Ep 616: Voices of Diversity with Sherona Varulkar and guest Dr. Jai Bansal on hmTv

Ep 616: Voices of Diversity with Sherona Varulkar and guest Dr. Jai Bansal on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Voices of Diversity on hmTv, host Sherona Varulkar welcomes Dr. Jai Bansal for a thoughtful conversation about identity, coexistence, faith, and the immigrant experience. Dr. Bansal shares his journey from India to North America, reflecting on his distinguished scientific career, his work in social service through the Vishva Hindu Parishad of America, and his commitment to educating the public about Hindu Dvesha, also known as Hinduphobia. Together, Sherona and Dr. Bansal explore the long history of Jewish life in India, the spirit of coexistence within Indian society, and the growing need for Hindu and Jewish communities to stand together against hatred. The conversation also introduces key ideas within Sanatana Dharma, including Vedanta, karma, rebirth, moksha, yoga, meditation, and the belief that there are many paths to one ultimate reality. Through comparisons between Hindu and Jewish thought, this episode offers a powerful reminder that respect, humility, and understanding are essential to building a more peaceful world. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 615: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Andrea Nordquist P3 on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 615 | The Fog of War and Humanity Guest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14 Part 3 | hmTv at HMTC In Part 3 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli concludes his conversation with Andrea Nordquist of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, highlighting the creative, personal, and deeply human ways the organization supports veterans, military families, and communities across Long Island. Andrea shares the many projects led by the Blue Star Mothers, including “Rosie” sewing events, handmade pillowcases for veterans receiving treatment, Christmas trees decorated with repurposed Wreaths Across America bows, and upcoming wreath-making efforts for veterans. She reflects on the emotional moments when small gestures, such as a simple holiday tree, brought comfort to veterans who had not decorated in years, including one veteran living in his car. The conversation also explores the group’s support for veterans in prison programs, including collecting yarn so incarcerated veterans can crochet and knit hats, scarves, mittens, and toys for underprivileged children. Andrea explains how these efforts give veterans purpose, structure, dignity, and a chance to give back. Richard and Andrea discuss the importance of delegation, community partnerships, local businesses that quietly support veterans, and the ongoing challenges of fundraising and public perception. Andrea also speaks about cooking monthly meals for veterans at Liberty Village, supporting awareness around veteran suicide through “22 a day” efforts, and recognizing that even small donations and acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. The episode closes with a powerful message about involving young people in service, planting seeds of responsibility, and never underestimating what students and future generations can accomplish when given a chance to care, contribute, and lead. This final part is a moving tribute to service, volunteerism, compassion, and the quiet army of people who make sure veterans and their families are never forgotten. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 614 The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Andrea Nordquist P2 on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 614 | The Fog of War and Humanity Guest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14 Part 2 | hmTv at HMTC In Part 2 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli continues his conversation with Andrea Nordquist of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, exploring the urgent needs facing veterans and military families across Nassau County, Queens, and Long Island. Andrea discusses the work of the Blue Star Mothers, including fundraising, food support for veterans through the Vet Mart in East Meadow, and the growing reality that many veterans in need are not elderly, but young service members and families struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive regions in the country. She shares how the organization provides food, meat, gift cards, and support for children of veterans during the holiday season. The conversation also turns to honoring fallen and forgotten veterans, including the burial of unclaimed veterans at Long Island National Cemetery. Andrea explains how the veteran community comes together with color guards, music, and presence so that no veteran is laid to rest alone. Richard and Andrea also reflect on Long Island’s deep military history, the importance of recognizing students entering military service, the challenges recruiters face in schools, and the value of military experience in careers such as law enforcement and public service. The episode closes with powerful reflections on September 11, the lasting impact on Long Island families, the work of Tunnel to Towers, and the responsibility to keep history alive for younger generations who did not live through it. This episode is a meaningful tribute to veterans, military families, community service, and the people who quietly step forward to make sure those who served are seen, honored, and supported. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 613: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Andrea Nordquist P1 on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] Ep. 613 | The Fog of War and Humanity Guest: Andrea Nordquist, Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14 Part 1 | hmTv at HMTC In Part 1 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli welcomes Andrea Nordquist, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 14, for a heartfelt conversation about service, sacrifice, family, and the ongoing responsibility to support America’s veterans. Andrea shares her Long Island roots, her path from Nassau Community College and Cortland to teaching and community service, and the military legacy within her own family. She reflects on her father’s service in the Army Air Corps and the powerful story of her Uncle Joe, a wounded World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who lost his arm after being injured in France, then spent years giving back to other veterans through volunteer service. Richard and Andrea discuss the importance of preserving veterans’ stories before they are lost, especially as families uncover photographs, records, and artifacts from relatives who rarely spoke about their wartime experiences. Their conversation also explores the critical role of organizations like the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and Blue Star Mothers in providing camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging for service members and their families. Andrea also speaks about her son’s decision to join the Air Force, his continued service in the Air National Guard, and her own journey into the Blue Star Mothers. She explains how the organization supports military families, honors fallen service members, assists veterans, reaches out to elderly shut-ins, recognizes widows of veterans, and encourages young people entering military service. This episode highlights the human side of military service, the value of community, the importance of mental health support, and the need to make sure veterans know they are never forgotten. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]

Ep 612: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Gal Atia on hmTv

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes Gal Atia, Head of Delegation and Chief Program Officer for North America at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Gal shares his personal journey from serving as a basketball coach at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin to leading one of the Jewish Agency’s most important North American missions. Through stories from summer camp, shlichut, and Jewish communal life, he explains how Israeli emissaries build lasting relationships, strengthen Jewish identity, and create meaningful bridges between Israel and Jewish communities across North America. The conversation explores the power of shlichut, the unique role of Israeli emissaries, the impact of summer camps, the importance of partnerships, and the Jewish Agency’s work after October 7. Gal also discusses programs such as Campers Together, which brings Israeli children from impacted communities to North American camps, and reflects on why this moment calls for collaboration, action, and renewed mutual responsibility. This episode offers an inspiring look at how personal connection, purpose, and people-to-people relationships can strengthen the bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449781/support]