Here I Am With Shai Davidai

In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Jessica Zmood and Shelly Steinwurtzel, co-founders of Gesher Campus Care. They discuss their personal journeys as Jewish therapists, the impact of October 7th on the Jewish community, and the rise of anti-Semitism and traumatic invalidation on college campuses. Jessica and Shelly share how their nonprofit connects Jewish students, faculty, and staff with safe, supportive, and culturally competent therapists. They explore the challenges of finding truly safe therapeutic spaces in a climate where "decolonizing therapy" can sometimes invalidate Jewish experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of Jewish pride, resilience, and community, and offers hope for a future where everyone can express their identity without fear.

Guest: Dr. Jessica Zmood and Dr. Shelly Steinwurzel

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#HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #JessicaZmood #ShellySteinwurtzel #GesherCampusCare #JewishCommunity #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #CampusLife #MentalHealth #Therapy #JewishPride #JewishResilience #October7 #TraumaSupport #SafeSpaces #CulturalCompetence #JewishStudents #CollegeCampuses #JewishFaculty #JewishStaff #DecolonizingTherapy #IHRA #JewishEducation #JewishHistory #JewishTherapists #JewishSupport #JewishSolidarity #JewishHealing #JewishVoices

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

Join host Shai Davidai as he sits down with Jonathan Harounoff, British journalist, international spokesperson for Israel’s Mission to the UN, and author of "Unveiled: Inside Iran’s Woman Life Freedom Revolt." Johnny shares his unique perspective as a British Jew of Persian descent, reflecting on his multicultural background, experiences with anti-Semitism at top universities, and his journey into journalism.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses the origins and impact of Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement, the challenges faced by the Iranian people under the Islamic Republic, and the resilience of Iran’s Jewish community. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the power of protest, and the importance of international solidarity. Don’t miss this insightful discussion about history, activism, and hope for a brighter future in Iran and beyond.

Guest: Jonathan Harounoff

NOTE: This episode was filmed on October 23, 2025

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#hereiampodcast #shaidavidai #JohnnyHarounoff #UnveiledBook #iranprotests2022 #womanlifefreedom #mahsaamini #iranianrevolution #jewishdiaspora #middleeast #humanrights #iranianwomen #freedommovement #AntiSemitism #journalism #UN #israel #PersianJewish #diasporavoices #socialjustice #activism #iranhistory #protestmovement #identity #internationalrelations #jewishcommunity #IranianJewry #womenempowerment #middleeastpolitics #HopeForIran

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with actor, advocate, and podcast host Jonah Platt for a heartfelt conversation about Jewish identity, community, and advocacy. Jonah shares his personal journey growing up in a deeply Jewish family, the importance of intentionality in passing down Jewish values, and how he fosters a sense of belonging and pride in his own children. The discussion explores generational shifts in Jewish identity, the challenges young Jews face in balancing tradition with modern social circles, and the complexities of supporting Israel in today’s climate. Jonah also reflects on his experiences hosting the “Being Jewish” podcast, memorable guests, and the lessons he’s learned about celebrating Jewish diversity and humanity. The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions, touching on family, hope, and the importance of giving back. This is an inspiring and thoughtful episode about embracing identity, fostering community, and leading with curiosity and compassion

Guest: Jonah Platt

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#HereIAmPodcast #ShaiDavidai #JonahPlatt #BeingJewish #JewishIdentity #JewishCommunity #JewishPride #JewishPodcast #JewishAdvocacy #JewishPeoplehood #JewishValues #JewishFamily #JewishTradition #JewishCulture #Israel #JewishLife #JewishHeritage #JewishVoices #JewishConversation #JewishDiversity #JewishHistory #JewishFuture #JewishUnity #JewishLeadership #JewishParenting #JewishEducation #JewishHolidays #JewishMusic #JewishHollywood #JewishDiaspora #JewishSupport #JewishHope #JewishCharity #JewishPhilanthropy #JewishYouth #JewishFaith #JewishLearning #JewishPride #JewishResilience #JewishExperience #JewishPodcastHost

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Andrew Pessin, a philosophy professor at Connecticut College and author of several books on anti-Semitism and philosophy. Andrew shares his personal journey, including his "Herzl moment"—the realization that anti-Zionism is a form of anti-Semitism—sparked by a social media controversy in 2015. He recounts the backlash he faced after a Facebook post about the Israel-Hamas conflict was taken out of context, leading to international outrage and threats. The conversation explores the rise of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism on college campuses, the challenges faced by Jewish and Zionist professors and students, and the broader societal implications. Andrew also discusses his ongoing work documenting campus incidents, the importance of Jewish education, and his hope for the next generation. This candid discussion sheds light on the complexities of identity, academic freedom, and the fight against bigotry in today’s world.

Guest: Andrew Pessin

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524
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#hereiampodcast #shaidavidai #AndrewPessin #podcast #jewishidentity #Antisemitism #AntiZionism #israel #campuslife #academicfreedom #jewishcommunity #zionisme #jewishhistory #CollegeCampuses #socialjustice #jewisheducation #jewishvoices #jewishpride #JewishStudents #JewishProfessors #CancelCulture #freespeech #jewishpodcast #JewishIssues #jewishphilosophy #JewishRights #JewishSafety #JewishSolidarity #JewishSupport #jewishexperience

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this powerful episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Vanessa Hidary, a Sephardic Jew, acclaimed spoken word artist, and Def Poetry Jam alum. Vanessa shares her journey of embracing her Jewish identity with pride and authenticity, breaking stereotypes in the spoken word scene. She discusses her upbringing in New York’s diverse neighborhoods, the creation of her signature piece “Hebrew Mamita,” and the challenges of navigating identity, representation, and community—especially in the wake of October 7th, 2023. Vanessa opens up about her experiences with anti-Semitism, the evolution of her activism, and the importance of celebrating Jewish diversity. The episode features moving poetry, honest reflections, and a message of unity and resilience.

Guest: Vanessa Hidary

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Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]