Bad Jew

It goes without saying that the internet can be a disgusting display of human nature. Anonymous trolls, scams, and false information run rampant and they're not hard to run into. A centerpiece to this disturbing reality is the adult entertainment industry which has never been known to treat people with dignity. Exposing people of all ages to this content can do a variety of harmful things but the worst is that it enables everyone to participate in it including the young. 

Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners recognized this truth. While his calling was not a religious one, he has helped make the internet a safer place by incorporating device-based age verification technology and sharing such recognition software with law enforcement. Friedman is responsible for putting up roadblocks in front of every nefarious action that takes place on a variety of adult sites. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, learns that bringing light to the darkest of places means taking on unpopular projects while showing proud leadership and poise. 

00:00 Introduction

05:35 Adult industry pioneered key internet innovations

07:06 Surprising ideas about ethics in internet marketing

11:19 Online platforms need moderation and safety measures

16:14 Opting out, age gates needed for online content

19:47 Internet privacy is essential for freedom and democracy

22:40 Jurisdiction of freedom

23:51 Tech giants and governments needed for safer platforms

26:55 Legal, meets safety standards, limits certain content

30:16 Conclusion

About Solomon Friedman: 

Connect with Solomon Friedman

Solomon is a trial and appellate lawyer, representing individuals and organizations before all levels of court in Canada. He is certified as a specialist in criminal law by the Law Society of Ontario.

For over a decade, Solomon has been a trusted voice at Parliament, regularly appearing before Standing Committees of both the House of Commons and Senate in Canada, providing testimony about criminal, regulatory and constitutional law matters.

Solomon is a legal author and commentator. He has published dozens of academic and popular articles and is the co-author of Canada’s leading text on firearms law and regulation.

He also lectures widely to audiences of defence lawyers, judges and police officers on a wide spectrum of criminal and regulatory law topics. 

Solomon's work has been recognized by his peers in both the legal and broader business community. In 2014, he was named one of the Forty under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Congress. In 2016, he was given Precedent Magazine's Precedent Setter Award. In 2018, he received the Regional Senior Justice Award by the County of Carleton Law Association.

Solomon is an adjunct law professor, teaching The Law of Evidence and Advanced Criminal Evidence at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law.

Prior to his call to the bar, Solomon clerked for Justice Morris Fish of the Supreme Court of Canada. Solomon came to the law following rabbinical studies in Israel, where he was ordained in 2005.

Connect with Solomon Friedman:

EthicalCapitalPartners.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

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Do you feel lonely? Do you feel it's time to find your true love? Do you feel hopeless in the romance department? Many of us do including me. If you're like me, Chaz Volk, the host of this show, you have spent many sleepless nights staring at the ceiling wondering what the future holds and if you're even worthy of your desires. 

In the quest to find my b'sheret ("meant to be"), I interview "Coach" Daniel Ratner hailing from Israel to explain the necessary pieces that need to be in place in order to find love. Coach draws from the wisdom of workshops he has led and books he has written to explain what necessary elements must be existent in order to survive the four stages of love.

00:00 Introduction

04:42 Discipline

08:40 The Four Phases of Love

09:37 Listening is key for meaningful relationships

14:32 Embrace growth

18:13 Physicality and attraction

20:43 The issue with getting physical too soon

24:05 Fully understanding your partner

29:19 Attracting the right people

31:55 The beauty disadvantage

35:15 Conclusion

About Coach Daniel Ratner:

Coach Ratner was a world-class rare coin dealer & real estate developer in America. He has now transitioned himself into an influential educator for organizations who seek inspiration. His focus is on fostering meaningful relationships, building self-esteem, and providing spiritual motivation. His 5th book, “Infinite Marriage: The 4 Phases of Loving Relationship”, was released in May 2024.

Connect Coach Daniel Ratner:

Podcast: Living in Clarity - available on all podcast platforms!

www.coachratner.com

Connect Bad Jew: 

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

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Now more than ever before, your people need YOU! Anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies have spread like wildfire across the nation. Students get harassed on campus just for being Jews. The few Jews that do join the encampments are tokenized and glorified in hypocritical ways. No matter how much light we shed on the situation, our adversaries come back more aggressively. This is an uphill battle. 

Such battles don't stop Marla Friedson, co-host of Schmuckboys, from joining the counterprotests. Marla and her friends regularly post on social media and take to the streets to share their voices proudly. Friedson joins Chaz Volk on Bad Jew to discuss what it takes to effectively and accurately speak on behalf of Israel. Volk takes this opportunity to assess how the international Jewish community is doing when it comes to sharing information as well. Tune in to become inspired to take the streets and speak on behalf of those that can't!

00:00 Introduction

03:12 Judaism as a moral basis for activism

08:39 Unity within activism

09:42 The value of attending rallies

13:21 Avoiding misinformation

18:42 Credibility

20:19 Responsibility in influence

23:44 Accuracy and literacy

26:29 Jewish intimidation and antisemitism

31:22 Zionism

34:12 The undeniable tie of Judaism and Zionism

36:47 Education is key to combating antisemitism

About Marla Friedson:

Marla Friedson is the receptionist at Circle of Confusion, a tv/film production and management company. She is also a freelance producer, having worked on a variety of content from unscripted TV to short films to the US Tennis Open. Marla is the co-host and co-producer of Schmuckboys, a podcast about Jewish dating, Jewish identity and antisemitism. Her and co-host Libby Walker interview Jewish guests from all walks of life and release new episodes every other week through the Jewish Journal Podcast Network. Marla is very involved in Jewish organizations in L.A. serving on the board of AishLIT and working part-time as the Head of Operations for Jews Talk Justice, a Tel Aviv Institute project. She is a vocal activist for the Jewish people, using her social media platform to help educate others.

Connect with Marla Friedson:

IG @marsbars36

Tune into Schmuckboys on your favorite podcast platform

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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One message this podcast has tried time and time again to explain... Jews come in all shapes and colors. The Jews from the Middle East are called Mizrahi Jews and they are just as culturally tied as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews are. 

Tal Oran, better known as The Travelling Clatt, steps away from his travel vlogging to share the full overview of Mizrahi Jewish culture. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, goes through a learning curve to uncover the impactful contribution Mizrahi Jews have had on all of us and embraces the personal survival story of the Oran family.

00:00 Decade of travel, YouTube success, pro-Israel advocate.

05:12 Mizrahi Jews struggle with silencing and race

08:36 Challenged the portrayal of Jewish culture in media

12:12 Mizrahi Jews from Iraq and Azerbaijan bond

14:24 Iraqi Jewish dialect is separate language from Iraqi

17:44 Mizrahi cuisine

21:10 The long history of violence

23:35 Family fled Iraq to Iran, then Israel

26:47 Christians, Jews, and peace throughout history (myth)

30:56 Moroccan celebration Mimouna embraced by diverse cultures

31:36 Moroccan music, food, and traditional attire

About Tal Oran:

Tal makes content about Israel, Palestine, The Holy Land, Religions, and what makes us all come together or go apart. He wants to make peace and show love. His journey can be seen on his Instagram and YouTube channel where he produces content full time.

Follow Tal Oran:

Ig: @thetravellingclatt  

YT: @thetravellingclatt

TT: thetravellingclatt

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

TikTok @BadJewPod

As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we dedicate this week’s episode to understanding the lives and legacies of those who survived the Holocaust. Our guest, Michael Ruskin, offers an intimate glimpse into his life as the last surviving member of his family who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust. He shares tales of his own upbringing under the shadow of his parents’ past traumas and how these experiences shaped their family dynamics.

Michael also discusses his book, "The Vow," which not only documents the atrocities of the Holocaust but captures the extraordinary love story of his parents finding their way back to each other post-war. Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, emphasizes the resilience of survivors along with the impact of generational trauma on later generations.

00:00 Introduction

03:27 Poor upbringing and protective Holocaust-survivor parents

08:37 Found family history

10:23 Love over wealth, reflection of 'The Vow'

12:48 Difficulty conveying past experiences

17:37 Writing the book

25:16 Research, learning, and resilience

26:54 How his parents lived

29:44 Conclusion

About Michael Ruskin:

Michael Ruskin (born Meyer Ruksen), was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the beautiful city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (central New Jersey). He is the youngest son of David and Dora Ruskin and the younger brother of the late Allen Ruskin. A graduate from Kent State University in Ohio, he received a B.A.

in Political Science and Psychology. Michael spent most of his 40-year career in corporate Human Resources and private consulting. Mr. Ruskin, now retired, lives a very active lifestyle which includes traveling, tennis, dancing, hiking. He is a student of spirituality, world history, and an avid researcher.  He has one niece and enjoys spending time with friends and making new ones. Michael is the last surviving member of his immediate family. The Vow: A Love Story and the Holocaust is Mr. Ruskin's first book, but not his last.  He currently resides in Roswell, Georgia.

Connect with Michael Ruskin:

Buy 'The Vow' on www.TheVowALoveStory.com

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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Take a deep breath. Let's acknowledge the fact that the world is crazy which can naturally make anyone a little crazy. It's okay to be off your rocker sometimes but that's where the mindfulness kicks in. While the world seems to spew hate in our direction, there's no better time than the present to turn toward the Jewish lens of mindfulness.

Gila Ross, podcast host of PowerUp!, draws from her Jewish studies, namely from pirkei avot, to guide listeners and provide Jewish wisdom to all who tune in. Drawing from a similar inspiration, Chaz Volk, host of Bad Jew, pushes and challenges some of the ideas behind Jewish mindfulness in hopes of finding peace of his own.

00:00 Introduction to Gila Ross

03:37 Teaching abroad

08:38 Finding our purpose

12:23 Jewish mindfulness

14:30 Growth mindset

19:28 Recognizing and fixing sins

20:29 Repairing your life

23:54 Bringing out the best

29:44 Daily gratitude practices

33:00 Seeking spiritual guidance

33:43 Prayer changed to mindfulness

About Gila Ross:

Gila Ross's vibrant, positive and relatable style makes her a well-sought-after and much-loved coach and educator with over 20 years of experience. She has a passion for sharing the joy and relevance of Judaism and positive parenting. She is a senior educator with SEED UK. Her Power Up! podcast was named number 6 on Jewish Podcasts Worldwide. It has several weekly episodes, allowing listeners to access her wit, wisdom, and inspiration in their own time. The Ross family’s open and fun-filled home makes it a top destination for families wishing to celebrate Shabbat and the chagim.

Connect with Gila Ross:

IG @itsGilaRoss

Book:https://lightofinfinite.com/presenter/gila-ross/

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Gilaross?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6461bc56-69f4-40fc-bd13-c7b9c6f97b78

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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Right about now, you might be wondering why we have to eat flat bread. Right about now, you might be frustrated with the long dinners with the even longer stories. Right about now, you might be bored out of your mind as there is CLEARLY no meaning to these new restrictions. Don't worry. We'll explain everything.

Chaz Volk, the new Chief Marketing Officer of Aish Los Angeles and host of Bad Jew, interviews his boss, Executive Director Rabbi Aryeh Markman. Markman goes beyond the elementary-level Hebrew school class on Passover and explains the real meaning of Passover and how this tradition started not too long ago.

00:00 Introduction with my boss

04:30 Embracing tradition

09:05 3,000 years is not that long

11:54 Jewish culture and success tied to Torah

13:16 Challenging perceptions of ancient Passover story validity

18:25 Ego

21:41 Freedom and reflection

25:13 Pesach on the hebrew calendar

27:50 Modern Day Antisemitism

30:05 Conclusion

About Rabbi Aryeh Markman:

Rabbi Aryeh Markman has been the dedicated Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. Rabbi Markman attended the university of Illinois, graduating with a Distinction in Finance. He then visited Israel, where he was introduced to Rabbi Noach Weinberg and Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. Turning down MBA school offers from University of Chicago, and Northwestern University, he continued to pursue Talmudic study, and received Smicha from Rabbi Noach Weinberg. Rabbi Markman and his wife Rochel then moved to Los Angeles in 1991, and are the proud parents of 7 children.

Connect with Rabbi Aryeh Markman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryehmarkman/

IG and Facebook: Jewish Men's Initiative LA

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

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[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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It's one of Judaism's most iconic holidays! Passover! The Rugrats did an episode about it. How could you not know about the holiday? You know, the one where we eat flat crackers? The one with the long dinner that's delayed by stories? Speaking of dinners, who's leading it this year? Oh, you are? And have you ever led a Passover Seder before? No? That's okay, Larry Cohen has you covered.

Leading a Passover Seder dinner can be intimidating whether you're a pro or not. There are tons of logistics to coordinate and you also have to be mindful of the story. How can you possibly take this task on if you're not properly taught? Larry Cohen, a philanthropist, business owner, and mentor of Chaz Volk's, teaches the fundamentals and mindfulness around the Passover story (or Haggadah).

00:00 Introduction

04:05 The Cohen Family's work in the Jewish Community / JCA Shalom

08:01 Inclusion on Passover

10:41 Modern plagues

16:27 Building community in difficult times

19:46 Cute family traditions

23:09 Passing on Jewish traditions for future generations

24:27 Jewish leadership and gratitude

28:12 Conclusion

About Larry Cohen:

Professional 

Larry is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Glyphix advertising which celebrates 29 years of delivering breakthrough creative across all kinds of media, to a wide variety of clients.

Communal

Connect with Larry Cohen:

Support JCA Shalom at ShalominStitute.com

www.Glyphix.com 

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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This episode is about humans. This episode is about identity. This episode is about health. This episode is about self-awareness and self-care. This episode is about morality and this episode is about making sacrifices to pursue authenticity and wholeness. Any commentary outside of those themes is out of ignorance. 

Michael Alroy, a contestant on Israel's Big Brother, a business owner, and a kind soul, speaks to his life journey and how it relates to his Judaism. Chaz Volk, an ally of the LGBTQA community and host of Bad Jew, investigates Alroy's journey to shed light on the human need to pursue inconvenient and difficult measures to embrace identity. 

00:00 Introduction

05:01 Understanding gender

06:49 Realized identity

10:57 Emphasizing with the transgender community 

15:07 Revealing transgender identity

18:12 Respect, kindness, reflection

22:27 Challenges in LGBTQ community

25:06 Promoting understanding and acceptance

26:49 Transition process

30:09 Outro

About Michael Alroy:

“Life begins where fear ends” was Michael’s motto when he made the bold decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery at the age of 21. This was an irreversible decision, which finally allowed him to be and look, the way he felt. From that point on there was no hesitation, regrets, and no holds barred as he transformed himself from Michelle Haziza, to Michael Alroy – a man of his own.

Michael Alroy was born Michelle Haziza in Johannesburg South Africa in 1990. He spent the first seven years of his life in South Africa and attended a Jewish Day School in Johannesburg until Grade 1. In Israel, Michael struggled to adapt to the strictly religious environment of his school as he began to experience a conflict with his gender identity. He felt like a boy in girls' clothing and hated the rules about dress and behavior imposed on him by the school. Nevertheless, the girls admired his spirit of independence and insistence on being and acting as he felt.

As you can imagine his school life was fraught with conflict and feelings of duality and awkwardness. His most joyous day was when he finally finished his schooling and was able to dress and act as he wanted. Still, he encountered more difficulties. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear first-hand Michael's touching and fascinating life story, whilst compelling the audience to identify with his plight and to look more closely at the society in which they live.

Michael awakens in each and every member of the audience their potential and power to make changes in their lives.

Connect with Michael Alroy:

YouTube @mikialroy21  

IG @michael_alroy

LI Michael Alroy

Connect with Bad Jew:

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[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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We've all heard of Kabbalah but what does it really do? Why does it matter? This fictitious book filled with magical and mystical ideas seems to have just as much realism as Greek mythology, right? Wrong. What if Kabbalah was one of the most misunderstood pieces of text out of Jewish literature? 

Like many others, the concept and purpose of Kabbalah has been a mystery to people like host Chaz Volk. Volk speaks with Kabbalah student and coach Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy to uncover the truth and reasoning behind this ancient text. Tune in to learn how Kabbalah is much more involved in our lives than we can possibly conceive! 

00:00 Introduction

07:02 Kabbalistic Overview

14:02 Trauma into Inspiration

16:35 Chaz's Kabbalah Story

19:34 Benefits of Kabbalah

24:25 Personal Development

28:27 Transformative opportunities

30:28 Outro

About Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy:

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy has had an incredible journey back to his Jewish roots thanks to Kabbalistic Wisdom. Having studied directly under world-leading Kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb Shlit"a, Reb Adam has gained the skills and knowledge to help elevate the generation. Reb Adam has gained around 40,000 combined social media followers and flourished a transformational Mindset/Life Coaching practice for CEO's, Founders, and beyond in the past year alone. Reb Adam now resides in Israel with his wife and son. Oh, and he loves schnitzel!

Connect with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy:

RebAdam.com

Ig and TikTok @rebadamyitzchak

YT @RebAdamYitzchak  

Connect with Bad Jew:

BadJew.co

https://linktr.ee/badjew

[email protected]

Ig @BadJewPod

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