What The Falafel

What the Falafel is the podcast that brings BIG Jewish energy, hilarious and heartfelt conversations and a sprinkle of chutzpah to your life!

Created and hosted by Jodie Brandman, in partnership with The Jewish News this podcast is where Jewish culture, identity, humour and personal growth collide!

Expect interviews with comedians, creators, chefs, activists and more... all Jewish, all amazing, all here to share their stories in a way that's REAL!

We're here to show all the different, wild parts of being Jewish so hit subscribe and join the FUN!!

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26 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 6 min
English

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October 28 · 1 hr 4 min
What a Jewish Photographer Learned About Life and Purpose | Blake Ezra
On this episode of What The Falafel, Jewish photographer Blake Ezra reflects on life, identity, purpose and the events that shape who we become! Blake was on a gap year in Israel during the second intifada when a terrorist attack happened nearby. That moment changed the course of his life. In the aftermath, he began asking himself a very simple but profound question: if we only get one life, what do we actually want to do with it? That question has followed him through an extraordinary career as a photographer, taking him from news photography and the Middle East to photographing royalty, celebrities, weddings, Holocaust survivors and some of the most intimate moments in people’s lives. But this conversation goes far beyond photography. We talk about fear, uncertainty, following your gut, and building a meaningful life! Subscribe to What The Falafel for more conversations about Jewish life, identity, resilience and finding joy! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ → Find Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeezraphoto/?hl=en Sponsors: → Pukush: https://pukush.com/ Chapters: 00:00 What got Blake started 05:33 Sponsored Advert: Pukush 11:00 Gap year in Israel 14:30 Photography 23:00 Legacy 26:00 Becoming a Coach 32:40 Capturing emotions 43:00 Diverse Living 51:00 Marriage + Music Videos 59:00 Creativity
October 14 · 1 hr 3 min
A TikTok Exec’s Secret to Finding Meaning When Success Isn't Enough | Michal Oshman
Michal Oshman’s grandmother survived the Nazis by jumping off a train, and her hyperawareness thereafter taught Michal that she needed to try and be in control of everything in her life. She climbed the corporate ladder (Head of Culture at TikTok and Meta), married, had kids and did all the things she was “supposed to”, yet she still carried around a level of anxiety that no therapy or cultural practice could shift… that is until she stumbled on scientific papers linking happiness to Judaism. From then on, she uncovered ancient Jewish teachings that changed her life. In this episode of What The Falafel, Michal shares her story, and tells us why nourishing the soul and taking a digital detox for 25 hours every week is vital in this modern world. → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ → Find Michal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaloshman→ Visit Michal's website: https://www.michaloshman.com Sponsors: → Phone and Learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/jewishwoman Chapters:00:00 Dating08:04 Who is Michal?The book14:28 Letting go of control21:46 Jewish wisdom24:00 Finding meaning in Judaism30:00 The Tanya34:00 Shabbat34:18 Sponsor Advert: Phone & Learn42:00 Community48:00 ShabbatCode: 1ZOUIIDKKIWW7318Code: MCWGFPQJRSY2KBTU
October 1 · 55 min
Hollywood Producer Shuts Down The Worst Jewish Conspiracy Theories | Leo Pearlman
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Hollywood producer and writer, Leo Pearlman. We chat about how he built a TV empire from a basement with 3 other Jewish guys; The Hollywood silence (and antisemitism) the last few years; why he’s speaking out as a proud Zionist Jew; and most importantly… why herring is absolutely NOT allowed in his office! It’s a brilliant inspiring, funny and insightful episode so make sure you tune in... → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ Code: 1ZOUIIDKKIWW7318Code: YMGLC0RBKQREDG5S
September 6 · 35 min
From Special Forces to Creating a Global Netflix Hit | Avi Issacharoff
In this on-the-go episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Netflix’s Fauda co-creator Avi Issacharoff to hear about the upcoming Season 5! We hear how the mass invasion of Israel was too “unrealistic” a plot line; how everything changed after October 7th; and how writing it became a healing process for everyone involved. Avi shares his undercover military and then journalistic background, from speaking Arabic with Hamas operatives to being in situations that sparked ideas for the creation of Fauda. It’s a fascinating episode, so make sure you tune in… and prepare yourself for Netflix’s new release! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ Sponsors: → Presteez bars: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/10falafel Use code Falafel10 for 10% off! Chapters:00:00: Season 5 05:57: Sponsor Ad Presteez10:08: Oct 7th casualties 12:42: How Fauda got started 18:00: Healing and writing 20:00: Journalistic background 25:00: The media war 29:00: Bukharan and Kurdish heritage
August 30 · 49 min
What Mizrahi Jews Remember About the Arab World | Ciara Shalome
In this episode of the What The Falafel podcast, Jodie Brandman sits down with Ciara Shalome, creator of the sensational Instagram page: The Mizrahi Story. Ciara has spent years documenting the stories, memories and voices of Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews from across the Middle East and North Africa.We talk about what “Mizrahi” actually means, the discrimination many Mizrahi Jews experienced after arriving in Israel, and the complicated reality of Jewish life across countries like Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Morocco. Ciara talks openly about how she used to see the world in black and white, and how listening to people who actually lived through these experiences completely changed the way she thinks. This is a conversation about Jewish identity, memory, culture, propaganda, social media, polarisation, Muslim-Jewish relationships, and the importance of being willing to see the grey… because history and people are layered. If you enjoy this episode, subscribe to What The Falafel and come join us for more conversations about Jewish life, culture, identity, achievement, spirituality and the things that make us proud to be part of this crazy, brilliant tribe! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ → Find Ciara: https://www.instagram.com/themizrahistory/Sponsors: → Contemporary Judaica: https://contemporaryjudaica.co.uk Showroom by appointment: 58 Crewys Road, NW2 2AD → Presteez bars: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/10falafel Use code Falafel10 for 10% off! Chapters:00:00 What is Mizrahi?08:29 Contemporary Judaica09:40 Discrimination14:33 Ciaras Story, Yemenite and Baghdadi Jews22:31 Presteez23:02 Nuances and Scrolling29:06 The current climate32:12 A Jew and the Quran35:52 Stories1ZOUIIDKKIWW7318
August 19 · 38 min
She Broke The Rules To Save A 100-Year-Old Jewish Bakery | Jennifer Rinkoff
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Jennifer Rinkoff, a 4th generation baker from the famous Jewish East End Bakery, Rinkoffs. We cover everything from the bakery's family history to how Jennifer fought her way in as a female and transformed the bakery with viral “Crodoughs". Jennifer shares stories from her childhood and what it’s like to be a Rinkoff, and shows off her brand-new cookbook as we taste our way through some recipes! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ → Visit the Rinkoff website: https://www.rinkoffs.co.uk→ Find Rinkoff: https://www.instagram.com/rinkoffsbakery/?hl=en→ Get the recipe book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jewish-Bakery-Family-Recipes-Londons/dp/1837836078 Chapters:00:00 Family Foundations 10:00 Joining the business 16:38 Eating crodoughs! 22:00 Extended family business 27:26 The Book
July 20 · 57 min
The Truth About Growing Up In A Religious Jewish Community | Chaya of London
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Jewish content creator and mum of 3, Chaya of London, for a fun and heartfelt conversation! From her life in London and LA to her Chabad upbringing Chaya talks about the key moments in her life. We cover everything from religious marital pressures to building her Jewish home with her kids. This episode will have you feeling proud and inspired! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews/ → Find Chaya: https://www.instagram.com/chayaoflondon/ → Shop the Jewellery: https://www.instagram.com/ellayaofficial/ Sponsors: → Menachems Kosher Butcher: https://www.instagram.com/menachems_glatt_butchers/https://menachems.co.uk/ → Phone and Learn https://www.phoneandlearn.org/https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn/ → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/
June 24 · 1 hr 31 min
The Man Who Created Nova: A Story of Survival, Community and Hope | Ofir Amir
In the most powerful episode to date, Jodie Brandman sits down with Ofir Amir, Co-founder, producer, and survivor of the Nova Festival. Before October 7th, Ofir was building an incredible community alongside music festivals, all promoting connection and kindness at the core. At 6.29am on October 7th, everything changed. Fleeing from the Nova massacre, Ofir was shot by terrorists and had to watch one of his best friends die next to him, all the while trying to protect his pregnant wife at home who hiding in a bomb shelter. Ofir shows us what it means to be resilient. He has gone on to create the Nova Exhibition (which is in London until June 15th), and the Tribe of Nova, an entire community supporting survivors and their families. This episode needs to be watched by everyone. A massive thank you to Ofir for sharing his story. Please donate to The Tribe of Nova to help continue his incredible work: http://bit.ly/4eUFnRt → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with The Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews → https://novaexhibition.com/london-exhibition → https://www.tribeofnova.com/
May 7 · 1 hr 1 min
How The Kosher Food Scene is Going Viral | Romy Kosher
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Romy Kosher for a food filled chat! From discussing how Romy went Kosher in Israel to what excites her about kosher London restaurants, you do NOT want to watch this when you’re hungry!! We also find out all about Romy’s life supporting families with dementia, and her plans for travelling the world eating! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Find Jodie: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Find Romy: https://www.instagram.com/romykosher/ Dementia care: → https://mindkeepers.co.uk/Sponsors:Discover: This episode is sponsored by: → Datekin - https://datekin.co.uk/ → Kosher Kingdom - 7 Russell Gardens, Golders Green Rd, London NW11 9NN → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters: 00:00 Eating & Best Restaurants 03:10 Sponsor: Datekin 03:44 Getting started 14:00 Home life 18:10 Travel 21:40 Going kosher 27:48 Food delivery 35:40 Going to Israel 35:57 Sponsor: Kosher Kingdom 39:30 Content creation 43:43 Dementia 51:12 Social Media
April 22 · 59 min
How Jewish Comedian Fell In Love, Had an Orthodox Conversion and Then a Bris! | Max Olesker
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with writer, comedian and author, Max Olesker. In this laugh-out-loud conversation, Max shares how falling in love led to an Orthodox Jewish conversion complete with moving into a religious family's home in Hendon and a bris at the age of 36! We cover his gruelling journey with the Beth Din, his pro-wrestling and comedic career, and his brand NEW book aptly titled “Making The Cut: An Unorthodox Love Story”. → What The Falafel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Find Max Olesker: https://www.instagram.com/maxolesker/ Sponsor: → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/
March 30 · 1 hr
How West End Rejection Led to Viral TikTok Success | Candy Gigi
In this hilarious episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Jewish comedian and content creator Candy Gigi for a whole hour of laughter! We cover everything from feeling like a misfit in school, to auditioning for West End shows and spitting out vegetables during a live comedy performance. This one you do NOT want to miss! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Find Candy Gigi: https://www.instagram.com/candy_gigi/?hl=en Sponsor: → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/
March 11 · 25 min
Why Kosher Restaurant Owner Swapped Skinny Jeans For A Sheitel | Cat Young
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Cat Young from Balagan to chat about everything from going frum to starting a kosher restaurant! Cat had no idea she was going to be a podcast guest until about 3 minutes before filming when she was put on the sofa with a mic! Hear how she threw away her skinny jeans in favour of a sheitel and how her husband was bundled off to Yeshiva before setting up multiple restaurants. It’s a great episode, make sure you check it out, subscribe, and go visit Balagan (https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/)! Just say you saw this episode and they’ll give you 10% off the bill. → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Jodie: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.
February 16 · 1 hr 13 min
World's #1 Jewish Wedding Expert Reveals The Secret To A Strong Jewish Identity | Karen Cinnamon
In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Karen Cinnamon, founder of Smashing The Glass and Your Jewish Life. We cover everything from how and why she set up her incredible businesses (from wedding blogs to Jewish Joy Journals), why rituals and values are so important, and why she believes inclusivity has been the deal breaker in her work. Karen is so passionate about everyone being themselves and living an authentic life, from wedding decor to everyday food choices, and Jewish rituals they may or may not choose to take on. 🎧Tune in for massive amounts of Jewish pride! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Your Jewish Life: https://www.instagram.com/yourjewishlife/ → Your Jewish Life: https://yourjewishlife.co/ → Smashing The Glass: https://www.smashingtheglass.com/ → Jewish self- care prompts: https://luxejewishlife.com/selfcare → Jewish Joy Journals: https://luxejewishlife.com/shop/ - Use code WTF18 for 18% off Sponsor: Israel Blessing: https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters:00:00 Intro 4:00 Exiting Fight Mode 7:00 Rituals + Wedding 11:07 Smashing the glass 27:00 Being Jewish 33:50 Food 38:47 Sponsor40:00 Family 48:00 Jewish Joy and values 1:00:00 Interfaith marriage 01:09:00 What’s Next?
January 11 · 1 hr 9 min
How a Jewish Entrepreneur Turned His Anger Into Viral Comedy | Yechiel Jacobs
In this hilarious episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with comedian Yechiel Jacobs for a chat that covers SO much ground! From his time in yeshiva, to turning his political anger into humour, Yechiel shows us how you can make the world a better place and spread light even in the darkest of times. 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Yechiel Jacobs: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsyechiel → Sponsor: Israel Blessing https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 8:33 On stage 14:48 King Julien 17:44 School transformation 21:16 Yeshiva + Moving around ** Antisemitism 28:00 Moshiach 31:00 Being a content creator 41:00 Antisemitism + The War 49:00 Food ** Accents 52:57 Sponsor 59:39 Hashem + Religion 1:06:36 The Future
Dec 14, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
The personal trainer who went viral, nearly died and is now stronger than ever | Golan Horesh
In this intense and POWERFUL episode, Jodie Brandman sits down with Golan Horesh, a fitness coach who went viral after confronting an anti-Israel protest and later survived a deadly heart attack! We talk about why you should NEVER be afraid, and the shocking moment that changed his life forever. From a shocking heart attack that left him unconscious, to waking up 2 weeks later and re-thinking his entire life from family to fitness, nutrition and faith!This episode is unmissable, so get stuck in and prepare to be massively inspired! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… CONNECT WITH WHAT THE FALAFEL → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Golan: https://www.instagram.com/golanofc/?hl=en → Row. Beat. Breathe - Golan's 43k rowing challenge. Donate now: https://gofund.me/93906c64a → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3K2gPue Spotify: https://bit.ly/48hGLLC Youtube Music: https://bit.ly/4nYNtLm CHAPTERS: 00:00 Going viral 9:27 Jewish pride 7:21 Being unafraid 26:40 Society today 31:30 Fitness & heart attack 48:45 Israel Blessing Sponsor 51:16 Nutrition 1:07:30 Food delivery 1:10:50 Fundraising + Mum 1:18:00 Typical day of eating
Nov 30, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
The Chef Behind the Dumb B*tch Apron and How He Went Viral | Falmer
This week on What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman is joined by the unbelievably talented Josh Halmer AKA Falmer! Chef, DJ, artist, basically everything… and the man who once got death threats… for making a schnitzel! We get into his entire journey: how he he got the name "Falmer", going from DJ'ing to cooking for Premier League footballers, why he trained as a chef purely to travel the world for free, and the wild story behind the viral schnitzel that gained him up to 10,000 followers in 5 days! We talk food (a lot), creativity, and identity… you’re going to love it! CONNECT WITH WHAT THE FALAFEL → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Falmer: https://www.instagram.com/falmer.uk/ → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ CHAPTERS:00:00 Who’s Falmer? 7:12 Cooking 14.39 Hobbies 21:20 Food Tasting 30.24 DJ’ing 42:00 Food love 46:00 Jewish Identity 53:00 DJ Chef combo 1:00:40 Body Image
Nov 16, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
How to build a life you love | Adam Lind
In this episode of What the Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Adam Lind to talk all things boat life, adventure and mindset! After losing his dad, Adam spent years hitchhiking across the world, exploring human kindness, the limits of his own mind, and what it means to truly live a free life! We talk about everything from breaking out of the “Jewish bubble” and questioning identity, to mental health, intrusive thoughts, and life aboard a boat. Adam opens up about finding peace, social media algorithms, and taking responsibility for life! It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest challenges lead us on the most incredible journey! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Adam Lind: https://www.instagram.com/adam.floatinghome Get his book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Floating-Home-Lessons-life-ordinary/dp/1526683520/ → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/
Oct 29, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
From Being “Too Jewish” To Starring in Wicked | Emma Kingston
In this special Halloween- themed episode, Jodie Brandman sits down with the incredible Emma Kingston, currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked the Musical (yes, the actual green witch herself!) We talk about everything from Emma’s early obsession with singing and her rise through the world of theatre, to what it’s really like behind the scenes at Wicked. She shares her experience performing in Evita and Fiddler on the Roof, the wildness of auditioning, and what it’s like dating in the entertainment industry. But we also get real about identity... about being part of a Jewish minority in theatre, finding pride in who you are, and the surprising links between Wicked and Jewishness! It’s a fun episode, a little witchy, and a whole lot Jewish... the perfect blend for Halloween! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Emma Kingston: https://www.instagram.com/emkingstonSponsor:Israel Blessing: https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters:00:00 – Wicked/ singing 6:56 – Early life 13:30 – Training 21:50 – The world of theatre 30:00 – Playing Elphaba 40:00 – Food 41:20 – Israel Blessing Sponsor45:25 – Getting green 48:22 – Auditioning for Wicked 59:40 – Previous roles 01:01:33 – Being Jewish 01:09:34 – Dating 01:17:49 – Halloween + Judaism
S1 · E9
Oct 12, 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
Antisemitism, Purpose & Jewish Pride | Jonny Daniels
What does it mean to stay proud, grounded, and hopeful as a Jew today?! In this powerful episode, Jonny Daniels sits down with Jodie Brandman to talk about everything from antisemitism in the UK and the current political climate around Israel, to the deeper question of what keeps us connected to our faith and culture. We dive into Jonny’s life story… from the experiences and mentors who have shaped him, to the values that have guided him. This isn’t just a conversation about conflict; it’s about pride, purpose, and the beauty of Jewish life! We explore how faith, community, and giving back can keep us anchored through chaos, and why celebrating who we are matters now more than ever! This is reminder that even in uncertain times, being Jewish is something to cherish! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Jonny Daniels: https://www.instagram.com/jonnydaniels → Find Jonny's foundation: https://www.instagram.com/fromthedepthsfoundation → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Sponsor:Phone and learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/learnteach https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn Chapters: 00:00 – Intro and Current Events10:47 – Jews in the UK17:52 – Anti-Semitism 22:29 – Jewish Pride and Israel33:42 – Food, Culture, and Community38:00 – 📞 Sponsored Message: Phone & Learn (PaL) 45:12 – Life’s Purpose, Mental Health and Being Jewish53:00 – Politics and War1:00:00 – Jonny’s Personal Journey01:14:00 – Health Challenges and Covid01:20:00 – Jewish Future 01:31:00 – Legacy and Inspiration: The Impact of Mentorship01:41:00 – Giving Back and Humility
Sep 28, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
Love Lessons from Netflix's Jewish Matchmaker | Aleeza Ben Shalom
What does it take to make a match that lasts? In this episode FULL of Jewish joy, Jodie Brandman sits down with Aleeza Ben Shalom, Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker, to explore why matchmaking matters more than ever! We talk about Aleeza's journey to Netflix, why EVERY community needs a matchmaker, what values couples should look for when choosing a partner, and how to create Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) for lasting marital happiness! We also talk about her personal journey from to becoming more observant, and how she’s bringing matchmaking to communities around the world! This conversation is packed with wisdom, SO much laughter, and shows why matchmaking isn’t just tradition, it’s a mitzvah! Whether you’re dating, married, or just want massive amounts of Jewish joy, this episode will leave you inspired! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Aleeza Ben Shalom: https://www.instagram.com/aleezabenshalom Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Sponsor: → Phone and learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/learnteach https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn

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