Judaism

People Jew Wanna Know

Welcome to People Jew Wanna Know, a podcast sharing stories of remarkable Jewish people! Hosted by Margarita Lyadova, each episode features conversations with interesting Jewish guests of today and historical figures who’ve shaped Jewish culture and identity. Together, we seek answers to today’s essential questions facing the Jewish people.

New episodes every Wednesday.
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @peoplejewwannaknow for extras, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Support our work here: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

Latest Episodes:

Stephanie Butnick - Stay Golda Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Stephanie Butnick joins People Jew Wanna Know to chat all things Jewish life, lifestyle, and her new project - Golda.

After 13 years at Tablet Magazine, 10 of which Stephanie co-hosted Unorthodox Podcast, Golda is her latest endeavor.

In this lighthearted and uplifting episode, learn about "the what, the why, and the stuff" from Stephanie.

Follow Stephanie Butnick on Instagram @sbutnick and @goldaguide . Subscribe to Golda at www.goldaguide.com

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:07 The beauty of Hamantaschen & Stephanie's career path

06:44 What is Golda?

11:30 Unorthodox Podcast

15:50 Best kept secrets of podcasting

20:44 How Margarita put up a mezuzah

26:20 What is Stephanie optimistic about?

33:41 What will the Jewish community look like in 50 years?

41:26 Influencer compensation - the good, the bad, & the ugly

48:38 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Liz Glazer - Together We're Slightly Unhinged Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Margarita chats with Liz Glazer - award-winning standup comedian, actor, writer, and recovering lawyer.

They discuss only the most relevant things to comedy & law - knocking on wood, taking molly, being married to a Rabbi, and eating horse meat. This episode is 100% Halachically questionable.

Follow Liz on Instagram @lizglazer and check out her website dearlizglazer.com . Listen to Liz's podcast, Together We're Straight, anywhere you get your podcasts.

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

04:28 Knock On Wood & Liz's story

9:00 What did Liz learn from practicing law before pivoting to comedy?

14:00 The story of how Liz did Molly

19:47 Margarita's story about negotiating at work & school

25:05 On being married to a Rabbi

30:39 Life as a comedian post Oct 7

35:53 HORSE MEAT

42:40 Liz's podcast - Together We're Straight

45:53 Liz's message to the Jewish world

48:34 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Why Peace Is So Hard To Achieve - Samuel J. Hyde Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

This week, Margarita chats with Samuel J. Hyde who is a writer and intellectual based out of Tel Aviv, Israel. He is also a fellow at The Jewish People Policy Institute.

Samuel is an expert on the Israeli Palestinian conflict, specializing in Radical Islamism. In his highly intelligent, clear, and no BS way, Samuel breaks down exactly what's preventing us from finding peace and what steps we can take to get there.

Follow Samuel J. Hyde on Instagram @samuelj.hyde to keep up with his writing and work.

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

06:00 Samuel's upbringing & the path to becoming a researcher/expert on the Middle East

12:00 On The Jewish People Policy Institute

14:56 The influence of Radical Islamism & how it makes a zero-sum game in establishing peace with Israel

27:35 "We need to be sober about the Issue" - there's no peace while Jihadism exists

28:38 How Saudis & Emirates deradicalized their education systems

33:30 "The frameworks for peace are not there on the Palestinian side"

36:00 There was no dissent or opposition from Palestinians when peace deals were rejected

36:50 A discussion on the West Bank settlements & why they're bad for Israel

51:33 What has Samuel changed his mind on?

56:53 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

That Jewish Family - Home Is Everywhere Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Raizel and Dani Namdar from That Jewish Family join People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to reflect on their 3+ years of nomadic travel visiting 35 countries.

As a Chasidic family, Raizel, Dani, and their kids are breaking stereotypes about the observant Jewish community and inspiring thousands all over the world to make the leap and enjoy travel.

Follow That Jewish Family on all social platforms @ThatJewishFamily

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

04:03 Who is That Jewish Family & why did they start their channel?

06:32 Raizel & Dani's unconventional dating story

10:25 Has That Jewish Family inspired other Orthodox/Hasidic people to travel?

12:55 Trip to Fiji & keeping kosher in remote places

17:00 "On the other side of fear is freedom"

18:30 Has That Jewish Family experienced antisemitism on their travels?

26:06 What has inspired Raizel & Dani from non-Jewish communities all over the world?

30:30 On the minimalism of travel

31:53 What's next for That Jewish Family now that they have a home base?

34:00 Next travel destination for That Jewish Family

35:23 How Margarita went to see the Ohel of Levi Schneerson

38:50 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

How Jewish Organizations Failed Us with Adam Scott Bellos Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Adam Scott Bellos, an entrepreneur, political commentator, social media figure, and ardent Zionist joins People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to drop some hot takes on the current landscape for American Jews.

Adam has grown on social media for his ardent criticisms of organizations like ADL and JNF, as well as criticisms of Jewish activists and influencers.

His provocative and controversial commentary challenging the organizations and people who claim to protect us makes you wonder - but does he have a point?

While Margarita does not agree on numerous things with Adam, this thought-provoking episode revisits the age old question: Are we Jews first and American second?

Follow Adam Scott Bellos on Instagram @adamscottbellos_

Follow The Israel Innovation Fund @t.i.i.f

Follow Wine On The Vine @wine_on_the_vine

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

09:00 Who is Adam Scott Bellos & what does he work on?

12:32 Adam's criticism of Jewish nonprofits & influencers

15:50 "If you can't write checks, you do not matter"

20:14 The disconnect between American Jews & Israeli Jews

21:00 "I'm sick of hearing about the f*cking Holocaust"

25:00 Should all Jews live in Israel?

26:11 On the 4 types of Jews during the Roman Empire & how it relates to today

38:35 Would the issue be fixed if Jewish orgs ran like a for-profit business instead of nonprofit?

49:10 "The world will only see you as a Jew. Get over it."

50:50 On The ADL Antisemitism Policy Paper

53:00 Where the money could go instead of funding executive salaries - what are the solutions?

59:34 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Hot Takes from My Hot Rabbi - Rebecca Keren Eisenstadt Jablonski Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Rabbi Rebecca Keren Eisenstadt Jablonski aka My Hot Rabbi joins People Jew Wanna Know podcast! As a Rabbi, Becky has the unique vantage point of seeing the Jewish community more holistically and spotting macro trends.

In this episode, Margarita and Becky discuss what's happening to modern Jewry and the evolution required in Jewish education to build the next generation of strong Jewish people.

Follow Becky on Instagram @myhotrabbi and buy her book anywhere you get your books: Confessions Of A Female Rabbi

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:04 Who is Rabbi Becky & her path to serving the modern Jewry

05:50 Hipsterdox - Becky's Jewish upbringing

11:32 Becky's book - Confessions Of A Female Rabbi & should we be concerned for modern Jewry?

18:59 We need Jewish education, but we see people double down on Israel advocacy - those are different things

20:03 "The Hebrew School model doesn't work for modern people"

29:40 What do we do about issues of declining Jewish education, intermarriage, etc.?

32:34 On learning disabilities in the learning environment

36:12 What has Becky learned in supporting Jewish families post-Oct 7th?

45:32 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Alexandra Silber - Everyone Is A Fiddler On The Roof Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Alexandra (Al) Silber, an international actress, singer, and author, joins us this week on People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to reflect on her upbringing, career, and Jewish soul.

In an emotional and almost poetic episode, Al discusses the themes of life purpose, grief, love, and Jewish vitality. For years, Al had held roles in various productions of Fiddler on the Roof, and coming from a multi-faith family, she discusses how she reclaimed her Jewish identity through theater and performance.

Follow Al on Instagram @alsilbs and check out her website at www.alexandrasilber.net

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

05:41 Al Silber's story - the common thread between emotion, theater, & being Jewish!

20:30 On Jewish assimilation

23:45 Our Class - a monumental play

34:20 What is it like to be a Jewish performer post Oct 7th?

35:20 What is After Anatevka about?

46:08 What does Al wish she knew sooner?

47:58 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Dating by Delaney - How One Woman Is Disrupting Jewish Matchmaking Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

On the week of Valentine's Day, Margarita interviews Delaney Fox who is a young, hip, and up and coming Jewish matchmaker.

An entrepreneur at heart, Delaney is looking to revolutionize Jewish matchmaking by changing how it's done and what it costs.

Follow Delaney on Instagram @datingbydelaney and join her pool of 1000+ proud Jews.

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

14:00 Who is Delaney & how did she become a matchmaker?

19:00 Delaney's highly unique matchmaking process

31:22 Is a man not paying for a woman on a first date a deal breaker?

33:43 How Delaney is shaking up matchmaker compensation

47:03 One of Delaney's favorite pieces of dating advice

54:04 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Let's Get This Bread - Keith Cohen of Orwashers Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

In a deliciously fun episode, Margarita interviews Keith Cohen, Owner of Orwashers Bakery. Orwashers is an iconic NYC Jewish bakery that's been around for 100+ years.

Together, they discuss the spirit of entrepreneurship, Keith's lessons on doing business, his Jewish identity, and of course, all things baked goods.

Make sure to visit Orwashers in NYC, and follow them on Instagram @orwashers . If you go, get the apple & honey cake (Margarita's recommendation).

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:53 Who is Keith Cohen & how did he come to own Orwashers?

12:15 Margarita's story about unethical business from Cargill

17:14 NYC's Jewish food culture - what's going on?

22:07 What is Keith's desired business do-over?

25:34 Has anything changed for Orwashers since Oct 7th?

31:00 Yet another rant on college campuses & antisemitism

39:34 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination (+ best baked goods at Orwashers)

How She Brought Them Home: Alana Zeitchik, Hostage Family Member Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Alana Zeitchik, a hostage family member & advocate, joins People Jew Wanna Know Podcast to discuss her reflections on advocating for the release of her 6 relatives that were taken hostage on October 7th. Hostage families continue to be instrumental players in securing the release of their loved ones and pressuring Israel to make a deal.

In this emotional episode, Margarita and Alana discuss ceasefires, hostage release deals, the importance of humanity and not letting hate metastasize in our hearts. While this episode is not a debate, Margarita and Alana share very differing political views, so you have an opportunity to hear both sides.

Follow Alana Zeitchik on Instagram @alanalindsay and let's BRING THEM HOME NOW!

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

10:27 Alana's path to becoming an advocate after her family was taken hostage

11:50 What is misunderstood in the West about hostages & their families?

18:42 Ceasefire & hostage deals seem to be at odds with what the Israeli government wants. What do we do?

27:30 What is Alana's preferred day after plan?

29:48 What is the hostage family community like?

33:12 What can we do to support released hostages & survivors struggling with grief/PTSD?

42:15 Alana's work on The Narrow Bridge Project

1:00:52 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination