Israeli Comedian Yohay Sponder, Plus Finding Your Jewish “Ikigai” (Reason for Being)

Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder turns grief, antisemitism, and the Jewish experience into one of the funniest and most unexpectedly moving conversations you’ll hear all year.

In this hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly profound episode, stand-up comic Yohay Sponder joins host Jonah Platt for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, Jewish identity, Israel, and the global Jewish experience. Known for his viral English-language stand-up and international tours, Sponder reflects on performing for Jewish audiences across Australia, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States while witnessing rising antizionist hate around the world. Sponder recounts the shocking experience of show cancellations in Amsterdam and Australia after public threats and claims of “perceived insensitivity” in his material. Along the way, the two discuss why Yohay performs in English, what he’s learned being married to an American, and how growing up the grandchild of Holocaust survivors influenced his comedic spark. He shares his goals of making people laugh while spreading Jewish pride and the inspiration behind his comedy specials, Self-Loving Jew and Genesis. 

Using humor and vulnerability, Sponder examines what connects Jews globally, emphasizing comedy’s role in strengthening cultural bonds. The episode dives into Sponder’s evolving relationship with Judaism following the death of his father, Holocaust-survivor grandparents, his embrace of traditions like tefillin and wearing a (giant) Star of David. 

THIS WEEK’S MONOLOGUE: Jonah ponders Ikiagi, the Japanese concept for “your reason for being,” and how you can find your own Jewish version to guide you in these challenging times. 

TIMESTAMPS

2:08 — Why Yohay performs in English

Yohay explains why English became the perfect language for his comedy, saying its structure naturally works better for punchlines than Hebrew.



14:26 — The Amsterdam cancellation

Yohay recounts how his sold-out Amsterdam shows were canceled days before showtime after threats against the venue 

18:20 — When boycotts backfire

Yohay explains how protests and cancellations have often helped his career by bringing more publicity, support, and ticket sales.

28:06 — The fan who said his comedy saved her family

Yohay recalls a fan sharing how his comedy helped her and her father through his cancer treatments

30:32 — His father’s Holocaust survivor upbringing

Yohay reflects on his father’s painful childhood as the son of Auschwitz survivors — and how he chose to raise his own family with joy and laughter instead.

49:41 — The meaning of “Self-Loving Jew”

Yohay explains why he named his previous tour Self-Loving Jew, framing it as a response to Jews who publicly criticized Israel after October 7th.

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Learn More About Yohay Sponder:

Yohay Sponder Youtube

Yohay Sponder Instagram

Yohay Sponder Stand-Up and Appearances

CREDITS:

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald,  Production Associate: Rachel Stern, Sasha Nelson Production Intern: Emma Webb,  YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt