On this episode of Breaking the Narrative, we are joined by Dr. Alan Bostakian, an Iranian expat, change leader, and certified human rights consultant. With a background in human rights advocacy and as the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting human rights victims, Dr. Bostakian has tirelessly championed the Iranian community, an effort made even more urgent by the current unrest in the region.

As a massive uprising unfolds in Iran, met with brutal massacres by the Islamic Republic, Dr. Bostakian and Jesse discuss the dire situation on the ground and what the international community can do to help. Dr. Bostakian shares his thoughts on whether the United States should intervene, how deeply the Iranian people desire change, and what it means for so many to be losing their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

When Jewish model Miriam Mattova was kicked out of an Uber simply for being Jewish, her experience quickly became a national conversation about antisemitism in everyday life.

On this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Miriam joins Jesse to speak candidly about the wave of hate she has faced since the story went public, and what she believes needs to be done to keep Canadians safe from this kind of extremism.

Also joining the conversation is top Canadian lawyer, Howard Levitt, who breaks down the legal implications of the incident, what protections exist, and why cases like this represent much more than just a single Uber ride.

In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Luai Ahmed, a Yemeni-born Muslim Zionist whose life could have taken a very different path. Raised in an environment shaped by extremism, indoctrination, and anti-Israel propaganda, Luai was taught from childhood to glorify martyrdom, hate the West, and embrace the ideology of groups like the Houthis.

Instead, he chose truth. He chose freedom. And he chose courage.

Luai shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he broke away from radical teachings, fled Yemen, rebuilt his identity in the West, and ultimately became one of the most outspoken voices calling for reform within the Muslim world. Jesse and Luai discuss extremism, the roots of antisemitism in the Middle East, the danger of Western naivety, the power of personal transformation, and what it truly takes to stand up for Israel in 2025.

This is one of our most gripping conversations yet. It offers a rare look inside the mindset of someone who could have become a Houthi fighter but instead became a champion for peace, truth, and human rights.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, host Jesse sits down with two bold voices from the medical world: Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, and Dr. Lior Bibas, a cardiologist and president of the Association of Jewish Physicians of Quebec. Together, they explore the growing threat of antisemitism, not just in public discourse but within healthcare settings, academia, and professional life.

Through candid conversation, they shed light on the challenges of speaking out against hatred in professional environments and the responsibility each of us has to confront antisemitism when we see it. We hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse is joined by Michael Hollander of Choueke Hollander, a Montreal-based law firm. Since October 7th, Michael has committed a great deal of time to supporting students on campus, and has been effective in protecting them from discrimination and bigotry. As a result, he is amongst the leading experts in the rights of Canadian students, and the challenges Jewish and pro-Israel students face on campus today.

Hollander offers students practical guidance on navigating hostile environments, understanding their legal rights, and building confidence in advocacy. He shares strategies to create lasting impact within student communities while protecting themselves through legal and strategic tools. His insights equip students to stand proudly for their values and for Israel, while navigating the complexities of campus life with clarity and confidence.

Barrister and International law expert Natasha Hausdorff returns to Breaking the Narrative for another powerful conversation. In this episode, we explore the latest false claims of Israel violating international law, the truths behind them all, and the double standard Israel is held to on the world stage. The law is black and white, and Natasha’s sharp insights and keen understanding help to illuminate the realities that support Israel’s moral war against Hamas, and claim to the Jewish state.

We were glad to include questions submitted by guests at our nationwide fireside chat series with Natasha this past June.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Jacqui Dressler, Senior Director of Advocacy at Hillel Ontario. In the face of modern campus antisemitism, the two discuss the ways in which our organizations are working together to support Jewish and pro-Israel students as the new school year begins.

Jesse and Jacqui share insights from the frontlines of student advocacy, and discuss what needs to change for students to feel safe participating in Jewish life on campus. Most importantly, they highlight the importance of empowering student leaders to be the champions they are for promoting peace and coexistence on their campuses.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Michael Dickson, Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel. Michael opens up about the fight against antisemitism, the challenges of public diplomacy in the digital age, and what the world can learn from Israel’s resilience. From the October 7 aftermath to the ongoing battle of narratives on campuses and online, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, stories, and values shaping the global Jewish community today.

Tune in for an inspiring and timely conversation about advocacy, resilience, and why standing with Israel matters now more than ever.

In this episode of Breaking the Narrative, Jesse sits down with Drew Sylver, a student leader, former Emerson Fellow, and former member of the Concordia Student Union. Drew shares his unique perspective from the frontlines of campus life, opening up about the challenges Jewish students face, the rise of antisemitism at Concordia, and how students can take matters into their own hands to make a difference.This candid conversation highlights what it means to be a Jewish student leader today, navigating activism, identity and why building strong voices on campus is more important than ever.

In this powerful episode of Breaking the Narrative, Canadian journalist Dahlia Kurtz shares her deeply personal and professional journey confronting antisemitism.

From enduring Jew hatred firsthand to continuing the legacy of her father, who stood on the front lines against antisemitism in Canada, Dahlia offers an unfiltered look at what it means to speak truth in an increasingly hostile world.