In this episode, Aimee sits down with Jonah Platt, actor, musician, and host of The Being Jewish Podcast. Aimee first reflects on the milestone of 200 episodes and impact of IWSTHAB on the Jewish community, before pivoting to Jonah's personal story. Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of navigating health, faith, and the public eye while trying to grow a family. This conversation is a vulnerable exploration of how chronic health challenges reshape the path to parenthood. Jonah Platt opens up about his upbringing in a musical household and his transition into fatherhood alongside his wife, Courtney, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He describes the reality of MS—the extreme fatigue and the medical necessity for Courtney to stop life-altering medications in order to conceive and breastfeed. In discussing the lack of awareness around these specific hurdles, Jonah notes, "I think we don't talk about this story that much because her issue isn't fertility." This challenge led the couple through three distinct reproductive journeys: a natural pregnancy, IVF, and surrogacy. Jonah shares the emotional weight of supporting his partner through a taxing fertility journey and the gift of surrogacy, which allowed Courtney to be fully present for their daughter's birth. Through his story, Jonah highlights the importance of choosing a path that preserves the health of the mother while expanding options for building families. If you are navigating the difficult intersection of chronic illness and family building, this episode offers a compassionate and grounded perspective. You're not alone. More about Jonah Platt: Jonah Platt is one of America's most trusted voices on modern Jewish identity, culture, and current events. He hosts Being Jewish with Jonah Platt—the world's #1 Jewish podcast—exploring Jewish life through conversations with prominent Jews and allies like Jason Alexander, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bernard-Henry Lèvy, Cindy Crawford, and Sheryl Sandberg. An accomplished entertainer, Jonah has starred in acclaimed projects from Broadway (Wicked) to Hollywood (Being the Ricardos), is co-writing the musical adaptation of The Giver, and producing his first feature film, The Mensch. He was honored with California's inaugural Community Excellence Award for Combating Antisemitism, Holocaust Museum LA's inaugural Roz & Abner Goldstine Advocacy Award, the 2025 American Friends of ELEM LifeSaver Award, and is currently pursuing his Master's in Antisemitism Studies at Gratz College. Connect with Jonah Platt: Website Email Instagram Facebook Threads TikTok X LinkedIn Listen to the Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Beingjewishpodcast.com Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube LinkedIn Aimee's Favorite Episodes: 1-Seen and Remembered: Making Space for Everyone This High Holiday Season with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen I kept nodding through this episode with Rabbi Motzen because I agreed with everything he said. As a rabbi at a large synagogue with many different kinds of family units, he has developed many unique ways to make sure everyone fits in... I loved all of its suggestions and thought they were so applicable to people in the fertility community too. 2- Finding Calm in the Chaos with Dr. Aliza Ancier Mindfulness is something anyone can use to get through stressful situations, but I had never really given it much thought until this conversation with Aliza. It's amazing how something so simple can really help. 3- Making Mikvah Meaningful with Dr. Naomi Grumet Mikvah is one of the hardest mitzvos to keep when you're struggling to have a baby. I hated every single time I went. The suggestions here were personally life-changing and helped me reframe mikvah. 4- A Decision I Never Imagined: An Anonymous TFMR Story This was the first episode we did on TFMR, and I remember being so nervous before it came out. Not because I was worried that we were doing anything wrong by sharing this incredible story, but more because I was concerned about backlash. And the amazing thing is - TFMR stories are some of the most listened to in our 200 episodes. Because people don't walk these stories openly, it's a huge gift to offer those dealing with this personally the knowledge that they are not alone. 5- Tokophobia with Yehudit Kosowsky Even as a doctor, I had never heard of tokophobia before, but I have had dozens of people/year message me that they are so grateful this episode exists. Connect with us: Website Instagram - send us a message YouTube Facebook TikTok LinkedIn
