Linnea Sage is the creator and host of The Jewish Dating Game, a live matchmaking show blending comedy, culture, and real connection. We talk about her path from voice acting to matchmaking, what she’s learned about modern dating, the AI lawsuit involving her and her partner Paul, and—yes—Margarita’s own appearance on the show.
Follow @thejewishdatinggame on Instagram and visit www.thejewishdatinggame.com to see what they’re building next.
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
2:23 From voice acting to matchmaking
5:45 Margarita's appearance on The Jewish Dating Game!
21:34 What has Linnea learned about dating & relationships?
27:00 The AI lawsuit - How Linnea & Paul had their voices stolen
37:19 How has Linnea and Paul's relationship changed?
39:25 Lightning Round!
49:00 Hear Linnea do her voices!
53:00 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Bonus episode featuring Shimon Raskin, an entrepreneur in the college sponsorship and fraternity scene, and a Russian-speaking Jewish content creator with over 100,000 followers on TikTok.
This is a real schmooze of an episode. Lighthearted, fun, and inspiring, Shimon and Margarita bond over their shared heritage.
Follow Shimon on Instagram & TikTok @shimon_raskin
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
02:06 How Shimon went viral overnight
05:32 Greeky - Is Greek life having a comeback?
10:04 How has Shimon's audience received his Jewish identity?
11:57 "I wish people would believe in themselves a little more"
13:20 On the Russian-English TikTok world
17:09 The key to people embracing their culture & roots
18:58 Does Shimon feel too Russian for the Americans and too American for the Russians?
23:11 How have Shimon's parents received his content career?
24:45 Lightning Round!
27:43 Shimon's message to the Jewish people
28:57 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Margarita sits down with Chantae Vetrice, a singer-songwriter and Black Jewish artist, to hear how her music and Jewish identity have evolved over time. Chantae traces how Judaism entered her life, how October 7 reshaped her experience as an artist, and what’s fueling the new music she’s about to release. In this fun, fast-paced episode, Chantae gives us an inside look at her creative process, reflects on a defining moment in her career, and shares the message she hopes Jewish listeners will take with them.Learn more about Chantae at www.chantaevetrice.com and follow her on socials @ChantaeVetrice
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
02:14 Chantae's journey to music & Judaism
04:47 Does Chantae wrestle with any parts of Judaism?
06:12 Being a black Jewish artist post Oct 7th
11:06 On Chantae's upcoming singles!
13:00 What is Chantae's music making process?
17:58 A moment Chantae is very proud of
19:53 Chantae's musical inspirations
23:29 Chantae's message to the Jewish people
29:26 Advice for artists
31:05 Lightning Round!
35:53 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Margarita talks with journalist and media strategist Ariella Noveck, co-founder of BottomLine Media and Shield Communications PR. Ariella shares her path from chef school to newsrooms, her work after October 7 helping hostage families get airtime, and why journalism is struggling in today’s media ecosystem. We dig into citizen journalism, AI tools for reporters, and her top advice for Jews navigating media appearances. Follow Ariella on on Instagram @AriellaNoveck.Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
02:51 From chef school to journalism
05:42 "How do you hide your horns so well?"
07:34 Ariella's work post Oct 7th: from getting the hostage families on air to Birthrightfor journalists
17:48 Is the media failing us or are we failing them? What's going on with journalism?
21:34 On citizen journalists
23:43 "ChatGPT" for journalists
28:25 Ariella's advice on media appearances for Jewish people
32:26 Is People Jew Wanna Know a form of journalism & how to correct media
41:23: A win & a do-over
49:51 How Margarita was on NewsNation
56:20 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
By popular request, here’s a bonus episode featuring highlights from our December 3rd One Day In October screening and moderated panel event. In this episode, you’ll hear from Oct. 7th survivor Sabine Taasa.
Sabine Taasa is a French-Israeli survivor from the Israeli community of Netiv HaAsara, where her husband, Gil, and eldest son, Or, were murdered on Oct. 7th. She has since become a prominent advocate, sharing her family's story internationally, including speaking at the United Nations and appearing in the HBO Max series One Day in October.
This event was made possible by Jewish Parent Academy (JPA) and Jewish ERGs.
https://www.jpacademy.org/
https://www.jewishergs.com/
Stream One Day In October on HBO Max and follow on Instagram @onedayinoctoberofficial
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What started as a satirical page run by 2 brothers has grown into a sharp, witty voice in the Jewish community. Ryan Turkienicz of The Daily Brine shares what’s brined his brain this year, the team's approach to satire, and why honesty matters more than Hasbara.
Follow The Daily Brine on Instagram and TikTok @DailyBrine and read their writing at www.dailybrine.com
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
02:00 How 2 brothers started a satirical page
06:09 How has The Daily Brine been received by the community?
07:05 Voice Of The People - what is it & how is The Daily Brine involved?
12:08 What has brined Ryan's brain the most this year?
14:08 On Slam Frank!
17:57 The Daily Brine's dream headline
18:49 On former Mossad head - Yossi Cohen
22:56 "We're not going to win with Hasbara"
24:56 Why The Daily Brine started out as anonymous
26:30 Ryan's rules around content
27:31 Family telepathy
30:20 Ryan's message to the Jewish people
31:38 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Jen Cohn — voice of countless characters and a true “joy hog” — sits down with Margarita to talk about the Jewish roots that shaped her, the unconventional turns of her career, and what it really takes to raise proud Jewish kids. Along the way, they laugh about Russian accents, psychic visits, and yes… even the voice of a matzoh ball. Connect with Jen on Instagram @heyitsjencohn.
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
03:10 "I'm a joy hog"
06:10 Jen's Jewish upbringing & eclectic career
14:40 "The road less traveled is the more exciting road"
17:51 On Jews in entertainment & Jewish parenting
22:30 The steps to raising proud Jewish children
29:50 Jen's Russian accent
31:37 How is Jen preparing her son for college?
34:57 What is Jen optimistic about?
40:50 Margarita's trip to the psychic
42:16 What would a matzoh ball's voice sound like?
45:33 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Margarita welcomes Steven Phillips — former tech leader, now founder of JewishERGs, and full-time advocate for Jewish representation in the workplace.
In this episode, we dig into his journey of founding a Jewish Employee Resource Group at Amazon, scaling that into a worldwide community, and the challenges and opportunities Jewish professionals face at work.
Learn more about Steven's work at www.jewishergs.com
Follow JewishERGs on Instagram @JewishERGs
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
04:36 Steven's story - from Tech to Jewish ERGs
08:25 How did Steven take Jewish ERGs full-time?
09:54 What's the pushback to Jewish ERGs?
13:39 Which corporations get it right & which don't?
15:50 Margarita's experience at Amazon
19:42 How can Jews push back from hostility in the workplace?
31:23 Steven's visits to Israel & what they taught him
38:31 Steven's advice to Jews in corporate
41:57 What else is Steven working on?Margarita welcomes Steven Phillips — former tech leader, now founder of JewishERGs, and full-time advocate for Jewish representation in the workplace.
Andrew Zimmern joins People Jew Wanna Know to talk about the Jewish upbringing that shaped him, from his grandmother’s legendary roast chicken and pickled tongue, to Shabbat dinners that later inspired Family Dinner. He reflects on his most vivid Bizarre Foods moments, including being marched through a Rio favela with AK-47s under his chin. He also opens up about the spiritual lessons he found in sobriety and why “being the only” has guided his entire media career.
Lear more about Andrew's incredible work at www.andrewzimmern.com and follow him on Instagram @chefaz
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
05:41 How Margarita met Andrew's childhood best friend
8:16 Andrew's Jewish upbringing
12:08 "I want to be a NYC Jew"
13:07 "In the world of media & brands, it's better to be an only"
14:02 Andrew's staple Shabbat dish
19:48 Visiting Kazakhstan
27:19 Unsolved mysteries of Bizarre Foods - Rio & Mexico City
34:57 How do we stay connected in a disconnected world?
37:40 Andrew's new book about seafood & obsession with service
44:02 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Musician and nomad, Nolan Marsh (@livefromthebus), joins us to talk about being Jewish in the U.S. Army, jamming at a neo-Nazi bar, life lessons from the road, and making music across the world. Follow him on Instagram & TikTok @livefromthebus!
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
04:45 Nolan's story & Jewish upbringing
9:41 On serving in the U.S. Army as a Jew
11:26 A blues jam at a Neo-Nazi bar
19:00 The story of Daryl Davis, the black man who befriended the grand wizard of the KKK
22:00 Nolan's biggest lesson from living a nomadic life
30:21 Has Nolan been to Israel?
31:30 Nolan's take on staying relevant on social media
33:20 On making music all over the world
40:30 Nolan's musical inspirations
45:29 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Bonus episode featuring Hadar Baron, NYC-based singer, actress, songwriter & musician. Hadar won a giveaway Margarita did to be featured on the podcast!
Bonding over their immigration experiences, a love for art, and Jewish life, this conversation will remind you just how many remarkable Jewish people we have in our community.
🎤 Follow Hadar on Instagram & TikTok: @hadarbaron / @hadarbaronmusic
🌐 Explore her work: www.hadarbaron.com
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
03:23 From Israeli Immigrant to American Artist
06:38 The immigrant experience
11:54 The last 2 years as an Israeli artist
16:20 Playing Carole King
22:23 Hadar's message to the Jewish people
23:41 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Sam Silverman—aka @BagelAmbassador—left the world of finance to build a bagel empire and uncover the deeper story behind this iconic Jewish food. He shares the surprising history of New York bagels, how the bagel industry has evolved, and, most importantly, why blueberry bagels are the worst. Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknowWhat We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda02:19 From Finance to Bagels?!08:24 Sam's trip to Poland10:40 Sam's Jewish upbringing12:19 What is the bagel history of NYC? 17:19 How has bagel culture changed post-pandemic19:50 How Margarita waited almost an hour for a bureka 24:11 Bagel-making classes in Philly26:32 What's up with open-faced bagels? 28:30 Surprising piece of history about bagels 30:35 Sam's message to Jewish people 33:38 Lightning Round! 38:31 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Bonus episode featuring Rachel Lander, a software engineer from the Upper East Side who decided one stressful career wasn’t enough, so now she does stand-up too.
Margarita and Rachel chat all things NYC, dating, & comedy.
Follow Rachel on Instagram & TikTok @rlandz
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
03:05 Rachel's eclectic NYC life & Jewish upbringing
07:57 How does Rachel think about comedy material?
11:20 Jeff Ross' one man comedy show
13:54 Why are sex jokes a comedic crutch for women?
16:14 Rachel's Jewish cookbook & how she met Brad Lander
17:50 Rachel's message to Jews today
20:28 How Margarita ran into Fran Lebowitz on the street
23:00 Rachel's dream dinner guest list of NYC people
24:33 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Healthcare professionals Julie and Danielle had zero tech experience—yet they built PlotTwist, a social and dating app reshaping how people connect. They share what inspired their leap from medicine to matchmaking, what sets Jewish dating apart, and the behavioral science behind finding “the one.” Follow @joinplottwist to see how they’re redefining modern dating!Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknowWhat We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda03:28 Julie & Danielle's backgrounds05:13 Latest research on dating & what PlotTwist was created to solve11:30 What dating phenomenon has not been cracked? 13:06 Jewish dating vs. non-Jewish dating on PlotTwist15:56 How did Julie & Danielle learn how to start an app company? 20:04 Establishing boundaries as co-founders vs. best friends22:56 Julie & Danielle's own dating life 27:38 Behavioral Science dating tips from Logan Ury 29:34 Using Pareto Efficiency/ AI in dating32:54 What are some business do-overs Julie & Danielle would like to have? 35:02 Lightning Round! 42:07 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Margarita sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to unpack his unconventional journey—from Bernie supporter to PragerU, from suing Harvard to calling out Jewish nonprofits—and his bold vision for the Jewish future. Connect with Shabbos and follow his work on Twitter/X @shabbosk and Instagram @shabboskestenbaum.
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
02:13 Shabbos' eclectic family & upbringing
05:06 From Bernie supporter to PragerU
11:50 Why Jews are moving to the right
14:20 How to combat antisemitism according to Shabbos
17:20 Why Jewish nonprofits are failing
24:00 The FIDF scam & why we should DOGE Jewish non-profits
26:29 What was the outcome with the Harvard lawsuit?
28:53 A rant about Hillel (of course)
33:50 "We welcome all people, but we don't welcome all ideas"
43:30 On Jewish life in Poland & Ukraine
53:00 Shabbos' message to the Jewish people
55:40 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Margarita chats with Alex Schinasi—mom, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the viral Hulken bag. Alex opens up about her Jewish upbringing, parenting after October 7th, and what it takes to grow a brand in today’s market. From business lessons to mentorship and dream collabs, she keeps it real with wisdom and humor. Follow Alex on Instagram @alexschinasi and check out @hulkenbag to see the bag everyone’s talking about.
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
04:07 Alex Schinasi's background & Jewish upbringing
07:04 How is Alex talking to her kids about life post Oct 7th
11:21 The Hulken bag!!! All about this business
16:12 Tried & true business principles - what are they?18:52 How is Hulken navigating dupes?
20:37 On tariffs
23:17 Alex's mentors
24:45 Alex's proudest achievement
27:42 On the culture of "BSing" in entrepreneurship
32:00 Who would be on Hulken's influencer trip?
33:07 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Korchak—founder and senior educator of the Jerusalem Education Institute—whose life between the US and Israel, experience at Auschwitz, and work in Jewish education shape a candid dialogue on antisemitism, activism, and resilience amid global crises.
Learn more about JEI at https://www.jerusalemedu.org/
Follow Charlotte on Instagram @charlottekorchak and JEI @jerusalemedu
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
(00:00) Intro & Episode Agenda
(03:39) How Charlotte's life experiences shaped her into an Israel educator
(08:20) Solutions to Israel & Jewish education
(21:38) Trends on antisemitism
(37:36) Charlie Kirk's assassination
(43:10) Charlotte's incident at Auschwitz
(53:00) Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Dara Horn is the bestselling author of People Love Dead Jews and one of today’s sharpest voices on antisemitism. In this episode, she exposes the failures of Holocaust education, the tensions between diaspora and Israel, and the hard truths Jews need to confront now.
Connect with Dara and support her work at www.DaraHorn.com
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
05:03 "Being a writer is less of a career choice and more of a chronic illness"
08:19 Dara, the antisemitism "Lorax"
09:41 How Holocaust education needs to change
18:00 What is the Tell Institute curriculum?
28:16 Role of the diaspora vs. Jews in Israel
33:37 Are Jews like everyone else or like no one else?
44:59 Dara's message to the Jewish people
48:13 Why are you in the defendant's dock against a racist?
48:50 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Author Benjamin Resnick joins Margarita to talk about his debut novel Next Stop, the heart of Jewish storytelling, and the big questions that keep us all up at night. Insightful, thoughtful, and full of stories that linger long after the episode ends.
Follow Benjamin on Instagram @Benjamin_Resnick and buy his book, Next Stop, anywhere where books are sold.
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
06:03 Novelist turned Rabbi
08:44 Rabbis are meant to be storytellers
11:29 On Next Stop - Ben's debut novel
21:15 Jewish vs. Non-Jewish storytelling
28:30 Post Oct 7th, what message does Ben want to leave for Jews?
36:35 Why must there be something bad with something good?
43:10 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination
Are we already in World War III? Alexander Rojavin—an intelligence, policy, and media expert on the frontlines of information warfare—joins us to untangle the chaos of today’s world. From Soviet anti-Zionist propaganda to TikTok, from the invasion of Ukraine to the weaponization of antisemitism, Sasha explains how politics, media, and culture collide to shape society—and what it will take to push back.
Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts alarming and hopeful, and discover why fighting disinformation might just be the fight of our time.
Connect with Sasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-rojavin-2a689568/
Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknow
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda
06:34 How a theater kid went into information warfare
11:20 The role of USSR in Anti-Zionism
16:19 How the global climate changed in 2014 because of the invasion of Ukraine
20:10 Antisemitism is a national security issue & why we can't seem to handle it
25:00 How China saved TikTok w/antisemitism
27:00 What are strategies that work to fight postmodernism & our current condition?
41:18 How many years will it take to change culture?
46:48 What are surprising information warfare tactics?
48:33 What gives Sasha hope?
50:29 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination