Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

• Should Music Be Political? With Grammy-Winning Jewish Musician Joanie Leeds

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIt’s music meets mishpacha in this heartfelt new episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches! Grammy-winning Jewish children’s music artist Joanie Leeds joins Jonah to share stories about the triumphs and challenges of making Jewish music in today’s climate. They discuss the debut of her 12th studio album Ageless, an ode to multi-generational heritage and Jewish values. Joanie and Jonah also tackle the line between music as political expression and music as the universal language of unity.  They also get into:🎶 How Joanie turned banned children’s books into the protest album Freadom✡️ The challenges of advocating for a Jewish music category at the Grammys🎤 Collaborating with her daughter on song and on the stage📚 The greatness of Jewish hero Ruth Bader Ginsburg🎸 Balancing inclusivity and political messaging in family-friendly musicPress Play and join us for 30 minutes of music, meaning, and Jewish joy!Being Jewish Listener Survey (please help us!)https://forms.gle/rjvhcKgDD2yUknEw6 All Things Joanie! Joanie Leeds’ YouTube Channel Joanie Leeds’ Spotify Channel Joanie Leeds on Apple Music Joanie Leeds’ Website Pre Order Joanie’s Album Add your name to Joanie’s Recording Academy Jewish Artists List!Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Post Relativity & Mike O’ Brien; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODEJoanie’s Petition to Make a Jewish Music Grammy Category What does the Hebrew word “Ruach” mean? How Mister Rogers Tackled Taboo/Difficult Topics for Children Joanie wins her first Grammy Male Acts & Performers Dominate 2018 Grammy Nominations Coldplay’s Chris Martin Welcomes Israelis & Palestinians at Concerts Rise in American Book Burning List of Banned Books Children’s Book: And Tango Makes Three Controversy Around Children’s Book “And Tango Makes Three” “FAUCI OUCHIE” by Joanie Leeds What is Banned Books Week? Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Controversy Surrounding RBG’s Reluctance to Retire RBG’s Contributions to Female Financial Freedom Children’s Music Network (CMN) Joanie Leeds & Mikey Pauker Push For Jewish Music Category in The Grammys What is Grandparent’s Day? Joanie’s Upcoming Concert at the Kennedy Center 90s Music Legend Lisa Loeb Lisa Loeb’s Instagram Lisa Loeb Dishes on Being A Jewish Mom “Camp Lisa” Lisa Loeb’s Foundation & Song

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• The Secret History of Crypto-Jews with Mexican-American Jew Blanca Carrasco

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWhat happens when you grow up Catholic in Mexico — and discover you’re secretly Jewish?In this riveting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Blanca Carrasco, a descendant of Crypto-Jews who only discovered her family’s secret heritage at age 50. Now the president of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, Blanca unpacks the unknown history of Crypto-Jews — descendants of Jews who secretly maintained their faith after being forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition. Blanca shares her extraordinary journey to discover who her true family is. She’s a leader in the global movement helping descendants of forcibly converted Jews reclaim their heritage. Blanca opens up about:🕯️ How the Spanish Inquisition forced her ancestors to flee Spain and hide their Judaism for generations✝️ Being raised devoutly Catholic — and the moment she began questioning what she was taught🔯 Her path from Messianic Judaism to a full Jewish conversion📜 The Facebook post that led to the discovery of her secret family tree🎓 Her work with the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, and why their academic research has personal meaning for thousands of “Anusim” around the world🎬 A sneak peek into the Society's upcoming Los Angeles conference, including an opera, film screenings, and a genealogy workshop with Jeannie MilgromFrom Monterrey to El Paso, from the Church to the shul, Blanca’s story is a global tale of discovery, identity, and reconnection. Her life proves that history isn’t just in books — it’s in your blood. Hit play to discover how centuries of hidden history came full circle, and what Blanca’s story means for all of us.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew "MoJo" Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Editor: Post Relativity & Mike O’ Brien; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODEWho Were the Crypto Jews? The Converso HistoryThe Alhambra DecreeOttoman Lands provided Safe Haven for Sephardic Jews Expelled from Spain“Anuism” MeaningCaptain Marcos Alonso de la Garza del Arcón (1551-1634)Inquisition on the Canary IslandsMessianic Jew Jonathan SettelWho are Messianic Jews?Rabbi Stephen LeonAnusim Center of El PasoCommon Converso NamesJewish Mourning Traditions (like Covering Mirrors)What is Ladino?Somos Primos Facebook GroupAshkenazi vs Sephardic JewsTikkun Olam: Repairing the WorldSociety for Crypto-Judaic StudiesHaLapid MagazineCrypto-Jews of BrazilThe Dönmes: Crypto-Jews under Turkish RuleSociety for Crypto-Judaic Studies Annual Conference in Los Angeles, August 10-12, 2025Cuban-Jewish Author/Geneologist Genie MilgromWhat is a Mikvah?A Long Journey: The Hidden Jews of the SouthwestDona Gracia Mendes-Nasi“La Señora” opera about Dona Gracia by Dr. Michelle Green Willner

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• The Truth about Israeli Minorities with Lebanese Christian activist Jonathan Elkhoury

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWhat’s it like to be a gay Lebanese Christian — and proudly Zionist?In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with international Jonathan Elkhoury, a proud Israeli citizen who is challenging false media narratives and misconceptions about Israel one campus conversation at a time. Born in Lebanon to a father who fought alongside the IDF during Israel’s 1982 intervention in the Lebanese civil war, Jonathan fled Hezbollah rule and found refuge in Israel at age 9. He shares the harrowing story of his family’s escape, his emotional reunion with his father, and how Israel not only gave him safety, but also the freedom to live openly as a gay man — the only Middle Eastern country where that’s possible.Jonathan also speaks out about:🏳️‍🌈 Israel’s track record on LGBTQ rights — and the lie of “pinkwashing”🎓 How he confronts anti-Israel misinformation on college campuses — even after being spat on, kicked, and targeted for his views🧱 How he combats "Israeli Apartheid Week" with the truth of his lived experiences👤 What it means to be a “minority within a minority within a minority” — and why he still stands with Israel📺 Why mainstream media — including the BBC — continues to fail on the Middle East🔥 The real reasons Israel went into Lebanon in 1982 — and the Palestinian terrorism that sparked a civil warJonathan’s story is a living example of intersectionality — and how true human rights work means defending people, not slogans. He is the voice anti-Israel activists try to silence. Don’t miss hearing him on this week’s can’t miss episode.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Emma Webb); Editor: Rainbow Creative Team; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellFollow Jonathan on:IG: @jon_elkX: @Jonathan_ElkMENTIONED IN EPISODE:Jonah & Jonathan’s trip with Sharaka for March of the LivingJonathan Elkhoury on Defying StereotypesBackgrounder on the 1982 Lebanon WarLebanese Civil WarAnti-Israel “Apartheid Week”Israel’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon (2000)Israel’s LGBT Rights TimelineHow Immigrants Boosted LGBTQ Rights in IsraelLebanese Christians under the French MandateTimeline: The Rise, Spread, and Fall of ISISIsraeli Christians Recruitment ForumIsrael’s Population DiversityIsrael defends Druze in SyriaHassan Nasrallah Killed in Israeli AirstrikeJonathan’s Post 10/7 Tweet

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• The Wonderful World of Jewish Identity with Disney Animator Saul Blinkoff

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIn this inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with acclaimed Disney animator, filmmaker, and motivational speaker Saul Blinkoff for a powerful conversation about Jewish resilience, Disney magic, and living a life of purpose. Together, they explore how timeless Jewish values are embedded in iconic animated films like The Lion King, and Saul speaks passionately about finding meaning in your Jewish identity every day, and the importance of living with responsibility and intention.Saul reflects on his transformative trips to Israel as a guide with the nonprofit Momentum, and urges Jews worldwide to "LIVE FOR the Jewish people" as Israeli sons and daughters die to defend them. He and Jonah discuss how Jewish resilience, hope, and creativity can be antidotes to despair, even in the face of the horrors of October 7th. They also tackle:⁇ Was Walt Disney really an antisemite?🎬 The hidden Jewish values in your favorite Disney films 🇮🇱 Why Saul insists it’s safe (and necessary) to go to Israel right NOW🌟 The miraculous story of Omer Shem Tov, who kept his hope and Jewish identity alive, even as a Hamas hostage in GazaAnd much moreIf you’re looking for inspiration, wisdom, and practical ways to infuse your life with purpose and Jewish pride, this episode is a must-watch!Subscribe for more episodes of 30 Minute Mensches and join the conversation about what it truly means to be Jewish today.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Nathan Wheatley, Valerie Patterson); Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMENTIONED IN EPISODE:All things Saul Blinkoff:www.SaulBlinkoff.comIG: @Saul.Blinkoff Life of Awesome PodcastHighest Grossing Animated Movies in HistoryWho were the Sherman Brothers?Was Walt Disney an antisemite?“Path of the Just” Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (RaMChaL)Momentum OrgRabbi Noach WeinbergCrave!“We Will Dance Again” (Nova Festival Documentary)The Battle of SderotKibbutzim Destroyed on October 7thTragedy at Nahal Oz“The Killing Roads” documentaryIran lost more Generals in 12 Days than US in Both World Wars“Not That There’s Anything Wrong with That!”Omer Shem-Tov Kept Shabbat in Captivity

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• SERIES PREMIERE! 30 Minute Mensches: Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism

  Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishIn the premiere of our new series 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah Platt sits down with Michal Cotler-Wunsh — former Knesset member and Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism — for a long-overdue conversation about the eighth front of war: the battle for public opinion. Jonah and Michal discuss how antisemitism has manifested itself today, particularly through using anti-Zionist rhetoric, and how Israelis may feel a disconnect from that. Michal gives her perspective on how institutions such as the UN, Amnesty International, and elite universities have not only tolerated but enabled and normalized antisemitic double standards under the guise of progressive activism. Jonah challenges Michal to help make sense of the widespread moral confusion and media failures that culminate to chants such as “Death to the IDF,” and asks how we can bridge the gap with well-meaning people who have been misled by catchy headlines and ill-informed outrage. This episode answers the question of why antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem, but a global one, and what we can do to fight it.This episode tackles:🧠 Why Michal’s role as Israel’s antisemitism envoy is so crucial today, especially in combating widespread misinformation and harmful rhetoric.🎓 How university presidents and U.S. officials have failed to take a stand in the face of rising Jew-hatred🕍 Why most Israelis don’t understand global antisemitism — and why they need to📖 The 3 R’s: Remember, Reclaim, Renew — a framework for Jewish pride👤How human rights advocacy has been hijacked and weaponized  by anti-Zionists.—🎙️ 30 Minute Mensches is a new short-form edition of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt — spotlighting diverse voices doing meaningful work across Jewish and allied communities.MENTIONED IN EPISODEOfficial Biography of Michal Cotler-WunshThe Story of Queen EstherIHRA Definition of AntisemitismUN Speech: Michal Cotler-Wunsh Addresses Global AntisemitismRabbi Lord Jonathan SacksGlastonbury Festival Jewish concerns about MamdaniCalling Out Glastonbury Festival for Antisemitic MessagingThe 1948 War against Israel’s ExistenceUN 1975 Resolution Equating Zionism with RacismThe Story of Raphael LemkinDouble Standards & Natan Sharansky’s 3 D’s of AntisemitismIran’s Recent Strikes on IsraelAnti-Jew bias in Human Right WatchAl-Ahli HospitalHamas Terror TunnelsElite University Presidents Criticized for Antisemitism Hearing ResponsesHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Nathan Wheatley, Valerie Patterson); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell

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