Podcast appearances and mentions of jonah platt

Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt—best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway's Wicked—joins People of the Pod to discuss his journey into Jewish advocacy after October 7. He reflects on his Jewish upbringing, challenges media misrepresentations of Israel, and shares how his podcast fosters inclusive and honest conversations about Jewish identity. Platt also previews The Mensch, an upcoming film he's producing to tell Jewish stories with heart and nuance. Recorded live at AJC Global Forum 2025. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod:  Latest Episodes:  Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Dinah Project's Quest to Hold Hamas Accountable Journalist Matti Friedman Exposes Media Bias Against Israel John Spencer's Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Jonah Platt: is an award winning director of theater and improv comedy, an accomplished musician, singer and award winning vocal arranger. He has been on the Broadway stage, including one year as the heartthrob Fiyero in Wicked and he's producing his first feature film, a comedy called The Mensch. He also hosts his own podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt:, a series of candid conversations and reflections that explore the many facets of Jewish identity.  Jonah is with us now on the sidelines of AJC Global Forum 2025. Jonah, welcome to People of the Pod. Jonah Platt:   Thank you so much for having me, happy to be here.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So tell us about your podcast. How is being Jewish with Jonah Platt: different from Jewish with anyone else? Jonah Platt:   That's a great question. I think it's different for a number of ways. I think one key difference is that I'm really trying to appeal to everybody, not just Jews and not just one type of Jews. I really wanted it to be a very inclusive show and, thank God, the feedback I've gotten, my audience is very diverse. It appeals to, you know, I hear from the ultra orthodox. I hear from people who found out they were Jewish a month ago. I hear from Republicans, I hear from Democrats. I hear from non Jews, Muslims, Christians, people all over the world. So I think that's special and different, especially in these echo-chambery, polarized times online, I'm trying to really reach out of that and create a space where the one thing we all have in common, everybody who listens, is that we're all well-meaning, good-hearted, curious people who want to understand more about our fellow man and each other.  I also try to really call balls and strikes as I see them, regardless of where they're coming from. So if I see, let's call it bad behavior, on the left, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior on the right, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior from Israel, I'll call it out. In the same breath that I'll say, I love Israel, it's the greatest place.  I think that's really unfortunately rare. I think people have a very hard time remembering that we are very capable of holding two truths at once, and it doesn't diminish your position by acknowledging fault where you see it. In fact, I feel it strengthens your position, because it makes you more trustworthy. And it's sort of like an iron sharpens iron thing, where, because I'm considering things from all angles, either I'm going to change my mind because I found something I didn't consider. That's going to be better for me and put me on firmer ground.  Or it's going to reinforce what I thought, because now I have another thing I can even speak to about it and say, Well, I was right, because even this I checked out, and that was wrong. So either way, you're in a stronger position. And I feel that that level of sort of, you know, equanimity is sorely lacking online, for sure.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Our podcasts have had some guests in common. We've had Dara Horn, Sarah Hurwitz, you said you're getting ready to have Bruce Pearl. We've had Coach Pearl on our show. You've also had conversations with Stuart Weitzman, a legendary shoe designer, in an episode titled Jews and Shoes. I love that. Can you share some other memorable nuggets from the conversations you've had over the last six months? Jonah Platt:   I had my dad on the show, and I learned things about him that I had never heard about his childhood, growing up, the way his parents raised him. The way that social justice and understanding the conflict and sort of brokenness in the world was something that my grandparents really tried to teach them very actively, and some of it I had been aware of, but not every little specific story he told. And that was really special for me. And my siblings, after hearing it, were like, We're so glad you did this so that we could see Dad and learn about him in this way. So that was really special.  There have been so many. Isaac Saul is a guy I had early on. He runs a newsletter, a news newsletter called Tangle Media that shows what the left is saying about an issue with the right is saying about an issue, and then his take. And a nugget that I took away from him is that on Shabbat, his way of keeping Shabbat is that he doesn't go on social media or read the news on Shabbat. And I took that from him, so now I do that too.  I thought that was genius. It's hard for me. I'm trying to even start using my phone period less on Shabbat, but definitely I hold myself to it, except when I'm on the road, like I am right now. When I'm at home, no social media from Friday night to Saturday night, and it's fantastic.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It sounds delightful. Jonah Platt:   It is delightful. I highly recommend it to everybody. It's an easy one.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what about your upbringing? You said you learned a lot about your father's upbringing. What was your Jewish upbringing? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I have been very blessed to have a really strong, warm, lovely, Jewish upbringing. It's something that was always intrinsic to my family. It's not something that I sort of learned at Hebrew school. And no knock on people whose experience that is, but it's, you know, I never remember a time not feeling Jewish. Because it was so important to my parents and important to their families. And you know, part of the reason they're a good match for each other is because their values are the same.  I went to Jewish Day School, the same one my kids now go to, which is pretty cool. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Oh, that's lovely. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. And I went to Jewish sleepaway camp at Camp Ramah  in California. But for me, really, you know, when I get asked this question, like, my key Jewish word is family. And growing up, every holiday we spent with some part of my very large, amazing family. What's interesting is, in my city where I grew up, Los Angeles, I didn't have any grandparents, I didn't have any aunts or uncles or any first cousins. But I feel like I was with them all the time, because every holiday, someone was traveling to somebody, and we were being together. And all of my childhood memories of Jewish holidays are with my cousins and my aunts and my uncles and my grandparents. Because it was just so important to our family. And that's just an amazing foundation for being Jewish or anything else, if that's your foundation, that's really gonna stay with you. And my upbringing, like we kept kosher in my house, meat and milk plates. We would eat meat out but no pork, no shellfish, no milk and meat, any of that. And while I don't ascribe to all those things now, I'm grateful that I got sort of the literacy in that.  In my Jewish Day School we had to wrap tefillin every morning. And while I don't do that now, I'm glad that I know how to do that, and I know what that looks like, and I know what that means, even if I resisted it very strongly at the time as a 13 year old, being like what I gotta wrap this up every day. But I'm grateful now to have that literacy. And I've always been very surprised to see in my life that often when I'm in a room with people, I'm the most observant in the room or the most Jewish literate in the room, which was never the case in my life.  I have family members who are much more observant than me, orthodox. I know plenty of Orthodox people, whatever. But in today's world, I'm very grateful for the upbringing I had where, I'll be on an experience. I actually just got back from one in Poland. I went on a trip with all moderate Muslims from around the North Africa, Middle East, and Asia, with an organization called Sharaka. We had Shabbat dinner just this past Friday at the JCC in Krakow, and I did the Shabbat kiddush for everybody, which is so meaningful and, like, I'm so grateful that I know it, that I can play that role in that, in special situations like that.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you've been doing a lot of traveling. Jonah Platt:  Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I saw your reflection on your visit to Baku, Azerbaijan. The largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. And you went with the Jewish Federation's National Young leadership cabinet. Jonah Platt:   Shout out to my chevre. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And you posted this reflection based on your experience there, asking the question, how much freedom is too much? So can you walk our listeners through that and how you answered that question? Jonah Platt:   Yes. So to be fair, I make very clear I don't have the answer to that question definitively, I just wanted to give people food for thought, and what I hoped would happen has happened where I've been getting a lot of people who disagree with me and have other angles at which they want to look and answer this question, which I welcome and have given me a lot to think about.  But basically, what I observed in Azerbaijan was a place that's a little bit authoritative. You know, they don't have full freedom of the press. Political opposition is, you know, quieted, but there's no crime anywhere. They have a strong police presence on the streets. There are security cameras everywhere, and people like their lives there and don't want to mess with it.  And so it just got me thinking, you know, they're an extremely tolerant society. It's sort of something they pride themselves on, and always have. It's a Muslim majority country, but it is secular. They are not a Muslim official country. They're one of only really two countries in the world that are like that, the other being Albania. And they live together in beautiful peace and harmony with a sense of goodwill, with a sense of national pride, and it got me thinking, you know, look at any scenario in our lives. Look at the place you work, look at the preschool classroom that your kid is in.  There are certain rules and restrictions that allow for more freedom, in a sense, because you feel safe and taken care of and our worst instincts are not given space to be expressed. So that is what brought the question of, how much freedom is too much. And really, the other way of putting that is, how much freedom would you be willing to give up if it meant you lived in a place with no crime, where people get along with their neighbors, where there's a sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself. I think all three of which are heavily lacking in America right now that is so polarized, where hateful rhetoric is not only, pervasive, but almost welcomed, and gets more clicks and more likes and more watches. It's an interesting thing to think about.  And I heard from people being like, I haven't been able to stop thinking about this question. I don't know the answer, but it's really interesting. I have people say, you're out of your mind. It's a slippery slope. The second you give an inch, like it's all going downhill. And there are arguments to be made there.  But I can't help but feel like, if we did the due diligence, I'm sure there is something, if we keep the focus really narrow, even if it's like, a specific sentence that can't be said, like, you can't say: the Holocaust was a great thing. Let's say we make that illegal to say, like, how does that hurt anybody? If that's you're not allowed to say those exact words in that exact sequence, you know. So I think if it's gonna be a slippery slope, to me, is not quite a good enough argument for Well, let's go down the road and see if we can come up with something. And then if we decide it's a slippery slope and we get there, maybe we don't do it, but maybe there is something we can come to that if we eliminate that one little thing you're not allowed to say, maybe that will benefit us. Maybe if we make certain things a little bit more restrictive, it'll benefit us. And I likened it to Shabbat saying, you know, on Shabbat, we have all these restrictions. If you're keeping Shabbat, that's what makes Shabbat special, is all the things you're not allowed to do, and because you're not given the quote, unquote, freedom to do those things, you actually give yourself more freedom to be as you are, and to enjoy what's really good about life, which is, you know, the people around you and and having gratitude. So it's just something interesting to think about.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It's an interesting perspective. I am a big fan of free speech. Jonah Platt:   As are most people. It's the hill many people will die on. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Educated free speech, though, right? That's where the tension is, right? And in a democracy you have to push for education and try to make sure that, you know, people are well informed, so that they don't say stupid things, but they are going to say stupid things and I like that freedom. Did you ever foresee becoming a Jewish advocate? Jonah Platt:   No. I . . . well, that's a little disingenuous. I would say, you know, in 2021 when there was violence between Israel and Gaza in the spring over this Sheik Jarrah neighborhood. That's when I first started using what little platform I had through my entertainment career to start speaking very, you know, small things, but about Israel and about Jewish life, just organically, because I am, at the time, certainly much more well educated, even now, than I was then.  But I was more tuned in than the average person, let's say, and I felt like I could provide some value. I could help bring some clarity to what was a really confusing situation at that time, like, very hard to decipher. And I could just sense what people were thinking and feeling. I'm well, tapped into the Jewish world. I speak to Jews all over the place. My, as I said, my family's everywhere. So already I know Jews all over the country, and I felt like I could bring some value. And so it started very slowly. It was a trickle, and then it started to turn up a little bit, a little bit more, a little bit more. I went on a trip to Israel in April of 2023. It's actually the two year anniversary today of that trip, with the Tel Aviv Institute, run by a guy named Hen Mazzig, who I'm sure, you know, well, I'm sure he's been on the show, yeah.  And that was, like, sort of the next step for me, where I was surrounded by other people speaking about things online, some about Jewish stuff, some not. Just seeing these young, diverse people using their platforms in whatever way, that was inspiring to me. I was like, I'm gonna go home, I'm gonna start using this more.  And then October 7 happened, and I couldn't pull myself away from it. It's just where I wanted to be. It's what I wanted to be spending my time and energy doing. It felt way too important. The stakes felt way too high, to be doing anything else. It's crazy to me that anybody could do anything else but be focusing on that. And now here we are. So I mean, in a way, could I have seen it? No. But have I sort of, looking back on it, been leaning this way? Kinda. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you think it would've you would've turned toward advocacy if people hadn't been misinformed or confused about Israel? Or do you think that you would've really been more focused on entertainment.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I think probably. I mean, if we lived in some upside down, amazing world where everybody was getting everything right, and, you know, there'd be not so much for me to do. The only hesitation is, like, as I said, a lot of my content tries to be, you know, celebratory about Jewish identity. I think actually, I would still be talking because I've observed, you know, divisions and misunderstandings within the Jewish community that have bothered me, and so some of the things I've talked about have been about that, about like, hey, Jews, cut it out. Like, be nice to each other. You're getting this wrong.  So I think that would still have been there, and something that I would have been passionate about speaking out on. Inclusivity is just so important to me, but definitely would be a lot lower stakes and a little more relaxed if everybody was on the same universe in regards to Israel. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You were relatively recently in Washington, DC. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   For the White House Correspondents Dinner. I was confused, because he just said he was in Krakow, so maybe I was wrong. Jonah Platt:   I flew direct from Krakow to DC, got off the plane, went to the hotel where the dinner was, changed it to my tux, and went downstairs for the dinner.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are you tired? Jonah Platt:   No, actually, it's amazing. I'll give a shout out. There's a Jewish businessman, a guy named Andrew Herr, who I was in a program with through Federation called CLI in LA, has started a company called Fly Kit. This is a major shout out to Fly Kit that you download the app, you plug in your trip, they send you supplements, and the app tells you when to take them, when to eat, when to nap, when to have coffee, in an attempt to help orient yourself towards the time zone you need to be on. And I have found it very useful on my international trips, and I'm not going to travel without it again. Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. White House Correspondents dinner. You posted some really thoughtful words about the work of journalists, which I truly appreciated. But what do American journalists get wrong about Israel and the Jewish connection to Israel?  Jonah Platt:   The same thing that everybody who gets things wrong are getting wrong. I mean, we're human beings, so we're fallible, and just because you're a journalist doesn't make you immune to propaganda, because propaganda is a powerful tool. If it didn't work, people wouldn't be using it. I mean, I was just looking at a post today from our friend Hen Mazzig about all the different ways the BBC is getting things horribly, horribly wrong. I think part of it is there's ill intent. I mean, there is malice. For certain people, where they have an agenda. And unfortunately, you know, however much integrity journalists have, there is a news media environment where we've made it okay to have agenda-driven news where it's just not objective. And somehow it's okay for these publications that we've long trusted to have a story they want to tell. I don't know why that's acceptable. It's a business, and I guess maybe if that, if the dollars are there, it's reinforcing itself. But reporters get wrong so much. I'd say the fundamental misunderstanding that journalists as human beings get wrong, that everybody gets wrong, is that Jews are not a group of rich, white Europeans with a common religion. That's like the number one misunderstanding about Jews. Because most people either don't know Jews at all on planet Earth. They've never met one. They know nothing about it except what they see on the news or in a film, or the Jews that they know happen to maybe be white, rich, European ancestry people, and so they assume that's everybody. When, of course, that's completely false, and erases the majority of Jews from planet Earth. So I think we're missing that, and then we're also missing what Israel means to the Jewish people is deeply misunderstood and very purposefully erased.  Part of what's tricky about all of this is that the people way behind the curtain, the terrorists, the real I hate Israel people agenda. They're the ones who plant these seeds. But they're like 5% of the noise. They're secret. They're in the back. And then everybody else, without realizing it, is picking up these things. And so the vast majority of people are, let's say, erasing Jewish connection to Israel without almost even realizing they're doing it because they have been fed this, because propaganda is a powerful tool, and they believe it to be true what they've been told.  And literally, don't realize what they're doing. And if they were in a calm environment and somebody was able to explain to them, Hey, here's what you're doing, here's what you're missing, I think, I don't know, 75% of people would be like, holy crap. I've been getting this wrong. I had no idea. Maybe even higher than 75% they really don't know. And that's super dangerous. And I think the media and journalism is playing a major role in that. Sometimes things get, you know, retracted and apologized for. But the damage is done, especially when it comes to social media. If you put out, Israel just bombed this hospital and killed a bunch of doctors, and then the next day you're like, Oops, sorry, that was wrong. Nobody cares. All they saw was Israel bombed a bunch of doctors and that seed's already been planted. So it's been a major issue the info war, while you know, obviously not the same stakes as a real life and death physical war has been as important a piece of this overall war as anything. And I wouldn't say it's going great. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Did it come up at all at the Correspondent's Dinner, or more of a celebration? Jonah Platt:   No, thank God. Yeah. It was more of a celebration. It was more of just sort of it was cool, because there was no host this year, there was no comedian, there was no president, he didn't come. So it was really like being in the clubhouse with the journalists, and you could sense they were sort of happy about it. Was like, just like a family reunion, kind of a vibe, like, it's just our people. We're all on the same page. We're the people who care about getting it right. We care about journalistic integrity. We're here to support each other. It was really nice. I mean, I liked being sort of a fly on the wall of this other group that I had not really been amongst before, and seeing them in their element in this like industry party, which was cool.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Okay, so we talked about journalists. What about your colleagues in the entertainment industry? Are you facing backlash from them, either out of malice or ignorance?  Jonah Platt:   I'm not facing any backlash from anybody of importance if I'm not getting an opportunity, or someone's written me off or something. I don't know that, you know, I have no idea if I'm now on somebody's list of I'm never gonna work with that guy. I don't know. I don't imagine I am. If I am, it says way more about that person than it does about me, because my approach, as we've discussed, is to try to be really inclusive and honest and, like, objective. And if I get something wrong, I'll delete it, or I'll say I got it wrong. I try to be very transparent and really open that, like I'm trying my best to get things right and to be fair.  And if you have a problem with that. You know, you've got a problem. I don't have a problem. So I wouldn't say any backlash. In fact, I mean, I get a lot of support, and a lot of, you know, appreciation from people in the industry who either are also speaking out or maybe too afraid to, and are glad that other people are doing it, which I have thoughts about too, but you know, when people are afraid to speak out about the stuff because of the things they're going to lose. Like, to a person, maybe you lose stuff, but like, you gain so many more other people and opportunities, people who were just sort of had no idea that you were on the same team and were waiting for you to say something, and they're like, Oh my God, you're in this with me too. Great, let's do something together, or whatever it is. So I've gotten, it's been much more positive than negative in terms of people I actually care about. I mean, I've gotten fans of entertainment who have nasty things to say about me, but not colleagues or industry peers.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you would declare yourself a proud Zionist. Jonah Platt:   Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But you wrote a column in The Forward recently over Passover saying, let's retire the word Zionist. Why?  Jonah Platt:   Yes. I recently wrote an op-ed and actually talked about on my pod as well about why I feel we should retire the word Zionism. Not that I think we actually are. It's pretty well in use. But my main reasoning was, that the way we all understand Zionism, those of us who actually know what it is, unlike a lot of people –is the belief that Jews should have self determination, sovereignty in some piece of the land to which they are indigenous. We have that. We've had it for almost 80 years. I don't know why we need to keep using a word that frames it as aspirational, that like, I believe we should have this thing. We already have it.  And I feel by sort of leaving that sentence without a period, we're sort of suggesting that non-existence is somehow on the table. Like, if I just protest enough, Israel's going to stop existing. I want to slam that door closed. I don't think we need to be the, I believe that Israel should exist people anymore. I think we should be the I love Israel people, or I support Israel people. I'm an Israel patriot. I'm a lover of Israel, whatever the phrase may be. To me, the idea that we should continue to sort of play by their framework of leaving that situation on the table, is it only hurts us, and I just don't think we need it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   It lets others define it, in their own terms.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, we're playing, sort of by the rules of the other people's game. And I know, you know, I heard when I put that out, especially from Israelis, who it to them, it sort of means patriot, and they feel a lot of great pride with it, which I totally understand. But the sort of more universal understanding of what that word is, and certainly of what the Movement was, was about that aspirational creation of a land, that a land's been created. Not only has it been created, it's, you know, survived through numerous wars, it's stronger than ever. You know, third-most NASDAQ companies in the world. We need to just start talking about it from like, yeah, we're here. We're not going anywhere, kind of a place. And not, a we should exist, kind of a place. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So it's funny, you said, we all know what Zionism is. And I grinned a little bit, because there are so many different definitions of Zionism. I mean, also, Zionism was a very inclusive progressive ideology packaged in there, right, that nobody talks about because it's just kind of not, we just don't talk about it anymore.  So what else about the conversation needs to change? How do we move forward in a productive, constructive way when it comes to teaching about Jewish identity and securing the existence of Israel? Jonah Platt:   In a way, those two things are related, and in a way they're not. You can have a conversation about Jewish identity without necessarily going deep down the Israel hole. But it is critical that people understand how central a connection to Israel is, to Jewish identity. And people are allowed to believe whatever they want. And you can be someone who says, Well, you know, Israel is not important to me, and that's okay, that's you, but you have to at least be clear eyed that that is an extreme and fringe position. That is not a mainstream thing. And you're going to be met with mistrust and confusion and anger and a sense of betrayal, if that's your position.  So I think we need to be clear eyed about that and be able to have that conversation. And I think if we can get to the place where we can acknowledge that in each other. Like, dude, have your belief. I don't agree with it. I think it's crazy. Like, you gotta at least know that we all think you're crazy having that idea. And if they can get to the base, we're like, yeah, I understand that, but I'm gonna believe what I'm gonna believe, then we can have conversations and, like, then we can talk. I think the, I need to change your mind conversation, it doesn't usually work. It has to be really gently done. And I'm speaking this as much from failure as I am from success. As much as we try, sometimes our emotions come to the fore of these conversations, and that's–it's not gonna happen. You know, on my pod, I've talked about something called, I call the four C's of difficult conversation. And I recently, like, tried to have a conversation. I did not adhere to my four C's, and it did not go well. And so I didn't take my own advice. You have to come, like, legitimately ready to be curious to the other person's point of view, wanting to hear what they have to say. You know, honoring their truth, even if it is something that hurts you deeply or that you abhor. You can say that, but you have to say it from a place of respect and honoring. If you want it to go somewhere. If you just want to like, let somebody have it, go ahead, let somebody have it, but you're definitely not going to be building towards anything that. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So before I let you go, can you tell us a little bit about The Mensch? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, sure. So the Mensch is one of a couple of Jewish entertainment projects I'm now involved with in the last year, which, you know, I went from sort of zero to now three. The Mensch is a really unique film that's in development now. We're gonna be shooting this summer that I'm a producer on. And it's the story of a 30 something female rabbi in New Mexico who, life just isn't where she thought it would be. She's not connecting with her congregation. She's not as far along as she thought things would be. Her synagogue is failing, and there's an antisemitic event at her synagogue, and the synagogue gets shut down. And she's at the center of it. Two weeks later, the synagogue's reopening. She's coming back to work, and as part of this reopening to try to bring some some life and some juzz to the proceedings, one of the congregants from the synagogue, the most eccentric one, who's sort of a pariah, who's being played by Jennifer Goodwin, who's a fantastic actress and Jewish advocate, donates her family's priceless Holocaust-era Torah to the synagogue, and the rabbi gets tasked with going to pick it up and bring it. As things often happen for this rabbi, like a bunch of stuff goes wrong. Long story short, she ends up on a bus with the Torah in a bag, like a sports duffel bag, and gets into an altercation with somebody who has the same tattoo as the perpetrator of the event at her synagogue, and unbeknownst to the two of them, they have the same sports duffel bag, and they accidentally swap them. So she shows up at the synagogue with Jennifer Goodwin, they're opening it up, expecting to see a Torah, and it's full of bricks of cocaine. And the ceremony is the next day, and they have less than 24 hours to track down this torah through the seedy, drug-dealing, white nationalist underbelly of the city. And, you know, drama and hilarity ensue. And there's lots of sort of fun, a magic realism to some of the proceedings that give it like a biblical tableau, kind of sense. There's wandering in the desert and a burning cactus and things of that nature.  So it's just, it's really unique, and what drew me to it is what I'm looking for in any sort of Jewish project that I'm supporting, whether as a viewer or behind the scenes, is a contemporary story that's not about Jews dying in the Holocaust. That is a story of people just being people, and those people are Jewish. And so the things that they think about, the way they live, maybe their jobs, even in this case, are Jewish ones. But it's not like a story of the Jews in that sense. The only touch point the majority of the world has for Jews is the news and TV and film. And so if that's how people are gonna learn about us, we need to take that seriously and make sure they're learning who we really are, which is regular people, just like you, dealing with the same kind of problems, the same relationships, and just doing that through a little bit of a Jewish lens. So the movie is entertaining and unique and totally fun, but it also just happens to be about Jews and rabbis. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And so possible, spoiler alert, does the White Nationalist end up being the Mensch in the end? Jonah Platt:   No, no, the white nationalist is not the mensch. They're the villain.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I thought maybe there was a conversion moment in this film. Jonah Platt:   No conversion. But sort of, one of the themes you take away is, anybody can be a mensch. You don't necessarily need to be the best rabbi in the world to be a mensch. We're all fallible, flawed human beings. And what's important is that we try to do good and we try to do the right thing, and usually that's enough. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, I thought that kind of twist would be… Jonah Platt:   I'll take it up with the writer.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, Jonah, you are truly a mensch for joining us on the sidelines here today. Jonah Platt:   Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Safe travels, wherever you're headed next.  Jonah Platt:   Thank you very much. Happy to be with you.   

I speak with actor and podcast host Jonah Platt of the  @BeingJewishPodcast .We touch on a variety of topics related to our current moment in Jewish history.

In todays special Friday edition, Isaac talks with Jonah Platt, host of the podcast "Being Jewish with Jonah Platt", in response to Isaac's "I think I'm leaving Zionism, or Zionism is leaving me." episode, which was published last Friday. In case you missed it, it is also available to stream in its entirety without a paid subscription.By the way: If you are not yet a podcast member, and you want to upgrade your newsletter subscription plan to include a podcast membership (which gets you ad-free podcasts, Friday editions, The Sunday podcast, bonus content), you can do that here. That page is a good resource for managing your Tangle subscription (just make sure you are logged in on the website!)Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up! You can also give the gift of a Tangle podcast subscription by clicking here. You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was hosted by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75 and Jon Lall. Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Thursday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, actor/Jewish advocate Jonah Platt learned what happens when you get Sid's dander up, forcing the morning show host to hang up on his guest after Jonah revealed that he had voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential election. Phone goes click, that's what happens. In other news of the day, Sid recaps last night's Democratic Primary Debate for NYC Mayor, Sid continues to stir the pot regarding a potential three-way GOP Primary race in next year's New York gubernatorial race between lawmakers Elise Stefanik, Mike Lawler & Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and President Trump issues a travel ban on 12 foreign countries, and travel restrictions on seven more. Arthur Aidala, Anthony D'Esposito, Rich Lowry, Laura Loomer, Bill O'Reilly & Jonah Platt join the show on this Friday-eve installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor & Jewish advocate Jonah Platt makes his short-lived debut with Sid on this Thursday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Hollywood is about as left and progressive a community as there is in this country. And unfortunately, part of the box you have to check in that very left, super progressive space is being anti-Israel and being pro-Palestine in an anti-Israel way,” says Jonah Platt.Platt is a jack of all trades in the entertainment industry—an actor, director, producer, and singer. In the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of Israelis led by terrorist group Hamas, he launched the podcast “Being Jewish.”He recently visited Auschwitz, the largest German death camp, alongside over a dozen Muslims. He went with the organization Sharaka, which builds on the work of the Abraham Accords and educates Middle Easterners and other Arabs and Muslims around the world about the Holocaust.“Some of these people came on this trip at great personal risk. If you're coming from Pakistan to hang out with Jews in the middle of this Israel-Gaza war, I mean, you could be in real, physical danger. Some people—they couldn't be in any photos and their identities had to be kept secret to protect them,” says Platt. “There were Jewish slaves [at Auschwitz], working out in that kind of rain in threadbare pajamas, starving to death, and having to do physical labor and be shot if they didn't keep up. And meanwhile, I'm freezing in the cold, but I get to go on a warm bus and get a hot meal after this.”In this episode, we discuss how to navigate being Jewish and Zionist in a society that is becoming increasingly hostile to Israel.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.***Disclaimer: One of the producers for American Thought Leaders participated in the Sharaka program to Poland on an all-expenses paid trip.

Today is a heartbreaking and terrifying day for Jews in America—and for anyone who cherishes the values of decency, freedom, and civilization itself.The cold-blooded murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim last night in Washington, D.C., has shattered any illusion that the hate-filled rhetoric we've been hearing was just talk. It wasn't. For those of us who have been warning that this kind of incitement would spill into violence, this is our worst nightmare come true. And yet we still hear people whispering, some quite loudly, that the Zionists had it coming. This was not random. This was the deadly consequence of a climate that has normalized antisemitism under the guise of politics. Some people think violent antisemitism is the result of the the war in Gaza. We know it's the other way around - the war in Gaza is the result of violent antisemitism. In this episode, which we recorded a few days ago before these horrific events, we sat down with Jonah Platt—actor, podcast host, and passionate Jewish advocate—to talk about Judaism, Israel, generational disconnects, and what it means to be a vocal Jew in today's climate. Check out his excellent podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.We cover the following topics:* From Hollywood to Jewish Advocacy* The Role of Family in Jewish Identity* What's Going Wrong with Jewish Education?* Jewish Students and the New Face of Antisemitism* Chabad, Cheese Plates & Jewish Hospitality* Why Aren't More Jews in Hollywood Speaking Up?* Fighting Disinformation & Misguided “Allies”In the end, Jonah reminds us: don't wait for celebrities to save us. We are done staying silent about this, and hope you can join us. Don't worry about being on the right side of your favorite Instagram influencer, worry about being on the right side of humanity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

On this packed episode of the Marc Cox Morning Show, Marc tackles Missouri's Medicaid expansion, weighing financial sustainability and the push for work requirements. He highlights the alarming rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses, focusing on Harvard's protests and international student scrutiny. COVID-19 vaccine debates take center stage, including concerns over VAERS data and potential side effects. Local headlines cover a tornado in St. Louis, a California plane crash, and violence against Israeli embassy staff in D.C. Marc speaks with Nichole Murray about emergency preparedness following the St. Louis tornado, and Benjamin Smith joins to discuss political silence around campus anti-Semitism. Memorial Day travel trends, a San Diego plane crash, and the economics of mocktails are also explored. The hour wraps with quirky news from Minnesota and Missouri. Later, Congressman Bob Onder discusses Medicaid reforms targeting waste and fraud, while Mayor Jason Law shares his campaign to end vehicle emissions testing in St. Charles County due to its cost and inefficiency. The show also covers the renewal of Trump's 2017 tax cuts, border security funding, and the U.S. Treasury's plan to stop penny production by 2026. Marc and Kim preview Memorial Day weekend weather and pool openings, caution listeners about dangerous toys like Jarts, and spotlight community fundraisers supporting tornado victims. Jonah Platt, host of Being Jewish, talks about the rise of anti-Semitism and his podcast's mission to foster Jewish community. The show closes with Jason Cole from Pro Outdoor discussing landscape lighting and a $2500 giveaway.

Marc and Kim are joined by Jonah Platt, Host of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, for an in-depth conversation on the recent wave of antisemitic violence, including the tragic shooting in Washington, DC. They discuss how phrases like “from the river to the sea” contribute to growing hostility and fear within the Jewish community. Jonah shares insights from his podcast, which aims to build understanding and unity among Jews and allies. The conversation also explores Hollywood's evolving relationship with Jewish identity, the push for authentic representation, and the concerning trend of antisemitism on college campuses, including actions taken during the Trump administration in response to university protests.

Marc and Kim kick off the show with a look at the Memorial Day weekend weather and pool season openings. They dive into a nostalgic and cautionary chat about dangerous toys like Jarts, highlight local fundraising efforts including the Queen of Hearts raffle and the Guns and Hoses drive for tornado victims. In Segment 3, Jonah Platt joins the show to discuss the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses and the mission of his podcast, Being Jewish. The final segment features Jason Cole of Pro Outdoor discussing landscape lighting installations and details on a $2500 giveaway.

What if the most ancient hate in the world is making a stunning comeback—and most people don't even realize it?In this eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with multi-talented performer, activist, and host of the "Being Jewish" podcast, Jonah Platt. Together, they pull back the curtain on the recent explosion of antisemitism, revealing why it's not a new phenomenon or a fleeting internet trend, but part of a centuries-old playbook that has found new fuel in today's social media-driven world.Key Highlights:Jonah's Personal & Professional Journey: Jonah shares his evolution from a Broadway performer and producer to one of the most recognized Jewish voices online, candidly discussing how personal experiences, world events, and even being diagnosed with ADHD shaped his path.October 7 and Its Aftermath: Lou and Jonah dissect how the tragedy in Israel became a catalyst for a global surge in antisemitism, and what makes this wave of hate so coordinated, widespread, and insidious.Left vs. Right—Understanding Modern Antisemitism: The episode explores why anti-Jewish sentiment shows up differently on the political right and left, outlining how exclusion and double standards have quietly pushed Jews out of certain social circles and institutions.Breaking Out of Echo Chambers: Jonah explains his intentional approach to reaching non-Jewish audiences, offering practical strategies for making Jewish history, identity, and reality accessible and compelling for all.Turning Shock Into Action: Both Lou and Jonah discuss why now is the time for every listener—Jewish or not—to get involved, whether through speaking up, supporting education, or taking part in community initiatives.Action Steps for Listeners:Educate Yourself & Others: Use Jonah's and Lou's recommended resources—like the "Being Jewish" podcast or the book Jews Don't Count—to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish identity and anti-Jewish hate.Get Out of Your Algorithm Bubble: Proactively engage with diverse voices online; follow, comment, and share Jewish creators and moderate voices to help humanize complex issues.Support Inclusive Education: If you're an influencer, business leader, or educator, create space for open discussions about Jews and antisemitism, and advocate for Jewish inclusion in DEI initiatives.Show Up Locally: Attend school board and town hall meetings, and encourage representation and support for Jewish groups within your community and at universities.Don't Wait for Others to Act—Start Now: Whether it's having a conversation, supporting Jewish creators, or volunteering behind the scenes, find one actionable step and take it.This isn't just a conversation for the Jewish community—Jonah and Lou make it clear that fighting hatred and building bridges is everyone's responsibility. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how you can be part of moving “the ball up the court” in the fight against bigotry and for a more inclusive future.TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW00:00 "Exploring Jewish Identity in Media"05:07 From Side Hustle to Influencer08:59 Understanding ADHD and Self-Acceptance12:42 Navigating Antisemitism and Identity14:11 Resurgence of Right-Wing Antisemitism18:11 Foreign Influence Fuels Antisemitism21:39 Inclusive and Educational Show Success23:29 Engage and Invest Strategically28:26 Intentional Podcast Success32:05 Struggling to Fully Delegate33:23 Summer Break for Show Expansion37:03 Inception: A Film-Only Masterpiece40:11 FlyKit: Jet Lag Solution Product43:25 Respect Every Role and Task

Two shot dead in Washington DC, in an attack that shocked many but surprised few. Meanwhile, a string of Israel's longtime allies denounce the country over the blockade of aid to Gaza, even threatening sanctions. Yonit and Jonathan discuss what's next and what to make of the partial resumption of humanitarian aid. Plus, they're joined by fellow Jewish podcaster Jonah Platt, taking the temperature at this moment of angst and revealing what it means to be a Jew in Hollywood in 2025—the challenges and the moments of light.Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Jonah Platt is an American actor, singer, writer, and director known for his role as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. He's appeared in TV shows like The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and written for Family Guy. An advocate for Jewish identity and education, Platt hosts the podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt and actively participates in various Jewish organizations. He hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, being the son of producer Marc Platt and brother to actor Ben Platt.

Jonah Platt, known for his work on Broadway and in television, has become a prominent voice in Jewish advocacy, especially following the events of October 7. In this compelling episode, Jonah joins Rachel to discuss the complexities of Jewish identity in the entertainment industry and beyond.They delve into the challenges of confronting antisemitism, the importance of authentic representation, and the role of tradition and family in shaping one's sense of self. Jonah shares insights from his podcast, Being Jewish, where he engages in honest conversations about faith, culture, and the diverse experiences within the Jewish community.This episode offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be Jewish today—and how storytelling can bridge gaps in understanding.Want to advertise on our show? Email us at: info@truenativemedia.com--- --- ---VISIT OUR AMAZING SPONSOR!--- --- —HAPPY MAMMOTHGo to happymammoth.com and use code UNDERSTOOD at checkout for 15% OFF--- --- —Shop Miss Understood Merch https://mumerch.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Rachel on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠George Carmona Please like, share, subscribe, and give us a 5-star review!Do you have show ideas or media requests? Email the show at: ru@missumedia.comListen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw13NrSKD-nD_8E0vBHt5hA⁠⁠Website: https://missunderstoodpodcast.com/

Greetings morons, and Happy Passover! We are delighted to welcome actor, musician, writer, Jewish advocate, fellow father to be, podcaster, and absolute MENSCH, Jonah Platt to the show. Today, we're breaking down all things Passover- how the holiday came to be, our personal passover stories, matzah pizza, and what really went down in Egypt. Plus, we answer YOUR messages and debate the true meaning of being Kosher. What, are ya nuts?! Enjoy! Tune in to Being Jewish with Jonah Platt HERE Leave us a voicemail here!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! Sponsors:Go to U.S.KOALA.com/GOOD to get $100 off your sofa, plus free shipping.Find exactly what you're booking for on Booking.comHead to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/GOODGUYS and use code GOODGUYS for up to 27 FREE meals!Get results you can run your fingers through! For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code GOODGUYS10 The Great Rewards Hunt is on, so join the adventure with Draftkings Casino! Sign up with code GOODGUYS and start playing to get up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASINO CREDITS back with a minimum five dollar net loss. Only on Draftkings Casino. The Crown Is Yours.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonah Platt slammed Rachel Zegler in the wake of controversy surrounding Disney's new version of Snow White. Listen here and learn more at OKmagazine.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rick & Kelly share clips of their interview with Actor, Podcaster & Jewish advocate Jonah Platt, available in its entirety on The Rick & Kelly Show on Patreon.com, plus Kelly goes on SEVERAL EPIC RANTS including a couple about her new iphone, Snow White goes woke IN THE NEWS and stick around because Kelly reveals her nighttime face routine at the end of the show!Thanks to June's Journey for sponsoring this video. Download June's Journey for free here: https://cherrypick.gg/RickAndKelly2025 1st 100 people get $202 OFF the Blumene Face Pro 2 .0 with a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: reduces double chin or FULL REFUND at:https://blumene.com/rkCheck out Kelly's favorite ingestible peptides HERE:⁠https://makewellness.com/167737⁠Rick & Kelly would love for you to join them on Patreon, where they post hour-plus long, commercial free episodes every week, including celebrity interviews, cooking segments and other videos you won't find on their YouTube channel!Sign up for the Rick & Kelly Show on Patreon.com now!Rick & Kelly are PROUD to be the OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTNERS with SOULLIFE MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS here in America! Get the Rick & Kelly DOUBLE discount of $20 off per bottle by buying 2 or more bottles & hitting AUTO ORDER at:⁠https://soullife.com/rickandkelly⁠ Get your autographed copy of Rick's book "CHASING CATASTROPHE", also at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rickkellyshow.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#blumene #face #makeup #wash #facewash #wrinkles #wrinklefree #plasticsurgery #injections #actor #hollywood #film #television #podcast #jewish #israel #palestinian #college #collegecampuses #protests #snowwhite #woke #spacex #TAMRAJUDGE⁠ ⁠#quitting⁠ ⁠#rhoc⁠ ⁠#bs⁠ ⁠#liar⁠ ⁠#phony⁠ ⁠#fraud⁠ ⁠#fake⁠ ⁠#remodel⁠ ⁠#diy⁠ ⁠#pinkys⁠ ⁠#thermador⁠ ⁠#nuggetice⁠ ⁠#icemaker⁠ ⁠#kitchen⁠ ⁠#kitchencounter⁠ ⁠#ruvati⁠ ⁠#ruvatisink⁠ ⁠#workstationsink⁠ ⁠#whitelotus⁠ ⁠#doxxing⁠ ⁠#criminal⁠ # crime ⁠#cyberbully⁠ # cyberbullying ⁠#harassment⁠ ⁠#scottsdale⁠ ⁠#happybirthday⁠ ⁠#accident⁠ ⁠#fatalwreck⁠ ⁠#terrorists⁠ ⁠#terrorism⁠ ⁠#ceaseanddesist⁠ ⁠#make⁠ ⁠#crystl⁠ ⁠#crystlstrips⁠ ⁠#ripmichelle⁠ ⁠#ripmichelletrachtenberg⁠ ⁠#teddymellencamp⁠ ⁠#rhobh⁠ ⁠#alexisbellino⁠ ⁠#shannonbeador⁠ ⁠#doritkemsley⁠ ⁠#harrietthespy⁠ ⁠#gossipgirl⁠ ⁠#buffy⁠ ⁠#buffythevamnpireslayer⁠ ⁠#jefflewis⁠ ⁠#siriusxm⁠ ⁠#lasvegas⁠ ⁠#chumps⁠ ⁠#palmdesert⁠ ⁠#pickleball⁠ ⁠#pickleballpartytown⁠ ⁠#woke⁠ ⁠#dei⁠ ⁠#volunteer⁠ ⁠#volunteerism⁠ ⁠#trump⁠ ⁠#donaldtrump⁠ ⁠#america⁠ ⁠#kellydodd⁠ ⁠#andycohen⁠ ⁠#bravotv⁠ ⁠#wrongsideofhistory⁠ ⁠#instagram⁠ ⁠#shadowban⁠ ⁠#pickleball⁠ ⁠#pickleballpartytown⁠ ⁠#donaldtrump⁠ ⁠#presidenttrump⁠ ⁠#palmdesert⁠ ⁠#pickleball⁠ ⁠#newsmax⁠ ⁠#newsmax2⁠ ⁠#bravo⁠ ⁠#rhoc⁠ ⁠#theleventhalreport⁠ ⁠#plutotv⁠ ⁠#androidtv⁠ ⁠#xumo⁠ ⁠#stremium⁠ ⁠#haystack⁠ ⁠#youtube⁠ ⁠#klowdtv⁠ ⁠#selecttv⁠ ⁠#newsmax⁠ ⁠#hulu⁠ ⁠#samsungtv⁠ ⁠#roku⁠ ⁠#streaming⁠ ⁠#reporting⁠ ⁠#journalism⁠ ⁠#experience⁠ ⁠#tvshow⁠ ⁠#tvnews⁠ ⁠#newsman⁠ ⁠#newsmax⁠ ⁠#newsmax2⁠ ⁠#solo⁠ ⁠#soloanchor⁠ ⁠#interview⁠ ⁠#cooking⁠ ⁠#correction⁠ ⁠#housewives⁠ ⁠#soullife⁠ ⁠#supplements⁠ ⁠#minerals⁠ ⁠#magnesium⁠ ⁠#reform⁠ ⁠#rekick⁠ ⁠#magnesium5x⁠

Jonah Platt, a true entertainment multi-hyphenate, is an actor, writer, producer, singer and host of the new hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah. Join Platt for a wide-open conversation about growing up Jewish and the influence it has had on his career, including his upcoming project producing and co-staring alongside Ginnifer Goodwin in the feature film The Mensch and co-writing the musical adaptation of Lois Lowry's best-selling novel, The Giver. In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah,This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on culturally relevant topics with musicians, comedians and other entertainment industry professionals to illuminate how being Jewish has shaped their experiences, both personally and professionally.

In this episode, I had an engaging conversation with Jonah Platt, who comes from a prominent Hollywood family and has made his own mark in the entertainment industry. We talked about his experiences on Broadway, including his role in "Wicked," and his family's involvement in the production. Jonah also shared his journey into podcasting with his show "Being Jewish," which he launched to address Jewish identity and issues, especially in light of recent events in Israel. We touched on the challenges of anti-Semitism, the importance of advocacy, and the impact of political changes. On a personal note, Jonah opened up about his wife's MS diagnosis, their IVF journey, and their decision to use a surrogate for their third child. The episode was a mix of Hollywood insights, personal stories, and meaningful discussions about activism and identity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Jonah Platt's Background 00:02:11 - Jonah's Father and the Success of Wicked 00:10:48 - Jewish Advocacy and October 7th Attacks 00:23:01 - Hollywood Gossip: Justin Baldoni and Personal Trainer 00:34:28 - Jonah's Family Journey and Wife's MS MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: Cyber10 for 10% OFF **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Head to acorns.com/tsfs or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Alomoves.com use code TSFS30 for only ninety-nine dollars with a thirty-day FREE trial. This is a limited time offer that ends January 31 Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids MeetFabric.com/TSFS join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow   ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I had an engaging conversation with Jonah Platt, who comes from a prominent Hollywood family and has made his own mark in the entertainment industry. We talked about his experiences on Broadway, including his role in "Wicked," and his family's involvement in the production. Jonah also shared his journey into podcasting with his show "Being Jewish," which he launched to address Jewish identity and issues, especially in light of recent events in Israel. We touched on the challenges of anti-Semitism, the importance of advocacy, and the impact of political changes. On a personal note, Jonah opened up about his wife's MS diagnosis, their IVF journey, and their decision to use a surrogate for their third child. The episode was a mix of Hollywood insights, personal stories, and meaningful discussions about activism and identity.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction and Jonah Platt's Background00:02:11 - Jonah's Father and the Success of Wicked00:10:48 - Jewish Advocacy and October 7th Attacks00:23:01 - Hollywood Gossip: Justin Baldoni and Personal Trainer00:34:28 - Jonah's Family Journey and Wife's MSMY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: Cyber10 for 10% OFF**SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!**https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershowShow is sponsored by:Head to acorns.com/tsfs or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!Alomoves.com use code TSFS30 for only ninety-nine dollars with a thirty-day FREE trial. This is a limited time offer that ends January 31Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroidsMeetFabric.com/TSFS join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutesNutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscriptionQuince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returnsFollow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow  ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!***Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.comGot a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Dude Therapist, Eli Weinstein sits down with the multitalented Jonah Platt to explore the evolving narrative of Jewish identity and the power of activism. Jonah dives into his personal journey of embracing Jewishness, the complexities of advocating in Hollywood, and how recent events have ignited a renewed sense of Jewish pride. This episode explores what it means to celebrate identity in the face of adversity, from tradition and family to the importance of respectful dialogue. Jonah also shares wisdom for young activists, highlights the importance of education and community support, and offers a glimpse into the future of Jewish advocacy. Key Takeaways: Judaism is about more than religion; it's about family and tradition. Activism can spark newfound pride and strength in identity. Respectful dialogue fosters understanding, even amidst differences. It's okay to block negativity online—protect your mental health. Embracing and celebrating who you are leads to empowerment. Community and education are vital for strengthening identity and advocacy. Jonah Platt, host of the new podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, is a trusted voice in modern Jewish advocacy and culture. With a career that has spanned Broadway (Wicked), Hollywood (Being the Ricardos), and beyond, Jonah brings authenticity and insight to the ongoing conversation about Jewish identity. Tune in for inspiration, insight, and actionable advice on embracing who you are and standing tall in advocacy. Don't miss this empowering discussion! Resources Mentioned: Jonah's new podcast: Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Recommended readings on Jewish identity and activism Follow Jonah Platt on social media for updates and insights

Since October 7, we have added more political content with a focus on the  war in Israel. We didn't plan on making our podcast political but we couldn't be authentic without having the conversations we feel are so important, As we think about leading the lives that were meant for us, alongside careers, purpose, relationships and the things that make up a good life, politics is a part of our daily lives. Some weeks it's the appetizer and sometimes it is the main course.  As we share in this episode, the  war in Israel and the tsunami of lies and hatred towards Jewish people galvanized thousands of activists, including us.  In this episode, we spoke with Jonah Platt and Dr. Logan Levkoff about their advocacy stories. We discussed challenging conversations about the war and the impact of activism on our personal and professional lives. As Sharon McMahon reminded us in a previous episode, no effort toward liberty is ever lost. Whatever contribution we can make towards the truth is worth every effort. We hope this conversation will encourage you to advocate for the cause closest to your soul. https://www.jonahplatt.com Listen to Jonah's podcast Dr. Logan Levkoff  

In the madness of election week, we forgot to note that we are off for Veteran's Day today. As longtime readers and listeners know, the Tangle team observes all federal bank holidays, and also takes a couple "recesses" throughout the year around major holidays and congressional breaks (if Congress can take recesses, why can't we as news reporters and consumers?).While we are off today, we still wanted to provide you with a little bit of content. So, below, we've compiled a list of some of recent publications and interviews that you might be interested in, as well as today's "quick hits."On Friday, we published an election-focused reader mailbag newsletter. We answered questions about the future of democracy, "missing votes," purported sexism in the election, how different news outlets call state elections, the argument that Trump is better for women's rights, and much more. You can read it here (newsletter members only).Also on Friday, we published a members-only podcast interview with Ken Block, the election fraud expert hired by the Trump campaign in 2020 to help them litigate election fraud claims. We chatted with him about what he did (and didn't) find. You can listen here (podcast members only).I recently appeared on the “Being Jewish” podcast with Jonah Platt to discuss my journey with Judaism, journalistic integrity today, and the Tangle mission. You can listen here. We have a lot of new content on our YouTube channel, including our election night livestream. You can check out the latest here.If you're a new Tangle listener, you might also be interested in checking out my TED talk from April, in which I discuss politicized language choices and how even small changes can help us all have better conversations with people who think differently than we do. You can watch it here. Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to tanglemedia.supercast.com to sign up!Check out Episode 8 of our podcast series, The Undecideds. Please give us a 5-star rating and leave a comment!You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our podcast is written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Jon Lall. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75. Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Will Kaback, Bailey Saul, Sean Brady, and produced in conjunction with Tangle's social media manager Magdalena Bokowa, who also created our logo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too many actors today are afraid of “coming out” as Jews or supporters of Israel - actor Jonah Platt isn't one of them! Jonah joins host of The Quad and Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, for this exclusive interview from our studio in Jerusalem.Subscribe Now to @JNS_TV Stay informed about Israel and the Jewish World!Latest news: Get in-depth analysis at https://bit.ly/jewish_news_serviceSubscribe for more: Never miss a story - sign up for our newsletter https://bit.ly/subscribe_to_JNSSupport our work: Your donation helps JNS fight for accurate headlines: https://bit.ly/Support_JNS

WeNeedToTalk Returns next week on October 9th! #WeNeedTo Talk is hosted by MALYNDA HALE. SHE IS A SINGER/SONGWRITER, ACTRESS, ENTREPRENEUR & ACTIVIST.   Malynda was born and raised in sunny Santa Barbara, California where she began singing at the age of 5. At the age of seven she learned to play the piano, and by the age of nine, she was writing her own music. Her love for music and desire to make a difference in the world has led her to be recognized many times for her work. She won “Best Female Vocalist” at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, “Best Pop Music Video” at the Indie Music Channel Awards, and “Pop Song of the Year” at The Josie Music Awards. She has been a headliner for the NAMM show, has opened for artists such as Tyrone Wells, Ernie Halter, Levi Kreis, OTOWN and Smokey Robinson and sung background for Melissa Manchester, Terron Brooks and Foreigner. Pre-covid she was touring the world as a guest entertainer on cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Regent, and Celebrity. She has sung the national anthem numerous times for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Galaxy, and the California Democratic National Convention and she recently had music featured on the CBS hit soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful as well as the Disney channel tv show Saturdays.  She was also a featured soloist in WhyHunger's: Drum Together version of The Beatles classic “Come Together”. The project featured over 100 drummers and musicians including Ringo Starr. As an actress she has appeared in stage productions of Once of This Island, Dreamgirls, and Bye Bye Birdie as well as numerous national commercials, independent films and the Lifetime TV Network movie ” A Hunt for Truth” alongside Willa Ford. Most recently she starred in a feature film alongside Loretta Divine and Amy Madigan and a short film with Danielle Beckman and Bobby Moynihan. She also played “Tanta Kringle” in the Troubadour Theatre company's performance of “Santa Claus is coming to Motown” and The Soul Sister Fairy Godmother in Cindy and the Disco Ball, a 70's version of Cinderella at the Garry Marshall Theatre. Past guests on the show have included: Cornel West, John Pavlovitz, Shaun King, Kyla Pratt, Frederick Joseph, Richard Marx, Michelle Williams, Elisa Donovan, Jonah Platt, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Noa Tishby, Grace Semler Baldridge, Angel Parker, Dewayne Perkins, Nick Jones Jr., and more! Because of her love for telling people's stories, in January 2021 she created the Black Voices Heard Project, an ongoing video and photo series that seeks to amplify the experiences of Black Americans. Through this project, it is her hope that the negative perceptions of the Black community will be dismantled and the door will open for more understanding and empathy. Malynda uses her voice through her music and social media presence as an educating activist to effect change within social justice, female empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, veganism, the Black Lives Matter movement, Antisemitism and Progressive Christianity. Malynda has partnered with many organizations such as ACE For Change, Vocal Media, and Yahoo to spread messaging on voting rights, climate change and world hunger and has been a featured commentator on CNN, ABC News Live & Good Morning America. She currently serves as a curriculum and development consultant for ROC Era, a nonprofit committed to providing arts and mentorship programs to inner city youth,  she is on the board for the Religions Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and for The New Evangelicals Non Profit and is an assistant producer at the Garry Marshall Theatre. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and dog. She is the owner of JMV Music Entertainment Agency and a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and NARAS.. When she's not working she loves to binge watch a good Netflix series.

My biggest motivation has always been love.-Gilda Radner Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of founding artistic director Joe Brancato and executive director Andrew M. Horn, presents the world premiere of Gene & Gilda by Cary Gitter, directed by Mr. Brancato, from August 4 through August 27 in Stony Point, New York. Beloved entertainers Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner come to vivid life in a hilarious and heartfelt new play from Penguin playwright-in-residence Gitter, author of The Sabbath Girl and The Virtuous Life of Joseph Andrews, which were previously presented at Penguin. Described by Mr. Brancato as an “intimate portrait of two comic legends in love -- and the lives they led beyond the laughter,” the play follows the famous couple from their first meeting through their personal and professional ups and downs, all the way to their poignant farewell. The cast under Mr. Brancato's direction includes Jordan Kai Burnett as Gilda and Jonathan Randell Silver as Gene. The production is designed by Christopher Fleming (set), Gregory Gale (costumes), Jamie Roderick (lights), Joel Abbott (sound), and Buffy Cardoza (props). Michael Palmer is production stage manager. My special guest to kick off this week is Jordan Kai Burnett! Jordan Kai Burnett recently made her Las Vegas debut starring as the Emcee for Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live which played at both the Hard Rock and legendary Sahara Hotel & Casino. She was featured in the same role for Finding Magic Mike on HBOMAX. She starred opposite Jonah Platt in the West Coast premiere of the musical Found with the IAMA Theater Company at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, directed by Tony Nominee Moritz Von Stuelpnagel. She originated the role as ‘Scissorhands' in the Los Angeles hit “Scissorhands: the musical," created by Bradley Bredeweg. 

And now for the event of the summer….something you've never seen literally anywhere....Jonah Platt graces 'Do I Know You?'! Jonah is the true definition of a multi-hyphenate. He's an actor, writer, director, musician, creator, performer…and SO much more! In addition to you seeing his work everywhere, his brother also happens to be Broadway and TV/film star Ben Platt. If there's not already enough going on, his dad is famous producer Marc Platt and his mom is Jewish community leader Julie Platt. Obviously there's a LOT we need to get into so let's get this show on the road - cheers to you! ***If you want to WATCH the talk show, head over to Youtube to see the video format!! XO***

Raizel and Malya reminisce about their epic interview with Jonah Platt before discussing "Eight Nights of Flirting," a Young Adult book by Hannah Reynolds.

Raizel and Malya discuss romcom "Menorah in the Middle" with special guest and star of the movie Jonah Platt!

Good news: Steve Perry is not dead. Oops! Thanks for clearing that up, caller. On today's episode of Who's There? we're taking your calls about this week's 'internet-breaking' cover of New York magazine (and why you don't know anyone on it), the VIPList girlies on reality TV, why Laura Ingalls Wilder is losing an internet poll to a YouTuber named Dunkey, Princess Grave of Monaco's granddaughter, the problematic Nana-fav who bought Hugh Jackman's hat for charity and is starring in videogame overall Who-y or Them-y? It's complicated! Just like ranking "Joes" — you'll get it soon enough. 619.WHO.THEM to leave questions, comments & concerns, and we may play your call on a future episode. Support us and get a TON of bonus content over on Patreon.com/WhoWeekly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this weeks episode of #WeNeedToTalk, Malynda chats with Actor, Singer , Writer & Director Jonah Platt. They talk about the struggles within the Jewish community to be heard, the rise of anti-semitism, being Jewish in the entertainment industry and what he wants from Democrats and progressives when it comes to speaking out for all marginalized groups, including the Jewish community.  Jonah Platt is an American Actor, Film Producer, and Screenwriter. He is a multi-platform creator as well as performer, with an extensive background across many aspects of the entertainment industry. 

"What's your why?" is one question that can open up a million different answers and in this episode Jonah tells us what his is

Multi-talented performer Jonah Platt is part of a large, multigenerational camp family and joins to share some hilarious stories of his time growing up at Ramah Ojai, including a prank so good a national publication did an oral history of it! Don't waste a minute, take a listen!

Dr. Bob learns how COVID-19 has affected the movie and live theater industries from Marc, Jonah, and Ben Platt. They discuss what it was like when everything had to shut down, how the arts have adapted, and what they think the return to normalcy will look like. Plus, Marc and Ben detail what it was like shooting the Dear Evan Hansen movie with the new COVID-19 protocols in place.   Follow Dr. Bob on Twitter @Bob_Wachter and check out In the Bubble’s new Twitter account @inthebubblepod.   Ben Platt is on Twitter and Instagram @BenSPLATT. Jonah Platt is on Twitter and Instagram @JonahPlatt.   Keep up with Andy in D.C. on Twitter @ASlavitt and Instagram @andyslavitt.    In the Bubble is supported in part by listeners like you. Become a member, get exclusive bonus content, ask Andy questions, and get discounted merch at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/inthebubble/    Support the show by checking out our sponsors!   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEJFhcReE4ejw2Kw7ba8DVJ1xQLogPwA/view    Check out these resources from today’s episode:    Watch The Platt Brothers’ entire performance from the Graduate Together virtual ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYWeyZRMwGY Learn more about the upcoming Dear Evan Hansen movie: https://deadline.com/2021/01/dear-evan-hansen-movie-release-date-ben-platt-amy-adams-julianne-moore-1234683675/  Check out Ben’s music on his website: https://www.benplattmusic.com/  Keep up with all of Jonah’s work at his website: https://jonahplatt.com/  Watch Ben and the cast of Dear Evan Hansen sing “You Will be Found” on The Late Late Show with James Corden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_10msPMEick  Learn more about Dr. Bob Wachter and the UCSF Department of Medicine here: https://medicine.ucsf.edu/    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to www.lemonadamedia.com/show/in-the-bubble shortly after the air date.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonah Platt is a great multi-platform creator and performer, working across many different aspects of the entertainment industry. Jonah continues to carve out his place on stages from Hollywood to Broadway, as well as on the silver screen. He’s most well known for his recent star turn as “Fiyero” in the Broadway blockbuster WICKED, in addition to his breakout performance as “Woof” in HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl. On television, Jonah most recently appeared in NBC’s critically acclaimed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE starring John Legend and the season 9 finale of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Other favorites include PARENTHOOD, SING IT ON, and Jonah’s scene-stealing Frat Boy in the series finale of NBC’s beloved series THE OFFICE. Click HERE to subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I will send you an email every Friday when the episode launches with the show notes, links from the show, and more. Let's connect! Instagram: @broadwaybrainspod Website: broadwaybrains.com Follow Lucy! Instagram: @thelucydomingo Website: lucydomingo.com

Jonah Platt is a prolific performer and creator who has appeared on stages around the country. On Broadway he played Fiyero in Wicked. He did Hair at the Hollywood Bowl and was also in Floyd Collins, BARE, A Walk on the Moon and Found. Platt is also co-writing the music and lyrics to the musical The Giver with Andrew Resnick with a book by Martin Zimmerman. The musical is based on the wildly popular novel by Lois Lowry. Go on his instagram and watch him sing “Wish,” one of the songs originally in the show as part of Lincoln Center’s #HumanityInConcert series. On television, Platt’s TV credits includes Jesus Christ Superstar Live, the Netflix animated series, Trolls: The Beat Goes On, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Parenthood and The Office. This episode was recorded on May 26. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah (jonahplatt.com)(IG:@jonahplatt) continues to carve out his place on stages from Hollywood to Broadway, as well as on the silver screen. He’s most well known for his recent star turn as “Fiyero” in the Broadway blockbuster WICKED, in addition to his breakout performance as “Woof” in HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl, “Homer” in the Ovation-winningFLOYD COLLINS at La Mirada, and “Jason” in the award-winning Los Angeles revival of BARE. On television, Jonah most recently appeared in NBC’s critically acclaimed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE starring John Legend and the season 9 finale of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Other favorites include PARENTHOOD, SING IT ON, and Jonah’s scene-stealing Frat Boy in the series finale of NBC’s beloved series THE OFFICE. This spring, Jonah will originate the role of “Marty” in the World Premiere musical A WALK ON THE MOON, at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater. Jonah will also voice a new recurring character, the relentlessly positive “Milton Moss” on an upcoming season of Netflix’s hit animated series, TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON. Jonah has made people laugh on Fox’s long-running animated hit FAMILY GUY, Mitch Hurwitz’s RUNNING WILDE, NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION, and Cartoon Network’s ANNOYING ORANGE. He most recently wrote for the short-lived NBC sitcom MR. ROBINSON, starring Craig Robinson. Jonah is currently a co-writer/music supervisor/executive producer of ZOMBO, an undead musical TV adventure. As a lyricist/composer, Jonah is currently writing a musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s international best-seller THE GIVER with collaborators Andrew Resnick and Martin Zimmerman. The show had its first successful reading this past year and the team is hard at work on the next draft! As a singer and instrumentalist, Jonah has appeared on stages across the US, from 54/Below in NYC to Philly’s Trocadero to The Troubadour in Hollywood. He has performed his own genre-busting solo show for many audiences, most recently at the Gordon Center in Baltimore and a sold-out show on his home turf at LA’s Rockwell Table & Stage. As a vocal arranger, Jonah has created dozens of lush arrangements in his unique signature vocal style, many of them for nationally acclaimed collegiate a cappella group UPENN OFF THE BEAT, for whom he produced several albums, winning multiple Contemporary A Capella Recording Awards for each. He has arranged vocals for numerous other projects, including THE ALBUM PROJECT: JAGGED LITTLE PILL,  a show he co-conceived, musically directed, and orchestrated at  Rockwell Table & Stage. Building on this work, Jonah most recently assisted music supervisor Tom Kitt on the new musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL, currently having its world premiere at Boston’s A.R.T. this spring. As a producer and director, Jonah has used his creative artistry to enhance a variety of projects with many different collaborators. Most recently, he directed the critically lauded DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD at The Blank Theater in LA, which was twice extended and award a Hollywood Fringe Festival Encore Selection. He also directed and produced ONE NIGHT STAND: AN IMPROVISED MUSICAL, which performed completely improvised musicals around the world, including sold-out runs at Hollywood’s Hudson Theater, the New York Musical Theater Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – the largest performing arts festival in the world. Jonah is also the former President of Starlight Studios, where he oversaw the development of many different projects, including the animated short COLD FEET, short films BAT MITZVAH CONFIDENTIAL and STEALING SUBURBIA, a commercial for social media giant Snapchat, and the music video for Sage and the Saints’ TAKE ME TO THE SOUTH, directed by Kristen Stewart. He is currently co-producing an unscripted political docuseries with 44Blue Productions, and a bio-musical of Hollywood legend James Dean with Prospect House Entertainment.

Jonah (jonahplatt.com)(IG:@jonahplatt) continues to carve out his place on stages from Hollywood to Broadway, as well as on the silver screen. He’s most well known for his recent star turn as “Fiyero” in the Broadway blockbuster WICKED, in addition to his breakout performance as “Woof” in HAIR at the Hollywood Bowl, “Homer” in the Ovation-winningFLOYD COLLINS at La Mirada, and “Jason” in the award-winning Los Angeles revival of BARE. On television, Jonah most recently appeared in NBC’s critically acclaimed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE starring John Legend and the season 9 finale of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Other favorites include PARENTHOOD, SING IT ON, and Jonah’s scene-stealing Frat Boy in the series finale of NBC’s beloved series THE OFFICE. This spring, Jonah will originate the role of “Marty” in the World Premiere musical A WALK ON THE MOON, at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater. Jonah will also voice a new recurring character, the relentlessly positive “Milton Moss” on an upcoming season of Netflix’s hit animated series, TROLLS: THE BEAT GOES ON. Jonah has made people laugh on Fox’s long-running animated hit FAMILY GUY, Mitch Hurwitz’s RUNNING WILDE, NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION, and Cartoon Network’s ANNOYING ORANGE. He most recently wrote for the short-lived NBC sitcom MR. ROBINSON, starring Craig Robinson. Jonah is currently a co-writer/music supervisor/executive producer of ZOMBO, an undead musical TV adventure. As a lyricist/composer, Jonah is currently writing a musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s international best-seller THE GIVER with collaborators Andrew Resnick and Martin Zimmerman. The show had its first successful reading this past year and the team is hard at work on the next draft! As a singer and instrumentalist, Jonah has appeared on stages across the US, from 54/Below in NYC to Philly’s Trocadero to The Troubadour in Hollywood. He has performed his own genre-busting solo show for many audiences, most recently at the Gordon Center in Baltimore and a sold-out show on his home turf at LA’s Rockwell Table & Stage. As a vocal arranger, Jonah has created dozens of lush arrangements in his unique signature vocal style, many of them for nationally acclaimed collegiate a cappella group UPENN OFF THE BEAT, for whom he produced several albums, winning multiple Contemporary A Capella Recording Awards for each. He has arranged vocals for numerous other projects, including THE ALBUM PROJECT: JAGGED LITTLE PILL,  a show he co-conceived, musically directed, and orchestrated at  Rockwell Table & Stage. Building on this work, Jonah most recently assisted music supervisor Tom Kitt on the new musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL, currently having its world premiere at Boston’s A.R.T. this spring. As a producer and director, Jonah has used his creative artistry to enhance a variety of projects with many different collaborators. Most recently, he directed the critically lauded DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD at The Blank Theater in LA, which was twice extended and award a Hollywood Fringe Festival Encore Selection. He also directed and produced ONE NIGHT STAND: AN IMPROVISED MUSICAL, which performed completely improvised musicals around the world, including sold-out runs at Hollywood’s Hudson Theater, the New York Musical Theater Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – the largest performing arts festival in the world. Jonah is also the former President of Starlight Studios, where he oversaw the development of many different projects, including the animated short COLD FEET, short films BAT MITZVAH CONFIDENTIAL and STEALING SUBURBIA, a commercial for social media giant Snapchat, and the music video for Sage and the Saints’ TAKE ME TO THE SOUTH, directed by Kristen Stewart. He is currently co-producing an unscripted political docuseries with 44Blue Productions, and a bio-musical of Hollywood legend James Dean with Prospect House Entertainment.  

Will Armstrong and Wendy Rosoff met up Downtown LA to see the new musical Found Starring Jonah Platt and Jordan Kai Burnett. This IAMA Theater production is playing at the Los Angeles Theater Center until March 23! Listen in as Will and Wendy talk with cast members and discuss their experience before, during intermission, and after the show. Special thanks to Jonah Platt, Jordan Kai Burnett and Parvesh Cheena for taking the time to speak with us! About the show: Found isn’t just based on a true story — it’s based on hundreds of them! When lost and broke Davy, played by Jonah Platt (Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live with John Legend) happens to find a peculiar note meant for someone else on the windshield of his car, it sparks an outlandish idea to collect the hilarious and revealing notes and letters that surround us every day. Along with friends Denise (Jordan Kai Burnett, seen in the national tour of Seussical and a Scenie award-winner for the title role in Scissorhands at Rockwell Table & Stage) and Mikey D. (Mike Millan of Broadway’s Escape to Margaritaville, national tours of Sister Act and Piece of My Heart), he’s quickly swept up into a wild, comedic mission to share them with the world. Found is a raucous exploration of human connection and the beautiful weirdness in all of us. WHEN: Performances: Feb. 20 – March 23 • Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 20 (opening night) ONLY • Fridays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 6, March 13, March 20 • Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 22*, Feb. 29, March 7, March 14, March 21* • Sundays at 4 p.m.: Feb. 23, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22 • Mondays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 24, March 2*, March 9, March 16, March 23 *Late-night shows of Davy Rothbart’s ‘Found Magazine show,’ as featured on NPR and The Late Show with David Letterman, take place on Saturday, Feb. 22; Monday, March 2; and Saturday, March 21 at 10:30 p.m. WHERE: The Los Angeles Theatre Center 514 S. Spring Street Los Angeles CA 90013 HOW: • 323-380-8843 or www.iamatheatre.com. • Visit IAMA Theatre Company on facebook: facebook.com/iamatheatre/ • Follow on instagram: @iamatheatre @JonahPlatt @JKAIB @Parvey and while your’e at it feel free to follow @Wendy_Rosoff and @WillArmstrongPR. and @westofbroadwaypodcast for the latest in West of Broadway news. BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/podcasts/west-of-broadway is how you can keep up with us and find past and future episodes.   Thanks for joining us, until next time, if you’re looking for us, you can find us Just West of Broadway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay is joined on his first installment of his "Interview with A ghost hunter" series by Jonah Platt, energy healer and spiritual enthusiast.

Backstage at FNAM's bi-monthly showcase, MUSI-CAL. Jeff L-E & Matt Savarese talk about meeting in college, writing and producing a webseries on a tight deadline, and their new musical, ACES. Jonah Platt talks about growing up doing musicals and the demands of doing 8 shows a week on Broadway.

Television and theatre singer/actress Lindsay Heather Pearce (Glee, The Glee Project) is interviewed about her starring role in the Los Angeles revival of Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere’s Pop Rock Opera Bare. The Live Arts Calendar highlights the bluegrass musical comedy El Grande De Coca-Cola! At the Ruskin Theatre Group in Santa Monica, CA. Musical theatre star and writer Jonah Platt is also interviewed about his starring role in Bare and his writing career for television (The Family Guy). Pearce and Platt reveal embarrassing moments during performances.

Television and theatre singer/actress Lindsay Heather Pearce (Glee, The Glee Project) is interviewed about her starring role in the Los Angeles revival of Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere’s Pop Rock Opera Bare. The Live Arts Calendar highlights the bluegrass musical comedy El Grande De Coca-Cola! At the Ruskin Theatre Group in Santa Monica, CA. Musical theatre star and writer Jonah Platt is also interviewed about his starring role in Bare and his writing career for television (The Family Guy). Pearce and Platt reveal embarrassing moments during performances.