What The Falafel

What The Falafel
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What the Falafel is the podcast that brings BIG Jewish energy, hilarious and heartfelt conversations and a sprinkle of chutzpah to your life! Created and hosted by Jodie Brandman, in partnership with The Jewish News this podcast is where Jewish culture, identity, humour and personal growth collide! Expect interviews with comedians, creators, chefs, activists and more... all Jewish, all amazing, all here to share their stories in a way that's REAL! We're here to show all the different, wild parts of being Jewish so hit subscribe and join the FUN!!

  1. 24 Jun

    The Man Who Created Nova: A Story of Survival, Community and Hope | Ofir Amir

    In the most powerful episode to date, Jodie Brandman sits down with Ofir Amir, Co-founder, producer, and survivor of the Nova Festival. Before October 7th, Ofir was building an incredible community alongside music festivals, all promoting connection and kindness at the core. At 6.29am on October 7th, everything changed. Fleeing from the Nova massacre, Ofir was shot by terrorists and had to watch one of his best friends die next to him, all the while trying to protect his pregnant wife at home who hiding in a bomb shelter. Ofir shows us what it means to be resilient. He has gone on to create the Nova Exhibition (which is in London until June 15th), and the Tribe of Nova, an entire community supporting survivors and their families. This episode needs to be watched by everyone. A massive thank you to Ofir for sharing his story. Please donate to The Tribe of Nova to help continue his incredible work: http://bit.ly/4eUFnRt → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Partnered with The Jewish News: https://www.instagram.com/jewishnews → https://novaexhibition.com/london-exhibition → https://www.tribeofnova.com/

    1hr 31min

  2. 22 Apr

    How Jewish Comedian Fell In Love, Had an Orthodox Conversion and Then a Bris! | Max Olesker

    In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with writer, comedian and author, Max Olesker. In this laugh-out-loud conversation, Max shares how falling in love led to an Orthodox Jewish conversion complete with moving into a religious family's home in Hendon and a bris at the age of 36! We cover his gruelling journey with the Beth Din, his pro-wrestling and comedic career, and his brand NEW book aptly titled “Making The Cut: An Unorthodox Love Story”. → What The Falafel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Find Max Olesker: https://www.instagram.com/maxolesker/ Sponsor: → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/

    59 min

  3. 11 Mar

    Why Kosher Restaurant Owner Swapped Skinny Jeans For A Sheitel | Cat Young

    In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Cat Young from Balagan to chat about everything from going frum to starting a kosher restaurant! Cat had no idea she was going to be a podcast guest until about 3 minutes before filming when she was put on the sofa with a mic! Hear how she threw away her skinny jeans in favour of a sheitel and how her husband was bundled off to Yeshiva before setting up multiple restaurants. It’s a great episode, make sure you check it out, subscribe, and go visit Balagan (https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/)! Just say you saw this episode and they’ll give you 10% off the bill. → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Jodie: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/.

    26 min

  4. 16 Feb

    World's #1 Jewish Wedding Expert Reveals The Secret To A Strong Jewish Identity | Karen Cinnamon

    In this episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with Karen Cinnamon, founder of Smashing The Glass and Your Jewish Life. We cover everything from how and why she set up her incredible businesses (from wedding blogs to Jewish Joy Journals), why rituals and values are so important, and why she believes inclusivity has been the deal breaker in her work. Karen is so passionate about everyone being themselves and living an authentic life, from wedding decor to everyday food choices, and Jewish rituals they may or may not choose to take on. 🎧Tune in for massive amounts of Jewish pride! → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Your Jewish Life: https://www.instagram.com/yourjewishlife/ → Your Jewish Life: https://yourjewishlife.co/ → Smashing The Glass: https://www.smashingtheglass.com/ → Jewish self- care prompts: https://luxejewishlife.com/selfcare → Jewish Joy Journals: https://luxejewishlife.com/shop/ - Use code WTF18 for 18% off Sponsor: Israel Blessing: https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters:00:00 Intro 4:00 Exiting Fight Mode 7:00 Rituals + Wedding 11:07 Smashing the glass 27:00 Being Jewish 33:50 Food 38:47 Sponsor40:00 Family 48:00 Jewish Joy and values 1:00:00 Interfaith marriage 01:09:00 What’s Next?

    1hr 14min

  5. 11 Jan

    How a Jewish Entrepreneur Turned His Anger Into Viral Comedy | Yechiel Jacobs

    In this hilarious episode of What The Falafel, Jodie Brandman sits down with comedian Yechiel Jacobs for a chat that covers SO much ground! From his time in yeshiva, to turning his political anger into humour, Yechiel shows us how you can make the world a better place and spread light even in the darkest of times. 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Yechiel Jacobs: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsyechiel → Sponsor: Israel Blessing https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 8:33 On stage 14:48 King Julien 17:44 School transformation 21:16 Yeshiva + Moving around ** Antisemitism 28:00 Moshiach 31:00 Being a content creator 41:00 Antisemitism + The War 49:00 Food ** Accents 52:57 Sponsor 59:39 Hashem + Religion 1:06:36 The Future

    1hr 9min

  6. 14/12/2025

    The personal trainer who went viral, nearly died and is now stronger than ever | Golan Horesh

    In this intense and POWERFUL episode, Jodie Brandman sits down with Golan Horesh, a fitness coach who went viral after confronting an anti-Israel protest and later survived a deadly heart attack! We talk about why you should NEVER be afraid, and the shocking moment that changed his life forever. From a shocking heart attack that left him unconscious, to waking up 2 weeks later and re-thinking his entire life from family to fitness, nutrition and faith!This episode is unmissable, so get stuck in and prepare to be massively inspired! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… CONNECT WITH WHAT THE FALAFEL → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Golan: https://www.instagram.com/golanofc/?hl=en → Row. Beat. Breathe - Golan's 43k rowing challenge. Donate now: https://gofund.me/93906c64a → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3K2gPue Spotify: https://bit.ly/48hGLLC Youtube Music: https://bit.ly/4nYNtLm CHAPTERS: 00:00 Going viral 9:27 Jewish pride 7:21 Being unafraid 26:40 Society today 31:30 Fitness & heart attack 48:45 Israel Blessing Sponsor 51:16 Nutrition 1:07:30 Food delivery 1:10:50 Fundraising + Mum 1:18:00 Typical day of eating

    1hr 24min

  7. 29/10/2025

    From Being “Too Jewish” To Starring in Wicked | Emma Kingston

    In this special Halloween- themed episode, Jodie Brandman sits down with the incredible Emma Kingston, currently starring as Elphaba in Wicked the Musical (yes, the actual green witch herself!) We talk about everything from Emma’s early obsession with singing and her rise through the world of theatre, to what it’s really like behind the scenes at Wicked. She shares her experience performing in Evita and Fiddler on the Roof, the wildness of auditioning, and what it’s like dating in the entertainment industry. But we also get real about identity... about being part of a Jewish minority in theatre, finding pride in who you are, and the surprising links between Wicked and Jewishness! It’s a fun episode, a little witchy, and a whole lot Jewish... the perfect blend for Halloween! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Emma Kingston: https://www.instagram.com/emkingstonSponsor:Israel Blessing: https://www.israelblessing.com/ code: WTF15 https://www.instagram.com/israel_blessing→ Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Chapters:00:00 – Wicked/ singing 6:56 – Early life 13:30 – Training 21:50 – The world of theatre 30:00 – Playing Elphaba 40:00 – Food 41:20 – Israel Blessing Sponsor45:25 – Getting green 48:22 – Auditioning for Wicked 59:40 – Previous roles 01:01:33 – Being Jewish 01:09:34 – Dating 01:17:49 – Halloween + Judaism

    1hr 24min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Antisemitism, Purpose & Jewish Pride | Jonny Daniels

    What does it mean to stay proud, grounded, and hopeful as a Jew today?! In this powerful episode, Jonny Daniels sits down with Jodie Brandman to talk about everything from antisemitism in the UK and the current political climate around Israel, to the deeper question of what keeps us connected to our faith and culture. We dive into Jonny’s life story… from the experiences and mentors who have shaped him, to the values that have guided him. This isn’t just a conversation about conflict; it’s about pride, purpose, and the beauty of Jewish life! We explore how faith, community, and giving back can keep us anchored through chaos, and why celebrating who we are matters now more than ever! This is reminder that even in uncertain times, being Jewish is something to cherish! 🎧 Tune in for truth, strength, and a reminder that we all have a voice that matters… → Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wtfalafelpodcast/ → Host: https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrandman/ → In collaboration with: https://www.instagram.com/joiceglobal/ → Find Jonny Daniels: https://www.instagram.com/jonnydaniels → Find Jonny's foundation: https://www.instagram.com/fromthedepthsfoundation → Special thanks to Balagan for their AMAZING food! Find their restaurant in Borehamwood and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balaganuk/. Pop into their store and say “What the Falafel” at checkout to get 10% off! https://www.balaganborehamwood.co.uk/ Sponsor:Phone and learn: https://www.phoneandlearn.org/learnteach https://www.instagram.com/phoneandlearn Chapters: 00:00 – Intro and Current Events10:47 – Jews in the UK17:52 – Anti-Semitism 22:29 – Jewish Pride and Israel33:42 – Food, Culture, and Community38:00 – 📞 Sponsored Message: Phone & Learn (PaL) 45:12 – Life’s Purpose, Mental Health and Being Jewish53:00 – Politics and War1:00:00 – Jonny’s Personal Journey01:14:00 – Health Challenges and Covid01:20:00 – Jewish Future 01:31:00 – Legacy and Inspiration: The Impact of Mentorship01:41:00 – Giving Back and Humility

    1hr 51min
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About

What the Falafel is the podcast that brings BIG Jewish energy, hilarious and heartfelt conversations and a sprinkle of chutzpah to your life! Created and hosted by Jodie Brandman, in partnership with The Jewish News this podcast is where Jewish culture, identity, humour and personal growth collide! Expect interviews with comedians, creators, chefs, activists and more... all Jewish, all amazing, all here to share their stories in a way that's REAL! We're here to show all the different, wild parts of being Jewish so hit subscribe and join the FUN!!

Information

  • Creator
    What The Falafel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © What The Falafel
  • Show Website
    What The Falafel

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