Why I Felt Safer in An Active War Zone (Season Two Finale)

Why I Felt Safer in An Active War Zone (Season Two Finale)

In this season finale of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael reflects on his time in Israel during the ongoing Hamas-Israel War and the 12-Day Israel-Iran War in June 2025.   He opens up about: - Experiencing Israel during conflict - Visiting the Nova site - The resilience of Israel’s LGBTQ+ community - Feeling safer in Israel than in New York - The emotional and mental toll of war - Navigating Jewish and queer identity in crisis - The power of community support   This episode is personal, honest, and hopeful. It’s about grief, gratitude, resilience — and the belief that peace is still possible.   Thank you for being part of this season. hosted by Michael Valdes, aka Hot Jewish Energy subscribe to and watch Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast! YouTube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast [http://youtube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast] LISTEN ON 🎧: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B] Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/id1702760124 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-podcast/id1702760124] iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414 [https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414] Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433] Podbean: https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com [https://hotjewishpodcast.podbean.com] Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286 [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286] FOLLOW ME: Instagram & Threads: @hotjewishenergypodcast [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergypodcast], @hotjewishenergy [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergy], @michaeltvaldes [http://Instagram.com/michaeltvaldes] TikTok: @hotjewishenergy [http://TikTok.com/@hotjewishenergy] X (formerly Twitter): @hotjewishenergy [http://X.com/hotjewishenergy] YouTube: @michaeltvaldes4 [http://youtube.com/@michaeltvaldes4] & @michaeltvaldes [http://youtube.com/michaeltvaldes] © 2026 Hot Jewish Media, All Rights Reserved.

Jewish, Asian, and Loud: Amy Albertson on Identity & Online Hate

Most people think activists and “influencers” fit into neat little boxes. Amy Albertson does not.   In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Amy Albertson — a Chinese-Jewish creator and longtime Israel advocate — sits down with Michael Valdes to talk about identity, online hate, and what it means to stay loud when the world wants you quiet.   We get into: • Growing up Chinese & Jewish in Northern California • Experiencing antisemitism on campus — and starting an Israel group at Portland State • Making Aliyah and living in Israel for 6 years • Why October 7 reignited her voice online • The difference between “pro-Palestine” activism and outright antisemitism • Why Israel felt healing after the attacks — and why rally energy matters • The mental health cost of being publicly Jewish right now   This is a real conversation — messy, honest, and needed.   Follow Amy: @theamyalbertson (IG / TikTok / X) hosted by Michael Valdes, aka Hot Jewish Energy subscribe to and watch Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast! YouTube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast [http://youtube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast] LISTEN ON 🎧: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B] Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/id1702760124 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-podcast/id1702760124] iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414 [https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414] Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433] Podbean: https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com [https://hotjewishpodcast.podbean.com] Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286 [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286] FOLLOW ME: Instagram & Threads: @hotjewishenergypodcast [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergypodcast], @hotjewishenergy [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergy], @michaeltvaldes [http://Instagram.com/michaeltvaldes] TikTok: @hotjewishenergy [http://TikTok.com/@hotjewishenergy] X (formerly Twitter): @hotjewishenergy [http://X.com/hotjewishenergy] YouTube: @michaeltvaldes4 [http://youtube.com/@michaeltvaldes4] & @michaeltvaldes [http://youtube.com/michaeltvaldes] © 2026 Hot Jewish Media, All Rights Reserved.

Banned for Being Jewish? (with Max Rotenberg / @lilbuddymax)

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*   Many Jewish creators know the reality: speak about Israel or antisemitism online, and you risk being banned, shadow-banned, or erased.   In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with Max Rotenberg, a young Canadian-Jewish creator, who shares what happened after he built a TikTok following of 8,000+ by educating viewers on Jewish history, Zionism, and antisemitism — only to have his platform removed overnight.   We discuss: - The rise of antisemitism on social media - How TikTok and Instagram moderate Jewish content - The research behind his videos (JSTOR, Britannica, verified sources) - The mental toll of being banned - Being openly Jewish, Zionist, and queer online - The tension within LGBTQ spaces   This isn’t about victimhood. It’s about refusing to disappear.   As antisemitism rises and digital platforms shape public opinion, Jewish voices matter more than ever. Max is rebuilding — and speaking louder.   Follow Max: Twitter/X: @lilbuddymax [https://x.com/lilbuddymax] Instagram: @maxr.lmao [https://www.instagram.com/maxr.lmao/] hosted by Michael Valdes, aka Hot Jewish Energy subscribe to and watch Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast! YouTube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast [http://youtube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast] LISTEN ON 🎧: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B] Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/id1702760124 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-podcast/id1702760124] iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414 [https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414] Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433] Podbean: https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com [https://hotjewishpodcast.podbean.com] Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286 [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286] FOLLOW ME: Instagram & Threads: @hotjewishenergypodcast [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergypodcast], @hotjewishenergy [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergy], @michaeltvaldes [http://Instagram.com/michaeltvaldes] TikTok: @hotjewishenergy [http://TikTok.com/@hotjewishenergy] X (formerly Twitter): @hotjewishenergy [http://X.com/hotjewishenergy] YouTube: @michaeltvaldes4 [http://youtube.com/@michaeltvaldes4] & @michaeltvaldes [http://youtube.com/michaeltvaldes] © 2026 Hot Jewish Media, All Rights Reserved.

A Jewish Librarian Fights Back (with Eytan Kessler / @Sleepy_Librarian_)

Most people picture librarians as quiet and reserved — until you meet Eytan Kessler.   In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with Eytan, who shares what it means to be a gay Jewish librarian navigating faith, identity, and activism in a time of rising antisemitism. From his Long Island roots to his connection with Israel, he reflects on how books, history, and community shaped his voice — and why he refuses to let misinformation go unchallenged.   We discuss: - Highlighting Jewish resistance stories - Confronting harmful Holocaust narratives in publishing - Why supporting Jewish and Zionist authors matters - The rise of antisemitism in media and online spaces - Navigating social media as a queer Jewish advocate - The emotional toll of online hate - How the Israel–Gaza war reshaped his activism   Eitan speaks candidly about stepping back for mental health, standing firm in his values, and using literature as a form of resistance.   This episode is for educators, activists, readers, and anyone who believes storytelling shapes culture. Because protecting Jewish history — and amplifying authentic voices — isn’t optional. It’s essential.   Follow Eytan: @sleepy_librarian_ [https://www.instagram.com/sleepy_librarian_] hosted by Michael Valdes, aka Hot Jewish Energy subscribe to and watch Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast! YouTube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast [http://youtube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast] LISTEN ON 🎧: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B] Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/id1702760124 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-podcast/id1702760124] iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414 [https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414] Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433] Podbean: https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com [https://hotjewishpodcast.podbean.com] Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286 [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286] FOLLOW ME: Instagram & Threads: @hotjewishenergypodcast [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergypodcast], @hotjewishenergy [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergy], @michaeltvaldes [http://Instagram.com/michaeltvaldes] TikTok: @hotjewishenergy [http://TikTok.com/@hotjewishenergy] X (formerly Twitter): @hotjewishenergy [http://X.com/hotjewishenergy] YouTube: @michaeltvaldes4 [http://youtube.com/@michaeltvaldes4] & @michaeltvaldes [http://youtube.com/michaeltvaldes] © 2026 Hot Jewish Media, All Rights Reserved.

Stop The Squad? The Future of Jewish Political Advocacy (with The Modern Maccabee) [PT. 2]

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*   In Part 2 of this conversation, The Modern Maccabee and Michael dive even deeper.   Topics include: - The purpose behind Stop The Squad - Why India and Israel share historic parallels - Antisemitism within progressive politics - BLM leadership controversy and Jewish–Black relations - Iranian freedom movements - Social media propaganda - Jewish humor as a survival tool - Sacha Baron Cohen and cultural resistance   This episode is about unity, accountability, and unapologetic Jewish identity.   🎧 Listen to Part 1 [https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com/e/why-jews-are-the-canary-in-the-coal-mine-with-the-modern-maccabee-pt-1/?token=84d3556d419f9e0281b9e1c826a1f921] for the full context.   Follow The Modern Maccabee: @TheModernMaccabee [https://www.instagram.com/themodernmaccabee] hosted by Michael Valdes, aka Hot Jewish Energy subscribe to and watch Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast! YouTube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast [http://youtube.com/@HotJewishEnergyPodcast] LISTEN ON 🎧: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B [https://open.spotify.com/show/3CeRJJmkPO8gSRbJjOtR0B] Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/id1702760124 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-jewish-podcast/id1702760124] iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414 [https://iheart.com/podcast/121152414] Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3b7499da-a1eb-48e8-a547-8192eada2433] Podbean: https://hotjewishenergy.podbean.com [https://hotjewishpodcast.podbean.com] Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286 [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/hot-jewish-energy-the-podcast/PC:1001108286] FOLLOW ME: Instagram & Threads: @hotjewishenergypodcast [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergypodcast], @hotjewishenergy [http://Instagram.com/hotjewishenergy], @michaeltvaldes [http://Instagram.com/michaeltvaldes] TikTok: @hotjewishenergy [http://TikTok.com/@hotjewishenergy] X (formerly Twitter): @hotjewishenergy [http://X.com/hotjewishenergy] YouTube: @michaeltvaldes4 [http://youtube.com/@michaeltvaldes4] & @michaeltvaldes [http://youtube.com/michaeltvaldes] © 2026 Hot Jewish Media, All Rights Reserved.