The Actual is a podcast for the ever-changing times we live in. Since October 7 2023, our devices are constantly flooded with misinformation and disinformation from a multitude of unreliable sources - including social media, mainstream news agencies, as well as targeted and sophisticated propaganda machinery. The result of this is an increase in antisemitism worldwide, the elevation of extremist voices, with once relatively peaceful countries polarising with increasingly hateful divisions. And this is where this podcast, The Actual, comes in. Each episode, host Lissy Abrahams, has discussions with informed and courageous guests to explore the crucial events that reshape our humanitarian and geopolitical landscapes. These conversations are unique, psychologically astute, and necessary for navigating our rapidly changing world by cutting through the tsunami of misinformation, disinformation and noise to focus on what’s actually happening.
Following the massacre on October 7 2023 in Israel, many young Australian Jews question what kind of future they have here - could they remain at university? Have a career? Stay true to their identity? On this episode of The Actual, Ariel Eisner shares his experiences at university, the hostility he faced on campus, and how his trust was broken by the institution that was supposed to keep him safe. Following university, he also faced difficulty entering the workforce with escalating antisemitism. Those experiences led Ariel and his co-founder Dean Cohen to create Reshet - a community built to bring young Jewish professionals together and offer guidance mentorship connection and career opportunities. We discuss the fears young Jewish adults face, and how older community members have a huge amount of wisdom, support and guidance to offer them as they navigate today's rapidly changing landscape. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
What does it really mean to be strong? In this episode of The Actual, my guest is Sammy Yahood. He is the founder of Peace Through Strength, a movement dedicated to restoring Jewish values and empowering Jews through resilience and community. Sammy reveals why we need to embrace discomfort to become mentally and physically strong to be prepared for the world we now live in. He adds that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward and take action despite it. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this fascinating episode of The Actual, my guest is Darya Rubenstein, Executive Director of Australian Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel. Darya reveals the groundbreaking life saving work and their role in Australia post-Bondi. United Hatzalah is Israel’s largest fully volunteer emergency medical service with thousands of trained volunteers responding to medical emergencies across the country, often arriving in 3 minutes or less. Following the Bondi attack, Darya helped co-ordinate the deployment of United Hatzalah’s Trauma and Crisis Response Unit to Sydney, where trauma specialists supported survivors, families, first responders, and members of the wider community. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual, my phenomenal guest is Australian social and political commentator Calista Clements. Her fearless online commentary has earned her a rapidly growing audience across the country. At just 25 years old, Calista calls cuts through the the maddening noise to discuss rising crime rates, political and leadership issues, social fragmentation, antisemitism, and radicalisation. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual, my guest is Will Nemesh, Mayor of Waverley, home to Bondi Beach, and member of Sydney’s Jewish community. Will shares how he found himself leading Waverley Council through one of the most devastating periods in recent Australian history. Will describes how the events at the Bondi massacre challenged him personally and as a leader. He reveals what his council has done so far, from supporting local businesses to strengthening social cohesion and combating antisemitism, as well as what the Jewish community should know about the ongoing council work to support Bondi and more. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this moving episode of The Actual, my guest is Rabbi Yossi Friedman of Rabbi On Demand. Following the terrorist attack in Bondi on December 14 2025, Yossi became a leading grassroots figure helping Jews, Australians from all walks of life, and tourists process the enormity of the attacks through his memorial prayer services at Bondi Pavillion. What emerged in the weeks and months through these services was a spiritual place to grieve who and what was lost, to remember the victims and heroes, to connect with each other, and to remember that unity over division is crucial. Beyond the tragedy itself was the extraordinary humanity that emerged afterwards in response to unimaginable violence. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
Four times as a guest on The Actual, Australian Iranian patriot Ali had his social media platform taken down before and after the recording of this episode. Ali shares the realities of the dark forces of terrorism and how we live alongside it, many unaware of the proximity to us. Ali and I continue the broader discussion on the propaganda war unfolding across social media and the continuous silencing of Iranian and Jewish voices. Ali gives insights as to why this is a long war militarily and also psychologically, socially, and digitally. Above all, this episode is about truth and why the duty to keep speaking still matters even in a world increasingly trying to silence those who do. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
My guest on this episode of The Actual is Jessica Chapnik Kahn, an Argentinian–Australian writer, artist, and fellow Bondi survivor. Jessica and I met in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre on 14 December 2025. Jessica and I return to that day reflecting on our different experiences. This discussion is personal and moving as we both explored uncharted territory together, revealing aspects of ourselves we never knew existed. This conversation is deeply connected to the individual experiences, the collective, and how each person holds a part of the greater picture. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual, my incredibly knowledgeable and courageous guest is Marnie Perlstein, a passionate Jewish advocate and one of Australia’s most visible voices in the fight against antisemitism and antizionism. Marnie shares how online and university campus antisemitism in Australia were on her radar years prior to October 7 and why she dedicates her life to speaking publicly on these issues. Marnie has grown a global platform where she highlights conversations on Jewish identity and belonging, misinformation and distortion of truth, and reveals her tools for dealing with online hate. A truly insightful discussion. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
Tamar Pross, the founder of Citizen Cafe Tel Aviv, is my latest guest on The Actual. In this fascinating episode, she shares her deep reflections on Jewish identity and how her global platform Citizen Cafe became a space where people meet, connect, and feel closer to Israeli life through the Hebrew language. Tamar shares her reflections on why Gilad Shalit's story mattered, how this extended to October 7, and the deep threads that bind Jews around the world. She also describes how Citizen Cafe has been a place of support and connection especially following October 7, bringing people together through language and community. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
On this episode of The Actual, Judith Levitan from Royal Commission Legal Aid Service explains what the Royal Commission is, how the process works, why it matters, and how Australians can make a submission if they have experienced or witnessed antisemitism or have noticed changes to social cohesion. She clarifies the role of the Royal Commission, especially in understanding how submissions help move Australia forward. For quick information and legal support, you may visit: nationallegalaid.org.au/national-services/rcasc-legal-help. You can also contact RCASC Legal Help directly: 1800 976 198 or rcasclegalhelp@nationallegalaid.org.au. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual, my incredible guest is Ben Carasso - the “Spokeskid of Israel”. Ben has been representing Israeli children on the global stage since the age of 8. Now 11, Ben has led advocacy tours across 8 countries, spoken at the UN and UK Parliament, and uses his platform to share how life is for Israeli children with a foreground of war. Having lived through multiple military operations and the aftermath of October 7, Ben describes the immense ongoing trauma and fear children experience and how children's experiences are often overlooked in global conversations. He is also the force behind #RememberTheChildren, a digital memorial honoring young lives lost too soon. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual we are joined by Robert Goldshaft, the CEO of Mosaic Living, to better understand community living for Jewish seniors in Australia. Mosaic Living is a not-for-profit organisation and one of the largest providers of affordable housing for Jews. Originally established to support Holocaust survivors, it continues to serve the Jewish community by offering independent living environments that balance privacy with strong community support. Robert explains how their model works from affordable entry structures to rental options and how they maintain below-market living costs while ensuring residents feel secure and supported. Mosaic Living creates spaces where residents can remain independent while still being part of a close-knit community. This conversation is about the role of community in aging and how connection, familiarity, and shared identity can shape a better quality of life for the elderly. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode, Michelle Scheibner tells the story of how she uncovered her Jewish identity later in life and how a major family secret led her to a journey of discovering crucial parts of herself. Michelle reveals her intergenerational trauma, inherited stories, and the empty spaces throughout her life and inside her psyche. Through her book Hush, Michelle explores how emotional inheritance influences our choices, our sense of belonging, and the lives we create. This episode brings into focus on how courage can be found and the importance of finding one’s voice and community in a world increasingly marked by division and rising antisemitism. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual we are joined by Stephen McAlpine, a Christian cultural commentator, public theologian, and former pastor of nearly three decades. Stephen describes the impact on Australia of the ongoing rise of disinformation and antisemitism following October 7, and what it reveals about the deeper fractures in the West. Stephen reveals his perspective from years of working with churches and faith-based communities, as we explore faith at this time, the role of Christianity in shaping how we see others, and how Jewish and Christian communities are responding with a desire for understanding. We also reflect on how we choose to stand for truth while still building bridges in an increasingly divided world. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode, Doron Amitai Libshtein, an international speaker, author, leadership mentor, and the chairman of The Life Academy, shares his passion for humane leadership following the loss of both his brother Ofir and his nephew on October 7 2023. We discuss the processing of these losses, grief, and how these ultimately reshaped the direction of Doron's life and a Foundation honouring and continuing his brother's work. Doron reveals one pillar of humane leadership - optimism - and also how connection to others is core for creating healthy communities. Many of these reflections are also in his book, Light and Goodness Will Prevail. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode, I’m joined by Australian-Iranian patriot and activist Ali for his third appearance on the The Actual to dissect the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the global implications of the ongoing war. Since our last conversation, there have been significant developments, including the death of Khamenei, military interventions, growing pressure on the Islamic regime, and the critical question of whether these actions will lead to sustainable change. Ali emphasises that the optimal outcome would involve a complete dismantling of the IRGC to create an opportunity for Iranians to move toward a free, democratic, and sovereign state determined by the will of its people. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, polarisation, and collective distress, what does it truly mean to hold onto hope? In this deeply reflective episode, psychotherapist and psychologist Dr. Julian Pascal Saadi explores hope not as naïve optimism, but as a psychological force. Drawing on his clinical experience in adult mental health, he unpacks the delicateness between hope and despair, examining when hope guides us, when it shields us, and how it can be consciously re-found in times of personal and collective upheaval. From intimate relationships to the wider global landscape, this conversation considers hope as an essential life force not as fixed destination, but a dynamic capacity that propels growth, resilience, and the possibility of something new. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this episode of The Actual, author and editor Lee Kofman reflects on writing, identity, and Jewish life in the aftermath of October 7 2023. She examines the surge of disinformation, antisemitism, and the pressure placed on Jewish voices in public discourse. Lee describes co-editing Ruptured, an anthology documenting Jewish women’s lived experiences post October 7, and felt the urgency of recording history as it was still unfolding. She shares the emotional cost of writing without a sense of distance, whilst also addressing the damaging “good Jew/bad Jew” binary, and the loss of nuance around the term 'Zionism'. This episode is a call to amplify Jewish narratives and to recognise that confronting antisemitism is not solely a Jewish issue, but a societal responsibility requiring collective action. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
In this follow-up episode of The Actual with Iranian patriot and activist Ali, he discusses the critical updates on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and its expanding global implications. As disinformation intensifies and extremist rhetoric gains traction worldwide, this episode examines Iran’s prolonged and unprecedented internet blackout, the regime’s escalating violence against civilians, and the increasing risks faced by activists both inside Iran and across the diaspora. This episode serves as a stark update on a crisis still unfolding and a call to pay attention. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.
