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:

Jewish Family Magic with Ariel Stein Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Margarita welcomes Ariel Stein, creator of @ariel.loves and @JewishFamilyMagic to the podcast. With a background in Jewish education, Ariel runs two accounts dedicated to helping families make Jewish living fun and accessible. In this episode, Ariel talks about how she started her accounts, how she's navigating difficult conversations about war with her children, and how she's thinking about college for her kids in light of the antisemitism on campuses. She leaves us with a powerful message on the importance of Jewish joy!

Follow Ariel on Instagram @ariel.loves and @Jewishfamilymagic . Check out Ariel's Jewish holiday guidebooks at JewishFamilyMagic.com !

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:02 Who is Ariel Stein & what is Jewish Family Magic?

07:21 On Ariel's partnerships with major brands like West Elm, Dyson, etc.

11:10 How does Ariel feel about the antisemitism on campus as a mother?

13:48 Is Hillel doing enough to protect students on campus?

23:30 How has Ariel navigated difficult conversations with her kids re: war?

31:40 Positive feedback from followers that Ariel has received

35:08 On Jewish events & the Israel Parade

37:30 On the Nova Exhibit & the importance of Jewish joy

39:48 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination (plus, Ariel talks about her influencer trip to the Bahamas)

Modi & Leo - The Dynamic Duo of Jewish Comedy Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

Margarita welcomes one of her idols, Modi Rosenfeld, and his husband, Leo Veiga, onto People Jew Wanna Know Podcast! They cover everything from Modi's decades of comedy to his iconic partnership with Leo. Modi shares countless powerful messages about the importance of being a proud Jew. The episode feels like a dream come true for Margarita and is full of warmth and laughter.

Follow Modi Rosenfeld on Instagram @modi_live and check out his website modilive.com . His specials are available on Amazon Prime and Youtube. Follow Leo Veiga on Instagram @leo_veiga_ .

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

05:15 What's the latest for Modi & Leo?

07:12 What has Modi learned after decades of doing comedy?

08:14 On working with your spouse

12:37 Leo's Jewish bubble, being part of the community & Modi's Pause For Laughter Tour

17:13 Reflecting on the people Modi & Leo have met through Modi's podcast "And Here's Modi"

21:43 "Modi loves to shush people"

22:50 What does Modi want to share with young Jewish people?

24:56 Antisemitism in NYC & "Never Again"

27:51 On the Torah having clear guidelines regarding rules of war & the rescue mission of the 4 hostages

30:45 The Nova Exhibit - reflections

35:50 What does Modi mean when he says "the choosing people?"

36:30 What to expect from Pause For Laughter Tour

37:12 How to connect with Modi

38:37 "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time"

40:32 Modi's podcast guest, Dina, who knows how to get an Hermes bag

42:12 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Gay Shabbat - With Love & Pride Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

In honor of Pride Month, we welcome Gay Shabbat onto the podcast! Gay Shabbat is an organization that brings together the young-ish, LGBTQIA+, Jewish community for Shabbat dinner experiences. We discuss how Gay Shabbat came about, their reflections on bringing the queer community together after October 7th, and laugh through the pain of today's world for Jewish people. Enjoy this inspiring, warm and humorous conversation.

Follow Gay Shabbat on Instagram @gayshabbat and check out their site at gayshabbat.org

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

02:29 What is the origin story of Gay Shabbat & what are they up to?

09:01 Kvelling about the Gay Shabbat community

10:05 On the challenges of being Jewish & queer

12:20 How does Gay Shabbat navigate having Anti-Zionist Jews at their events?

22:57 On 3 Dollar Bill & Eurovision

26:28 On being a queer Jewish woman right now

29:51 The queer community is still centered around cis gay men - what does Gay Shabbat think?

32:24 Back to 3 Dollar Bill

33:59 What's a meaningful experience Gay Shabbat has created?

38:45 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Night At The Opera - Sara LeMesh Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Join Margarita for a completely unique episode - a night at the Opera! Margarita interviews Sara LeMesh who is an opera singer, vocalist and musician. Sara performs 4 Jewish songs and walks us through the fascinating history of Jewish music.

Follow Sara LeMesh on Instagram @sara.lemesh and learn more about her work and upcoming performances at saralemesh.com

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

01:57 Who is Sara LeMesh?

03:25 Sara's Jewish repertoire

06:45 Sara's experience in cantorial school

09:42 What is Jewish music?

12:00 Time to hear Sara sing!

12:05 Song 1: Oyfn Grinem Bergele by Mieczysław Weinberg

15:40 Song 2: Niggun by Shalom Kharitonov

18:29 Song 3: Durme, Durme (Ladino folk song)

23:05 Song 4: Aley Giv'ah by Bracha Tzvira

27:30 Appreciating Jewish music

28:26 What does Sara want to share with Jewish people?

30:04 How to connect with Sara

30:50 Origin of Sara and Margarita's names

33:33 Guest Nomination

Let's Make Magic with Alex Voz Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Our first video episode is live! Margarita brings magic to your ears, eyes AND hearts and interviews a very popular magician - Alex Voz.

Alex has practiced magic and mentalism for over 20 years, but prior to doing so, he had a corporate career. In this episode, we learn about Alex's fascinating background and see him pull off some amazing magic and mentalism. Even over video Alex is able to create a true sense of magic!

Check out Alex's work on alexvozmagic.com and follow him on Instagram @alexvozmagic

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

02:18 Who is Alex Voz? From corporate to magic

6:00 How do people learn magic & mentalism?

8:43 "There's something Jewish about magicians" - on Alex's Jewish upbringing

11:57 How do Orthodox Jews feel about magic?

13:27 On magic that stumped even Alex

16:49 Do tricks have plants from the audience?

20:22 Tricks vs. experiments - watch Alex's first "experiment"

22:27 "I want you to think of a number..."

24:50 On reading people & knowing when they lie

29:26 Alex's final trick - time travel (this is WILD)

34:40 Words of advice from Alex

37:30 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Nosh With Micah Siva May 29, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, Margarita interviews Micah Siva - chef, dietician and food photographer. Micah recently published an amazing cookbook called Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine. Micah discusses her career, her passion for Jewish life, and the importance of sticking to your values.

Buy Micah's book anywhere books are sold and check out her website noshwithmicah.com

Follow Micah on Instagram @noshwithmicah

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

02:35 Who is Micah Siva?

05:34 On Jewish food & what makes food Jewish

09:26 Micah's must make recipe in her cookbook

11:28 On Micah's transition to becoming a Jewish-first recipe writer/content creator & how it has been post Oct 7

20:19 The Shabbat dinner that happened in a Palestinian restaurant in Manhattan

23:16 On "voting with your choices" & Margarita's transition to an Israeli tech company

29:50 Micah's words of encouragement & advice

32:23 On Micah's Jewish upbringing

34:39 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Hebrew Name Help - Jamie Diamond May 27, 2024

Show notes

Margarita welcomes a friend of over 15 years, Jamie Diamond, onto the podcast! Jamie is a Jewish educator and founder of a new project - Hebrew Name Help. Jamie helps people find their perfect Hebrew names, and in this episode, she helps Margarita find her own Hebrew name. Which one should Margarita pick?

Connect with Jamie Diamond to pick a beautiful Hebrew name @hebrewnamehelp on Instagram

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:19 Who is Jamie Diamond & why Hebrew Name Help?

05:19 "We call it a Hebrew name, but it's more of a Jewish name"

07:14 It's harder to pick your own name than to be given one by your parents

08:51 Why do Jewish people name kids after family?

10:29 Why is it important for all Jewish people to have a Hebrew name?

11:30 Jamie's 5 options for Margarita's Hebrew name: how the options were selected & the meaning behind each name

18:10 Margarita's thoughts on the 5 options

20:38 Jamie's words of encouragement to the community as a Jewish educator

23:32 Discussing the fact that Oct 7 reinvigorated the community & many Jews chose to step up

25:15 Do Jews have an obligation to fight back or to survive? Margarita's experience with a disgruntled rider on the train

30:40 Margarita's experience being a Hebrew School Teacher - on kids from multi-faith families & varying positions on Israel

34:38 That time Margarita showed a conspiracy theory video about Mount Sinai to her students

36:45 Hebrew School educators have a huge importance post Oct 7

38:00 A story about one of Margarita's favorite students

39:47 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Ask a Jewish Matchmaker - Shana Tibi May 22, 2024

Show notes

Grab your popcorn for this one! Margarita brings on Jewish Matchmaker - Shana Tibi to talk all things dating! Shana Tibi is a professional matchmaker specializing in matching Jewish people. Shana works closely with Aleeza Ben Shalom and even helped cast multiple people onto the Netflix show - Jewish Matchmaking. In this episode, Shana shares her story and countless pieces of valuable dating advice. Margarita spills the tea on her own dating life!

Follow Shana on Instagram @shanatibi and learn more about her work at shanaconnects.com

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

01:41 Who is Jewish Matchmaker Shana Tibi?

06:18 Shana's involvement with Aleeza Ben Shalom & Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking

07:14 How Shana helped cast 3 people on the Jewish Matchmaking show & who they are

09:51 What is happening in modern dating? It feels harder than ever!

11:00 Who pays on the first date? On changing dating norms & philosophies

16:10 Dating is networking, not hunting

18:19 Words of advice for people dating today

23:48 On being realistic re: what you have to offer to a prospective date

27:23 Margarita was almost cast on HBO's First Dates Hotel - what happened there?

31:53 It's good to see a person in different environments - plan unique dates

32:54 On multi-faith couples & the importance of dating Jewish

35:10 A psychic healer in Bali told Margarita she'd meet her husband in 2024

36:50 What is Shana optimistic about?

39:03 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Adiel Cohen - From The Frontlines May 15, 2024

Show notes

This week, we welcome Adiel Cohen to the podcast. Adiel is a viral activist, content creator and IDF reserve soldier who walks us through his experience fighting on the ground immediately following October 7th. Adiel also talks about his experience fighting antisemitism in the diaspora, visiting college campuses, etc. He leaves us with a powerful message of unity.

Follow Adiel on Instagram and TikTok @adielofisrael

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

03:01 Who is Adiel Cohen?

04:10 How is Adiel feeling post-October 7th? On Adiel's experience in reserve duty

11:02 Did Adiel engage in active combat?

12:38 On visiting Kfar Aza and Be'eri

15:33 Did Adiel go into Gaza?

16:27 Antisemitism worldwide - what does Adiel find speaking to young Jews?

20:09 Where does Adiel think this is going for Israel?

22:18 What is Adiel optimistic about?

24:04 On the World Expo in Dubai - State of Palestine & Israel exhibits

29:18 On Masada - was it heroism or was it problematic?

33:43 On difficult conversations with Palestinian friends

36:25 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

Jewish Fighting Spirit - Chanan Smith May 08, 2024

Show notes

In 2024, no one would have expected to see violence against Jews akin to what we saw when the Holocaust began. It's more important than ever that Jewish people feel strong, empowered, and know how to defend themselves.

Margarita interviews Chanan Smith - ex-IDF soldier and founder of Magen Protection Solutions, which specializes in employee and team development, as well as expert solutions for workplace violence prevention and conflict resolution. Chanan also offers extensive self-defense training at his school in Boca Raton. In this episode, Chanan breaks down the psychology of attacks and gives countless practical tips on how we can defend ourselves. Chanan also leaves us with a crucial message and a reminder to preserve our Jewish fighting spirit.

Learn more about Chanan's work at https://magenprotectionsolutions.com/ and follow him on Instagram @magenprotectionsolutions and @chanansmith

Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda

04:34 Who is Chanan Smith & how did he start Magen Protection Solutions?

07:42 What is Chanan's experience running Magen Protection Solutions? He sees people of all ages & backgrounds

09:46 Most impactful stories Chanan has heard from clients

14:34 Breaking down the psychology of active shooters & why fighting back is so important

19:59 Words of advice to Jewish people experiencing antisemitism & violence

26:39 Margarita's experience at Israel rally

32:19 On normalization of violence against Jewish people & what can Jews do to protect themselves

33:53 "All attacks occur in this way" - breaking down the 3 steps of an attack & how to respond

38:51 "Can I help you?" vs. Margarita's approach she taught to her little brother (lol)

40:31 4 reasons an attack occurs

43:48 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

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