Ashamed to Admit

Welcome back to Season 4 of The Jewish Independent’s podcast ASHAMED TO ADMIT. In the first episode of the season, Tami Sussman asks BRAND NEW CO-HOST Shoshana Gottlieb Beker how Jews ended up in so many places around the world! Plus, they introduce a new segment which exposes the craziest things people post in Jewish Facebook Groups. 
ASHAMED TO ADMIT: It’s everything you didn’t get in Jewish Studies Class. 

This episode was filmed at Storytellers Australia. 
The vocalist in the theme song is Sara Yael 

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In this one-off interview, TJI's Editor-in-Chief Deborah Stone speaks with Sir Mick Davis and Mike Prashker, founders of The London Initiative—a global network connecting Jewish leaders across the diaspora. They discuss the threat of illiberalism in Israel and what the diaspora's role should be in defending Israeli democracy.
Ashamed to Admit returns in January 2026 with Tami Sussman and a soon-to-be-announced co-host. 
Watch the episode in video: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/reviving-israels-liberal-democracy
Read Sir Mick's address to The Great Synagogue: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/we-must-speak-out-for-a-democratic-fair-peace-seeking-israel
Our editorial: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/israel-decline-democracy-protest
You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au
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For this Season 3 finale, their very last episode as co-hosts, Tami and Dash balance the over/undersharing scale by delving into Dash’s secret and scandalous family history. They discover that there’s more than one way to define a “Jewish Family.” 
Ashamed to Admit will continue as a podcast AND a vodcast in 2026 with a new co-host joining Tami in the studio.

Follow TJI on Instagram for more intel. 
Read the full article: https://thejewishindependent.com.au/jewish-ancestry-barnett-family
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Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe
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On the second anniversary of October 7th, host Tami Sussman sits down with Nova Festival survivor Natalie Sanandaji, an Iranian-American Jewish woman who narrowly escaped the Hamas attacks. 
Natalie discusses her transformation from New York real estate professional to full-time advocate fighting antisemitism, her unique perspective as someone with both Israeli and Iranian heritage and why she believes this conflict extends far beyond Israel and Palestine. 
She opens up about survivor's guilt, the responsibility she feels to speak for those who can't, and the surprising support she's received from the Iranian diaspora.
Tami and Natalie discuss the vital importance of bearing witness, the broader threats to women and minorities and why breaking out of echo chambers is essential for meaningful change.

Follow Natalie and her incredible work:
https://www.instagram.com/natalie.sanandaji/?hl=en
Footage of Natalie being reunited with Moshe Saati who saved her life on Oct 7: 
https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/12/21/exp-nova-festival-reunion-will-ripley-pkg-122112aseg2-cnni-world.cnn
A special thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women 
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At Australia's largest congregation, Emanuel Synagogue, a historic transition is underway as the High Holy Days approach. Longstanding Senior Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins has announced he is passing the metaphorical shofar to Rabbi Jacqueline Nino. Tami and Dash sat down with this wise and inspiring rabbinic duo to discuss legacy, leadership, and how Jeffrey has played 'the long game.' 
Oh, and Tami and Dash have an announcement of their own! 
You won’t regret subscribing to The Jewish Independent's bi-weekly newsletter: jewishindependent.com.au
Tami and Dash on Instagram: tami_sussman_bits and dashiel_and_pascoe
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