hmTv at HMTC Podcasts

Send us Fan MailEp 481: Putting the Brakes on Bullying Host: Samantha Sosnik Guests: Allan and Janice KatzIn this powerful and deeply moving episode of Putting the Brakes on Bullying on hmTv, host Samantha Sosnik welcomes Allan and Janice Katz for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, gratitude, and the life-changing impact of human kindness.Allan shares his remarkable journey of surviving pancreatic cancer and later receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. Together, Allan and Janice recount the emotional and complex experience surrounding the transplant, including the profound generosity of an organ donor and the powerful moment they met the donor’s family.Beyond survival, this experience reshaped their lives. Allan transitioned from a high-level career on Wall Street to working with the Hanley Foundation, helping people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Janice, inspired by her own experiences and the support she received through therapy, returned to school to become a mental health counselor.This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the incredible impact that compassion, generosity, and purpose can have on others. Through their story, Allan and Janice remind us that even in the darkest moments, kindness and connection can lead to hope, healing, and a renewed commitment to helping others.A powerful conversation about gratitude, perspective, and why choosing kindness can change lives.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 480: Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Sandy PensakIn this deeply personal episode of Raised by Survivors on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with fellow second-generation Holocaust survivor Sandy Pensak to reflect on what it was like growing up as the child of parents who endured the unimaginable.Sandy shares the story of her parents, who survived multiple forced labor camps during the Holocaust and later rebuilt their lives in America, operating a small luncheonette in Queens while raising their family. Like many children of survivors, Sandy explains that the trauma of the Holocaust was rarely spoken about during her early years, yet it shaped her childhood in powerful and lasting ways.The conversation explores the quiet signals that revealed their parents’ past, the moment Sandy’s mother first spoke openly about her experiences for a school project interview with her granddaughter, and the emotional legacy carried by the second generation. Bernie and Sandy also reflect on the values instilled by their survivor parents: resilience, gratitude for life’s simplest blessings, and a deep commitment to education.As a longtime educator and former school principal, Sandy discusses the importance of Holocaust education in today’s world and the responsibility of younger generations to continue remembering and teaching these stories. Together, Bernie and Sandy honor the lives of their parents while emphasizing why the lessons of the Holocaust remain urgently relevant.This moving conversation is a tribute to the strength of survivors, the gratitude of their children, and the enduring hope that education and remembrance can help build a more compassionate future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 479: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Adam MazoIn this episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan speaks with filmmaker and educator Adam Mazo, co-founder of the Upstander Project, about the importance of standing up against injustice and the power of storytelling to inspire change.Drawing from the lessons of the Holocaust and other historical injustices, Bernie and Adam explore the difference between bystanders and upstanders and why ordinary people have the ability and responsibility to act when they witness hate, bullying, or discrimination. Adam shares how the Upstander Project began, how documentary films such as Coexist and Dawnland illuminate hidden histories, and why film can be such a powerful tool for building empathy and awareness.The conversation also reflects on the legacy of Holocaust survivors, the dangers of silence in the face of injustice, and practical ways educators, communities, and young people can cultivate courage, compassion, and responsibility.At a time when the world often feels divided, this episode reminds us that even small acts of courage can make a meaningful difference. Becoming an upstander does not require extraordinary power. It simply requires the willingness to care for others and to speak up when something is not right.Listen to this thoughtful and inspiring discussion about history, humanity, and the everyday choices that shape a more just and compassionate world.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 477: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and Omri GoshenIn this urgent and timely episode of The Israeli Bond on hmTv, host Gal Swisa Cohen speaks with Israeli security researcher and IDF reserve officer Omri Goshen to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. Recorded just days after a coordinated U.S.–Israel military offensive against Iran, the conversation explores the dramatic shifts unfolding across the Middle East and what they mean for Israel, the United States, and the broader global order.Gal and Omri examine the strategic reasoning behind the joint military campaign, launched amid long-standing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program, and regional proxy networks. The offensive marks one of the most significant escalations in decades and has triggered retaliatory strikes across the region, intensifying fears of wider instability. Drawing on his work as a researcher at the David Institute for Security Policy, Omri offers insight into Israel’s evolving national security doctrine, the geopolitical interests of the United States, and the complex web of regional actors including Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He also describes daily life in Israel during the conflict, where civilians navigate constant alarms and missile threats while maintaining a strong sense of national resilience.The episode explores the broader implications of the war: shifting alliances, economic corridors connecting Asia and Europe, the potential for regime change in Iran, and the long-term security challenges facing Israel.This conversation provides listeners with a deeper understanding of one of the most consequential geopolitical moments of our time and the human realities behind the headlines.Listen as The Israeli Bond connects the events unfolding in Israel today with the global forces shaping tomorrow.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp. 478: Antisemitism and the United Nations and in Society with Dr. Suzanne Bleiberg-Sepperson and Jonathan HarounoffIn this compelling episode of Antisemitism and the United Nations and in Society on hmTv, host Dr. Suzanne Bleiberg-Sepperson speaks with Jonathan Harounoff, international spokesperson and senior communications advisor for Israel’s mission to the United Nations and author of Unveiled: Inside Iran’s Women Life Freedom Revolt.Drawing on his unique background as a British-Iranian journalist with Israeli roots, Harounoff shares personal reflections on growing up between cultures, witnessing the persistence of antisemitism in Europe, and navigating today’s complex global political landscape. The conversation explores the surge of antisemitism on university campuses, the role of social media in shaping misinformation, and the challenges of confronting anti-Israel narratives in academic and diplomatic arenas.Harounoff also offers a rare inside perspective on Israel’s engagement at the United Nations, explaining why maintaining a presence within the UN system remains strategically important despite ongoing criticism and political tensions.The discussion concludes with an important message about the people of Iran, highlighting the distinction between the Iranian population and the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Through the stories behind his book, Harounoff emphasizes the courage of Iranian citizens, especially women, who continue to fight for freedom and reform.This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on antisemitism, diplomacy, media narratives, and the human stories behind some of the most urgent issues shaping the Middle East today.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Legacy Chronicles on hmTv, Zachary Graulich speaks with Janet Horvath, second-generation Holocaust survivor, acclaimed cellist, author, and educator, about her family’s extraordinary story of survival, silence, discovery, and legacy. Janet reflects on her parents’ lives in Budapest during the Holocaust, their survival against impossible odds, and the years of unspoken trauma that shaped her childhood.She shares the remarkable journey that began with one simple question to her father about Leonard Bernstein and led to a decade-long search through archives, family history, and postwar records, ultimately resulting in her book The Cello Still Sings. Through music, memory, and courageous conversation, Janet explores how art helped survivors reclaim dignity and hope in the aftermath of devastation.This moving conversation also highlights the responsibility of second-generation survivors to preserve memory, confront hatred, and engage new audiences in Holocaust education. With insight, grace, and emotional honesty, Janet offers a deeply personal and timely reminder that history must not only be remembered, but shared.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 475 Voices Illuminated with Judy Liman featuring Judy Umansky hmTv – Humanity Matters SeriesIn this lively and engaging episode ofVoices Illuminated, host Judy Liman welcomes renowned Mahjong instructor Judy Umansky for a fascinating conversation about one of America’s most beloved and rapidly growing social games: American Mahjong.Known as the “Mahjong Queen,” Umansky has taught thousands of students across Long Island and beyond, bringing both beginners and seasoned players into the vibrant world of this iconic tile game. Together, Liman and Umansky explore the origins of Mahjong, from its journey from China to the United States in the 1920s to the creation of standardized rules by the National Mahjong League in 1937.Listeners will learn about the mechanics of the game, the meaning behind the famous Mahjong card released each year, and traditions such as the Charleston tile exchange. The conversation also touches on the game’s remarkable resurgence in popularity, fueled by social connection, post-pandemic community gatherings, and even celebrity players.Umansky shares insights from her decades of teaching, offering helpful tips for beginners, strategies for experienced players, and a reminder that Mahjong is not just about winning. It is about friendship, patience, laughter, and the joy of gathering around the table.Whether you are a lifelong player, a curious beginner, or simply someone interested in the cultural story behind this timeless game, this episode celebrates Mahjong as a tradition that continues to bring generations together.Listen in and discover why the sound of clacking tiles and shared laughter continues to illuminate communities everywhere.Support the show

Send us Fan MailPodcast Description – Ep 473 It’s All About the Children with Carin Bail & Sami Steigman hmTv | Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau CountyIn this powerful and thought-provoking episode of It’s All About the Children, co-host Carin Bail sits down with Holocaust survivor, educator, and motivational speaker Sami Steigman for an honest conversation about the next generation.Together, they explore difficult but essential questions:Why is this generation projected not to surpass the previous one?How are words being weaponized in today’s culture?What does indoctrination look like in education?How can we teach children critical thinking instead of one-sided narratives?And how do we help young people build resilience in a world dominated by technology and polarization?Sami shares his extraordinary journey, from surviving medical experimentation as a toddler during the Holocaust to serving in the Israeli Air Force and becoming an internationally recognized speaker. With remarkable optimism, he explains how he transforms trauma into purpose and why he refuses to let the past define him.Carin brings her perspective as an educator and parent, raising urgent concerns about curriculum transparency, the erosion of critical thinking, and the emotional impact of constant digital exposure on children.At its heart, this episode is about responsibility. If we want a more compassionate, informed, and resilient generation, we must model it. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink how we speak, how we teach, and how we guide young minds.This is not just a discussion about history. It is a call to action for the future.Subscribe to hmTv and join us as we continue meaningful conversations that put children first.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEp 474 Legacy Chronicles: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future Host: Donna Rosenblum | Guest: Gilda Zirinsky hmTv | Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau CountyIn this moving episode of Legacy Chronicles, Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, sits down with Holocaust survivor Gilda Zirinsky to explore the true meaning of legacy.At 90 years old, Gilda continues to speak to students across Long Island, determined to ensure that history is remembered accurately and passed forward with integrity. She shares how her journey with HMTC began, what it feels like to tell her story to middle school students, and why kindness remains at the heart of her message.Beyond recounting survival, Gilda reflects on her deep pride in becoming an American, her concern about rising antisemitism, and her urgency to combat misinformation with firsthand testimony. She also discusses writing her memoir after realizing she had no tangible heirlooms from her own grandparents—and why preserving stories is itself a powerful inheritance.From boxing workouts at 90 to encouraging teenagers not to be afraid of the world, Gilda embodies resilience, gratitude, and moral clarity.This episode is a reminder that legacy is not only about remembering the past. It is about how we live today, how we treat one another, and how we prepare the next generation to carry truth and kindness forward.Listen, share, and join us in honoring the past while shaping a more compassionate future.Support the show

Send us Fan MailhmTv | The Fog of War and Humanity Ep. 472 Rich Acritelli with guest Mai Pham (Part 3)In the concluding episode of this three-part conversation, host Rich Acritelli continues his discussion with author Kwan Mai Pham about her memoir A Bridge from Saigon and the lifelong impact of fleeing Vietnam as a child refugee. Moving beyond her escape and early adjustment to America, Mai reflects on adolescence, education, and the quiet emotional weight she carried while trying to honor her parents’ sacrifices.Mai explains how academic achievement became both stability and survival, eventually leading her into medicine and health policy. She discusses why caring for vulnerable communities felt natural to her, shaped by early experiences of displacement, uncertainty, and watching her family rebuild from nothing. The conversation also explores identity, belonging, and what it means to grow up between two cultures, neither fully American nor fully Vietnamese, yet connected to both.The episode turns deeply personal as Mai describes writing her book as a path toward understanding her parents, especially her father’s trauma, and breaking years of silence around their shared past. She speaks about empathy, resilience, and how immigrant children often shoulder invisible emotional burdens even when they appear to be thriving.Mai closes by sharing messages for younger generations navigating identity and for Vietnam veterans whose actions, she says, are still remembered with gratitude by many Vietnamese families. Part 3 brings the story full circle, showing how survival became purpose and how memory, once painful, can become a bridge between history and healing.Support the show