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Ep 548: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen & Emily Rahmilov

In this deeply moving episode of The Israeli Bond, Gal Swisa Cohen welcomes back Emily Rahmilov for a conversation that is as personal as it is unforgettable.

Emily shares her firsthand account of October 7th, 2023—waking to explosions in her hometown of Ofakim, racing against sirens with her family, and the terrifying moments that followed as terrorists infiltrated her neighborhood. What unfolds is a story of chaos, courage, and survival, as her father is shot multiple times while rescuing her sister, and her family faces hours of uncertainty, fear, and what felt like final goodbyes.

Through Emily’s voice, we hear not just one family’s story, but a powerful reminder of the human reality behind the headlines—the trauma, the resilience, and the miracles that emerge even in the darkest moments.

This episode is about memory, responsibility, and the urgency of sharing these stories so they are never forgotten.

Raw. Personal. Essential listening.

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Ep 547: The Israeli Bond with Gal Swisa Cohen and guest Arnie Herz

What does it mean to build bridges in a divided world—and who takes responsibility for that mission?

In this thought-provoking episode, Gal Swisa Cohen sits down with Arnie Herz—AJC Board of Governors member, global advocate, and host of Habits of a Whole Heart—for a candid conversation about diplomacy, identity, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora.

Together, they explore the purpose and impact of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), from its origins over a century ago to its modern-day role in fighting antisemitism, strengthening Israel’s global standing, and quietly shaping international relationships. Arnie offers rare insight into how long-term trust, not headlines, drives meaningful change—including behind-the-scenes efforts that helped pave the way for breakthroughs like the Abraham Accords.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough questions. Gal raises the perspective of an Israeli navigating the complexity of diaspora advocacy, sparking an honest dialogue about responsibility, partnership, and respect between communities.

Beyond policy and politics, this episode is deeply personal. Arnie shares what drives his commitment to a life of purpose—why stepping beyond comfort and into service creates true meaning, and how each of us can play a role in shaping a better future.

This is more than a conversation about Israel—it’s a masterclass in leadership, relationship-building, and the power of showing up, again and again, to create lasting impact.

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Ep 546: Habits of a Whole Heart with Arnie Herz and guest Jonathan Blau

Why do smart people make poor financial decisions—and how can they change?

In this insightful and practical episode, Arnie Herz sits down with wealth advisor and Crazy Wealthy podcast host Jonathan Blau to explore the powerful intersection of money, mindset, and human behavior.

Jonathan challenges conventional financial wisdom, revealing that the greatest threat to wealth isn’t market volatility—it’s our emotional reactions to it. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world experience, he breaks down why fear, bias, and instinct often lead investors astray—and how learning to slow down and think differently can transform outcomes.

From understanding “amygdala hijack” and loss aversion to reframing risk and preparing for uncertainty, this conversation offers a fresh, grounded approach to long-term financial success. But it goes far beyond money.

At its core, this episode is about living with intention—defining what “enough” truly means, aligning decisions with values, and using success not just to accumulate wealth, but to create impact. Jonathan also shares his deep commitment to philanthropy, reminding us that true abundance is measured by how we show up for others.

This is more than a conversation about investing—it’s a masterclass in thinking clearly, living purposefully, and building a life of meaning from the inside out.

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Ep 545: Habits of a Whole Heart with Arnie Herz and guest Bernie Furshpan

What does it really mean to live a life that matters?

In this deeply reflective episode, Arnie Herz welcomes back hmTv founder Bernie Furshpan for a powerful conversation about purpose, impact, and the extraordinary growth of the Humanity Matters podcast platform—now approaching 550 episodes in just one year.

Together, they explore the vision behind hmTv, how a simple idea rooted in communication and connection evolved into a global movement, and why consistency—not perfection—is the driving force behind meaningful change.

At the heart of this discussion is a profound message: we are living in a “crisis of mattering.” Too many people feel invisible, disconnected, and small. Arnie and Bernie challenge that narrative, offering a different path—one rooted in expanding beyond ourselves, serving others, and embracing our role within the larger human story.

From the power of conversation and storytelling to lessons in resilience, hope, and moral clarity, this episode is both a celebration of what’s been built—and a call to action for what’s possible.

This is more than a conversation. It’s an invitation to live with a whole heart—and to remember that humanity truly matters.

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Ep 544: Unmasked, Unfiltered, Unapologetic with Bali Lerner and guests Tanner Brandimarte & CJ Hutter

What happens when the people who usually ask the questions become the ones answering them?

In this compelling episode, Bali Lerner sits down with Suffolk County PBA members CJ Hutter and Tanner Brandimarte—active police officers and co-hosts of the On Patrol podcast—for an unfiltered conversation about policing, public perception, and the realities behind the badge.

From the emotional toll of responding to hundreds of critical incidents to the growing challenges of maintaining law and order in a shifting social climate, CJ and Tanner speak candidly about what it means to serve today. They address the decline in respect for law enforcement, the importance of mental health support for officers, and the urgent need for community trust.

The conversation also explores rising antisemitism, the role of proactive policing in protecting houses of worship, and why education—especially through institutions like the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center—remains essential for shaping ethical, aware officers.

Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at their own podcast journey and how they’re working to tell the fuller story of policing—one that often goes unheard.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being—and behind every safe community is a network of people committed to protecting it.

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Ep 543: History Repeats (Part 2)
Host: Liam Carballal
Guest: Richard Acritelli

How do brilliant minds justify unimaginable evil—and what happens when the world looks the other way?

In Part 2 of this gripping conversation, Liam Carballal and historian Richard Acritelli go deeper into the aftermath of the Holocaust, examining the psychology of Nazi leadership, the disturbing reality of human experimentation, and the uneasy question: could it happen again?

From the calculated mindset of figures like Hermann Göring and Adolf Eichmann to the haunting stories of Josef Mengele’s victims, this episode explores how ideology, power, and silence enabled industrialized murder. The discussion doesn’t stay in the past—it draws sharp parallels to modern extremism, reminding us that hatred doesn’t disappear, it evolves.

Richard also highlights powerful stories of resistance and justice, including the efforts of Simon Wiesenthal and Raoul Wallenberg, while confronting difficult truths about missed opportunities—like the Allies’ failure to bomb Auschwitz—and the world’s limited response to Jewish refugees.

Closing with a look at local history and a new museum dedicated to preserving these stories, this episode delivers a sobering message: remembering is not enough—understanding is essential.

History doesn’t just repeat. It tests us.

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Ep 542: History Repeats
Host: Liam Carballal
Guest: Richard Acritelli

What happens when history stops being words on a page—and becomes something you can smell, see, and never forget?

In this powerful Part 1 conversation, Liam Carballal sits down with historian Richard Acritelli to explore the brutal realities faced by American soldiers at the end of World War II—and the moment they came face-to-face with the Holocaust.

From battlefield stories to the liberation of Mauthausen, Richard shares deeply human accounts of soldiers like John D’Aquila, who went from surviving combat to confronting unimaginable horror. The discussion moves beyond textbooks, revealing what soldiers knew, what they didn’t, and how the experience changed them forever.

Through gripping stories of survival, trauma, and resilience—including the journey of Holocaust survivor Werner Reich—this episode exposes the emotional and psychological toll carried by both liberators and survivors long after the war ended.

This is not just a history lesson—it’s a reminder of what happens when humanity is lost, and why remembering is a responsibility.

Part 1 sets the stage for a deeper dive into stories that prove one thing: history doesn’t just repeat—it demands to be remembered.

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Ep 542: Raised by Survivors with Bernie Furshpan and guest Betty Pilnik on hmTv

What does it mean to inherit not just a story—but the emotions, fears, and resilience that come with it?

In this deeply personal episode of Raised by Survivors, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Betty Pilnik for a conversation that begins with a chance reunion—and unfolds into a powerful exploration of family, memory, and legacy.

Betty shares what it was like growing up surrounded by Holocaust survivors—her parents and all four grandparents—each carrying stories of survival from Bergen-Belsen, Siberia, and displaced persons camps. Through heartfelt moments and vivid memories, she reflects on the values passed down to her: resourcefulness, perseverance, and the unspoken weight of trauma.

In one of the most striking parts of the episode, Betty opens up about recurring, deeply detailed dreams in which she experiences the Holocaust herself—offering a raw and revealing look at intergenerational trauma and how it continues to shape lives today.

Together, Bernie and Betty explore the balance between resilience and pain, the responsibility of passing these stories forward, and the urgent need for education in a world where hate still persists.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a window into the lasting impact of survival, and a reminder that even generations later, the echoes of history still speak.

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Ep 541: Legacy Chronicles with Donna Rosenblum and guest Willi Handler on hmTv

What does it mean to carry a legacy shaped by survival, silence, and resilience?

In this deeply moving episode of Legacy Chronicles, Donna Rosenblum sits down with author Willi Handler to explore the powerful story of his parents—Holocaust survivors from Poland and Romania—and the lasting impact their experiences had on his life as a second-generation descendant.

Willi shares what it was like growing up in a survivor community, navigating identity, independence, and the quiet weight of inherited trauma. He opens up about his emotional journey researching and writing his family’s history—uncovering hidden truths, including the heartbreaking discovery of family members he never knew existed.

This conversation goes beyond history. It confronts the realities of intergenerational trauma, the dangers of rising hate, and the urgent need for Holocaust awareness in a world where understanding is fading.

From personal reflection to public advocacy, Willi’s work bridges past and present—reminding us that memory is not just about looking back, but about shaping a more humane future.

This is not just a story. It’s a call to awareness, empathy, and action.

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Ordinary Heroes (hmTv)

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Dr. Mishy Lesser for a deeply honest conversation about truth, history, and the courage to act.

Dr. Lesser challenges the way history is often taught, exposing the dangers of “twistery”—distorted narratives that erase Indigenous voices and realities. Together, they explore why confronting uncomfortable truths doesn’t weaken students, but strengthens them, and why moral courage must be taught just as intentionally as academic subjects.

From the difference between bystanders and upstanders to the real-world consequences of inaction, this episode pushes listeners to reflect: When have we stayed silent, and what will we do differently next time?

This is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action.

Key themes:
• The cost of historical erasure
• Teaching truth without shame
• Moral courage as a learned skill
• Turning reflection into action

If you’ve ever thought “I should have done something,” this episode will challenge you to be ready the next time it matters.

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