitiart , #arthealing , #ptsdrecovery , #arttherapy , #PoetryInPublic, #AnonymousArtist, #nycart , #TelAvivArt, #artstorytime , #healingthroughart , #artpodcast , #artistinterviews , #creativejourney , #urbanart , #publicart , #ArtAndTrauma, #ArtCouple, #inspiringstories , #mentalhealthawareness , #artcommunity , #artlife , #arttransformation , #artsymbolism , #artinspirationCredits:Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit ProductionsFilmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit ProductionsGraphic by Shira AumanFor sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://givebutter.com/HIA50thEpisode COMING SOON BUY MERCH! SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Melinda Strauss Linktree (all links): linktr.ee/melindastrauss In this Season 5 premiere, host Shai Davidai sits down with Melinda Strauss, a modern Orthodox Jewish creator and author with over 1.5 million followers. Melinda shares her journey from starting a food blog to becoming a prominent voice on Jewish life, faith, and food across social media. The conversation covers her approach to answering questions about Judaism, building inclusive communities, and addressing misconceptions—ranging from kosher food to Jewish identity and cultural appropriation. Melinda emphasizes the importance of curiosity, education, and making personal choices in religious practice, while also discussing the diversity within the Jewish community. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of Jewish culture, social media influence, and the power of sharing authentic stories. This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwith... Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwiths... Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... #HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #MelindaStrauss #JewishLife #JewishFaith #JewishFood #Kosher #ModernOrthodox #JewishCommunity #JewishIdentity #SocialMediaInfluencer #JewishCulture #JewishHeritage #JewishRecipes #JewishTradition #CulturalDiversity #AskAJew #JudaismExplained #JewishEducation #JewishPride #JewishWomen #JewishCreator #JewishPodcast #JewishQuestions #JewishLearning #JewishVoices #JewishInspiration #JewishCookbook #JewishTikTok #JewishInstagram #JewishInfluencer Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com

In this “Here I Am: Summer of Hope” special episode, Shai interviews an impressive young activist with a moving story of heartbreak, hope, and transforming tragedy into leadership. Yonatan Shimriz’s brother was kidnapped on October 7 and later tragically killed in Gaza by soldiers who thought he was a Hamas terrorist. From that unimaginable loss, Yonatan created the Kumu movement: a vision for Jewish unity, resilience, and a new generation of leaders to meet Israel’s challenges head-on. Kumu is more than a movement. It’s a platform to encourage young leaders to step up and secure a better life for all Israelis. In this powerful conversation, Yonatan shares his journey of grief, courage, and determination — and why he believes every Jew must “get up” and take responsibility to be the leaders Israel needs right now.

In this “Here I Am: Summer of Hope” special episode, Shai interviews an impressive young activist with a moving story of heartbreak, hope, and transforming tragedy into leadership. Yonatan Shimriz’s brother was kidnapped on October 7 and later tragically killed in Gaza by soldiers who thought he was a Hamas terrorist. From that unimaginable loss, Yonatan created the Kumu movement: a vision for Jewish unity, resilience, and a new generation of leaders to meet Israel’s challenges head-on. Kumu is more than a movement. It’s a platform to encourage young leaders to step up and secure a better life for all Israelis. In this powerful conversation, Yonatan shares his journey of grief, courage, and determination — and why he believes every Jew must “get up” and take responsibility to be the leaders Israel needs right now.

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support! https://tinyurl.com/HereIAmWithShaiDavidai COMING SOON BUY MERCH! NEW SUPPORT ME ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/ShaiDavidai --------- Guest: Wendy Sachs Link to Documentary: https://www.october8film.com/ Instagram: @wendysachs / https://www.instagram.com/wendysachs Twitter/X: @wendysachs / https://x.com/wendysachs In this episode, Emmy Award-winning producer and director Wendy Sachs joins host Shai Davidai for an insightful conversation. Wendy shares her journey as a secular Jew with a strong Jewish identity, reflecting on her formative experiences at a Jewish day school in Miami and her transformative trip to Israel as a teenager. She discusses her early activism, her passion for journalism, and how her love for Israel shaped her career path. Wendy and Shai dive into the making of her documentary film "October 8th," exploring the personal and political impact of recent events in Israel and the U.S. Wendy recounts her experience on October 7th, the reactions within her professional and social circles, and the challenges of navigating identity, activism, and journalism in today’s climate. The episode offers a candid look at Jewish identity, the complexities of political alliances, and the power of storytelling. 🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode 📢 Follow us on social media: Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.instagram.com/hereiamwithshaidavidai?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai https://www.tiktok.com/@hereiamwithshaidavidai 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform: RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai Apple Podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shai-davidai #HereIAmPodcast #ShaiDavidai #WendySachs #October8thFilm #JewishIdentity #JewishFilmmaker #JewishDirector #JewishProducer #JewishMedia #JewishInfluence #JewishPerspective #JewishNarrative Credits: Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions Graphic by Shira Auman For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com