Michael Valdes: To Keep Your Humanity - The Chai Road Ep. 12

Misha: Queers Stand With Israel - The Chai Road Ep. 13

Join host Max Alperstein on 'The Chai Road' as he welcomes special guest Misha, known on Instagram as Queers Stand with Israel. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Misha shares their journey of self-discovery, coming out as queer at a young age, and merging their queer and Jewish identities. They discuss the challenges of facing antisemitism and homophobia both online and in person, while emphasizing the importance of unity and positivity. Misha elaborates on their impactful experiences in Israel, including the profound moments that shaped their activism. This episode is a testament to the strength of young voices in making change, highlighting Misha's dedication to advocating for the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. Don't miss this powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of social media in creating positive change. Time stamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:45 Misha's Early Life and Social Media Journey 01:29 Coming Out and Embracing Identity 02:55 Challenges of Balancing Identities 04:09 Impact of October 7th and Activism 12:53 Experiences in Israel 19:45 Message to the Next Generation 20:46 Reflections on Being Queer and Jewish 22:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Cameras: Sony FX3, FX30, and A7IV Lenses: Sony G Master 24-70mm f/2.8, Sigma 16mm f/1.4, and others Lighting: Aputure Amaran 150c COB Video Lights & Accent B7c Bulbs Audio: Rode Wireless GO II + Rode NTG4  Monitoring: Rodecaster Pro II  Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro  Music & Sound from Artlist  Drone and b-roll by DJI

Michael Valdes: To Keep Your Humanity - The Chai Road Ep. 12

In this episode of The Chai Road, host Max Alperstein sits down with Michael Valdes, known as 'Hot Jewish Energy,' to discuss his recent experience in Israel during the 12-day conflict with Iran. Michael shares his harrowing escape through Jordan, the profound sense of community he encountered, and the challenges of navigating identity and safety in a time of crisis. The conversation also delves into the broader context of the conflict, the impact on LGBTQ+ communities, and the shared history and future hopes for Iran and Israel. Join us for an in-depth discussion on resilience, identity, and the complexities of international conflict. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:27 Michael's Experience in Israel During the Conflict 01:55 Journey Through Jordan 05:22 Life in Israel During the Conflict 11:17 Escaping Through Jordan 16:06 Reflections on Identity and Conflict 28:04 Pride and Community 30:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Amy Blumenfeld: Writing from the heart - The Chai Road Ep.11

In an episode of 'The Chai Road' podcast, host Max Alperstein converses with Amy Blumenfeld, an acclaimed author and childhood cancer survivor. They delve into Amy’s career from her journalistic roots to becoming an award-winning novelist. Her debut novel, 'The Cast,' combined personal experience with creative storytelling to much acclaim. Her latest work, 'Such Good People,' explores themes of love, loyalty, and justice within the backdrop of a political campaign. Amy discusses her writing influences, challenges, and how her Jewish identity and personal experiences have shaped her work. They also touch on the emotional and moral intricacies narrated in her novels. Amy offers insightful advice for budding writers, emphasizing authenticity and self-expression. 00:00 Introduction to Amy Blumenfeld 01:13 Amy's Early Writing Journey 02:36 Transition from Journalism to Fiction 03:30 The Inspiration Behind 'The Cast' 06:09 Writing Challenges and Personal Elements 16:27 Amy's New Novel: 'Such Good People' 21:50 Jewish Influences in Amy's Work 26:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Ari Ackerman: The Power of Activism - The Chai Road Ep. 10

Join Max Alperstein on 'The Chai Road' as he delves deep into Ari Ackerman's inspiring journey. From his days growing up in a Jewish day school in New York to his impactful career in sports and philanthropy, Ari shares his personal stories, challenges, and the unwavering values that guide his activism. Discover Ari's top tips for entrepreneurial success, his thoughts on combating antisemitism, and his vision for the future of Jewish advocacy. 00:00 Introduction to Ari Ackerman 00:38 Growing Up in a Jewish Day School 02:56 Facing Pushback and Activism in College 05:54 Ari's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:48 Top Three Tips for Entrepreneurs 09:07 Combating Antisemitism and Jewish Hatred 11:27 Support for Israel and the Jewish Community Through Baseball 09:59 Impact of October 7th on Activism 18:44 Advice for the Younger Generation 21:35 Final Thoughts and Taking the High Road

Kosha Dillz: Bring the family Home - The Chai Road Ep. 9

Join host Max Alperstein on the High Road Podcast as she sits down with the inspirational rapper Kosha Dillz. Dive deep into Kosha Dillz’s journey from his early music career to his impactful presence in the Jewish community, his unique approach to rap, and his efforts in fostering dialogue through music and films. Discover how he mixes cultural identity with music, tackles antisemitism, and navigates his personal and professional identities. Time stamps  00:00 Introduction to Kosha Dillz 00:19 Early Music Career and Evolution 02:46 Jewish Identity in Music 04:21 Creative Freedom and Artistic Juxtapositions 07:40 Impact of October 7th and Career Shift 11:56 Street Interviews and Social Media Presence 15:18 Creating the Film 'Bring the Family Home' 17:47 Confirmation Bias and Hypocrisy 18:40 The Journey of Making a Film 19:41 Protests and Personal Growth 21:04 Challenges and Cancellations 30:15 Taking the High Road 32:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Spotify