Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!

About Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!

Welcome to the audio podcast of Boaz's YouTube Channel, now available for your on-the-go listening pleasure! A unique show/podcast which feels like a dinner party with friends. Boaz Hepner gathers a diverse range of guests for a fun, informal conversation over Zoom on a given topic. The world today has too much talking, & not enough listening. The show's mission is to bring people who are normally seen in different algorithms into one Zoom room and let them enjoy a friendly and lively conversation. Each episode brings together five to fifteen guests – Jewish and non-Jewish, liberals and conservatives, artists, actors, musicians, authors, journalists, politicians and more – to discuss a broad range of topics, from TV show reunions to the Abraham Accords to parenthood to disability awareness. Everyone can speak freely, listen, and even interrupt each other, just as if they were at a dinner party. The first episode featured pro-Israel comedians, including Tiffany Haddish and Judy Gold. Another was about organ donation, featuring an NBA champion and a winner of CBS’s Survivor. A 9/11 community episode included a long conversation with actor Gary Sinise. There are topics for everyone, whether they want to discuss politics or, more personally, their families and careers. It’s engaging to watch, fun to be part of, and often leads to meaningful new connections and networking among guests. Most importantly, both guests and the audience leave the conversation with a more diverse social media feed, new people to follow, and newfound perspectives they might never have encountered inside their usual algorithm. "Chosen Links" is published in RealClearPolitics, has its own section in the Jewish Journal, and is all over his social media. Please like, subscribe, and follow him online! To read more about Boaz, he was profiled here: https://voyagela.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-boaz-hepner-of-los-angeles/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Boaz Hepner

Category

health & fitness · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

24 Jun 2024

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 19 9/11 (Part Two)

   (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 07/22/26) If episode one was the brain of this two-part 9/11 series, episode two is the heart. Both are crucial to watch, and each is vital to help ensure you and your children never forget. And the last 90 minutes CANNOT be missed; it is absolutely riveting. Joining Boaz on the episode: Alan Gerson - NY City Council 2002-2009 Anne-Marie Principe - Survivor Christopher Shays - Congress 1987-2009 Debora Jackson - Salvation Army Responder Frank Shane - K-9 Disaster Relief Gordon Haberman - 9/11 Family Jeannie Kelly - NYPD Responder Jeff McCauley - 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance John Ryan - NYPD Responder Joseph Kornhoff - Pentagon Memorial Fund Kathy Dillaber - 9/11 Family, Pentagon Ken Feinberg - Victim Compensation Fund Mariama James - Survivor, Activist Michael Barasch - Barasch & McGarry Michael O'Connell - FDNY Responder Joseph Potasnik - Chief Chaplain of FDNY Rachel Crawford - 9/11 Family, FDNY Richard Palmer - Department of Coorections Responder Shaya Gutleizer - FDNY Responder Stephanie Landau - VOICES Project Director Steven Bucci - Colonel ret, Pentagon Terry Strada - 9/11 Families United Tom Canavan - Survivor Tyler Ann Zadroga - Daughter of NYPD James Zadgroa 0:04:07 - Boaz finishes opening, and everyone starts giving their story. Debora Jackson first. 0:06:54 - Boaz explains how threre's another John Ryan one episode later. 0:09:10 - John Ryan 0:11:30 - Kathy Dillaber 0:14:08 - Jeannie Kelly 0:17:08 - Tom Canavan 0:18:24 - Gordon Haberman 0:20:57 - Tyler Ann Zadroga 0:22:43 - Terry Strada 0:24:40 - Shaya Gutleizer 0:25:40 - Rabbi Joseph Potasnik 0:27:52 - Christopher Shays 0:31:56 - Richard Palmer 0:34:37 - Jeff McCauley 0:35:39 - Michael Barasch 039:22 - Michael O'Connell 0:45:48 - Josephs Kornhoff 0:49:57 - Rachael Crawford 0:54:08 - Alan Gerson 0:59:12 - Mariama James 1:04:42 - Ann-Marie Principe 1:08:40 - Alan Gerson reconnects with Ann-Marie Principe 1:11:04 - Frank Shane 1:19:02 - Stepnanie Landau 1:23:51 - Dr. Steven Bucci 1:27;28 - Discussion about if people gained or lost faith from this. 1:28:40 - Ken Feinberg 1:36:45 - Ann-Marie Principe 1:40:30 - Debora Jackson 1:42:46 - Tyler Ann-Zadroga 1:45:25 - Rabbi Joseph Potasnik 1:48:04 - Frank Shane 1:51:40 - Kathy Dillaber 1:53:53 - Michael Barasch 2:00:13 - Mariama James 2:09:38 - Richard Palmer 2:15:42 - Jeannie Kelly 2:20:33 - Frank Shane 2:23:30 - I ask if the collective grief feel supportive? Ken Feinberg answers 2:26:11 - Dr. Steven Bucci tells his dramatic story about the Pentagon that day and addresses conspiracy theories 2:33:37 - Joseph Kornhoff & Kathy Dillaber 2:34:55 - Dr. Steven Bucci says goodbye 2:35:33 - Richard Palmer says goodbye 2:38:27 - Alan Gerson says goodbye 2:43:37 - Boaz apologizes for earlier comments about conspiracy theories 2:45:27 - Terry Strada says goodbye 2:49:40 - Stephanie says goodbye 2:56:07 - Ken Feinberg says goodbye 2:58:54 - Joseph Kornhoff says goodbye 3:02:02 - Rachel Crawford says goodbye 3:04:37 - The topic changes to health and resources 3:09:05 - Ann-Marie Principe addresses this as she loses her voice. 3:16:57 - https://www.aha-us.org/ 3:19:26 - Deb Jackson speaks 3:21:36 - Jeannie Kelly interjects 3:28:00 - Shaya Gutleizer says goodbye, brings up Holocaust Survivors 3:32:16 - Jeff McCauley says goodbye DO NOT MISS THE NEXT HALF HOUR! 3:37:40 - Tyler Ann Zadroga explaining her crying 3:41:07 - Gordon Haberman says goodbye 3:44:48 - Boaz discusses how important Gordon was to Kathy Dillaber's joining 3:51:33 - Gordon, Tom Canavan and Kathy Dillaber speak to each other 4:01:52 - Frank Shane speaks 4:11:24 - Mariama James says goodbye 4:19:47 - Tom Canavan says goodbye 4:22:05 - We heard negatives about the WTC Health Program so give us resources 4:26:55 - Jeannie Kelly answers 4:33:58 - Deb Jackson replies 4:39:14 - Final words. Deb Jackson first 4:41:09 - Kathy Dillaber 4:45:48 - Jeannie Kelly 4:53:05 - Tyler Ann Zadroga explains how hard this all was for her to be on 5:00:26 - Tyler Ann wants people to reach out to her! 5:05:11 - Boaz gives a final summation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   3 Sept 2026

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 19 9/11 (Part One)

   (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 07/19/26) Boaz gathered many people from the 9/11 communities to remember the people 25 years later, and discuss the many resulting 9/11 illnesses. The gathering included Survivors, 9/11 Families, First Responders, Politicians and more, from New York to Pentagon to the flights themselves. Joining Boaz on the episode: Kayla Bergeron - Survivor Tim Brown - FDNY Responder Brian Clark - Survivor Teresa Davis - Former WTCHP Case Manager JoJo Esposito - FDNY Responder Ken Feinberg - VIctim Compensation Fund Mary Fetchet - VOICES Founder, 9/11 Family Michael Hingston - Blind Survivor Carolyn Maloney - Congress 1923-2045 Matthew McCauley - NYPD and Paramedic Responder, Jack McNamara - 9/11 Family Jennifer McNamara - 9/11 Family Sol Moglen - FDNY Honorary Deputy Chief Jean O'Connor - FBI Evidence Response Team Thomas O'Connor - FBI Evidence Response Team Jill Pila - 9/11 Family Becky Rossman - Tuesday's Promise John Ryan - WTC Task Force Gary Suson - 9/11 Museum Workshop Patrick White - 9/11 Family United 93 Marc Wilkenfeld - Physician Treating 9/11 Survivors & Responders 0:04:34 - Boaz explains that everyone will introduce their 9/11 connections briefly: 0:05:35 - Jennifer McNamara 0:11:19 - Jack McNamara 0:13:33 - Sol Moglen 0:16:59 - Shout out to Port Authority Officer David Lim and his K-9 partner Sirius 0:20:02 - Ken Feinberg 0:23:13 - John Ryan 0:35:25 - Mary Fetchet 0:44:41 - JoJo Esposito 0:46:12 - Becky Rossman 0:47:50 - Brian Clark 0:52:52 - Shout out to Stanley Praimnath 0:55:32 - Tom O'Connor 0:57:46 - Jean O'Connor 1:01:40 - Patrick White 1:07:07 - Kayla Bergeron 1:12:02 - Ken Feinberg leaves, Teresa Davis speaks 1:16:11 - Michael Hingson 1:24:15 - Dr. Marc Wilkenfeld 1:27:40 - Matthey McCauley 1:22:46 - Mike Burke 1:37:49 - Gary Suson 1:39:53 - Tim Brown 1:46:42 - Jill Pila 1:49:01 - Boaz discusses people with incredible memories 1:51:17 - Carolyn Maloney 2:08:55 - Discussion begins 2:58:17 - Mary leaves 3:20:54 - Michael Hingson 3:22:35 - John Ryan 3:30:20 - Gary Sinise gets introduced 2 weeks later 4:19:25 - Return to present day from the Gary Sinise conversation 4:20:48 - What are resources for people and some of the ones most lacking? 4:27:04 - Matt McCauley discuss the good and bad of the WTC Health Program 5:09:08 - Patrick White gives last words 5:13:07 - Last words by Sol Moglen 5:22:47 - Michael Hingson 5:28:08 - Baseball conversation begins 5:29:20 - Kayla Bergeron 5:38:22 - Teresa Davis 5:43:47 - Jean & Tom O'Connor 5:48:26 - A message to the rest of the 9/11 community 5:49:17 - Michael Hingson offers to read us a poem 5:52:20 - Boaz wraps things up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   9 Aug 2026

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 16 Jewish Matchmaking: The Reunion

   (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 08/24/25) Boaz gathered 14 members of the cast and crew from the Aleeza Ben Shalom Netflix show "Jewish Matchmaking," and it was so much fun! Someone came out publicly. Someone else told us he was planning to propose! A really fun reunion. Joining Boaz Hepner on the show: Benjamin Bakondi - Stem Cell Scientist Aleeza Ben Shalom - The Jewish Matchmaker, Coach, Author Dani Bergman - Entrepeneur, Founder of Club Allenby Evan Carmusin - Bar and Bat Mitzvah DJ Shaun Civin - CPA, Flooring Contractor, Entrepeneur Noah Del Monte - Entrepeneur, Sales Leader Ryan Green - Special Education Teacher Harmonie Krieger - TV Personality, Dating Coach, Matchmaker Karin Lang - Sexual Abuse Attorney Nakysha Osadchey - Information Technologies and Hospitality Ronit Polin - Producer, Writer, Director Pamela Rae Schuller - Comedian, Speaker, Disability Advocate Cindy Seni - CEO Cindy Seni Consulting, Content Creator Dean Slotar - Executive Producer 0:02:20 - Introductions 0:07:31 - The conversation begins! Aleeza speaks. 0:08:52 - Who's spoken to each other since the show finished filming? 0:09:24 - A reveal about Dani and Karin and Ori behind the scenes. 0:14:37 - Did Aleeza continue to play matchmaker after the show? 0:17:12 - Harmonie talks to Ben and Aleeza. 0:20:29 - Ryan talks about meeting his wife via Hinge. 0:22:13 - How does someone single and Jewish today navigate with the apps? 0:28:10 - Boaz tells a story about Aleeza. 0:29:37 - Harmonie discusses working on her dating app and how much she's learned. 0:32:50 - Dean mentions David got married. Boaz brings up a cringe moment from his date with Dani. 0:34:00 - Is your attraction for people strongly affected by personality? MANY answer. 0:39:06 - Pamela arrives during the chat from a comedy show! 0:40:05 - Are men more visual creatures and less flexibility with personality attraction? 0:57:12 - Nakysha, your 2 dates were adorable. Evan speaks. 1:03:40 - "No abs, no Cindy" LOL 1:05:00 - Noah asks Boaz (me!) how he met his wife. Karin asks how we make our differences work. 1:10:09 - Boaz brings up LGBTQ Jews which Dean then discusses. 1:14:00 - Aleeza are you ever asked by the LGBTQ community to set them up? 1:17:00 - Before leaving, Dean asks why it's important to people on the show to marry other Jews specifically? 1:25:17 - Boaz clarifies about the marginalized communities not becoming allies with Jews over the years, leading to where we are today. 1:28:40 - Evan comes out as bisexual on the show. 1:32:56 - How did October 7th affect how people would want to date or be on the show? 1:34:16 - People want a season 2, Netflix! 1:36:56 - Dean says goodbye, and then Ronit says goodbye. 1:45:10 - Dani says goodbye. 1:51:19 - Karin says goodbye. 1:58:30 - Noah drops a bomb - he's looking for a ring! (No longer a secret!) 2:06:38 - A superfan has questions for Harmonie. 2:09:18 - Harmonie talks about her father and what she's really been wanting from life. 2:21:40 - Is it harder or easier to match up in Israel? 2:25:00 - Rabbi Yonah asks if anyone has used a spiritual coach to help marry? 2:28:28 - Aleeza clarifies what she means about soulmates. 2:30:33 - Flatbush Girl and Rabbi Leo Dee have their questions asked. 2:32:17 - Final thoughts from everyone starting with Evan. 2:47:37 - Boaz wraps up. #Netflix #JewishMatchmaking #AleezaBenShalom #CindySeni #HarmonieKrieger #DaniBergman #LoxClub #ClubAllenby #ComingOut #Engagement #Proposal #Reunion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   2 Feb 2026

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 15 - Poker Pros: A Dialogue on Israel, Antisemitism & the Game They Love

   (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 07/30/25) Boaz had the BEST time speaking to a group of 13 incredible poker pros, including the most recent winner of the WSOP! A conversation about the game itself was incredibly fun, and the second half involved a conversation about Israel and antisemitism, and was quite interesting. Joining Boaz on the show: Ronnie Bardah - Poker Pro, Survivor First Boot Andy Bloch - Poker Pro, MIT Engineer, Harvard Lawyer Albert Destrade - Dating Coach, Entrepeneur, Survivor Loser Ari Engel - Nomadic Poker Pro Amnon "Gutz" Filippi - Poker Pro Jeff Gross - GG Million$ Host, JeffGrossPodcast Mike "The Mouth" Matusow - Poker Pro Eric "E-Wee" Mizrachi - Poker Pro Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi - Hall of Fame Poker Pro Robert 'Whosbad" Mizrachi - Poker Pro Daniel "Kid Poker" Negreanu - Hall of Fame Poker Pro Robbie Strazynski - Cardplayer Lifestyle Founder Melanie Weisner - Poker Pro, Coach 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI) - Intro: "Chosen Links by Boaz" Theme & Credits 08:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=500s) - "How have you had to adapt your gameplay over the years?" - Daniel Negreanu 13:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=795s) - "Women in Poker: Why are the numbers still so low?" - Melanie Weisner & Group 27:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=1635s) - "Is it a boy's club? Do you want your female partner to join you?" - Albert Destrade et al 38:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=2314s) - "Is it a red flag to date a poker player? Are you degenerates?!" - Everyone 46:22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=2782s) - "How will the new Federal Tax law impact your ability to earn money?" Daniel Negreanu et al 48:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=2881s) - "How have you changed or matured over the years?" Daniel et al 55:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=3355s) - Jeff Gross leaves 1:04:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=3852s) - "Do you consider yourself as professional poker players gamblers?" Ari Engel et al 1:08:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=4100s) - "Behind the Scenes of the 2025 WSOP Main Event win." - Michael Mizrachi 1:14:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=4497s) - PART 2: "Has anyone ever asked you not to show Jewish or Israeli representation?" 1:16:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=4585s) - "How do you handle playing with people who publicly protest Israel and Zionists like Dan Bilzerian and Justin Bonomo?" Everyone 1:58:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=7120s) - "How would you try to win the PR war and how do you win this urban war?" - Melanie Weisner et al 2:25:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=8750s) - Boaz brings it all together and explains why so many of us feel politicall homeless. 2:30:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqjxzuIQdI&t=9008s) - Final optimistic thoughts from each guest... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   2 Nov 2025

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 14 - The Abraham Accords: How it Started and What Lies Ahead

   (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 05/15/25) Boaz coordinated with Yaara Segal for over half a year to gather a multi-cultural group of experts on the Abraham Accords. Not everyone agreed throughout, but it was a polite, enjoyable and fruitful conversation about what was, what is, and what is likely to happen next. Joining Boaz Hepner on the show: Abdullah Antepli - Director, Polis Center for Politics, Duke University Nir Boms - Co-Director, Regional Cooperation Program, Tel Aviv University Soraya Deen - CEO, Muslim Women Speakers Dan Feferman - Co-Chair, Sharaka. Mideast Affairs Expert Zach Grashin - Writer-Director Ahmed Khuzaie - Political Consultant Chama Mechtaly - Founder & Policy Advisor Alex Plitsas - Director, Counterterrorism Project, The Atlantic Council Ahmed Quraishi - Journalist & Regional Affairs Specialist Yaara Segal - Abraham Accords Expert & MENA Strategy Consultant Marc Sievers - Director, AJC Abu Dhabi Ksenia Svetlova - Executive Director, ROPES Amjad Taha - Politcal Strategist in Middle East Affairs Ethan Winterstein - ICC Geller Senior Fellow 0:00:19 – Boaz introduces the Abraham Accords panel 0:15:25 – Boaz to Amjad Taha: "Where do the Abraham Accords stand after October 7?" 0:20:54 – Boaz thanks Amjad before his exit 0:25:13 – Boaz to Dan Feferman: "What are you doing in Poland and what's next for Sharaka?" 0:34:50 – Boaz asks: "How many of you are Muslim? Any Christians or non-denominationals?" 0:45:05 – Ahmed explains Islamic roots of Muslim-Jewish prayer toward Jerusalem 0:48:28 -- Chama finishes speaking and Dan says goodbye 0:48:56 -- Ethan telling about his experiences with the Geller Fellowship 0:52:23 – Boaz shares personal stories of Muslim solidarity after October 7 0:56:30 – Chama describes her dual Muslim and Jewish heritage 1:02:40 – Chama: “The Abraham Accords created a new foundation for belonging” 1:09:57 – Dan Feferman exits the episode 1:10:30 – Ethan shares post-Oct 7 student experience and UAE-Israel trip 1:16:30 – Boaz to the group: “Is there urgency on the Arab side too?” 1:17:13 – Chama: “The Accords came from fear of extremism post-Arab Spring” 1:21:16 – Ahmed: “Muslim societies need Israel to confront ideological demons” 1:39:30 – Boaz asks: “Are the Abraham Accords a partisan issue?” 1:42:02 – Boaz thanks Chama as she exits 1:48:47 – Zach reports live from Tel Aviv as rocket sirens go off 1:53:38 – Boaz launches lightning round: “Rapid-fire audience questions to the panel” 2:01:02 – Boaz to the group: “Are the Abraham Accords being promoted outwardly?” 2:13:38 – Boaz: “We have 15 minutes left — final questions to each of you” 2:15:09 – Boaz reads question from Owen Zaret: “Are Abraham Accords countries recruiting others?” 2:17:52 – Guests reflect on missed implementation & organizing challenges 2:18:55 – Example shared: UAE mediating indirect talks between Israel and Syria 2:44:25 – Boaz reflects on complexity, diversity, and disagreement 2:45:50 – Boaz invites closing remarks: “20 seconds each — what didn’t you get to say?” 2:46:01 – Final thoughts from Yaara, Ethan, Ambassador Sievers, and Ahmed 2:48:06 – Boaz closes the episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   13 Jul 2025

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 13 - Resilient: PTSD, Trauma and Healing After October 7th

   (EDITOR NOTE – This episode was filmed on 04/02/25. During this time, Boaz Hepner was sleeping at UCLA hospital, during a 13 day hospitalization of his child. Running home to do this episode was surreal, though a welcome break) "Resilient" is an award-winning documentary that explores the widespread PTSD in Israel following October 7th. Boaz speaks with 13 guests—including filmmaker Chava Floryn, participants of the film, and experts on trauma and resilience—to unpack its powerful message and the stories behind it. *Correction: In this episode, it was incorrectly stated that Chava Floryn is not a filmmaker. In fact, Chava (https://www.facebook.com/chava.tombosky?__cft__[0]=AZXzw4TUAYNcUj1SHaOsWLrM1M7HJttjkuI8bedKBIeqnPF0uH1MUHoMRfif66N_OXj5klSos1IX-MKxcB7_d5VNXLG7bWEu9Yo3vmr6gJwgdwKrPhAwdC3D_9HR4SGrUMHJEiy3YCEZYgZa81reJb5pEwRWhQysIma0coFiMP93_A&__tn__=R]-R) is an award-winning documentarian with over 100 short films to her name, including a TV pilot and three documentaries. Her most recent film, Resilient, has won 7 awards to date—5 for Best Picture, 1 for Best Musical Score, and 1 for Best Cinematography. Boaz was joined by: Soraya Deen – CEO, Muslim Women Speakers Chava Floryn – Filmmaker, Author, Somatic Healer Barbara Heller – Actor, Writer, Podcaster Peter Himmelman – Musician. Author. Visual Artist Maayan Hoffman – Executive Editor, ILTV News & Correspondent, The Media Line Rabbi YY Jacobson – World Renowned Speaker Rona Lalezary – Mindset Trainer and International Public Speaker Micki Lavin-Pell – Marriage, Family, Sex and Trauma Therapist Or Meir Ooliel – Musician and October 7 Survivor Orli Peter – CEO, Israel Healing Initiative Howard Rosenman – Producer Gil Troy – Author of ''To Resist the Academic Intifada'' Tehran Von Ghasri – Comedian & Social Commentator Timestamps: 0:02:46 – Guest Introductions Begin 0:17:05 – End of intros 0:18:06 – Boaz asks Chava: “Why did you go make a documentary after Oct 7?” 0:25:59 – Gil Troy gives historical context for Israel’s resilience 0:29:46 – Rabbi YY Jacobson on discussing trauma with children 0:34:13 – Gil chimes in 0:36:41 – Peter Himmelman on Jewish strength through humor and history 0:40:05 – Gil exits; Micki on healing through helping 0:43:48 – Peter and Orli Peter: “Is empathy love, or something else?” 0:49:18 – Boaz (as a nurse): “How do you stay empathetic without burning out?” 0:50:01 – Maayan & Chava on trauma programs from IDF and government 0:55:43 – Boaz to Or: “Do survivors like you feel seen by the system?” (+Chava, Maayan, Orli) 1:02:57 – Rona chimes in 1:04:24 – Or opens up about needing therapy 1:06:10 – Tehran chimes in 1:09:53 – Soraya chimes in 1:13:50 – BREAK 1:14:47 – Boaz to Soraya: “Why join a Jewish-centered conversation?” 1:21:23 – Tehran chimes in with Peter 1:27:00 – Maayan on her deep bonds with non-Jewish allies 1:30:55 – Boaz to Barb: “How do we process grief without imploding?” 1:39:41 – Micki chimes in 1:41:38 – Chava on a family visiting LA post-trauma 1:45:24 – Or recounts his October 7th survival story 1:56:14 – Tehran and Peter chime in 2:01:35 – Soraya chimes in 2:03:07 – Tehran to Soraya: messaging of love from Muslim allies 2:07:04 – Peter’s story about an Uber driver from India 2:09:00 – Rona on Mental Health Is Real 2:14:05 – Howard Rosenman speaks 2:19:40 – Final thoughts: “What gives you hope?” 2:29:25 – Boaz final thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   19 May 2025

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 12 - Wikipedia's War on Truth - The Fight Against Bias Toward Israel

   Host Boaz Hepner interviews Dr. Shlomit Aharoni Lir, Aaron Bandler, Yfat Barak-Cheney, Jordan Cope, Christian Gribneau, Mathilda Heller, Ohad Merlin, David Swindle, Jonathan M Weiss, Betty Wills, and David Wiseman about Wikipedia's neutrality, specifically regarding the Israel/Palestinian conflict, revealing potential biases.

8. 

   17 Mar 2025

   "Chosen Links by Boaz" - Ep 11 Intersecting Identities: Jews of Diverse Racial & Ethnic Backgrounds

   Host Boaz Hepner and Nate Looney interview Amy Albertson, Lani Anpo, BournRich, Emily Bowen Cohen, Jenny Cohen, Abraham Hamra, Eliana Jolkovsky, Mari Katz O'Leary, Iola Kostrzewski, Aimee Lacaden, Matthew Nouriel, Tabby Refael, Raymond Roker, and Elizabeth Younger about the diverse lived experiences of Jews from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.

9. 

   14 Feb 2025

   Episode 10 - Intersecting Identities - The Voice of Black Jews

   Nate Looney and Boaz interview Biggah, Chaya Lev, Rachel Moon, April Powers, Dr. Yehudah Pryce, Elisheva Rishon, and Ashira Solomon about the intersecting identities and lived experiences within the Black Jewish community.

10. 

    1 Jan 2025

    Episode 9 - Vital Heroes: The Power of Living Donors

    Host Boaz interviews Jay Feinberg, Mike Gabler, Bonnie Lilien, Dr. Nick Nissen, Scot Pollard, Dr. Laurel Schramm, Rabbi Jason Weiner, and Abraham Zilkha about the profound impact and life-saving potential of living organ donation.

11. 

    11 Nov 2024

    Episode 8 - Building Bonds: Where Black and Jewish Perspectives Converge

    (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 10/10/24) Some say that the Jewish and Black communities share such a deep history that their bond is unbreakable. We marched together during the Civil Rights Movement, but where are we today? For the first time, I had the pleasure of filming with a co-moderator—Nate Looney, who kept me on track and guided the conversation brilliantly. Enjoy the discussion with these 12 powerful Black voices, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    14 Oct 2024

    Episode 7 - Fact Checkers: Guardians of Truth

    (EDITOR NOTE - This episode was filmed on 8/21/24) Truthiness. A word made famous by Stephen Colbert. But the TRUTH is, that what I see as fact, someone else sees as fiction. And vice versa. How do we navigate our news, especially in this digital world, with any confidence? I had the pleasure of speaking to these 6 people, who continue to contribute their expertise to the world of fact versus fiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    2 Sept 2024

    Episode 6 - Palestinians For Peace With Israel

    No doubt, I will be criticized by left-wing, anti-Israel people for having Palestinian guests who don't walk the usual anti-Israel and frequently pro-Hamas line. I will also be criticized by right wing, pro-Israel people for giving a voice to Palestinians who also have criticisms and complaints about Israel. But this is how we move forward, this is how we make progress, and these brave Palestinians have my respect and gratitude for their time, empathy, thoughtfulness, and self-sacrifice in this wonderful episode. As much hate as I will receive for doing this, they receive it tenfold. They just want peace, a true peace, a 2-state solution, not a river to the sea intifada, and I hope you'll take the time for this wonderful conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    18 Aug 2024

    Episode 5 - Survivor Player Round Table For Israel

    Boaz speaks to 12 former "Survivor" players about topics that cover Israel, the war, antisemitism around the world, and more. And for fans of the show, don't you worry, there's certainly some discussion of the show included! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

15. 

    5 Aug 2024

    Episode 4 - Countering Antisemitism in U.S. Politics

    Apparently I CAN put an entire episode together in 24 hours. With a little help from my friends. Michael Sinensky contacted me Wednesday morning, "WE NEED TO HELP DEFEAT THE ANTISEMITIC SQUAD!" I fully agreed, but it takes me weeks to months to create my episodes. I told him there's no story if we don't have a candidate to talk to. And it won't be a commercial; it's a conversation about antisemitism in American politics. He agreed. Michael worked his magic. Within an hour he had Don Samuels campaign on the phone with me, and we had a plan for an episode the next day. He got Jordan Cope to speak for StandWithUs, Alexander J Minn to speak about Don's assistance with UC Irvine, and the deservedly world famous Emily Austin. I worked a bit of my own magic, and got The Simon Wiesenthal Center's Rabbi Abraham Cooper, and Arizona State Representative Consuelo Hernandez. And to edit the work professionally in a hurry, PokerGO's Mike Burgher came to the rescue. And just like that, we had a phenomenal Round Table! Enjoy the conversation, subscribe to the Chosen Links channel on YouTube, and check out Instagram for the reels that are sure to go viral! And let's get Don Samuels elected for the Democratic party next week, and unseat Ilhan Omar! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

16. 

    25 Jul 2024

    Episode 3 - Parchment of Resilience: Survivor Players Speak Up For Israel

    In the 3rd episode, 14 players from the popular show "Survivor" take turns reading parchments explaining Israel, Zionism, Antisemitism, Hamas and more. A wonderful mixture of Jewish players and their many allies. The only thing these players "vote off" is the multitude of misinformation and misconceptions made about the only Jewish country on earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

17. 

    3 Jul 2024

    Episode 2 - University Student Extravaganza

    Boaz Hepner's "Chosen Links" section (as published in the Jewish Journal) has its 2nd episode, and it's a big one. About 35 students from different universities speak about their experiences as Jews and Zionists over the past few years - especially since October 7th. This is divided into 3 very different chapters: Part 1 - Game Show - Tune in and watch as Boaz reads off statements submitted by the students, and see which school wins the game show as...the most antisemitic! Plus, what's that - a Zoom Bomb?! Part 2 - Q&A with Carly Gammill, legal rep from StandWithUs - Carly explains what Title VI is about, and answers questions directly from the students. And she does it in a way you can actually understand! Part 3 - Round Table - Boaz talks to the remaining students, in this helpful and meaningful conversation. Tune in for this weird, dark, and at times humorous insight into the experiences of Jewish and pro-Israel students from across the country. With collaborations by StandWithUs, Israel on Campus Coalition, Camera on Campus, End Jew Hatred & We Are Tov. Thank you to the following students for their invaluable and brave participation: Ada Hepner, Adam Saar, Adam Thaw, Aden Kosoi, Alana Goldman, Alex Rosenblum, Alexandra Ahdoot, Allison Stone, Angelina Palumbo, Ari Haim, Aron Goodman, Abi Nosrati, Avram Plager, Brandon Meyer, Cara Lopatin, Charlie Leeds, Darius Gross, Edan Levy, Ethan Hamid, Ethan Winterstein, Ezra Landman-Feigelson, Fanya Fenton, Gabriel Gaysinsky, Gideon Askowitz, Nani Chung, Jake Rendler, Jake Kaplan, Joe Gindi, Joslyn Reile, Max Bray, Maya Ungar, Noa Fay, Noah Rinsler, Noah Rubin, Sam Rappoport, Sami Ilan, Sammy Shiff, Sari Eisen, Sophie Bulkin, Topaz Gal-Zur, Yasi Ohebsion, Yuval Jacobi, Shabbos Kestenbaum And thank you to Cantor Rachel Goldman Ruiz and L.E. Staiman for their appearances, David Kopp for last minute camerawork, and Chad Rubel for his editing expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

18. 

    24 Jun 2024

    Episode 1 - Comedy Round Table

    On this first official Chosen Links Round Table, Boaz starts by gathering some influential people who are using comedy to promote education about Israel and antisemitism. Tiffany Haddish, Judy Gold, Avi Liberman, Shawn Eni, Ryan from The Daily Brine, LE Staiman (plus an appearance by Lyle), discuss, and moderated by Boaz Hepner. As seen in video form here: https://youtu.be/d9cEt9oHdI4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

19. 

    24 Jun 2024

    Episode 0 - John Ondrasik: A Conversation With the Lead Singer of Five For Fighting

    The first video recorded interview in Chosen Links by Boaz was with the fantastic John Ondrasik, of the hit band Five For Fighting. They have a great conversation about Israel and antisemitism, and John being a staunch ally through and through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Amy Albertson
• Lani Anpo
• BournRich
• Emily Bowen Cohen
• Jenny Cohen

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Contact Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Chosen Links by Boaz - The Podcast!