Ep 585: Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Marisa Fox on hmTv

Ep 599: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Robert Klein on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes legendary comedian, actor, singer, writer, and storyteller Robert Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, Jewish identity, history, memory, antisemitism, and the fragile state of democracy. Robert reflects on growing up in the Bronx as the son of Frieda and Benjamin Klein and the grandson of Hungarian Jewish immigrants. He shares how his early experiences in the Catskills introduced him to live stand-up comedy and to Holocaust survivors whose stories left a lasting impression on him. The conversation turns deeply historical as Robert discusses his extensive reading of Nuremberg testimony, the dangers of propaganda, the “Jewish problem” language used by antisemites, and the way ordinary people can be manipulated into silence, complicity, or cruelty. Bernie and Robert also explore the lessons of the Holocaust, the importance of museums and education, the rise of modern antisemitism, and the dangerous speed at which misinformation spreads today. With honesty, humor, and remarkable historical insight, Robert Klein reminds us that comedy can reveal truth, history must be remembered, and silence in the face of hate is never an option. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 598: Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Carla Wirth on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this deeply personal episode of Raised by Survivors, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes longtime friend Carla Wirth for a moving conversation about legacy, inherited trauma, memory, and the sacred responsibility of keeping survivor stories alive. Carla shares the story of her father, a Holocaust survivor who was taken into the camps as a young teenager and survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. She reflects on growing up as the child of a survivor, the anxiety and survival instincts that shaped her childhood, and the emotional weight of carrying a story that was not originally hers — but became her duty to preserve. Together, Bernie and Carla discuss what it means to be 2G, the ways trauma can echo through generations, and how food, family rituals, faith, and artifacts connect children of survivors to the world their parents lost. Carla also shares treasured items from her father’s life, including Holocaust-era memorabilia, speeches, letters, medals, and the powerful story of a shofar connected to Bergen-Belsen. The conversation also turns to today’s rise in antisemitism, the danger of silence, and the urgent need to educate future generations before hate becomes normalized. Through grief, memory, humor, and cautious hope, this episode reminds us that survivor stories are not only history — they are warnings, responsibilities, and calls to conscience. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 597: Putting the Brakes on Bullying with Samantha Sosnik and guest Jeanine Driscoll on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Putting the Brakes on Bullying, host Samantha Sosnik welcomes Jeanine Driscoll, Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes and candidate for New York’s 4th Congressional District, for a thoughtful conversation about public service, leadership, family, bullying, and standing up for others. Jeanine shares how her work helping Nassau County residents understand tax exemptions, assessment appeals, and financial resources has deepened her commitment to serving the community. She reflects on the importance of listening to people, especially seniors, veterans, working families, and those who feel unheard. Samantha and Jeanine also discuss the emotional impact of bullying, the responsibility of parents and schools, and the need to protect children and vulnerable communities. The conversation expands into the rise of antisemitism, the importance of speaking out against hate, and why kindness, education, and moral courage must begin at home. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not only about policy — it is about compassion, listening, service, and choosing to be an upstander when others need support. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 596: It's All About the Children with Carin & Sami and guest Melanie Shiraz P2 on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 596: It’s All About the Children with Carin & Sami Guest: Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz, Part 2 | hmTv at HMTC In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, hosts Carin and Sami continue their discussion with Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz about identity, critical thinking, social media, antisemitism, and the challenges facing young people today. Melanie speaks honestly about the dangers of receiving information without questioning it, especially in a world shaped by algorithms, AI, propaganda, and online narratives designed to influence emotions and beliefs. Drawing from her experience as a data scientist, advocate, and public voice for Israel, she encourages young people to think critically, ask deeper questions, and resist the pressure to accept oversimplified good-versus-bad narratives. The conversation also explores the rise of anti-Zionism, the normalization of hateful language, and the importance of standing proudly in one’s identity. Melanie reminds listeners that strength comes from knowing who you are, staying grounded in your values, and refusing to shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Despite the seriousness of the topics, the episode ends with a message of hope: there are still people choosing dialogue, coexistence, courage, and humanity. As Melanie says, a small candle can light up a very dark room — and young people can become that light.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 595: It's All About the Children with Carin & Sami and guest Melanie Shiraz P1 on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 595: It’s All About the Children with Carin & Sami Guest: Melanie Shiraz, Part 1 | hmTv at HMTC In this powerful first part of It’s All About the Children, hosts Carin and Sami welcome Melanie Shiraz, data scientist, entrepreneur, advocate, and reigning Miss Israel, for an honest conversation about identity, resilience, leadership, and the responsibility young people have in shaping a better world. Melanie shares how her Israeli identity, Jewish pride, and deep sense of community helped her stand strong through challenges, including campus hostility, public scrutiny, and the pressures of representing Israel on the world stage. Together, Carin, Sami, and Melanie explore the dangers of black-and-white thinking, the importance of teaching children to know who they are, and how culture, family, and community can give young people the strength to resist hate and social pressure. The conversation also turns to social media, where Melanie offers insight from her background as a data scientist, warning about algorithms, propaganda, comparison, and the way online platforms can profit from anger and division. Sami adds a moving reflection on the power of words and images, reminding young people that words can inspire, but they can also wound in ways that cannot easily be taken back. This episode is a thoughtful and timely discussion about pride, coexistence, critical thinking, and helping children become grounded, compassionate future leaders.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]