People Jew Wanna Know

Alana Zeitchik, a hostage family member & advocate, joins People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to discuss her reflections on advocating for the release of her 6 relatives that were taken hostage on October 7th. Hostage families continue to be instrumental players in securing the release of their loved ones and pressuring Israel to make a deal. In this emotional episode, Margarita and Alana discuss ceasefires, hostage release deals, the importance of humanity and not letting hate metastasize in our hearts. While this episode is not a debate, Margarita and Alana share very differing political views, so you have an opportunity to hear both sides. Follow Alana Zeitchik on Instagram @alanalindsay and let's BRING THEM HOME NOW! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 10:27 Alana's path to becoming an advocate after her family was taken hostage 11:50 What is misunderstood in the West about hostages & their families? 18:42 Ceasefire & hostage deals seem to be at odds with what the Israeli government wants. What do we do? 27:30 What is Alana's preferred day after plan? 29:48 What is the hostage family community like? 33:12 What can we do to support released hostages & survivors struggling with grief/PTSD? 42:15 Alana's work on The Narrow Bridge Project 1:00:52 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Aleeza Ben Shalom joins People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to talk about all things Jewish dating, relationships, and marriage! Known for Netflix's iconic show, Jewish Matchmaking, Margarita and Aleeza discuss the dating landscape, Aleeza's new book, and Aleeza offers countless pieces of valuable dating advice. Grab a copy of Aleeza's new book "Matchmaker Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts" anywhere you get your books, and follow Aleeza on social media @aleezabenshalom. Check out Aleeza's matchmaking business at www.marriagemindedmentor.com What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 03:18 What has Aleeza been up to in the last 2 years? 04:50 How has Jewish dating changed since Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking? 08:49 Is chivalry dead? Dating by Jewish values 14:24 Some new Aleeza-isms! 17:00 Spark vs. Slow Grown - you want a Slow Spark 23:22 Aleeza's success stories 28:40 Dating on Reality TV & Margarita's experience 31:38 On Aleeza's new book! 34:05 Is dating about luck? 39:42 Dating advice from Aleeza in the new year 41:48 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Jewish comedian, Eli Lebowicz, joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast to crack some jokes and talk all things comedy and Jewish life. Margarita and Eli discuss whether there are Jewish topics that are off-limits in comedy, how Jews are portrayed in the media, and the importance of comedy in difficult times. Check out Eli's Boca Raton show on January 19th at elicomedy.com/boca Follow Eli on Instagram @elicomedyagram and see his upcoming shows on www.elicomedy.com What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 02:56 Who is Eli Lebowicz & how did he get into Jewish comedy? 04:03 How Margarita & Eli met 09:22 How is Jewish comedy changing? 13:33 On the parallel between Israel & Ukraine 22:38 What is JSketch? 27:13 Are any Jewish topics off limits for comedy? 35:25 How did Eli learn how to write jokes? 38:07 Jewish Lightning Round! 43:46 A lesson from Eli 44:42 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Tune in to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of People Jew Wanna Know Podcast! Margarita's little brother, Daniel, asks her questions from listeners as she reflects on various milestones of the pod. They talk about: Will Margarita take the podcast full time? Who are Margarita's dream guests? What has she learned in 1 year of doing the pod? Margarita's dating lifeWhere the Jews are headed

On this jolly New Year's Day, Margarita chats with Ari Axelrod - singer, musician and actor. Ari has become known for his award-winning show, A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway. Ari is not only a musical theater savant but the loudest Zionist voice in musical theater right now. In this conversation, Margarita and Ari discuss everything from his career to musical theater, and to, of course, his activism. Learn more about Ari's work at ariaxelrod.com and follow him on Instagram @AriAxelrod Buy tickets to Ari's Show on January 18th: https://54below.org/events/ari-axelrods-a-place-for-us-a-celebration-of-jewish-broadway-album-release-show/ What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 02:47 Ari's background & career in entertainment 06:50 What are theater kids? 08:48 On playing old Jewish men 14:00 Ari's show - A Place For Us 29:14 The story of Ari's great great uncle who was killed by Nazis during his opera performance 31:38 Ari is the loudest Zionist voice in musical theater - what does he have to say to others in show business? 38:20 Was Masada heroic or a shame? 42:57 Ari has one more thing to say! 44:15 Hear Ari sing 46:04 Lightning Round 48:58 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

It's the start of Hanukkah and Xmas day which is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a lighthearted conversation with Rachie Shnay who joins us on the pod this week. Rachie is known not only as a social media activist, but also as owner and founder of her iconic jewelry brand - Rachie Shnay. Her Mazel rings are worn by numerous Jewish celebrities! Learn about Rachie's fascinating story, her popular brand and hear Rachie's powerful message on the importance of Jewish education and Jewish continuity. Check out Rachie's company at rachieshnay.com and follow her on Instagram @rachieshnay What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 02:44 The Story of Rachie Shnay & what is the Mazel Collection? 12:21 On Rachie's online activism 16:05 People are marrying out & there are Anti-Zionist Jews, what do we do? 22:45 Margarita's experience teaching Hebrew School 28:59 Rachie's visit to Israel & the importance of Jewish continuity 33:27 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Margarita welcomes the hosts of Schmuckboys podcast onto People Jew Wanna Know! Libby Shayo and Marla Friedson have been running their pod since 2021 and talk all things Jewish life, dating and relationships. This episode is full of dating stories, dating disasters and laughter! Check out Schmuckboys wherever you get your podcasts and follow them on Instagram @schmuckboys official What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 06:14 The Schmuckboys origin story & how the pod has evolved 16:30 How to talk about Oct 7th & the war as a Jewish creator 17:29 1 in 4 Jewish people "marry out" - what's going on with dating? 27:04 The one time Margarita tried branching out to non-Jewish guys 30:06 Highlights of the Schmuckboys podcast 37:00 On dating the same people as your friends 40:31 A moment to appreciate Margarita's brother - Daniel & on who pays for the first date 45:48 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Rachelle Unreich joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast to talk about her career in journalism/writing and her award-winning book - A Brilliant Life. A Brilliant Life is the powerful, true story of Rachelle's mother, Mira - a Holocaust survivor. Spoiler alert: Brilliance runs in the family ;) This episode will leave you inspired, optimistic and eager to grab a copy. Check out Rachelle's work at RachelleUnreich.com and follow her on Instagram @rachelleunr What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 03:14 Rachelle's career & the origin A Brilliant Life 09:55 On the relationship between parents & children 16:42 Does Rachelle believe in ghosts? On life after death 24:20 On psychics 34:10 Does Rachelle see any parallels between Mira's life in the Holocaust & life post Oct-7? 43:30 Rachelle's contribution to On Being Jewish Now 48:06 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Alvah Klempt, an iconic Jewish drag queen, joins People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to discuss her career & talk all things drag! Check out and book Alvah at alvahklempt.com and follow her on Instagram @alvahklempt What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 02:42 What is Alvah Klempt's story? 06:54 Alvah's favorite kind of drag 08:02 Alvah's Jewish upbringing & how it influenced the creation of Alvah Klempt 11:50 "I am really inspired by the Jewish drag queens that have come before me" 16:20 On the Netflix show Nobody Wants This 20:22 When is drag tribute vs. mockery? 24:28 A quick tangent about Cabaret 27:57 What is it like being a Jewish performer in the drag community? 33:16 Best drag clubs in NYC 36:42 Lessons from Alvah as a new drag queen of the NYC drag scene 39:26 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Margarita interviews Chama Mechtaly - a Muslim-Jewish activist, influencer, and founder of the Emma Lazarus Institute of Liberty & Tolerance. Chama has worked tirelessly on instrumental policy work designed to deradicalize the Middle East and normalize Israel/Arab World relations. One such example is her contribution to the Abraham Accords. In this episode, Chama offers a refreshing, no bullshit take on the situation in the Middle East and where she thinks we are headed. Learn more about Chama at chamamechtaly.com and follow her on Instagram @millennialmoor What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 03:59 Who is Chama Mechtaly? Her work in advocacy, policy & her unconventional upbringing 15:29 On the Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty & Tolerance 17:24 What do people in the Western world misunderstand about the Middle East? 24:12 On the Abraham Accords & the threats of radicalization 30:45 Positive & Negative Peace 34:54 Chama's take on Israel & one-state or two-state solution 49:20 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Zach Sage Fox joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast to discuss his instrumental work as a social media influencer, producer, director and thought leader in the Jewish world. Zach has created some of the most viral content to come out of the Israel/Hamas war including interviews of Palestinian people in the West Bank. Learn how Zach went from being a Disney star to a media mogul. Follow Zach Sage Fox on Instagram @zach.sage What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 04:06 Who is the Zach of all trades? Zach's upbringing & how he got into entertainment 08:39 Fat Camp 9:55 On the Youtube era & how Zach interviewed random people 14:12 How Zach won a talent competition that propelled his career 15:30 On Meghan Trainor & working for Disney 19:37 How Zach ended up at UPenn 27:08 The importance of entrepreneurship in entertainment 35:51 Zach's footage from the West Bank 44:34 Where does Zach think things are headed for the Jews? 46:54 TikTok Ban 55:11 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Margarita welcomes Nissim Black onto People Jew Wanna Know podcast in an episode where they discuss his path to Judaism, his many visits to Ukraine, and his love for music. Nissim is a black Orthodox Jewish rapper, songwriter and record-producer known for his iconic music and fur hat! Check out Nissim's music at nissimofficial.com and follow him on Instagram @nissimofficial What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 05:47 Who is Nissim Black? 09:02 Nissim's journey from Islam to Christianity to Judaism 17:29 On having a black Jewish family 21:12 Nissim's thoughts post Oct 7 - where are the Jews at? 22:12 On growing up in the hood & building good credit 24:02 Nissim's visits to Ukraine 31:30 On black people in Ukraine 33:20 Nissim's upbringing in Seattle - "I didn't experience racism" 37:31 Rap & Music Lighting Round! 40:47 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

In an unconventional turn of events, Margarita welcomes Dr. David Rosenfeld, a proctologist, onto the podcast! Dr. Rosenfeld is known as the viral Tushy Doc on TikTok. Margarita and Tushy Doc discuss all things butt & gut health, and Dr. Rosenfeld offers numerous pieces of helpful advice! Us Jews know that we need it! Follow Dr. Rosenfeld on TikTok @tushydoc and check out his practice at toproctology.com What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 03:52 Who is Dr. Rosenfeld? 08:25 Margarita's first colonoscopy at 18 09:23 Why go on TikTok & what is the Tushy Team? 14:08 What has Dr. Rosenfeld learned from his followers? 20:38 Why talking about colon & gastro issues can be lifesaving 30:55 Holistic remedies that can help with colon & gastro issues 36:05 On laxatives 43:05 Why do Jews have so many gastro issues? 45:54 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Hostage negotiator, Mickey Bergman, joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast to talk about his experience negotiating for the release of hostages in Gaza and reflect on his career. Mickey is responsible for negotiating pretty much all the major hostage cases in our generation, including the release of Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan, Otto Warmbier, Gilad Shalit, and the deal in Israel on November 2023 which released 105 hostages. Mickey has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice, and it is a tremendous privilege to have him on the podcast. Follow Mickey on X @mickeybergman and on Instagram @mickey.bergman and check out his work at www.reach.global . What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 08:52 Who is Mickey Bergman & the world of hostage negotiations 16:28 How Mickey defines luck 17:00 Releasing Gilad Shalit 19:04 The situation with 101 hostages in Gaza today & Mickey's call for a deal 27:00 The counterargument to securing a deal 28:36 "The problem with the Gilad Shalit deal wasn't in the deal" it's what happened after 29:38 On creating deterrence for Hamas & the struggle of working within the current Israeli administration 31:37 Why aren't the hostages an American issue? 33:18 2 Cardinal Rules of Hostage Negotiation 35:10 "President Biden is most likely the last Zionist president" 36:54 Antisemitism on the far left vs. far right - where is it worse? 42:57 On emotional intelligence & resilience in negotiations & life 49:10 Case Study of Serena Williams' emotional intelligence 52:53 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Margarita interviews Mike Indursky, former executive at major beauty brands like L'Oreal, Bliss and Burt's Bees who now runs his own skincare company - Hear Me Raw. Mike has over 30 years of experience in beauty & skin marketing, and his episode is full of useful information not only on skincare but on career building and marketing. Mike's lighthearted and humorous demeanor will keep you on your toes in this episode! Try Mike's products at hearmeraw.com and follow Hear Me Raw on Instagram @hearmerawskin What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 06:01 Who is Mike Indursky & what is Hear Me Raw? 13:05 The story about Mike's mom & the Lalique statuettes 14:29 Will Mike sign up for stand up comedy class? 14:54 Mike's Good Clean Fungi cleanser 17:57 How Mike got into marketing 18:53 What is going on in the skincare industry & why natural skincare is the way 25:20 Mike's tried & true pieces of marketing advice 30:40 On the advertising industry & lower quality advertisement 32:45 Margarita's Amazon scam 35:59 Skincare lightning round 40:52 Mike's reflections on his career 41:37 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Margarita welcomes Daniella Rabbani onto the podcast! Daniella is an actress, filmmaker, podcaster, and singer, with a special passion for Yiddish music. According to Daniella, "Jews don't control the media, but they did create Hollywood!" After being suggested by numerous guests of the pod, Margarita finally found a chance to connect with Daniella, and it did not disappoint! Daniella talks about the fascinating industry of Yiddish theater and its influence on Broadway and Hollywood. She also walks us through her various projects including numerous films, performances, and her podcast - Mom Curious. Follow Daniella on Instagram @daniellarabbani and check out her website daniellarabbani.com Follow the Mom Curious podcast on Instagram @momcurious and listen wherever you get your podcastsDaniella’s Kickstarter for Klezmerette: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klezmerette/klezmerette-a-multimedia-project?ref=project_buildWhat We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 03:17 Who is Daniella Rabbani - actress and Jewish songstress? 05:56 Daniella's scene in Ocean's 8 & how God Friended Me was filmed outside of Margarita's apartment08:35 How did Daniella become involved in Yiddish theater & music? 12:34 Tumbalalaika & the Russian Jewish audience 15:30 How did Yiddish theater impact Off Broadway, Broadway & Hollywood? 21:23 On Klezmer Music & the influence of other countries on Jewish culture25:05 Daniella's upcoming film - Klezmerette 30:25 How has Daniella's activism on social media impacted her in the last year? 35:50 Mom Curious Podcast37:55 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode series in memory of the events of October 7th. Margarita interviews Hugo Wolaj and Avichai Koch. Hugo is a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri who now works to rebuild the Kibbutz post-October 7th. Avichai Koch is a farmer in Moshav Tkuma which is located a mere 4 miles from Gaza. We cover the lives of these two men post-October 7th and their remarkable contributions. Help rebuild Kibbut Be'eri at www.rebuildbeeri.org Check out Avichai's farm on Instagram @meshek1tkuma and help save a farm at www.saveafarmfund.org What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 07:27 Rebuilding Kibbutz Be'Eri - Hugo Wolaj 39:29 Avichai Koch & the life of farmers in Israel

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode series in memory of the events of October 7th. Margarita interviews Shira Rosenstein and Eilat Tibi. Shira is the PR Manager for a NGO organization called ISRAEL-Is. One of the major contributions of this organization is their unique virtual reality film, "Survived To Tell" which takes the viewer through the sites of October 7th. Eilat Tibi is a Nova Music Festival survivor. In the past year, Eilat spent time serving in the IDF and working for the Nova Exhibition in NYC and LA. We cover the lives of these two women post-October 7th and their remarkable contributions. Connect with Shira on Instagram @israel.is.you and @survived.to.tell . Learn more about the work of ISRAEL-IS at www.israel-is.org Connect with Eilat on Instagram @eilatibi . Learn more about the Nova Music Festival Exhibition on Instagram @novaexhibition . What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 05:03 Shira Rosenstein's story & ISRAEL-Is 35:35 Eilat Tibi - Finding the way after Nova

Margarita brings back Bradley Tusk and welcomes Zibby Owens onto the podcast. Zibby is releasing a book titled On Being Jewish Now which Bradley contributed to. Learn more about this interesting book and both Zibby's and Bradley's take on the current Jewish landscape. Purchase On Being Jewish Now in audio or eBook format now, or get it in paperback in November 2024. Follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens Sign up for Bradley Tusk's newsletter at www.firewall.media What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda Zibby Owens Interview 02:13 Who is Zibby? 04:20 How did On Being Jewish Now come about & what is it? 09:57 Why Zibby pulled her sponsorship from the National Book Awards - this was international news 15:00 What has surprised Zibby in the last year? 18:57 How can people connect with Zibby? "If you're listening, don't lose hope" Bradley Tusk Interview 21:10 How did Bradley get involved with On Being Jewish Now? 21:55 What is in Bradley's essay? 25:46 Quick tangent re: Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan 28:00 Did Bradley throw out any essay ideas? How much antisemitism do we actually experience? 30:55 What is happening in modern society re: antisemitism? On finding purpose 37:50 Does Bradley feel the same about Columbia as he did when Margarita first interviewed him? 45:05 Mobile voting!!! 47:50 The upcoming Presidential election 52:38 Advice for Jewish voters 57:30 Closing Remarks

In this episode, Margarita sits down with Jewish country singer Joe Buchanan, who blends the soul of country music with the wisdom of Torah—something you won’t hear anywhere else! Discover Joe’s inspiring journey to Judaism and how he found his calling in creating music for the community. Check out Joe's work at joebuchananmusic.com . Follow Joe on TikTok and Instagram @joebuchananmusic What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda 4:51 What is Joe's story & how did he get into Jewish country music? 11:37 On Joe's conversion process 14:25 What surprised Joe most about his conversion process? 19:00 Jewish community in Texas vs. NYC 26:16 Joe's take on the southern community post Oct 7 - "We have to continue being exactly who we are" 35:09 Did Joe experience any challenges in the Jewish community considering he converted? 37:76 "When people [converts] come here, they've been through some stuff" 41:33 What's Joe's favorite part of being Jewish? 45:20 "We're supposed to be a light to the nations" 47:36 What is the Tableside Shabbat Siddur? 49:56 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination