Part two of this powerful and deeply personal conversation. In this episode Matthew Nouriel shares his journey from growing up around extremist ideology to discovering his own voice, freedom, and identity. His story explores the difficult path of challenging beliefs, breaking away from harmful narratives, and finding the courage to live authentically.

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In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Matthew Nouriel shares his journey from growing up around extremist ideology to discovering his own voice, freedom, and identity. His story explores the difficult path of challenging beliefs, breaking away from harmful narratives, and finding the courage to live authentically.

Support the show

What happens when pop stardom meets unapologetic Jewish identity?

In this powerful episode of Big Time Jewish, James Maslow joins Tanya on the Highly Jewish podcast for an honest conversation about fame, faith, and standing up to antisemitism. Best known for his breakout role in Big Time Rush, James opens up about life in the spotlight, navigating Hollywood as a proud Jew, and why speaking out has never felt more important.

From global tours and teen idol status to rediscovering his spiritual roots, James shares how Judaism shapes his values, resilience, and sense of responsibility. He and Tanya dive into the rise of antisemitism, the importance of using your platform with purpose, and what it really means to live proudly and visibly Jewish in today’s world.

This episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply relevant — a conversation about identity, courage, and owning your story.

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What does it really mean to stand up for Israel, speak openly about being Jewish in America, challenge politics — and yes… talk about a weed club?
In this raw and honest conversation, Jonah Platt holds nothing back. 🇮🇱

Identity. Courage. Culture. Free speech.
It’s all on the table.
Watch the full episode now. 🎙️🔥

In Episode 3, I sit down with Elizabeth Barcohana to talk candidly about navigating life, work, and identity in one of the most politically progressive states in the U.S. From social pressure and self-censorship to finding your voice when it feels unpopular, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets real about what “living red in a blue state” really looks like.

No talking points. No outrage bait. Just an honest discussion about values, culture, and the cost of speaking up — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Whether you agree, disagree, or are just curious, this episode offers a perspective you don’t often hear.

In this episode, I sit down with Reza Farahan to talk about something very few people are willing to discuss honestly: being an open gay Iranian, what's happening inside Iran right now, and how that collides with Israel, identity, and freedom.

In our first episode of this brand new Highly Jewish podcast, presenter Tanya invites long term friend Amanda Markowitz for a drive around LA. In this podcast they talk about being proud Jews in today's world, having grandparents that survived the Holocaust, raising Jewish kids, going to LGBTQ events as a Jew and how crazy Tanya's Starbucks order was.