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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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Ep 539: Ordinary Heroes

What if the most powerful lessons in life weren’t taught in a classroom—but behind a camera?

In this inspiring episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Rob Zahn, longtime director of one of the nation’s most historic high school television programs in Great Neck, New York. What began as a pioneering media initiative in the 1950s has become a launchpad for something far greater under Rob’s leadership: building confident, capable, and compassionate young people.

Rob shares how film and television production serve as a gateway—not just to careers, but to life skills that matter. From teamwork and leadership to communication, accountability, and resilience, students learn what it truly means to show up for one another. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where things don’t always go as planned, they discover how to adapt, solve problems, and “find a way.”

But beyond the technical skills, this conversation reveals something deeper: the power of mentorship, the importance of making every student feel valued, and the lasting impact one educator can have on thousands of lives.

Whether his students go on to careers in media, medicine, law, or beyond, they carry with them the confidence and character shaped in Rob’s studio.

This episode is a reminder that ordinary heroes don’t just teach—they transform.

🎧 Listen now and meet the educator who is quietly changing the world, one student at a time.

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Ep 539: Ordinary Heroes

What does it truly mean to show up for others when the world feels broken?

In this deeply moving episode of Ordinary Heroes, Bernie Furshpan sits down with Chavi Kahan—an everyday person doing extraordinary work. What began as a personal response to the events of October 7th has evolved into a relentless mission of compassion, action, and impact.

Chavi shares how generational trauma turned into purpose, and how she transformed heartbreak into hands-on support for those in need. Since October 7th, she has traveled to Israel over a dozen times to volunteer, leading five solidarity missions and working directly with displaced families, soldiers, and communities in crisis.

Her work doesn’t stop there. Chavi has built a growing advocacy network through a dedicated WhatsApp group focused on supporting Israel, combating antisemitism, and pushing back against anti-American propaganda. For the past two and a half years, she has devoted herself to fundraising and fulfilling specific, often overlooked needs—supporting IDF soldiers and reservists, their families, bereaved families, and those who might otherwise “fall through the cracks.”

From organizing aid to something as simple—and powerful—as arranging a handyman for an exhausted soldier’s home, Chavi reminds us that impact isn’t measured in scale, but in care.

This episode is a powerful reminder: you don’t need a title to be a hero. You just need to act.

Listen now and discover how small acts of humanity can change lives—and the person giving them.

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Ep 537: Unmasked Unfiltered Unapologetic

What does it really mean to serve, to sacrifice, and to stand up when it matters most?

In this powerful episode, Bali Lerner sits down with Ira Kohler—American-born lone soldier, IDF paratrooper, and author of Once a Paratrooper: The Story of a Lone Soldier in the Gaza War. Ira shares his deeply personal journey from Long Island to the front lines of Gaza, offering an unfiltered look at war, identity, and humanity.

Through raw and often surprising moments, Ira challenges the narratives surrounding IDF soldiers, revealing the human side of service—the fear, the humor, the exhaustion, and the unwavering sense of purpose. He speaks candidly about October 7th, the moral code of the IDF, and the emotional weight of fighting not just for a country, but for people he loves.

At the heart of this conversation is the story of his childhood friend, Omer Neutra, whose memory continues to inspire Ira’s mission and message.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a window into truth, resilience, and what it means to be an upstander in today’s world.

Listen now and experience a story that will stay with you long after it ends.

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