Here I Am With Shai Davidai

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation. Suhag shares her personal journey growing up as a Hindu American, the challenges of confronting stereotypes, and her passion for advocacy and education. The conversation explores the impact of colonial narratives on perceptions of Hinduism, the importance of truth and open dialogue, and the need for both outward and inward education within minority communities. Suhag and Shai also discuss the parallels between Hindu and Jewish experiences in America, the complexities of cultural identity, and the importance of building bridges between communities. The episode concludes with reflections on hope, resilience, and the power of community action.

Guest: Suhag Shukla

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#HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #SuhagShukla #HinduAmericanFoundation #HinduAmerican #Hinduism #Identity #Advocacy #Diversity #Pluralism #CulturalHeritage #HumanRights #AntiStereotypes #CommunityVoices #MinorityVoices #SocialJustice #Education #ColonialNarratives #Truth #OpenDialogue #JewishCommunity #Interfaith #Inclusion #Representation #AmericanDream #ImmigrantStories #WomenLeaders #Podcast #Equality #Hope #Resilience

00:00 - Introduction & Meet Suhag Shukla
02:25 - Values of the Feminine Divine
03:38 - Fighting for Truth in Today’s World
05:36 - Suhag’s Journey: From Law to Advocacy
07:57 - Founding the Hindu American Foundation
10:55 - Navigating Dual Identities in America
12:38 - The Problem: Stereotypes and Colonial Narratives
15:22 - A Defining Moment: High School Stereotypes
21:02 - Building Community and Seeking Answers
36:31 - Education, Advocacy, and Interfaith Collaboration
47:46 - Language, Identity, and Reclaiming Narratives
51:12 - Hindu-Jewish Solidarity & The Swastika Conversation
57:16 - Hope, Resilience, and Closing Reflections

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Brian Spivak, founder of Barzel Media, to discuss Brian’s journey from tech sales in Tel Aviv to Jewish advocacy and influencer marketing after October 7th. Brian shares how the events of October 7th transformed his identity and led him to support Israel and the Jewish diaspora through innovative influencer campaigns. He talks about his work with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the challenges influencers face when supporting Israel, and the creation of Barzel Media’s “economic iron dome” to help pro-Israel voices maintain brand partnerships. The conversation also touches on community, resilience, and the importance of standing up for one’s values in the face of adversity. Don’t miss this inspiring story of passion, adaptability, and making a difference.

Guest: Brian Spivak

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524
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#HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #BrianSpivak #BaselMedia #JewishAdvocacy #Israel #InfluencerMarketing #October7 #JewishIdentity #TelAviv #Diaspora #HostageFamilies #EconomicIronDome #ProIsrael #JewishCommunity #JewishPride #SocialImpact #BrandPartnerships #JewishVoices #JewishResilience #JewishPodcast #JewishInfluencers #StandWithIsrael #JewishUnity #JewishValues #JewishLife #JewishHistory #JewishSupport #JewishCulture #JewishStories

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode, host Shai Davidai sits down with Barak Sella—Israeli-American educator, Harvard Kennedy School researcher, and expert on US-Israel relations. Barak shares his personal journey from growing up in Texas to becoming a leader in Israeli youth movements, and discusses his work on impactful projects like Operation Human Warmth and the fight against child poverty in Israel. The conversation explores the challenges of Jewish identity, the importance of youth leadership, and Barak’s experiences navigating academia and activism after October 7th. Barak also reflects on the evolving relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, the significance of Rabin’s assassination, and the need for nuanced dialogue in today’s polarized world. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on leadership, resilience, and hope for the future.
Guest: Barak Sella
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pI03BMwAuQDbYIy4Zp6ah?si=2bd1c3f8a11c46cd

#HereIAmPodcast #ShaiDavidai #BarakSella #Israel #JewishIdentity #USIsraelRelations #HarvardKennedySchool #JewishDiaspora #YouthLeadership #OperationHumanWarmth #IsraeliYouthMovements #Peace #JewishCommunity #RabinAssassination #Zionism #JewishHistory #MiddleEast #JewishEducation #Leadership #Activism #SocialImpact #JewishValues #JewishLeaders #JewishFuture #JewishResilience #JewishHope #JewishCulture #JewishHeritage #JewishPride #JewishVoices

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Jessica Zmood and Shelly Steinwurtzel, co-founders of Gesher Campus Care. They discuss their personal journeys as Jewish therapists, the impact of October 7th on the Jewish community, and the rise of anti-Semitism and traumatic invalidation on college campuses. Jessica and Shelly share how their nonprofit connects Jewish students, faculty, and staff with safe, supportive, and culturally competent therapists. They explore the challenges of finding truly safe therapeutic spaces in a climate where "decolonizing therapy" can sometimes invalidate Jewish experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of Jewish pride, resilience, and community, and offers hope for a future where everyone can express their identity without fear.

Guest: Dr. Jessica Zmood and Dr. Shelly Steinwurzel

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support!
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Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524
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#HereIAm #ShaiDavidai #JessicaZmood #ShellySteinwurtzel #GesherCampusCare #JewishCommunity #JewishIdentity #Antisemitism #CampusLife #MentalHealth #Therapy #JewishPride #JewishResilience #October7 #TraumaSupport #SafeSpaces #CulturalCompetence #JewishStudents #CollegeCampuses #JewishFaculty #JewishStaff #DecolonizingTherapy #IHRA #JewishEducation #JewishHistory #JewishTherapists #JewishSupport #JewishSolidarity #JewishHealing #JewishVoices

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]

Join host Shai Davidai as he sits down with Jonathan Harounoff, British journalist, international spokesperson for Israel’s Mission to the UN, and author of "Unveiled: Inside Iran’s Woman Life Freedom Revolt." Johnny shares his unique perspective as a British Jew of Persian descent, reflecting on his multicultural background, experiences with anti-Semitism at top universities, and his journey into journalism.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses the origins and impact of Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement, the challenges faced by the Iranian people under the Islamic Republic, and the resilience of Iran’s Jewish community. The conversation explores the complexities of identity, the power of protest, and the importance of international solidarity. Don’t miss this insightful discussion about history, activism, and hope for a brighter future in Iran and beyond.

Guest: Jonathan Harounoff

NOTE: This episode was filmed on October 23, 2025

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support!
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COMING SOON BUY MERCH!

SUPPORT SHAI ON PATREON!
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📢 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai
Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai

🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform:
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pI03BMwAuQDbYIy4Zp6ah?si=2bd1c3f8a11c46cd

#hereiampodcast #shaidavidai #JohnnyHarounoff #UnveiledBook #iranprotests2022 #womanlifefreedom #mahsaamini #iranianrevolution #jewishdiaspora #middleeast #humanrights #iranianwomen #freedommovement #AntiSemitism #journalism #UN #israel #PersianJewish #diasporavoices #socialjustice #activism #iranhistory #protestmovement #identity #internationalrelations #jewishcommunity #IranianJewry #womenempowerment #middleeastpolitics #HopeForIran

Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]