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Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!
Connecting people on the left and right to have fun and friendly gatherings - and escaping our echo chambers!
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16. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 16 Jewish Matchmaking: The Reunion
02:49:54||Ep. 16(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 08/24/25)Boaz gathered 14 members of the cast and crew from the Aleeza Ben Shalom Netflix show "Jewish Matchmaking," and it was so much fun!Someone came out publicly. Someone else told us he was planning to propose! A really fun reunion.Joining Boaz Hepner on the show:Benjamin Bakondi - Stem Cell ScientistAleeza Ben Shalom - The Jewish Matchmaker, Coach, AuthorDani Bergman - Entrepeneur, Founder of Club AllenbyEvan Carmusin - Bar and Bat Mitzvah DJShaun Civin - CPA, Flooring Contractor, EntrepeneurNoah Del Monte - Entrepeneur, Sales LeaderRyan Green - Special Education TeacherHarmonie Krieger - TV Personality, Dating Coach, MatchmakerKarin Lang - Sexual Abuse AttorneyNakysha Osadchey - Information Technologies and HospitalityRonit Polin - Producer, Writer, DirectorPamela Rae Schuller - Comedian, Speaker, Disability AdvocateCindy Seni - CEO Cindy Seni Consulting, Content CreatorDean Slotar - Executive Producer0:02:20 - Introductions0:07:31 - The conversation begins! Aleeza speaks.0:08:52 - Who's spoken to each other since the show finished filming?0:09:24 - A reveal about Dani and Karin and Ori behind the scenes.0:14:37 - Did Aleeza continue to play matchmaker after the show?0:17:12 - Harmonie talks to Ben and Aleeza.0:20:29 - Ryan talks about meeting his wife via Hinge.0:22:13 - How does someone single and Jewish today navigate with the apps?0:28:10 - Boaz tells a story about Aleeza.0:29:37 - Harmonie discusses working on her dating app and how much she's learned.0:32:50 - Dean mentions David got married. Boaz brings up a cringe moment from his date with Dani.0:34:00 - Is your attraction for people strongly affected by personality? MANY answer.0:39:06 - Pamela arrives during the chat from a comedy show!0:40:05 - Are men more visual creatures and less flexibility with personality attraction?0:57:12 - Nakysha, your 2 dates were adorable. Evan speaks.1:03:40 - "No abs, no Cindy" LOL1:05:00 - Noah asks Boaz (me!) how he met his wife. Karin asks how we make our differences work.1:10:09 - Boaz brings up LGBTQ Jews which Dean then discusses.1:14:00 - Aleeza are you ever asked by the LGBTQ community to set them up?1:17:00 - Before leaving, Dean asks why it's important to people on the show to marry other Jews specifically?1:25:17 - Boaz clarifies about the marginalized communities not becoming allies with Jews over the years, leading to where we are today.1:28:40 - Evan comes out as bisexual on the show.1:32:56 - How did October 7th affect how people would want to date or be on the show?1:34:16 - People want a season 2, Netflix!1:36:56 - Dean says goodbye, and then Ronit says goodbye.1:45:10 - Dani says goodbye.1:51:19 - Karin says goodbye.1:58:30 - Noah drops a bomb - he's looking for a ring! (No longer a secret!)2:06:38 - A superfan has questions for Harmonie.2:09:18 - Harmonie talks about her father and what she's really been wanting from life.2:21:40 - Is it harder or easier to match up in Israel?2:25:00 - Rabbi Yonah asks if anyone has used a spiritual coach to help marry?2:28:28 - Aleeza clarifies what she means about soulmates.2:30:33 - Flatbush Girl and Rabbi Leo Dee have their questions asked.2:32:17 - Final thoughts from everyone starting with Evan.2:47:37 - Boaz wraps up.#Netflix #JewishMatchmaking #AleezaBenShalom #CindySeni #HarmonieKrieger #DaniBergman #LoxClub #ClubAllenby #ComingOut #Engagement #Proposal #Reunion
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15. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 15 - Poker Pros: A Dialogue on Israel, Antisemitism & the Game They Love
02:59:12||Ep. 15(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 07/30/25)Boaz had the BEST time speaking to a group of 13 incredible poker pros, including the most recent winner of the WSOP! A conversation about the game itself was incredibly fun, and the second half involved a conversation about Israel and antisemitism, and was quite interesting.Joining Boaz on the show:Ronnie Bardah - Poker Pro, Survivor First BootAndy Bloch - Poker Pro, MIT Engineer, Harvard LawyerAlbert Destrade - Dating Coach, Entrepeneur, Survivor LoserAri Engel - Nomadic Poker ProAmnon "Gutz" Filippi - Poker ProJeff Gross - GG Million$ Host, JeffGrossPodcastMike "The Mouth" Matusow - Poker ProEric "E-Wee" Mizrachi - Poker ProMichael "The Grinder" Mizrachi - Hall of Fame Poker ProRobert 'Whosbad" Mizrachi - Poker ProDaniel "Kid Poker" Negreanu - Hall of Fame Poker ProRobbie Strazynski - Cardplayer Lifestyle FounderMelanie Weisner - Poker Pro, Coach00:00 - Intro: "Chosen Links by Boaz" Theme & Credits08:20 - "How have you had to adapt your gameplay over the years?" - Daniel Negreanu13:15 - "Women in Poker: Why are the numbers still so low?" - Melanie Weisner & Group27:15 - "Is it a boy's club? Do you want your female partner to join you?" - Albert Destrade et al38:34 - "Is it a red flag to date a poker player? Are you degenerates?!" - Everyone46:22 - "How will the new Federal Tax law impact your ability to earn money?" Daniel Negreanu et al48:01 - "How have you changed or matured over the years?" Daniel et al55:55 - Jeff Gross leaves1:04:12 - "Do you consider yourself as professional poker players gamblers?" Ari Engel et al1:08:20 - "Behind the Scenes of the 2025 WSOP Main Event win." - Michael Mizrachi1:14:57 - PART 2: "Has anyone ever asked you not to show Jewish or Israeli representation?"1:16:25 - "How do you handle playing with people who publicly protest Israel and Zionists like Dan Bilzerian and Justin Bonomo?" Everyone1:58:40 - "How would you try to win the PR war and how do you win this urban war?" - Melanie Weisner et al2:25:50 - Boaz brings it all together and explains why so many of us feel politicall homeless.2:30:08 - Final optimistic thoughts from each guest...
14. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 14 - The Abraham Accords: How it Started and What Lies Ahead
02:53:22||Ep. 14(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 05/15/25)Boaz coordinated with Yaara Segal for over half a year to gather a multi-cultural group of experts on the Abraham Accords. Not everyone agreed throughout, but it was a polite, enjoyable and fruitful conversation about what was, what is, and what is likely to happen next.Joining Boaz Hepner on the show:Abdullah Antepli - Director, Polis Center for Politics, Duke UniversityNir Boms - Co-Director, Regional Cooperation Program, Tel Aviv UniversitySoraya Deen - CEO, Muslim Women SpeakersDan Feferman - Co-Chair, Sharaka. Mideast Affairs ExpertZach Grashin - Writer-DirectorAhmed Khuzaie - Political ConsultantChama Mechtaly - Founder & Policy AdvisorAlex Plitsas - Director, Counterterrorism Project, The Atlantic CouncilAhmed Quraishi - Journalist & Regional Affairs SpecialistYaara Segal - Abraham Accords Expert & MENA Strategy ConsultantMarc Sievers - Director, AJC Abu DhabiKsenia Svetlova - Executive Director, ROPESAmjad Taha - Politcal Strategist in Middle East AffairsEthan Winterstein - ICC Geller Senior Fellow0:00:19 – Boaz introduces the Abraham Accords panel0:15:25 – Boaz to Amjad Taha: "Where do the Abraham Accords stand after October 7?"0:20:54 – Boaz thanks Amjad before his exit0:25:13 – Boaz to Dan Feferman: "What are you doing in Poland and what's next for Sharaka?"0:34:50 – Boaz asks: "How many of you are Muslim? Any Christians or non-denominationals?"0:45:05 – Ahmed explains Islamic roots of Muslim-Jewish prayer toward Jerusalem0:48:28 -- Chama finishes speaking and Dan says goodbye0:48:56 -- Ethan telling about his experiences with the Geller Fellowship0:52:23 – Boaz shares personal stories of Muslim solidarity after October 70:56:30 – Chama describes her dual Muslim and Jewish heritage1:02:40 – Chama: “The Abraham Accords created a new foundation for belonging”1:09:57 – Dan Feferman exits the episode1:10:30 – Ethan shares post-Oct 7 student experience and UAE-Israel trip1:16:30 – Boaz to the group: “Is there urgency on the Arab side too?”1:17:13 – Chama: “The Accords came from fear of extremism post-Arab Spring”1:21:16 – Ahmed: “Muslim societies need Israel to confront ideological demons”1:39:30 – Boaz asks: “Are the Abraham Accords a partisan issue?”1:42:02 – Boaz thanks Chama as she exits1:48:47 – Zach reports live from Tel Aviv as rocket sirens go off1:53:38 – Boaz launches lightning round: “Rapid-fire audience questions to the panel”2:01:02 – Boaz to the group: “Are the Abraham Accords being promoted outwardly?”2:13:38 – Boaz: “We have 15 minutes left — final questions to each of you”2:15:09 – Boaz reads question from Owen Zaret: “Are Abraham Accords countries recruiting others?”2:17:52 – Guests reflect on missed implementation & organizing challenges2:18:55 – Example shared: UAE mediating indirect talks between Israel and Syria2:44:25 – Boaz reflects on complexity, diversity, and disagreement2:45:50 – Boaz invites closing remarks: “20 seconds each — what didn’t you get to say?”2:46:01 – Final thoughts from Yaara, Ethan, Ambassador Sievers, and Ahmed2:48:06 – Boaz closes the episode
13. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 13 - Resilient: PTSD, Trauma and Healing After October 7th
02:31:13||Ep. 13(EDITOR NOTE – This episode was filmed on 04/02/25. During this time, Boaz Hepner was sleeping at UCLA hospital, during a 13 day hospitalization of his child. Running home to do this episode was surreal, though a welcome break)"Resilient" is an award-winning documentary that explores the widespread PTSD in Israel following October 7th. Boaz speaks with 13 guests—including filmmaker Chava Floryn, participants of the film, and experts on trauma and resilience—to unpack its powerful message and the stories behind it.*Correction: In this episode, it was incorrectly stated that Chava Floryn is not a filmmaker. In fact, Chava is an award-winning documentarian with over 100 short films to her name, including a TV pilot and three documentaries. Her most recent film, Resilient, has won 7 awards to date—5 for Best Picture, 1 for Best Musical Score, and 1 for Best Cinematography.Boaz was joined by:Soraya Deen – CEO, Muslim Women SpeakersChava Floryn – Filmmaker, Author, Somatic HealerBarbara Heller – Actor, Writer, PodcasterPeter Himmelman – Musician. Author. Visual ArtistMaayan Hoffman – Executive Editor, ILTV News & Correspondent, The Media LineRabbi YY Jacobson – World Renowned SpeakerRona Lalezary – Mindset Trainer and International Public SpeakerMicki Lavin-Pell – Marriage, Family, Sex and Trauma TherapistOr Meir Ooliel – Musician and October 7 SurvivorOrli Peter – CEO, Israel Healing InitiativeHoward Rosenman – ProducerGil Troy – Author of ''To Resist the Academic Intifada''Tehran Von Ghasri – Comedian & Social CommentatorTimestamps:0:02:46 – Guest Introductions Begin0:17:05 – End of intros0:18:06 – Boaz asks Chava: “Why did you go make a documentary after Oct 7?”0:25:59 – Gil Troy gives historical context for Israel’s resilience0:29:46 – Rabbi YY Jacobson on discussing trauma with children0:34:13 – Gil chimes in0:36:41 – Peter Himmelman on Jewish strength through humor and history0:40:05 – Gil exits; Micki on healing through helping0:43:48 – Peter and Orli Peter: “Is empathy love, or something else?”0:49:18 – Boaz (as a nurse): “How do you stay empathetic without burning out?”0:50:01 – Maayan & Chava on trauma programs from IDF and government0:55:43 – Boaz to Or: “Do survivors like you feel seen by the system?” (+Chava, Maayan, Orli)1:02:57 – Rona chimes in1:04:24 – Or opens up about needing therapy1:06:10 – Tehran chimes in1:09:53 – Soraya chimes in1:13:50 – BREAK1:14:47 – Boaz to Soraya: “Why join a Jewish-centered conversation?”1:21:23 – Tehran chimes in with Peter1:27:00 – Maayan on her deep bonds with non-Jewish allies1:30:55 – Boaz to Barb: “How do we process grief without imploding?”1:39:41 – Micki chimes in1:41:38 – Chava on a family visiting LA post-trauma1:45:24 – Or recounts his October 7th survival story1:56:14 – Tehran and Peter chime in2:01:35 – Soraya chimes in2:03:07 – Tehran to Soraya: messaging of love from Muslim allies2:07:04 – Peter’s story about an Uber driver from India2:09:00 – Rona on Mental Health Is Real2:14:05 – Howard Rosenman speaks2:19:40 – Final thoughts: “What gives you hope?”2:29:25 – Boaz final thoughts
12. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 12 - Wikipedia's War on Truth - The Fight Against Bias Toward Israel
02:45:36||Ep. 12(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 02/19/25. Tragically, on 04/20/25, guest Christian Gribneau died unexpectedly.)After a 3-part series on the diversity of the Jewish population, Boaz Hepner spoke to a panel of Wikipedia experts. A wide array of investigative journalists, Wikipedia editors, and more, this conversation was about the assumed role of Wikipedia's neutrality, and how far it appears to have veered from that path. Especially when analyzed by its stance on the Israel/Palestinian conflict, and Zionism.Panelists:-- Dr. Shlomit Aharoni Lir – University of Haifa-- Aaron Bandler – Jewish Journal-- Yfat Barak-Cheney – World Jewish Congress-- Jordan Cope – StandWithUs-- Christian Gribneau – Justapedia Foundation-- Mathilda Heller – The Jerusalem Post-- Ohad Merlin – The Jerusalem Post-- David Swindle – The Algemeiner-- Jonathan M Weiss – Wikipedia Editor-- Betty Wills – Justapedia Foundation-- David Wiseman – Online Reputation ExpertChapters:3:27 – Bios11:43 – Boaz reads listener-Wikipedia exchange17:57 – Jonathan on current editing activity19:26 – Jordan asks about left-right balance22:55 – Dr. Shlomit expands on Hamas coverage25:45 – Wikipedia vs Al Jazeera?27:57 – Consensus sources explained29:05 – Is JPost a “trusted” source?35:48 – When did bias begin?39:01 – David on his investigations40:21 – Dr. Shlomit: pre/post-October 753:41 – Ohad gives Eurovision example55:08 – Jordan on legal liability56:40 – Betty on lawsuits58:27 – Anonymity and accountability1:02:01 – Mathilda replies1:03:13 – Betty on Wikipedia's monopoly1:03:55 – Dr. Shlomit: sue Google, not Wikipedia1:05:15 – David: no clear solution1:07:24 – Betty on Justapedia as alternative1:10:27 – Aaron clarifies Section 2301:13:29 – Yfat: “train has left the station”1:15:51 – Christian offers optimism1:17:51 – Break1:18:23 – Return1:18:52 – Bible as a source?1:19:38 – Aaron on the Wikipedia "Blacklist"1:21:42 – David replies1:22:26 – Arabic Wikipedia discussion1:23:47 – Banners since Oct 71:25:30 – Day 1 confirmation1:26:54 – Jordan: recent changes1:28:10 – Betty on school radicalization1:30:30 – Farewell to Jordan1:31:02 – Wikipedia as a movement1:33:44 – Wikipedia vs UNRWA1:35:19 – Fixing Wikipedia?1:36:10 – Christian on article visibility1:39:12 – Yfat: digital literacy1:41:39 – Risks of AI as solution?1:43:15 – Betty: Wikipedia mirrors media1:44:26 – Jon: Wikipedia reflects public bias1:45:08 – Did Wikipedia change over time?1:46:40 – David on antisemitism's rise1:47:27 – Betty on universities1:47:52 – Wikipedia-critical article downgraded1:49:52 – Mathilda on editor bans1:53:20 – Aaron responds1:56:19 – Boaz summarizes1:58:42 – Are foreign actors involved?2:03:03 – Can editors be less anonymous?2:05:07 – Shlomit: anonymity = no accountability2:08:20 – David explains “sock/meat puppets”2:09:42 – Jon replies2:10:20 – Canvassing on Wikipedia2:11:07 – Jon elaborates2:12:13 – Yfat replies2:13:50 – Boaz lightens the mood2:14:32 – Final thoughts: How do we fix bias?Final Answers:2:16:03 – Ohad2:19:17 – David Wiseman2:21:07 – Mathilda2:23:18 – David Swindle2:24:47 – Christian2:27:32 – Betty2:29:53 – Jon2:32:13 – Yfat2:33:18 – Dr. Shlomit2:37:54 – Aaron2:40:49 – Boaz's final thoughts2:44:48 – Goodnight
11. "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 11 Intersecting Identities: Jews of Diverse Racial & Ethnic Backgrounds
02:46:36||Ep. 11(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 01/05/25)As a natural follow-up to the conversation with Black Jews, Boaz Hepner and Nate Looney gathered 14 Jews of color from a variety of different backgrounds, and had a conversation about their lived experiences. Not everyone labeled themselves the same way, and not everyone even wants to be labeled. A great conversation, showing just how eclectic and diverse the Jewish community actually is.When asked to provide a label, this is how each guest self-identified:Amy Albertson "Chinese-American Jew" Lani Anpo "Native American Jew or Indijewness"BournRich - "A Jew living the African American experience"Emily Bowen Cohen - "Muscogee-Jewish"Jenny Cohen - "Mexican Jew"Abraham Hamra - "Syrian Jew"Eliana Jolkovsky - "Korean-American Jew"Mari Katz O'Leary - "Hispanic Jew"Iola Kostrzewski - "Black Sephardic Jew"Aimee Lacaden - "Pacific Islander, European, Jewish"Matthew Nouriel - "Iranian Jew"Tabby Refael - Iranian American Jew"Raymond Roker - "Bahamian-American & Ashkenazi"Elizabeth Younger - "Choctaw Native American Jew"
10. Episode 10 - Intersecting Identities - The Voice of Black Jews
02:32:27||Ep. 10(EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 12/01/24)An essential conversation with leaders of the Black Jewish community. My second time with Nate Looney as co-moderator, as we sat with 7 amazing people, some of whom would call themselves Black Jews, and some of whom would avoid the label altogether. The 7 of them had a fantastic conversation with us, as we described their lived experiences and identities.Join us as we spoke with:Biggah - Online EducatorChaya Lev - Dancing VibemakerRachel Moon - Social Media Influencer and ActivistApril Powers - Global Head of DEI, AntisemitismDr. Yehudah Pryce - Licensed Clinical Social WorkerElisheva Rishon - That Modest Fashionista Thought LeaderAshira Solomon - Host of the Black and Jewish Podcast