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Why Antizionism Is a War on Jewish Existence | Adam Louis Klein
May 12, 2026
Unknown duration
What Your Relationship With Money Says About Your Character With Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Apr 28, 2026
Unknown duration
Reading Before You Speak: How Matt Nuclear Debates the Issues Most People Won't Touch
Apr 22, 2026
27m 48s
All the News That's Fit to Spin with Ashley Rindsberg
Mar 18, 2026
1h 04m 40s
If Iran Breaks Free with Jonathan Harounoff
Jan 21, 2026
25m 06s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12/26 | ![]() Why Antizionism Is a War on Jewish Existence | Adam Louis Klein | Adam Louis Klein is a PhD student in anthropology at McGill who became one of the leading voices against antizionism after October 7. He was in the Amazon jungle doing fieldwork when the attacks happened. When he returned and refused to stay silent, he was immediately labeled a Zionist and told he had no future in his field. Instead of backing down, he built a movement. In this episode, Adam explains why antizionism is its own category of bigotry, distinct from antisemitism but equally harmful, and why naming it matters more than debunking individual claims. He lays out a practical framework for how to respond when you're hit with terms like "colonial," "apartheid," or "genocide," and why the key is boundary-setting rather than fact-checking. We cover: Real-time role play: what to say when someone claims Israel is colonial, genocidal, or apartheid Why calling something antisemitism often backfires and what to say instead How antizonism functions as a moral identity, not just a political position What Jewish antizionism actually is and where it comes from The role of legacy institutions, philanthropy, and academia in changing the narrative Adam's movement, MAAZ Action (mazaction.org), offers free trainings — 1 to 2 hours — that communities, synagogues, and corporations can access right now. Know someone who needs to hear this? Send it. Share it in your community. Especially with people who think you can be anti-Zionist and still be a friend to the Jewish people. https://www.movementagainstantizionism.org About Adam Louis Klein Follow Adam on IG | — | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | ![]() What Your Relationship With Money Says About Your Character With Rabbi Daniel Lapin | What if pursuing wealth isn't greedy, it's morally good? Rabbi Daniel Lapin has spent decades making that case, and in this conversation he makes it clearly. He's the bestselling author of Thou Shall Prosper, founder of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians, and one of the most practical thinkers on money, character, and how to live well. We get into his Five F's framework: Family, Finance, Friendship, Fitness, and Faith, and why these five areas, arranged in a circle, are the clearest measure of whether someone has their life together. Rabbi Lapin breaks down which F matters most at different life stages, why your relationship with money says more about your character than almost anything else, and how ancient biblical wisdom maps directly onto the way the world actually works. We also talk about why socialism keeps spreading, what the fall of empires has to do with America right now, and why AI is being overhyped in exactly the same way the internet and the automobile were. 90% of Rabbi Lapin's listeners are not Jewish. These are universal principles — and this is one of those conversations you'll want to share. A few of our favorite lines from this episode. It's full of transformative life advice, but you'll have to listen for the rest: "I ask people on planes: what do you do for your fellow human beings? Not what do you do for a living, that's a very self-centered way of looking at it." "Empires end not because of outside invasion — but because of internal collapse. The breaking apart of a common moral shared outlook." If this episode made you think of someone , that's your sign. Stop and share it with them! Follow us on Instagram at @thecuriousmiddlepod Follow our Substack Email us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro: why Polina and Yelena are obsessed with Rabbi Lapin and what to expect 3:43 — The Five F's introduced: Family, Finance, Friendship, Fitness, Faith 6:03 — Family defined: all relationships that flow from male-female connection 7:30 — Finance defined: money, ownership, and your professional relationships 8:29 — Faith explained: anything that can't be measured in a lab — including why you paid $64 for jeans 10:43 — Why the Five F's live on a circle, not a ranked list 11:50 — Which F matters most by life stage — counterintuitive advice for men and women 13:45 — Why society is conditioned to see wealth as greedy — and why that's wrong 15:17 — What a man's relationship with money reveals about his character 19:46 — Jewish tradition views the pursuit of profit as morally good 20:45 — Why socialism spreads and why it's dangerous 22:04 — Freedom vs. equality: you can't have both 24:25 — The 250-year empire cycle — and America turns 250 this year 28:43 — Money and God: gold is the eighth thing God calls "good" in Genesis 31:01 — Why half the guests at a Jewish wedding are business connections, not family 33:11 — Yelena's personal question: how do you measure worth when you've stepped away from a career? 35:20 — Why having children above 2.1 is one of the most important contributions to society 37:44 — Abundance vs. scarcity mindset — and why you can't will money into existence 40:05 — The Screw Magazine story: why everyone needs to believe they're doing something of lasting value 42:26 — Whale oil, copper wire, and the pattern of false scarcity throughout history 43:45 — AI is being overhyped — same pattern as the internet and the automobile 47:02 — People need people: why AI won't replace human connection 49:27 — How media has brainwashed us to see business as villainous 51:00 — Perspective check: 1930, 1941 — things have been worse and we got through it 53:45 — What to actually do right now: build your Five F's 56:16 — Closing: happiness is a decision | — | ||||||
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Reading Before You Speak: How Matt Nuclear Debates the Issues Most People Won't Touch✨ | political commentarysocial media+2 | Matt Nuclear | DiscordBenny Morris+11 | USAngola+6 | debateJubilee+3 | — | 27m 48s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() All the News That's Fit to Spin with Ashley Rindsberg✨ | media powernarrative shaping+3 | Ashley Rindsberg | The Gray Lady WinkedThe New York Times+14 | PolandSoviet Union+7 | media malfeasanceinformation warfare+2 | — | 1h 04m 40s | |
| 1/21/26 | ![]() If Iran Breaks Free with Jonathan Harounoff✨ | IranWoman Life Freedom movement+3 | Jonathan Harounoff | Unveiled: Inside Iran's Woman, Life, Freedom Revoltthe Islamic Republic+1 | IranIsrael+4 | freedomresilience+3 | — | 25m 06s | |
| 1/18/26 | ![]() When Education Turns Into One-Sided Activism with Marissa Streit CEO of PragerU✨ | educationactivism+4 | Marissa Streit | PragerUPragerU.+2 | AmericaEurope | PragerUvalues+3 | — | 1h 02m 11s | |
| 12/20/25 | ![]() Foster Care to Yale: The Truth About Luxury Beliefs with Rob Henderson✨ | foster caresocial class+4 | Rob Henderson | Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social ClassYale+4 | LANorthern California+2 | memoirhomelessness+5 | — | 1h 22m 01s | |
| 12/7/25 | ![]() Sarah Hurwitz: Chosen for Responsibility, Judaism, Israel, and the Battle Over the Jewish Story✨ | Judaismantisemitism+4 | Sarah Hurwitz | JudaismUN+4 | IsraelQatar+2 | Jewish wisdomcultural identity+4 | — | 1h 06m 45s | |
| 11/22/25 | ![]() Your School's Ethnic Studies Curriculum Might Be More Radical Than You Think - Monica Harris Explains Why✨ | Ethnic StudiesDEI+3 | Monica Harris | The Illusion of DivisionFAIR For All+4 | HollywoodAmerica+4 | educationmedia+3 | — | 49m 07s | |
| 11/18/25 | ![]() From "America Is Evil" to American Exceptionalism: Lucy Biggers' Turnaround✨ | American exceptionalismclimate activism+3 | Lucy Biggers | The Free PressAOC+4 | AmericaQatar | re-educationemotional cost+2 | — | 47m 56s | |
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| 11/14/25 | ![]() What Love Makes Possible: Leland Vittert on His Father, Autism & a Lucky Life✨ | autismparenting+2 | Leland Vittert | Born LuckyNewsNation | WashingtonJerusalem | memoirBorn Lucky+3 | — | 46m 37s | |
| 10/5/25 | ![]() Undercover Billionaire Elaine Culotti is Taking on California's Toughest Problems✨ | Californiaentrepreneurship+3 | Elaine Culotti | UndercoverUndercover Billionaire | CaliforniaCalforinia | wildfiresimmigration+2 | — | 49m 16s | |
| 9/29/25 | ![]() The Queen of Kefir: Julie Smolyansky on CEO Guts, Courage & Stamina | Our guest is Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, the company that pioneered the kefir market in America and today produces 95% of the kefir sold in the U.S. Julie's story begins in 1976, when her parents immigrated from Kiev ( the former Soviet Union) to Chicago. Her mother opened a deli, while her father, a mechanical engineer, missed the kefir he had back in the Soviet Union so he started making his own, and from that, Lifeway Foods was born. In 2002, tragedy struck. Julie's father, Michael Smolyansky, died suddenly of a heart attack. At just 27, Julie stepped into the CEO role, becoming the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company. Under her leadership, Lifeway expanded its product lines and grew internationally. Today, with revenues topping $200 million, Julie has proven herself a powerhouse CEO—while also raising two daughters, running marathons, reading voraciously, and giving back through philanthropy and community leadership. This is the kind of conversation we love: a woman courageously living a full, multidimensional life. In this episode, we cover her parents' immigrant journey, the rise of kefir in America, the science of gut health, and Lifeway's latest innovations, including kefir with collagen and creatine. This conversation is about courage, resilience, and building a full life. We get into: ✨ Her family's immigrant journey from Kiev to Chicago ✨ How kefir conquered America ✨ The science of gut health ✨ Lifeway's bold new products (yes—kefir with collagen + creatine!) Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG | — | ||||||
| 8/1/25 | ![]() Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethnic Studies in K-12 Schools and College Campuses | Brandy Shufutinsky is the newly appointed Director of the Education and National Security Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. In this important conversation, we disciuss how today's ethnic studies curriculum, originally intended to promote understanding among diverse communities, is instead fueling division, promoting an oppressor-vs-oppressed worldview, and teaching students that capitalism is synonymous with white supremacy and exploitation. Brandy brings deep expertise to this topic, holding a doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, an MSW from USC, and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego. Today, at least 22 states mandate ethnic studies in K–12 education, 24 more have incorporated elements of it, and California has made it a graduation requirement. Yet there are no national standards for what's being taught, and no real education on the dangers of communism, the importance of civics, or an emphasis on nurturing diverse opinions and critical thinking. Brandy shares how you can get involved locally to push for rigorous standards, honest history, and an end to the ideological indoctrination in our classrooms. If we want to preserve a strong and free Republic, the way we educate the next generation must change. Quotable Moments: "The ideology holds that I'm suffering from internalized oppression because I'm not willingly categorizing myself as part of the oppressed class." "If you are, or simply appear to be white, you're automatically put in the oppressor category." "We cannot have the Republic we have today with an ill-informed, miseducated next generation." "It's easy to be a communist when you're living in a capitalist society." "We need to teach civics and the benefits of our system, but we also have to teach the dangers of the other." Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity | — | ||||||
| 7/26/25 | ![]() Stella Escobedo on Honesty in Journalism | Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience, a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan. Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN). In this conversation, Stella shares how her upbringing shaped her values, her global perspective, and the causes of her disillusionment with mainstream media. Journalism was always Stella's passion. but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. Stella began to question the media's silence on critical issues: the voices of parents during lockdowns, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, and the dangerously skewed coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. We discuss the deeply embedded bias against Israel in U.S. media and the painful, recurring truth that Jews are violently scapegoated in every generation. When serious issues arise, too many default to an intellectually lazy and ancient habit: blame the Jews, and deflect accountability. This conversation is both a warning and a call to action. It's about truth, courage, and refusing to stay silent while history repeats itself. Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG A few of our favorite quotes from this episode: "If not me, then who?" "I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless." "The media completely ignored what we should have been able to have open conversations about." "The indoctrination of their children must stop for peace to exist." If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Arab Israeii Muslm Activist and Stanford MBA Sophia Khalifa Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity Timestamps: 12:53 - Why is there such a disparity in how things are reported 23:14 - Once jihadist attacks on the homeland begin en masse, much of America will blame Jews 28:13 - Stella, a moderate voice, has been pegged asan extremist 37:38 - The teachers union in California should watch the video from October 7 41:59 - In Gaza, this will not stop until the indoctrination of their children stops 44:51 - The state of journalism in this country 49:05 - Netflix, can you help us? | — | ||||||
| 7/7/25 | ![]() Justice, Forgiveness, and One Remarkable Friendship | Karen McKinney was a prosecutor working in the gang unit when her path first crossed with Joseph Herrera, a man she would go on to prosecute for murder. Twenty years later, Karen faced Joseph when he was up for parole. Not exactly your classic "how we met" story. What no one could have predicted is that years later, the two would form an extraordinary friendship that would transform both of their lives. Karen saw something in Joseph that defied his past, a capacity for growth, empathy, and leadership. With her encouragement, Joseph began using his lived experience to help others break the cycle of recidivism. Today, they can speak on the phone for hours at a time, and Karen occasionally joins Joseph's speaking events at prisons. This story is a reminder that people are more than their worst mistakes, and that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the ones that change everything. Follow Karen on Insta I Put Him in Jail for 20 Years. Now We're Good Friends - Newsweek Washington Post Deep Dive with Karen McKinney & Joseph Herrera on Hard Conversations on Kelly Corrigan If you're interested in powerful conversations on prison reform, don't miss our conversations with: Humans of San Quentin Executive Director Diane Kahn Jessca Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer for Reform Alliance Jane Mitchell from the Reform Alliance Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG | — | ||||||
| 6/12/25 | ![]() Still chasing the 'retire early' fantasy? This conversation with David Bahnsen might just change your mind. | In this episode, we talk about the value of work with David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California overseeing $4 billion in client's assets, David is also a thought leader, and author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David wants to challenge one of society's most accepted myths: that success means eventually not working. David makes a bold, and deeply personal case for why work isn't just a way to earn a living, but a core part of living well. Drawing from his career in finance and his passion for theology, philosophy, and purpose, we discuss how our jobs can become our expressions of dignity, identity, and meaning. David offers a different way of looking at work, especially for those feeling stuck or pressured to "have it all figured out." Mic drop moments: "The dignity of work is completely egalitarian." "It is absolutely untrue that AI can ever replace virtue. "Work is the meaning of our life. "Human beings have a remarkable ability to really like being praised at what they do" "It is our responsibility to be producers, creators, and innovators." Want to skip ahead? Just tap the timestamps to dive into specific sections: 02:44 - David's new book is called Full Time Work and the Meaning of Life 12:33 - Let's talk about the fallacy of retirement 18:12 - Very few people in finance like you are openly religious 20:02 - There's been a movement with colleges to glamorize socialism 29:14 - You can't win a primary being sane 37:08 - Why people should focus on what they're good at Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG | — | ||||||
| 6/3/25 | ![]() Ada Palmer on Surviving the End of the World… Again and Again | Ada Palmer, is a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we're not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. "We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters," she told me. "We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility." That line really stuck with us—because it's so easy to feel powerless right now. But Ada's message is the opposite: we do have agency, and what we do does matter. She also reminded us that fear isn't new. "We are not more scared than our predecessors were 50 or 100 years ago. They were just as scared as we are. The stakes were just as high. The rewards of hard work were just as real. The penalties of messing up were just as disastrous." Ada sees change not in election cycles, but in centuries. And that shift in perspective is powerful. We talk about why we need to stop chasing "total wins" and start celebrating the small, meaningful steps forward. Progress is almost always incremental, but that doesn't make it any less real or important. From ancient Rome to climate policy, Ada brings in vivid historical parallels that made us see our moment differently. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges—we talk about the real stakes—but she offers something many of us arel craving: perspective, hope, and a reminder that we've come through hard things before. The part of our conversation that keeps echoing for us is this: Every generation has been called to save the world. They rose to the challenge. Now, it's our turn. 🗣️ Quotes from Ada Palmer "We shouldn't think that we are living now in a uniquely apocalyptic moment. We're living in a normally apocalyptic moment." "Nothing is more similar to the future than the past." "Success isn't 100% victory. Success is mitigating the thing so that it's less bad when it happens." "Every generation has to save the world, and we can work hard at it and meet this occasion." Topics Discussed: 03:15 - Understanding the historical context of our current challenges 10:42 - The cyclical nature of apocalyptic moments throughout history 18:30 - Ada's journey as a historian and science fiction writer 25:50 - The impact of AI on society and the importance of policy 35:12 - How collective efforts can mitigate climate change 45:07 - The significance of partial victories in history 52:40 - Embracing resilience and responsibility in uncertain times Please share this episode with a friend! Follow us on Instagram at @thecuriousmiddlepod Follow our Substack Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com | — | ||||||
| 5/19/25 | ![]() From Rock Bottom to Chasing Destiny in Paris: Natasha Sizlo on Fate, Family and Love | Natasha Sizlo was having a terrible year. Fresh off a divorce, bankruptcy, the end of a passionate relationship, and then the news came about her beloved father's devastating terminal illness. When a friend suggested an astrology reading, Natasha's first instinct was a hard pass. But, Natasha relented, and the reading led her towards a year of magic, the kind of year that turns into a romantic comedy on the big screen and a best-selling book. All Signs Point to Paris by Natasha Sizlo. Hire Natasha to be your real estate agent If you enjoyed this podcast, check out our most powerful and inspiring conversations from the podcast featuring women who've taken bold risks, rebuilt their lives, or spoken the truths most of us keep quiet. These women are brilliant examples of living the life meant for you. Starting Over, Resilience, Overcoming: Nicole Avant on a Mindset of Gratitude and Service Bethany Hamilton on Faith, Waves, and Fearlessness: Bethany Hamilton's Unshakable Journey" Claire Bidwell Smith, Finding Peace After Grief Dara Kurtz, How Dara Crushed Cancer and Changed Her Life Annette Ross was Meant for love, after overcoming a tragic accident during the birth of her second child that left Anette unable to walk, Annette went on to create a beautiful life with five daughters and the love of her life Travel: Jeannie Ralston, The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blosssoming Life Stories and Culture: Laura Belgray, author of Tough Titties, on growing up loud, weird, and real Kat Timpf, Truth Bombs and Punchlines: Kat Timpf on Humor That Hurts (and Heals) Tiffany Shlain on reclaiming time with Tech Shabbats Zibby Owens on bookfluencing and being a literary connector Mental Health Lori Gottlieb (Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) on why you really should talk to someone Serving Others Heidi Kuhn, founder of Roots of Peace, on turning grief into global impact Dr. Leana Wen, Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health Jessica Honegger on Going Scared and Choosing Purpose Over Comfort Relationships Amy Chan, "The Love Rehab You Didn't Know You Needed" and the Psychology of Love Eve Rodsky (Fair Play) on burnout, breakdowns, and building a movement Favorite Quotes from Natasha: "I just have to go to find everybody with his exact same birth chart because the one has to still be out there." "Once I started believing, I started seeing." "To live an authentic life, that's a beautiful thing." "If it's mentionable, it's manageable." "Sounds like you're going to Paris. I'll meet you there." | — | ||||||
| 5/14/25 | ![]() How to Live a Psychologically Rich Life with Shigehiro Oishi | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meant-for-you/id1036108112?i=1000661332590Are you living a psychologically rich life? In this episode we discuss what it means to be psychologically rich and how you can generate more richness. In "Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life", Shigehiro Oishi, Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, shares his research and the ways leading a psychologically rich life can transform how you prioritize your days and goals. As Shige shares, "a psychologically rich life is a life filled with diverse, unusual, interesting experiences that change your perspective; a life with twists and turns; a dramatic, eventful life instead of a simple and straightforward one". For those of you who feel that something is missing from your lives, or that your dreams and goals don't fit with societal expectations, this conversation is for you. Shige Oishi has given us the language and concept for living our lives in search of experience, adventure, learning and connection. Please share this episode with a frriend and follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod You can Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com Get Shige's book if you enjoyed this podcast, consider our podcast with Nicole Avant on gratitude and our series on Narcissism with Dr. Ramani: Nicole Avant on Gratitude, Service and her Mother's Legacy Dr. Ramani's Advice on Suriviving a Divorce with a Narcissist Dr. Ramani's Guide to Naricissism at Work Dr. Ramani's Guide to Dealing with Narcissists Topics Discussed: 05:07 - The the three pillars of a happy life 14:13 - How narrating your experiences enriches the experience 20:12 - A psychologically rich day involves a wide range of emotions 22:18 - Happiness used to be good luck and fortune, but now happiness is personal success 25:41 - Happiness is more like a batting average 32:03 - Happiness is not the intensity but the frequency of positive emotion 36:13 - As we age, curiosity and, and exploration wane, and how to balance it 39:09 - psychological richness mindset can help deal with difficult life situations | — | ||||||
| 4/30/25 | ![]() Why So Many Gen Zs Can't Take a Joke with Ted and Courtney Balaker | Filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker discuss their latest documentary surrounding the mental health crisis among Gen Z. Their film based on the book, The Coddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, was made to spark critical discussions, including conversations across college campuses. We discuss the alarming trends in Gen Z's mental health, the role of social media, and the impact of educational environments that often prioritize emotional safety over intellectual freedom and critical thinking. Please listen to this enlightening discussion that will alert you to concerning Gen Z cultural trends. Please share this episode with a friend! Follow us on Instagram at @thecuriousmiddlepod Follow our Substack Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at mhecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com Links from conversation The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a aGeneration for Failure by onathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff Ted and Courtney's film Company Little Pink House Can we take a Joke | — | ||||||
| 4/23/25 | ![]() Yardena Schwartz on the 1929 Massacre in Hebron That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict | Yardena Shwartz, an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer, joins us to discuss her book, Ghosts of a Holy War. Yardena's book focuses on the 1929 Hebron massacre, allowing us to see the shocking parallels between the historical events of 1929 and the October 7th massacre in Israel. Hebron, an ancient city with archeological finds going back some 5,000 years, is in the controlled territory of both governments. For thousands of years, Hebron has had great religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. Despite Yardena's credentials, and her book's relevance to the current news cycle, "Ghosts of a Holy War" book has been largely ignored by mainstream media and literary circles. It is not a stretch to assume that the historical information revealed in this book goes against the dominant stories in mass media, that seek sources that support their simplified oppressor and oppressed narrative. As history repeatedly shows us, if we don't understand the past, we are doomed to repeat it. The misinformation leading to the 1929 massacre, and the way the massacre was interpreted by the world, is a repeat of what we have seen since October 7. We have seen denials of the recorded atrocities on October 7, misinformation and marches praising the violence as glorious resistance. How can we end the cycles of violence in the region if we don't understand the root causes? It feels like we are trying to cure cancer by taking an Advil and screaming about the pain. Yardena's book shares the historical root causes of the cancer of violence that has plagued the region since 1929. Yardena's book also recounts stories of friendship and muslim families that protected their neighbors. The Jewish families and students in Hebron were not prepared for the violence because they lived peacefully and happily with their neighbors. In 1929, just as today, misinformation from leaders with bad intentions, fueled horrifying fury, and religiously driven violence. We hope that more people decide to learn the history of the region through credible journalists and historians, instead of repeating dangerous misinformation and lies. For the sake of every innocent child, please make time to find the historical truth. PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforyoupod@gmail.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Arab Israeii Muslm Activist and Stanford MBA Sophia Khalifa Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity | — | ||||||
| 4/16/25 | ![]() One Semester of Civics: Sharon McMahon on the Threat You Didn't See Coming | When it comes to understanding our government, we often find ourselves asking, "What would Sharon say?" So we did. We invited Sharon McMahon, America's favorite government teacher and the force behind @SharonSaysS, to help us unpack why civics education in the U.S. has been defunded, sidelined, and under-taught for decades. Sharon shares eye-opening insights about a troubling reality: many students graduate with little more than a single semester of civics, leaving them unequipped to understand how their government actually works. This lack of knowledge isn't just an educational failure it's a civic crisis. When citizens don't understand the basics of how power is structured or how change happens, we risk not only disengagement, but also a national security vulnerability and a weakening of our democracy itself. How can we make America better if we don't understand how America works? How can we expect meaningful progress if the next generation doesn't grasp the role of local elections or how laws are made? When people aren't educated about their own system of government, cynicism grows. Trust erodes. And disengagement becomes the norm—followed by frustration and the belief that everything is rigged. We dive into the case for rebuilding a consistent, nationwide civics curriculum—and the enormous challenge of doing so in a country where education policy is decided by 50 separate state boards and over 14,000 local school boards. This conversation matters. Please listen, learn, and share with your community! Quotes: "We have under-educated our citizens for existence in a very complex democracy." "We need to understand the problem before we can make meaningful change." "The civil rights movement didn't just happen because a bunch of members of Congress were like, what the right thing to do?" -Sharon McMahon "How are we supposed to make America great again if we don't understand how it works?" ----Polina Rubin Zoom In: 06:49 Why aren't people saying in government that maybe we should prioritize civics education 08:10 The United States has an incredibly decentralized education system compared to other democracies 13:27 Whether the federal government should be involved in curriculum decisions is hotly debated 20:37 Elimination of Department of Justice or Department of Education could negatively impact students 23:23 Thoughts on the costs of education in the US compared to other countries 29:31 Every other developed nation takes far more steps to abate childhood poverty than we do 31:51 If you have two parents, you're more likely to not be in poverty Please share this episode with a friend: Follow us on Instagram at @thecuriousmiddlepod Follow our Substack Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com | — | ||||||
| 3/31/25 | ![]() Communism Survivor: From Kiev to American Patriot | Like both of us (your co-hosts Polina and Yelena) Viktoria was born in the Soviet Union. VIktoria immigrated to the USA from Kiev with her family when she was 10. After getting interested in politics a few years ago, Viktoria started a highly successful Instagram page (communistsurivivor) , as a place to share her experiences and political opinions. Viktoria's childhood in the former Soviet Union has shaped her politics and inspired her to share the realities of life under communism. We hope that Viktoria's thoughts on the differences between life in the Soviet Union and the opportunities available in the U.S. encourage you to apply a critical eye when you come across communist and anti-capitalist propaganda. If you have experience of living under an oppressive regime, and when you grow up listening to the stories of how your parents and grandparents struggled, you are more likely to treasure the immense privileges that come with freedom. We feel this perspective is particularly relevant in today's heated climate, where many college students in the West are expressing hatred for their own country without a basic understanding of the historical realities and struggles that led to their freedoms. Viktoria on Instagram PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at contact@meantforit.com Notable Quotes: "Being a Communism survivor is something that definitely molds you into a certain way of being." "We won the lottery because we were able to not only come here, but we have the relativity of the two worlds that make us so grateful and so patriotic." "If you're not involved in politics, politics is going to get involved in you." "The problem with communism is that it doesn't take human nature into account." Topics Discussed: 02:35 The Telepathy Tapes 03:59 Adolescence on Netflix 05:55 Intro to Viktoria 16:20 Communism will never work with humans because it's incompatible with human nature 21:27 Most people in the west don't recognize the patterns of anti-government protests 21:53 Victoria started Communism Survivor after becoming passionate about politics 25:35 Advice for those trying to grow their Instagram accounts 33:22 Being banned on Instagram several times 39:50 Trump's treatment of Ukraine 50:12 Vktoria's career in integrative nutrition | — | ||||||
| 3/7/25 | ![]() Erin Molan: Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity | We are thrilled to share our conversation with respected broadcaster Erin Molan. Throughout the world, many people have discovered Erin for fearless commentary and stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. As she does in her videos, Erin discusses the importance of condemning Hamas and standing against terrorism, emphasizing that true support for children in Gaza means advocating for the eradication of the group that endangers their lives and future. We discuss the erosion of Judeo-Christian values in Western society and how the erosion of these principles can lead to moral confusion and the acceptance of violence. Erin shares why she does this work for her daughter's future, and the future of all children. We discuss the role of the media in shaping narratives, and the responsibility we all have to protect the values of freedom and safety for future generations. This is not just a conversation about politics; it's a call to action for everyone who believes in a just world. Erin's new show on X A few of Erin's videos: Failure on a global scale… more hostages freed but the sh_t show rolls on… Erin Molan's take! Erin Molan unloads on UN official Francesca Albanese over 'insane' response 'Unrelenting idiocy': Erin Molan calls out the West's ongoing insanity on Israel If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Yardena Schartz, Ghosts of a Holy War Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Arab Israeii Muslm Activist and Stanford MBA Sophia Khalifa PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforYOU Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com ************************** Show Notes: 00:00 Why condemning Hamas and standing against terrorism is the best gift any of us can give 04:55 Moving away from Judeo Christian values 07:14 How is it controversial to be against terror 10:40 No Other Land won for Best Documentary despite being full of falsehoods 14:25 The two side narrative 18:55 You are allowed to change your opinion when more information is presented to you 24:17 This is an existential fight | — | ||||||
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