Jonah Platt Launches New Edition of Podcast: 30 Minute Mensches
If you haven’t yet listened to the podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, consider this your sign to hit that subscribe button.
Jonah Platt is a multi-talented actor, musician, writer, producer, and director. Recently, though, he’s perhaps most known for his steadfast advocacy for the Jewish community. In 2021, Jonah began using his voice to speak about Jewish issues—both on social media and in public speaking engagements. In the wake of October 7th, advocacy has taken on much more of a prominent role in his life.
In October 2024, Jonah launched Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, a podcast where he has interviewed Jews and allies like Noa Tishby, Erin Molan, Dara Horn, Jason Robert Brown, Van Jones, Sheryl Sandberg, Patricia Heaton, and even his accomplished parents. Every episode begins with an insightful monologue from Jonah addressing current events or hot-topic issues, all thoughtfully explored through a Jewish lens.
Jonah has a gift for articulating issues clearly and from the heart. His podcast has proven to be a valuable resource for clarifying complicated topics and celebrating Jewish identity, evident from the very first episode to the recent Season 1 finale.
Now Jonah is expanding his podcast, launching the new edition Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches. As a huge fan of the original show, I couldn’t wait to learn more. Jonah was kind enough to share some details about this exciting new project.
Leah Grossman: Hi Jonah! Consider me one of the many who are grateful for your advocacy. You’re clearly in your element with Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, and I was thrilled to learn you’re expanding with this new edition of the podcast. What inspired you to create 30 Minute Mensches? Besides the shorter format, how will it differ from your original show?
Jonah Platt: Hi Leah! Thank you so much for the kind words. The idea for 30 Minute Mensches came first and foremost from a desire to continue providing my audience with content over the summer months while I’m taking a hiatus from the main show. This shorter, remote-only format allows me to continue spotlighting different facets of the amazing tapestry that is Jewish identity, but in a way that’s much more sustainable for me as an expenditure of both time and money. Content-wise, it’s a more focused conversation, more of a thesis statement on the work and life of this individual rather than a far-ranging overview, but tonally, it’s identical. Same vibe, same tribe, shorter episodes!
LG: I imagine interviewing guests remotely will allow you to cast a much wider net for people you’re able to chat with. Who can we look forward to hearing from on 30 Minute Mensches?
JP: You’re right on the money there—the second driver for creating this edition of the show was to allow me to showcase some really unique and fascinating people, folks who may be a bit more niche than the kind of guests I typically have on the main show, but are no less interesting or important. We have an incredibly diverse array of guests lined up: an energy healer, a Disney animator, a matchmaker, a Crypto Jew, an African Jew, an African ally, an Israeli chef, a children’s musician, my college rabbi, and many more!
LG: With new episodes dropping throughout the summer, I can’t help but think of 30 Minute Mensches as your podcast equivalent of Jewish summer camp—a little change of pace! Is that how you’re viewing it? Should we expect your original podcast to return with Season 2 in the fall?
JP: Haha, I love that! That’s exactly right! Hopefully folks are out enjoying their summers—a 30 minute podcast is a more camp-like taste of lightly structured programming, but doesn’t require the full-on commitment of the regular show. And yes—we will absolutely be back with Season 2 this fall! Our season premiere will be dropping September 30th, and it’s gonna be a good one (make sure to subscribe now so you don’t miss it!).
LG: A mensch can be defined as “a person of integrity and honor.” What does being a mensch mean to you? Are there any mensches who’ve had a meaningful impact on you and the way you live your life?
JP: Anyone can be a mensch! This is a theme we actually explore in my film The Mensch that I’m producing, that’s currently in pre-production (and still looking for investors by the way!). Anyone can be a mensch, it’s just about effort. As with anything in life, the people who are brilliant at something always make it look effortless, though it never is. They’ve just already put in the thought and effort and commitment to reach that point.
The first two mensches that pop into my mind are my mom, who I just had on the podcast for my season finale, and my dear friend Marc, who sadly passed away two years ago, may his memory be a blessing. Marc was always taking care of others with such ease and grace, but that’s because it was so deeply important to him, so intrinsic to the core of his being, that he’d long ago perfected the art. He was a true mensch through and through, and I miss him a lot.
Highlighting people who are putting good into the world is an honorable pursuit, and one that resonates with me personally (it’s what I strive to do with this blog). If the past two years have taught me anything, it’s that advocacy isn’t a given—not even close. In the hostile environment we find ourselves in, those who have the courage and drive to contribute positively to the Jewish community deserve all the respect and recognition we can offer.
Jonah—thank you for using your voice, skill set, and platform for good. You educate, inspire, and shine a light on those who deserve to be seen—all with an inherently natural and entertaining delivery that leaves no doubt you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
If there was ever any question—you’re a mensch.
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Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches launches July 15. Starting July 22, new episodes will drop every Tuesday and Thursday through the summer.
