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

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

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