What The Falafel

What The Falafel

What the Falafel is the Jewish podcast you didn’t know you needed!! Bringing big Jewish energy, deep chats, and just the right amount of chutzpah! Hosted by Jodie Brandman and co-created with Joice, we’re schmoozing with comedians, chefs, creators, activists and more to celebrate Jewish identity in all its glory! Expect laughs, Jewish pride and a lot of falafel!!

  1. 1D AGO

    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?

    1h 14m
  2. 12/14/2025

    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

    1h 24m
  3. 10/29/2025

    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

    1h 24m
  4. 10/12/2025

    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

    1h 51m
  5. 09/28/2025

    Love Lessons from Netflix's Jewish Matchmaker | Aleeza Ben Shalom

    What does it take to make a match that lasts? In this episode FULL of Jewish joy, Jodie Brandman sits down with Aleeza Ben Shalom, Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker, to explore why matchmaking matters more than ever! We talk about Aleeza's journey to Netflix, why EVERY community needs a matchmaker, what values couples should look for when choosing a partner, and how to create Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) for lasting marital happiness! We also talk about her personal journey from to becoming more observant, and how she’s bringing matchmaking to communities around the world! This conversation is packed with wisdom, SO much laughter, and shows why matchmaking isn’t just tradition, it’s a mitzvah! Whether you’re dating, married, or just want massive amounts of Jewish joy, this episode will leave you inspired! 🎧 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 Aleeza Ben Shalom: https://www.instagram.com/aleezabenshalom 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

    1h 21m

About

What the Falafel is the Jewish podcast you didn’t know you needed!! Bringing big Jewish energy, deep chats, and just the right amount of chutzpah! Hosted by Jodie Brandman and co-created with Joice, we’re schmoozing with comedians, chefs, creators, activists and more to celebrate Jewish identity in all its glory! Expect laughs, Jewish pride and a lot of falafel!!