Most people picture librarians as quiet and reserved — until you meet Eytan Kessler.

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with Eytan, who shares what it means to be a gay Jewish librarian navigating faith, identity, and activism in a time of rising antisemitism. From his Long Island roots to his connection with Israel, he reflects on how books, history, and community shaped his voice — and why he refuses to let misinformation go unchallenged.

We discuss:

- Highlighting Jewish resistance stories

- Confronting harmful Holocaust narratives in publishing

- Why supporting Jewish and Zionist authors matters

- The rise of antisemitism in media and online spaces

- Navigating social media as a queer Jewish advocate

- The emotional toll of online hate

- How the Israel–Gaza war reshaped his activism

Eitan speaks candidly about stepping back for mental health, standing firm in his values, and using literature as a form of resistance.

This episode is for educators, activists, readers, and anyone who believes storytelling shapes culture. Because protecting Jewish history — and amplifying authentic voices — isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Follow Eytan: @sleepy_librarian_

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In Part 2 of this conversation, The Modern Maccabee and Michael dive even deeper.

Topics include:

- The purpose behind Stop The Squad

- Why India and Israel share historic parallels

- Antisemitism within progressive politics

- BLM leadership controversy and Jewish–Black relations

- Iranian freedom movements

- Social media propaganda

- Jewish humor as a survival tool

- Sacha Baron Cohen and cultural resistance

This episode is about unity, accountability, and unapologetic Jewish identity.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 for the full context.

Follow The Modern Maccabee: @TheModernMaccabee

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, Michael sits down with UK-based Jewish activist The Modern Maccabee for a two-part, powerful and wide-ranging conversation on antisemitism, politics, Zionism, and Jewish identity in the modern West.

Part 1 explores:

- Growing up Jewish between Israel and the UK

- The rise of antisemitism in progressive spaces

- Jeremy Corbyn and what happened to the UK Labour Party

- The Squad and political extremism in America

- Jewish identity, white privilege narratives, and critical race theory

- Why Richie Torres represents something different

- Why Jewish political engagement matters more than ever

This conversation is nuanced, unfiltered, and necessary.

🎧 Listen to Part 2 for:

India–Israel relations, Stop The Squad, BLM controversy, humor as survival, and Sacha Baron Cohen’s cultural impact.

Follow The Modern Maccabee: @TheModernMaccabee

In this heartfelt episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, join host Michael Valdes as he welcomes professional dancer and choreographer Alexandra Light for an insightful conversation. Alexandra shares her journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., to becoming a principal dancer at the Texas Ballet Theater, exploring her Jewish heritage, and navigating the intricacies of an interfaith marriage. Dive into her experiences in the performing arts and dance world, the impact of the October 7th attacks and global rise in antisemitism, and her transition into choreography. This episode is a testament to resilience, cultural identity, and the power of storytelling through dance. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that bridges personal history with artistic expression.

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, host Michael Valdes engages in a lively conversation with Jay Hoffman of Sephardic Soul, exploring themes of LGBTQ+ representation within Jewish culture, personal journeys through secular and Orthodox Judaism, and the unique experience of being a gay man studying in Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel. The discussion touches on cultural shocks, identity, and the importance of representation in the Jewish space.

*This episode was filmed before the October 7th Attacks in Israel*

In this episode of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, host Michael welcomes Talya of Talking with Talya, an unfiltered Jewish sex therapist, to discuss her journey, the importance of sex therapy, and the challenges of body image and self-acceptance. They explore Talya's experiences growing up as a Canadian Jew, her connection to Israel, and the significance of authenticity in a world that often pressures conformity. The conversation emphasizes the value of therapy, the need for open discussions about sexuality, and the journey towards embracing one's true self. Talya also discusses the importance of understanding the nuances of the situation between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for compassion towards all innocent lives. She explores her journey towards sexual empowerment, embracing her identity as a proud Jewish woman, and the significance of setting boundaries in personal relationships.

In part two of the two-episode season two premiere of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, host Michael Valdes shares his personal journey through grad school amidst the backdrop of the October 7th attack in Israel. He discusses the impact of the war on his education, the sense of community he found at Gay Shabbat, and the challenges he faced navigating campus life and activism. Michael reflects on his experiences with harassment, the complexities of student government, and the importance of standing up for one's values in a politically charged environment.

In part one of the two-episode season two premiere of Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, host Michael Valdes returns from his hiatus and reflects on the past two years, discussing significant life changes, including the impact of the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, personal losses, and the evolution of friendships. He shares heartfelt stories about navigating relationships, the challenges of losing friends over differing beliefs, and the emotional toll of losing a parent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, identity, and the journey of healing.