
In this powerful episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava meets Holocaust survivor Jack Waksal, who at 101 years old shares his remarkable story of survival, love, and resilience. Jack recounts escaping from a Nazi labor camp, hiding in the forest, and reuniting with his childhood friend Sabina, who would become his wife of 65 years. Together they built a new life in America, turning tragedy into hope. Through Jack’s words, Ava reflects on what it means to carry Jewish memory forward and find strength in connection, even after unimaginable loss.
Oct 8, 2025
23 min

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava speaks with Azadeh De Leon, a media executive who grew up Jewish in post-revolution Iran and now lives in Canada. Azadeh shares her family’s incredible story of activism, imprisonment, and escape, and reflects on how those experiences shaped her Jewish identity and worldview. From childhood memories in Iran to producing the documentary Rebound about Yeshiva University’s basketball team, Azadeh’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and connection, showing how identity can bridge cultures, histories, and generations.
Oct 8, 2025
27 min

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava sits down with fashion designer and Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet. They talk about Stacey’s unconventional path to building a global fashion brand, the Jewish roots of the garment industry, and what it means to lead with resilience, creativity, and pride. From family stories to bold stands on social issues, Stacey shares how her Jewish identity shapes her life, her work, and the legacy she hopes to pass on.
Oct 6, 2025
23 min

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava sits down with comedian and Tonight Show writer Seth Herzog for a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about comedy, identity, and what it means to be a “Jewish comic.” From his days performing in New York’s downtown clubs to being resident comedian for NBC's Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Seth reflects on how Jewish humor shaped American entertainment — and why he doesn’t see his own act as defined by it. With sharp wit and warmth, he and Ava explore where humor meets heritage, and how laughter itself can be a form of resilience.
Oct 6, 2025
30 min

In this episode of Nice to Meet Jew, Ava talks with naturalist and environmental educator Rose Weinbaum. From her communal life in the mountains of Colorado to her work guiding hikes and teaching kids about the natural world, Rose shares how living close to nature has shaped her perspective on community, Judaism, and hope for the future. Together they explore the connections between environmentalism and Jewish values like tikkun olam, and what it means to build a life rooted in both purpose and wonder.
Oct 6, 2025
23 min
