Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt is a weekly podcast that illuminates the full, beautiful, often unexplored spectrum of Jewish identity, by exploring the personal journeys of both Jews and non-Jewish allies alike. Each week, actor/artist/advocate Jonah Platt will interview a celebrity figure from any number of fields—Art, Sports, Entertainment, Politics, Food, Music, Business, you name it—allowing the esteemed guest a safe space to dig deep into their own individual connection to the question, “What does it mean to be Jewish TO YOU?” Both the show’s audience and the established audience of each guest will have a unique opportunity to discover their hero’s connection to the Jewish experience through a thought-provoking conversation they won’t have heard anywhere else. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Episode 3: Ditching the Term “Antisemitism" + Music Manager Kenny Hamilton
6d ago
Episode 3: Ditching the Term “Antisemitism" + Music Manager Kenny Hamilton
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialIn this eye-opening episode of BEING JEWISH, Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of the term  “antisemitism” with guest Kenny Hamilton, a music mogul and former Justin Bieber bodyguard. The conversation dives deep into Kenny's journey towards converting to Judaism, his experiences working with Bieber and Scooter Braun, and how his identity as a Black Jew shapes his perspective on the current social climate. They also reflect on the shared cultural experiences between Black and Jewish communities, and the significance of Shabbat in fostering deeper connections. Kenny emphasizes the importance of speaking up against anti-Black and anti-Jew bigotry, and fostering a community of understanding and support. Join us for an enlightening discussion on breaking barriers and building a more inclusive world.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Follow Jonah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Kenny!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennyhamilton/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!00:00 Reframing Antisemitism: A Call to Action01:40 Research Insights: The Ineffectiveness of 'Antisemitism'05:50 Introducing Kenny Hamilton: A Unique Journey07:15 From Radio to Bodyguard: Kenny's Career Path08:36 Discovering Judaism: Kenny's Conversion Story09:44 Experiencing Israel: A Life-Changing Trip15:36 Cultural Connections: Black and Jewish Experiences25:25 Systemic Racism and Jewish History26:40 Jewish Contributions to Civil Rights27:36 Personal Journey to Judaism29:01 Conversion Process and Reflections33:57 Challenges and Reactions41:25 Social Media and Public Perception46:54 Finding Joy in Jewish Traditions
Episode 2: The Jewish Case for Both Trump & Harris + Social Media Activist Montana Tucker
6d ago
Episode 2: The Jewish Case for Both Trump & Harris + Social Media Activist Montana Tucker
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialIn this episode we are joined by dancer, singer, actress and social media star Montana Tucker. In this conversation with Jonah, she shares her journey from entertainer to Jewish advocate, discusses her Holocaust documentary “How To: Never Forget: A Holocaust remembrance film by Montana Tucker”, her powerful activism post-October 7th, and the importance of unity amidst rising anti-Jew hate. Montana also reflects on her upbringing in a predominantly Jewish area, her career in the entertainment industry, and her ongoing commitment to using her platform to uplift others for positive impact.Mentioned in this episodeHow To: Never Forget: A Holocaust remembrance film by Montana TuckerIsraeli & Palestinian Boy Band as1one Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Follow Jonah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Montana!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanatucker/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!00:00 Introduction: The Weight on American Jews00:19 Election Year: Jewish Perspectives01:13 Arguments for Kamala Harris02:01 Arguments Against Donald Trump05:12 Arguments for Donald Trump06:38 Arguments Against Kamala Harris08:30 The Complexity of Jewish Voting10:22 Interview with Montana Tucker11:27 Montana's Jewish Upbringing17:04 Montana's Career and Social Media Rise20:58 Holocaust Education and Activism26:59 Personal Connection and Authenticity27:08 Holocaust Education Challenges27:36 Impact of Social Media on Awareness28:03 Public Conversations and Media Influence30:05 October 7th: A Turning Point31:14 Rallies and Community Resilience31:53 Family Stories of Survival33:13 Advocacy and Social Media Challenges34:06 Balancing Activism and Personal Life41:28 Future Plans and Projects43:58 Community Support and Collaboration
Episode 1: Why This Podcast Exists + Actor Skylar Astin
6d ago
Episode 1: Why This Podcast Exists + Actor Skylar Astin
Watch the show on YouTube @JonahPlattOfficialIn the premiere episode of 'Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,' host Jonah Platt sits down with Hollywood actor Skylar Astin. Skylar opens up about his evolving Jewish identity, childhood experiences, and navigating the entertainment industry as a proud Jewish professional. They discuss the impact of recent events on Jewish advocacy, the challenges of anti-Jew hate, and the importance of openly celebrating Jewish culture. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation about Jewish identity, representation, and resilience.Mentioned in this episodeSkylar Astin’s Shabbat Special: Recipe for Change: Standing Up to Antisemitism - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj-pWmsOIyQ Smokey Robinson Mispronounces Chanukah I Cameo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPXGJIN8yQ Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the podcast: https://beingjewishwithjonahplatt.transistor.fm/subscribe Follow Jonah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonahplatt/ Follow the Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjewishpodcast/ Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish  Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Skylar!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarastin/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!00:00 Introduction: Embracing Jewish Identity00:38 The Turning Point: Spring 202101:32 Advocacy and the Podcast's Mission05:52 Guest Introduction: Skylar Astin07:45 Skylar's Jewish Journey15:34 Navigating Jewish Identity in Hollywood21:35 Combating Antisemitism: Past and Present24:24 Reflecting on Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism26:17 Navigating Social Media and Public Perception28:31 Balancing Activism and Professionalism32:45 Experiences in the Entertainment Industry37:45 Personal Connections and Jewish Culture39:42 Engaging with the Audience45:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts