The Avrum Rosensweig Show

THIS EPISODE IS GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY MEL COHEN & CAROL PICART. WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT! There are people who spend their lives trying not to be noticed. There are others who are noticed before they are ever truly known. And then there are those rare individuals who transform the very thing that once made them feel exposed into a source of wisdom, courage, and purpose. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Kris Nolan, author of Visible—a powerful memoir about identity, resilience, self-love, and what it truly means to be seen. Kris was born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on his face. From childhood, he learned what it meant to walk into a room and be looked at before being understood. He endured bullying, loneliness, cruel names, and the exhausting pressure of feeling different. For years, he entered spaces bracing himself for the reactions of others. But Kris’s story is not simply about surviving judgment. It is about transformation. Through the love of his parents, the belonging he found among skateboarders, the relationships that helped him recognize his own worth, and the inner work that taught him to stop hiding, Kris came to see his birthmark in an entirely new way—not as an obstacle, but as a teacher. It trained his awareness. It deepened his empathy. It sharpened his ability to read people. And eventually, it gave him the courage to walk into a room, stand tall, and look back. Today, Kris no longer asks the world for permission to be visible. He uses his story to help others release shame, embrace their differences, and understand that self-love is not vanity—it is the foundation from which all other love can grow. This conversation reaches far beyond visible differences. It is for every person who has ever felt judged, overlooked, excluded, or defined by something beyond their control. Please join me in welcoming a man who turned staring into awareness, pain into empathy, and struggle into purpose—the remarkable Kris Nolan. 1. "My Birthmark Became My Teacher" ⏱ Timestamp: 43:36 – 48:22 This is the emotional and philosophical centerpiece of the interview. Kris explains how the very thing he once viewed as a burden became the greatest source of wisdom in his life. Powerful Quote: "It taught me empathy, it trained my awareness, it taught me discernment... That's when I realized my birthmark had become my teacher." 2. "Would You Choose Your Birthmark Again?" ⏱ Timestamp: 55:08 – 56:34 Perhaps the most unforgettable exchange of the entire interview. When asked whether he would choose to be born with his birthmark again, Kris answers without hesitation. Powerful Quote: "Absolutely... but only if I could choose the same parents." 3. "The Moment I Stopped Hiding" ⏱ Timestamp: 46:07 – 47:55 Kris recounts the night he walked into a nightclub and consciously chose not to brace himself against the world's judgment. Powerful Quote: "What if this time we don't brace? What if we walk in, stand tall, and look back?" 4. "Removing Fifty Years of Makeup" ⏱ Timestamp: 1:01:44 – 1:09:26 Kris tells the remarkable story of Mandy, who removed the makeup she had used to hide her birthmark every day for fifty years—live during his podcast. Powerful Quote: "She got to be a version of herself that she'd wanted to be for so long." 5. "I Would Rather Be Seen Than Hidden" ⏱ Timestamp: 49:03 – 52:44 Kris explains how he went from fearing every glance to actually welcoming people looking at him. Powerful Quote: "Now I love my birthmark being exposed... I love the looks that I get from people." ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. Listen to The Avrum Rosensweig Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #KrisNolan #VisibleBook #BeVisible #SelfAcceptance #SelfLove #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #BornDifferent #EmpathyMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #BullyingAwareness #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #CourageToBeSeen #HumanSpirit #Hope #TransformYourPain #PurposeOverPain

THIS EPISODE IS GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY MEL COHEN & CAROL PICART. WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT! There are people who spend their lives trying not to be noticed. There are others who are noticed before they are ever truly known. And then there are those rare individuals who transform the very thing that once made them feel exposed into a source of wisdom, courage, and purpose. Today, I am deeply honoured to welcome Kris Nolan, author of Visible—a powerful memoir about identity, resilience, self-love, and what it truly means to be seen. Kris was born with a prominent port-wine stain birthmark on his face. From childhood, he learned what it meant to walk into a room and be looked at before being understood. He endured bullying, loneliness, cruel names, and the exhausting pressure of feeling different. For years, he entered spaces bracing himself for the reactions of others. But Kris’s story is not simply about surviving judgment. It is about transformation. Through the love of his parents, the belonging he found among skateboarders, the relationships that helped him recognize his own worth, and the inner work that taught him to stop hiding, Kris came to see his birthmark in an entirely new way—not as an obstacle, but as a teacher. It trained his awareness. It deepened his empathy. It sharpened his ability to read people. And eventually, it gave him the courage to walk into a room, stand tall, and look back. Today, Kris no longer asks the world for permission to be visible. He uses his story to help others release shame, embrace their differences, and understand that self-love is not vanity—it is the foundation from which all other love can grow. This conversation reaches far beyond visible differences. It is for every person who has ever felt judged, overlooked, excluded, or defined by something beyond their control. Please join me in welcoming a man who turned staring into awareness, pain into empathy, and struggle into purpose—the remarkable Kris Nolan. 1. "My Birthmark Became My Teacher" ⏱ Timestamp: 43:36 – 48:22 This is the emotional and philosophical centerpiece of the interview. Kris explains how the very thing he once viewed as a burden became the greatest source of wisdom in his life. Powerful Quote: "It taught me empathy, it trained my awareness, it taught me discernment... That's when I realized my birthmark had become my teacher." 2. "Would You Choose Your Birthmark Again?" ⏱ Timestamp: 55:08 – 56:34 Perhaps the most unforgettable exchange of the entire interview. When asked whether he would choose to be born with his birthmark again, Kris answers without hesitation. Powerful Quote: "Absolutely... but only if I could choose the same parents." 3. "The Moment I Stopped Hiding" ⏱ Timestamp: 46:07 – 47:55 Kris recounts the night he walked into a nightclub and consciously chose not to brace himself against the world's judgment. Powerful Quote: "What if this time we don't brace? What if we walk in, stand tall, and look back?" 4. "Removing Fifty Years of Makeup" ⏱ Timestamp: 1:01:44 – 1:09:26 Kris tells the remarkable story of Mandy, who removed the makeup she had used to hide her birthmark every day for fifty years—live during his podcast. Powerful Quote: "She got to be a version of herself that she'd wanted to be for so long." 5. "I Would Rather Be Seen Than Hidden" ⏱ Timestamp: 49:03 – 52:44 Kris explains how he went from fearing every glance to actually welcoming people looking at him. Powerful Quote: "Now I love my birthmark being exposed... I love the looks that I get from people." ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. Listen to The Avrum Rosensweig Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #KrisNolan #VisibleBook #BeVisible #SelfAcceptance #SelfLove #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #BornDifferent #EmpathyMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #BullyingAwareness #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #CourageToBeSeen #HumanSpirit #Hope #TransformYourPain #PurposeOverPain

SPONSORSHIP:

FROM DR. GORD ARBESS: Mazel Tov to Josh Arbess and Georgia Gardner on their upcoming wedding. And to Sharon Neiss-Arbess on her latest book "How I learned to pee in the Forest" available at Indigo, Type Books and on Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/How-Learned-Pee-Forest-life-changing/dp/B0FY5ML1K6

ELI RUBENSTEIN: 'Thank you to my synagogue, Congregation Habonimi, for being so supportive of efforts that also benefit the wider community."

DR. MICHAEL SILVERMAN: For Marcy Silverman who always had a wonderful sense of adventure, courage and bravery to follow her dreams." _____________________________________________________________________ Hello, and welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are scholars who preserve history by writing about it. There are adventurers who search the world for hidden treasures. And then there are those extraordinary individuals who do both—turning ancient mysteries into living reality and ensuring that entire chapters of Jewish civilization are never forgotten. Today, I am deeply honored to welcome Dr. Ari Greenspan. By profession, he is a dentist. By calling, an educator. But by passion, he is something far more unusual: what he describes as a halachic adventurer. For more than four decades, Dr. Greenspan has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, explored forgotten synagogues, scuba-dived beneath the Mediterranean, and traveled to some of the world's most remote Jewish communities—from Morocco and Yemen to Ethiopia, India, Portugal, Tunisia, Central Asia, and beyond. He has searched for disappearing customs before they vanish forever, preserved ancient kosher traditions, documented endangered Jewish communities, and helped revive one of Judaism's greatest mysteries: the rediscovery of the biblical techelet, the sacred blue dye absent from Jewish life for nearly 1,300 years. As co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association, Dr. Greenspan has combined Torah scholarship with archaeology, biology, chemistry, linguistics, and history to breathe new life into commandments many believed had been lost forever. Dr. Ari is also a mohel, a shochet, a sofer, an international lecturer, and the creator of legendary kosher dinners featuring birds and traditions preserved from Jewish communities scattered across the globe. His personal museum houses artifacts collected over forty years of travel—each one telling a story of a people who refused to disappear. During today's conversation, you'll hear astonishing stories from Ethiopia, where he trained Jewish communities in kosher slaughter; from Croatia, where ancient menorahs hidden in stone still whisper of forgotten Jewish craftsmen; from Portugal, where Crypto-Jewish traditions survived centuries of persecution; and from the depths of the Mediterranean, where the search for the elusive chilazon became one of the most remarkable adventures in modern Jewish history. Yet beneath every journey lies a deeper question. As Dr. Greenspan himself has shown through his life's work: Every forgotten synagogue, every ancient manuscript, every disappearing custom asks the same question: "Will anyone remember us?" 1. 00:04:45 – Dr. Greenspan's Extraordinary Mission in Ethiopia "Teaching a Jewish Community to Keep Kashrut Alive" Dr. Greenspan recounts returning to Ethiopia to teach Jewish leaders the ancient laws of shechitah and nikur (removing forbidden fats and the sciatic nerve), ensuring that isolated Jewish communities could once again prepare kosher meat according to halachah. 2. 00:15:52 – The Emotional Bond with Jews Across the Centuries "I Feel Like They Were My Brothers" One of the interview's most moving moments. Dr. Greenspan explains how handling centuries-old manuscripts, praying in forgotten synagogues, and retracing the journeys of medieval Jewish travelers creates a profound connection with Jews who lived hundreds of years ago. 3. 00:39:38 – Rediscovering the Lost Blue Thread of the Torah "The Search for Techelet After 1,300 Years" Dr. Greenspan tells the remarkable story of scuba diving for the elusive chilazon snail and helping revive the biblical techelet—one of Judaism's greatest lost mitzvot after thirteen centuries. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #DrAriGreenspan #JewishHistory #JewishHeritage #HalachicAdventure #Tekhelet #Tzitzit #Torah #JewishTraditions #LostTraditions #JewishExplorer #BiblicalArchaeology #AncientJudaism #JewishTravel #Kosher #EthiopianJews #JewishCivilization #Israel #WillAnyoneRememberUs #PreservingHistory

SPONSORSHIP:

FROM DR. GORD ARBESS: Mazel Tov to Josh Arbess and Georgia Gardner on their upcoming wedding. And to Sharon Neiss-Arbess on her latest book "How I learned to pee in the Forest" available at Indigo, Type Books and on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.ca/How-Learned-Pee-Forest-life-changing/dp/B0FY5ML1K6

ELI RUBENSTEIN: 'Thank you to my synagogue, Congregation Habonimi, for being so supportive of efforts that also benefit the wider community." DR. MICHAEL SILVERMAN: For Marcy Silverman who always had a wonderful sense of adventure, courage and bravery to follow her dreams." _____________________________________________________________________ Hello, and welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are scholars who preserve history by writing about it. There are adventurers who search the world for hidden treasures. And then there are those extraordinary individuals who do both—turning ancient mysteries into living reality and ensuring that entire chapters of Jewish civilization are never forgotten. Today, I am deeply honored to welcome Dr. Ari Greenspan. By profession, he is a dentist. By calling, an educator. But by passion, he is something far more unusual: what he describes as a halachic adventurer. For more than four decades, Dr. Greenspan has crossed deserts, climbed mountains, explored forgotten synagogues, scuba-dived beneath the Mediterranean, and traveled to some of the world's most remote Jewish communities—from Morocco and Yemen to Ethiopia, India, Portugal, Tunisia, Central Asia, and beyond. He has searched for disappearing customs before they vanish forever, preserved ancient kosher traditions, documented endangered Jewish communities, and helped revive one of Judaism's greatest mysteries: the rediscovery of the biblical techelet, the sacred blue dye absent from Jewish life for nearly 1,300 years. As co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association, Dr. Greenspan has combined Torah scholarship with archaeology, biology, chemistry, linguistics, and history to breathe new life into commandments many believed had been lost forever. Dr. Ari is also a mohel, a shochet, a sofer, an international lecturer, and the creator of legendary kosher dinners featuring birds and traditions preserved from Jewish communities scattered across the globe. His personal museum houses artifacts collected over forty years of travel—each one telling a story of a people who refused to disappear. During today's conversation, you'll hear astonishing stories from Ethiopia, where he trained Jewish communities in kosher slaughter; from Croatia, where ancient menorahs hidden in stone still whisper of forgotten Jewish craftsmen; from Portugal, where Crypto-Jewish traditions survived centuries of persecution; and from the depths of the Mediterranean, where the search for the elusive chilazon became one of the most remarkable adventures in modern Jewish history. Yet beneath every journey lies a deeper question. As Dr. Greenspan himself has shown through his life's work: Every forgotten synagogue, every ancient manuscript, every disappearing custom asks the same question: "Will anyone remember us?" 1. 00:04:45 – Dr. Greenspan's Extraordinary Mission in Ethiopia "Teaching a Jewish Community to Keep Kashrut Alive" Dr. Greenspan recounts returning to Ethiopia to teach Jewish leaders the ancient laws of shechitah and nikur (removing forbidden fats and the sciatic nerve), ensuring that isolated Jewish communities could once again prepare kosher meat according to halachah. 2. 00:15:52 – The Emotional Bond with Jews Across the Centuries "I Feel Like They Were My Brothers" One of the interview's most moving moments. Dr. Greenspan explains how handling centuries-old manuscripts, praying in forgotten synagogues, and retracing the journeys of medieval Jewish travelers creates a profound connection with Jews who lived hundreds of years ago. 3. 00:39:38 – Rediscovering the Lost Blue Thread of the Torah "The Search for Techelet After 1,300 Years" Dr. Greenspan tells the remarkable story of scuba diving for the elusive chilazon snail and helping revive the biblical techelet—one of Judaism's greatest lost mitzvot after thirteen centuries. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #DrAriGreenspan #JewishHistory #JewishHeritage #HalachicAdventure #Tekhelet #Tzitzit #Torah #JewishTraditions #LostTraditions #JewishExplorer #BiblicalArchaeology #AncientJudaism #JewishTravel #Kosher #EthiopianJews #JewishCivilization #Israel #WillAnyoneRememberUs #PreservingHistory

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are politicians who simply occupy office. There are politicians who shape legislation. And then there are those uncommon leaders who choose conviction over convenience—who speak when silence would be easier, who defend principle when compromise would be politically safer, and who understand that leadership is measured not by applause, but by courage. Today, I am honoured to welcome Melissa Lantsman—Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian public life. Melissa's story is, in many ways, the Canadian story. She is the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the oppression of the Soviet Union in search of liberty, opportunity, and a nation where freedom was not merely promised—it was protected. Raised in Thornhill, Ontario, by parents whose sacrifices shaped every opportunity she would later receive, Melissa learned early that democracy is precious, freedom is fragile, and success is never handed to you—it is earned. Today, she stands at the highest levels of Canadian politics, becoming the first openly lesbian woman and the first Jewish woman ever elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament—a milestone that reflects not only her own determination, but the remarkable promise of Canada itself. Inside Parliament, Melissa has become one of the country's most outspoken advocates on affordability, public safety, individual liberty, and democratic accountability. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, she emerged as one of Canada's clearest voices in condemning terrorism, defending Israel's right to exist, and confronting the disturbing rise of antisemitism that has appeared on our streets, university campuses, and even outside Jewish schools and synagogues. At a time when Canada's political landscape continues to evolve, questions surrounding freedom of expression, social cohesion, public safety, and the protection of minority communities have become increasingly urgent. Recent decisions by the federal government—including the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to address rising antisemitism and other forms of hate—have sparked significant national discussion about the best way to confront this growing challenge. But this conversation goes far beyond politics. It is about family. It is about faith. It is about identity. It is about the responsibility of public service. And ultimately, it is about what it means to lead when the stakes are high and the pressures are greater than ever. Today, we will discuss Canada's future, the Conservative movement, affordability, democracy, leadership, the rise of antisemitism, Israel, public service, and the values that continue to guide Melissa Lantsman's remarkable career. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming one of Canada's most compelling political leaders— Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and a powerful voice for conviction, courage, and public service... Melissa Lantsman. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #MelissaLantsman #CanadianPolitics #ConservativeParty #ConservativeCanada #ParliamentHill #HouseOfCommons #PoliticalLeadership #WomenInPolitics #CanadaFirst #FreedomOfSpeech #StandForCanada #LeadershipMatters #PublicPolicy #CanadianValues #IsraelCanada #FightAntisemitism #PoliticalInterview #CanadianNews #PodcastInterview

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Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are politicians who simply occupy office. There are politicians who shape legislation. And then there are those uncommon leaders who choose conviction over convenience—who speak when silence would be easier, who defend principle when compromise would be politically safer, and who understand that leadership is measured not by applause, but by courage. Today, I am honoured to welcome Melissa Lantsman—Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian public life. Melissa's story is, in many ways, the Canadian story. She is the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the oppression of the Soviet Union in search of liberty, opportunity, and a nation where freedom was not merely promised—it was protected. Raised in Thornhill, Ontario, by parents whose sacrifices shaped every opportunity she would later receive, Melissa learned early that democracy is precious, freedom is fragile, and success is never handed to you—it is earned. Today, she stands at the highest levels of Canadian politics, becoming the first openly lesbian woman and the first Jewish woman ever elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament—a milestone that reflects not only her own determination, but the remarkable promise of Canada itself. Inside Parliament, Melissa has become one of the country's most outspoken advocates on affordability, public safety, individual liberty, and democratic accountability. Following the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, she emerged as one of Canada's clearest voices in condemning terrorism, defending Israel's right to exist, and confronting the disturbing rise of antisemitism that has appeared on our streets, university campuses, and even outside Jewish schools and synagogues. At a time when Canada's political landscape continues to evolve, questions surrounding freedom of expression, social cohesion, public safety, and the protection of minority communities have become increasingly urgent. Recent decisions by the federal government—including the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to address rising antisemitism and other forms of hate—have sparked significant national discussion about the best way to confront this growing challenge. But this conversation goes far beyond politics. It is about family. It is about faith. It is about identity. It is about the responsibility of public service. And ultimately, it is about what it means to lead when the stakes are high and the pressures are greater than ever. Today, we will discuss Canada's future, the Conservative movement, affordability, democracy, leadership, the rise of antisemitism, Israel, public service, and the values that continue to guide Melissa Lantsman's remarkable career. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming one of Canada's most compelling political leaders— Member of Parliament, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and a powerful voice for conviction, courage, and public service... Melissa Lantsman. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #MelissaLantsman #CanadianPolitics #ConservativeParty #ConservativeCanada #ParliamentHill #HouseOfCommons #PoliticalLeadership #WomenInPolitics #CanadaFirst #FreedomOfSpeech #StandForCanada #LeadershipMatters #PublicPolicy #CanadianValues #IsraelCanada #FightAntisemitism #PoliticalInterview #CanadianNews #PodcastInterview

Professor Paul Finlayson was one of Canada's most respected marketing professors. Today, he is at the center of one of the country's most controversial debates over free speech, academic freedom, and the cost of speaking one's conscience. After publicly condemning Hamas following the October 7 terrorist attacks and expressing support for Israel, Finlayson says his career changed overnight. A professor for fifteen years with outstanding student evaluations and multiple textbooks to his name, he was suspended, investigated, and ultimately dismissed from the University of Guelph-Humber. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Paul shares his story for nearly an hour—describing what he says happened behind closed doors, the emotional and financial toll of losing his career, and why, despite everything, he has never regretted taking a public stand. Together, we discuss the growing tensions surrounding free expression on university campuses, the resurgence of antisemitism, the responsibilities of educators, and the moral courage required to defend deeply held convictions when the personal cost is enormous. Whether you agree with Paul's conclusions or not, this interview raises profound questions every Canadian should consider: What is the price of speaking your conscience? If universities are meant to be places of open inquiry, what happens when controversial opinions carry professional consequences? And perhaps most importantly: What would you do if telling the truth cost you everything? Five Riveting Moments 1. 12:30 — The LinkedIn Post That Changed Everything Paul explains why he responded to a Pakistani academic following October 7 and how a single social media comment ultimately led to complaints against him. 2. 18:19 — Suspension, Gag Orders, and Public Humiliation Paul describes being removed from campus, prohibited from speaking with students or colleagues, and learning that damaging rumours were allegedly spreading about him. 3. 26:55 — "Kafkaesque": The Human Cost One of the interview's most emotional moments, as Paul discusses the psychological impact on himself and his family, describing sleepless nights, betrayal, and the collapse of the career he loved. 4. 41:35 — "I'm Just Some Stubborn Irish Guy" Despite being compared to prominent defenders of Israel, Paul rejects the label of hero and explains why he simply refused to apologize for condemning terrorism. 5. 47:35 — "I've Never Had Regret" The interview reaches its emotional peak as Paul recalls visiting Dachau as a young man, reflects on the victims of October 7, and explains why—even if given the chance—he would never take back what he said. This conversation is about much more than one professor. It is about freedom, conscience, moral courage, and whether democratic societies still make room for people who refuse to remain silent. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #PaulFinlayson #AvrumRosensweigShow #StandWithIsrael #October7 #FreeSpeech #AcademicFreedom #CancelCulture #Antisemitism #FightAgainstAntisemitism #SupportIsrael #MoralCourage #SpeakTheTruth #UniversityCampus #HigherEducation #Conscience #DefendDemocracy #JewishCommunity #NeverAgain #PodcastInterview #Israel

Professor Paul Finlayson was one of Canada's most respected marketing professors. Today, he is at the center of one of the country's most controversial debates over free speech, academic freedom, and the cost of speaking one's conscience. After publicly condemning Hamas following the October 7 terrorist attacks and expressing support for Israel, Finlayson says his career changed overnight. A professor for fifteen years with outstanding student evaluations and multiple textbooks to his name, he was suspended, investigated, and ultimately dismissed from the University of Guelph-Humber. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Paul shares his story for nearly an hour—describing what he says happened behind closed doors, the emotional and financial toll of losing his career, and why, despite everything, he has never regretted taking a public stand. Together, we discuss the growing tensions surrounding free expression on university campuses, the resurgence of antisemitism, the responsibilities of educators, and the moral courage required to defend deeply held convictions when the personal cost is enormous. Whether you agree with Paul's conclusions or not, this interview raises profound questions every Canadian should consider: What is the price of speaking your conscience? If universities are meant to be places of open inquiry, what happens when controversial opinions carry professional consequences? And perhaps most importantly: What would you do if telling the truth cost you everything? Five Riveting Moments 1. 12:30 — The LinkedIn Post That Changed Everything Paul explains why he responded to a Pakistani academic following October 7 and how a single social media comment ultimately led to complaints against him. 2. 18:19 — Suspension, Gag Orders, and Public Humiliation Paul describes being removed from campus, prohibited from speaking with students or colleagues, and learning that damaging rumours were allegedly spreading about him. 3. 26:55 — "Kafkaesque": The Human Cost One of the interview's most emotional moments, as Paul discusses the psychological impact on himself and his family, describing sleepless nights, betrayal, and the collapse of the career he loved. 4. 41:35 — "I'm Just Some Stubborn Irish Guy" Despite being compared to prominent defenders of Israel, Paul rejects the label of hero and explains why he simply refused to apologize for condemning terrorism. 5. 47:35 — "I've Never Had Regret" The interview reaches its emotional peak as Paul recalls visiting Dachau as a young man, reflects on the victims of October 7, and explains why—even if given the chance—he would never take back what he said. This conversation is about much more than one professor. It is about freedom, conscience, moral courage, and whether democratic societies still make room for people who refuse to remain silent. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #PaulFinlayson #AvrumRosensweigShow #StandWithIsrael #October7 #FreeSpeech #AcademicFreedom #CancelCulture #Antisemitism #FightAgainstAntisemitism #SupportIsrael #MoralCourage #SpeakTheTruth #UniversityCampus #HigherEducation #Conscience #DefendDemocracy #JewishCommunity #NeverAgain #PodcastInterview #Israel

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are stories that belong to history books. There are stories that belong to families. And then there are those rare stories that bridge both worlds—stories that help us understand not only where we come from, but who we are. Born in the Landsberg Displaced Persons Camp in Germany shortly after the Holocaust, Ettie's life began where one of history's darkest chapters was ending. Her parents survived ghettos, concentration camps, death marches, and unimaginable loss. Yet they also carried forward something equally powerful: the determination to rebuild, to love, to create family, and to ensure that memory would never die. In this compelling conversation, we discuss the intergenerational transmission of trauma—the fears, anxieties, and emotional burdens that can travel across generations. But we also examine something equally profound: the transmission of resilience, courage, gratitude, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to life. Drawing from her own experiences as a second-generation child of survivors, her work interviewing survivors for the USC Shoah Foundation, and her acclaimed book A Holocaust Memoir of Love & Resilience: Mama's Survival from Lithuania to USA, Ettie offers extraordinary insight into how memory shapes identity, purpose, and responsibility. This is a conversation about trauma. This is a story about a remarkable person, Etti Zilber. 00:14:28 — Born in Landsberg Displaced Persons Camp Ettie reflects on how being born in a displaced persons camp after the Holocaust shaped her identity and life mission. 00:16:31 — How Trauma Travels Across Generations The conversation turns to intergenerational trauma and how Holocaust survivors passed fear, anxiety, strength, and memory to their children. 00:20:44 — The Many Faces of Holocaust Survival Ettie explains that there is no single “profile” of a Holocaust survivor, and that survival took many different forms. 00:23:21 — Growing Up as a Child of Survivors Ettie shares how her parents’ Holocaust memories entered family life, sometimes through conversation, sometimes through silence, and often through stories overheard as a child. 00:30:20 — The Legacy of Resilience Beyond trauma, Ettie discusses the gifts survivors passed on: courage, education, perseverance, family loyalty, gratitude, and Jewish continuity. 00:58:21 — Teaching the Warning Signs of History Ettie explains how Holocaust education helps students understand that hatred develops step by step, beginning with words, separation, laws, and silence. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #EttieZilber #HolocaustEducation #HolocaustSurvivors #SecondGeneration #TraumaAndResilience #IntergenerationalTrauma #JewishHistory #JewishResilience #NeverForget #HolocaustMemory #SurvivorStories #LandsbergDPcamp #KovnoGhetto #ShoahFoundation #StoriesThatMatter #LegacyOfSurvival #JewishIdentity #TeachingHistory #ResilienceAndHope

Welcome to The Avrum Rosensweig Show. There are stories that belong to history books. There are stories that belong to families. And then there are those rare stories that bridge both worlds—stories that help us understand not only where we come from, but who we are. Born in the Landsberg Displaced Persons Camp in Germany shortly after the Holocaust, Ettie's life began where one of history's darkest chapters was ending. Her parents survived ghettos, concentration camps, death marches, and unimaginable loss. Yet they also carried forward something equally powerful: the determination to rebuild, to love, to create family, and to ensure that memory would never die. In this compelling conversation, we discuss the intergenerational transmission of trauma—the fears, anxieties, and emotional burdens that can travel across generations. But we also examine something equally profound: the transmission of resilience, courage, gratitude, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to life. Drawing from her own experiences as a second-generation child of survivors, her work interviewing survivors for the USC Shoah Foundation, and her acclaimed book A Holocaust Memoir of Love & Resilience: Mama's Survival from Lithuania to USA, Ettie offers extraordinary insight into how memory shapes identity, purpose, and responsibility. This is a conversation about trauma. This is a story about a remarkable person, Etti Zilber. 00:14:28 — Born in Landsberg Displaced Persons Camp Ettie reflects on how being born in a displaced persons camp after the Holocaust shaped her identity and life mission. 00:16:31 — How Trauma Travels Across Generations The conversation turns to intergenerational trauma and how Holocaust survivors passed fear, anxiety, strength, and memory to their children. 00:20:44 — The Many Faces of Holocaust Survival Ettie explains that there is no single “profile” of a Holocaust survivor, and that survival took many different forms. 00:23:21 — Growing Up as a Child of Survivors Ettie shares how her parents’ Holocaust memories entered family life, sometimes through conversation, sometimes through silence, and often through stories overheard as a child. 00:30:20 — The Legacy of Resilience Beyond trauma, Ettie discusses the gifts survivors passed on: courage, education, perseverance, family loyalty, gratitude, and Jewish continuity. 00:58:21 — Teaching the Warning Signs of History Ettie explains how Holocaust education helps students understand that hatred develops step by step, beginning with words, separation, laws, and silence. ——🎧 The Avrum Rosensweig Show —— A one-of-a-kind, intimate schmooze-fest, hosted and produced by the endlessly curious veteran radio and TV personality, Avrum Rosensweig. With warmth and wit, Avrum uncovers the secrets, dreams, and innermost thoughts of people from all walks of life. From local shelf stockers, plumbers, food servers, to crossing guards, stars, public figures, and cultural icons. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @avrumrosensweigshow   Listen to The Avrum Rosensweigh Show on: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LZFTR0... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://avrumspodcast.podbean.com/ Instagram:   / avrumrosensweigshow   TikTok:   / avrumrosensweig   #podcastcanada #storytellingmatters #jewishpodcast #jewishwisdom #jewishfaith #jewishlearning #jewisheducation #jewishcommunity #jewishheritage #jewishtradition #jewishculture #jewishcommunity #jewishhistory #jewishphilosophy #spiritualwisdom #motivationalpodcast #motivationalinterview #fascinatingpeople #engagingconversations #personalgrowth #lifelessons #leadershipstories #faithandwisdom #jewishinspirations #podcastinterview #theavrumrosensweigshow #TheAvrumRosensweigShow #EttieZilber #HolocaustEducation #HolocaustSurvivors #SecondGeneration #TraumaAndResilience #IntergenerationalTrauma #JewishHistory #JewishResilience #NeverForget #HolocaustMemory #SurvivorStories #LandsbergDPcamp #KovnoGhetto #ShoahFoundation #StoriesThatMatter #LegacyOfSurvival #JewishIdentity #TeachingHistory #ResilienceAndHope