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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

By: Jonah Platt
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 Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is the hit weekly podcast that illuminates the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity, through deeply honest and personal conversations with notable Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. 2025 Webby Honoree | Podcasts - Best Indie Podcast 2025 Wilbur Award WinnerJonah Platt Judaism Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • LIVE FROM PHILLY! Jewish & Native actress Sarah Podemski & activist Lani Anpo (Live from The Weitzman Museum in Philadelphia)

    LIVE FROM PHILLY! Jewish & Native actress Sarah Podemski & activist Lani Anpo (Live from The Weitzman Museum in Philadelphia)
    Oct 28 2025
    BEING JEWISH goes live! In our first ever East Coast live pod at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Jonah Platt welcomes two unique voices, Sarah Podemski and Lani Anpo, who share insights into their dual heritage as both Jewish and First Nation/Native American. Sarah is a Canadian actress, best known for her supporting role as Rita in the hit FX television series Reservation Dogs. Lani is a multi-tribal Native American Jewish advocate and educator, who uses her social media platform to champion the rights of hers and other marginalized groups. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of Jewish and Native cultural practices, the challenges of acceptance within respective communities, and the similarities between the two indigenous groups. Sarah and Lani share personal stories about their mixed heritage and the impact on their identities, both facing and overcoming external skepticism. The episode also delves into historical contexts such as the impact of blood quantum laws and the diaspora experience, and examines how these factors shape both modern-day struggles and triumphs. Sarah and Lani offer thoughtful reflections on the importance of community engagement, cultural preservation, and the struggle for sovereignty, especially for Native American and First Nation tribes. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience and rich cultural histories of these two unique communities.Topics covered include:Family Histories and Personal JourneysChallenges of Mixed HeritageParallels Between Jewish and Native CulturesSupport Systems and ResilienceNavigating Trauma TogetherExploring Israeli IdentityIndigeneity and the Israeli-Palestinian ConflictNative American ReparationsJewish and Native American Cultural ExchangeNative American History MonthThis episode was produced with and recorded live at the Weitzman NationalMuseum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.Learn more about The Weitzman at https://theweitzman.organd follow @weitzmanmuseum on Instagram, X, Facebook, andYouTube.Mentioned In The Episode:Lani Anpo InstagramIndijewness on InstagramSarah Podesmski InstagramThe Weitzman Museum on InstagramWatch Reservation Dogs on HuluMandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara NationSicangu Lakota NationSaulteauxThe Floaters (Upcoming Film)Jackie Tohn on BJJPBlood Quantum and Sovereignty: A GuideThe One-Drop RuleThe Jay TreatyLevantDecolonization From 1945Matrilineal Descent in the era of Babylonian ExileCelebrating National Native American Heritage MonthFoundational Essay of Patrick WolfSara’s Summer Camp: Camp ShomriaAbout Givat HavivaFor Jewish Indigenous actress Sarah Podemski, it’s a miracle just to exist (“plugging holes in a sinking ship”)Sarah’s sisters’s PBS series “Little Bird”Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:beingjewishpodcast@gmail.com To contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewish
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Soulful Dating Advice with Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom

    Soulful Dating Advice with Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom
    Oct 23 2025

    On the hunt for the perfect NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) or Girl? Look no further! On this love-filled episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah is joined by international matchmaking icon Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the hit Netflix show 'Jewish Matchmaking.” Aleeza is an author, dating coach, and modern day yente who has successfully matched over 200 couples and coached thousands more. Get ready to find your Beshert!


    Aleeze spills the tea on the most common dating mistakes, and why you might still be single. She also explains the wisdom behind her signature philosophies: “Date ‘em til’ you hate ‘em” “No touching for five dates” and why “Love is not enough.” Aleeza emphasizes personal growth, compatibility, and building a lasting connection through mutual understanding and shared values. She also discusses her vision for a global matchmaking movement aimed at strengthening communities by helping people find their life partners.


    In this episode, Jonah and Aleeza help you YOUR “Beshert” and chat about all of these meaningful topics:


    • Dating Culture Around the World
    • Challenges in Modern Dating
    • The #1 Dating Mistake People Make
    • Post-Match Coaching and Breakup Rules
    • Understanding Soulmates in Judaism
    • Why Older Singles Are Still Single
    • Opposites Attract vs. Peas in a Pod
    • Date 'Em Till You Hate 'Em
    • No Touching for Five Dates
    • The Importance of Compatibility Beyond Love




    Mentioned In Episode


    • Aleeza Ben Shalom Website
    • Matchmaker Matchmaker - Podcast
    • Aleeza Ben Shalom Youtube
    • Get Real Get Married: Get Over your Hurdles and Under the Chuppah
    • Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me a Love That Lasts
    • The Chuppah, or Wedding Canopy
    • Shomer Negiah, the Prohibition on Touching



    Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:

    www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast


    Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:

    bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter


    For Sponsorships, please email:

    Jonah@JonahPlatt.com


    To contact us & all things BJJP:

    www.BeingJewishPodcast.com


    Follow Jonah on:

    Instagram - @JonahPlatt

    X - @JonahPlatt


    Follow Being Jewish on:

    Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast

    TikTok - @BeingJewish
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    28 mins
  • Being Trans & Jewish with CoverGirl model Madison Werner

    Being Trans & Jewish with CoverGirl model Madison Werner
    Oct 16 2025
    Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:Jonah@JonahPlatt.comTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishMadison Werner has been a trailblazer in the transgender and Jewish communities, becoming the first transgender CoverGirl model in 2024 and using her platform to inspire hundreds of thousands worldwide. With pride, compassion and honesty, she shares her story of identity, faith, and belonging.In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Madison joins Jonah Platt to open up about navigating life as a Jewish and transgender woman - two powerful identities she refuses to separate. Since October 7th and the Israel/Hamas war, Madison has spoken out about the complexities many LGBTQ+ Jews face in balancing their support for Israel with acceptance in queer spaces. Through it all, she’s led with empathy, courage, and curiosity challenging brands, re-examining friendships, and deepening her connection to Jewish values.Madison also shares:Her experiences at Tel Aviv PrideWhat it was like sheltering in Israel during the Iranian rocket attacksGrowing up in a Jewish day schoolWhat Jewish teachings say about gender and transgender identityThis is a powerful, deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in today’s world.Listen to Madison Werner on 30 Minute Mensches with Jonah Platt - where modern Jewish voices share stories of courage, compassion, and community.Connect with MadisonFollow Madison Werner on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/madisonwerner/?hl=en Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson; Editor: Jacob Kindberg; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMentioned in EpisodeB’Tselem Elohim: Jewish Concept That We’re All Born in God’s ImageJQ InternationalJQ International Honors Henry PlattFacebook VideoNavigating Jewish-Queer Identity in the Wake of October 7thInsider Israel’s Vibrant LGBTQ CommunityUnderstanding LGBTQ Rights in IsraelUnderstanding The Horseshoe Theory in PoliticsFollow Feminist on InstagramMadison Werner Becomes First Transgender Model To Represent CovergirlThe Seven Genders in the TalmudThe Road to the Iran-Israel War
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    27 mins
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