On this episode of Curveball, we’re joined by Wendy Sachs, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker whose life and career took a dramatic turn after the October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. As the world grappled with the tragic events and their aftermath, Wendy witnessed not only unimaginable violence, but also a disturbing surge in antisemitism across the United States—much of it hitting close to home, both personally and professionally. In response, she felt compelled to create the documentary October 8, a searing chronicle of this rise in hatred and the troubling silence from some of America’s most influential circles.
In this powerful conversation, Wendy opens up about harnessing the pain of failure, learning resilience, and confronting silence with action. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her film, the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses, and the double standards driving today’s anti-Zionist rhetoric. Wendy also shares what it’s been like to parent through this turbulent time, how storytelling can shape our collective understanding, and what’s next with her new project, Poison Ivy, an exploration of ideology within academia.
Whether you’re seeking understanding, inspiration, or just a real and honest conversation about the fault lines in our world today, this episode is not to be missed. Listen in as Wendy Sachs and host Scott Reich discuss truth, resilience, and the urgent call to speak out—even when it means facing life’s toughest curveballs.
Listeners Will Learn:
● Wendy talks about her TED Talk on "Harnessing the Power of Humiliation."
● After the October 7th attacks in Israel, Wendy felt compelled to create a documentary. October 8, her film, focuses on the surge in antisemitism after the attacks.
● Wendy mentions the silence of advocacy groups and colleagues after the attacks, even when they are usually vocal about other issues.
● The documentary consciously avoids "litigating the war" or discussing ongoing political disputes in Israel and Gaza.
● Wendy describes the evolution of antisemitism—from religious roots to “fanatical anti-Zionism.”
● As a mother, Wendy reflects on her absence from home due to the demands of making the film, but also on being a role model for her children.
● Wendy discusses the need to “meet audiences where they are,” citing TikTok as a particularly influential platform for young people.
● Wendy shares advice about persisting through failure and the unique societal pressures women face.
Key Moments:
(00:00) Celebrating Failure: Women's Empowerment
(04:23) Resilience Through Artistic Failure
(07:46) Epic Tragedy Unfolds in Israel
(10:02) Silent Activism: A Missed Response
(15:54) Universities' Accountability and Financial Pressures
(17:14) Antisemitism and Political Realignment Conflation
(21:51) Horseshoe Theory and Antisemitism
(24:01) Exploring Academia's Underlying Issues
(29:01) Jewish Identity and Family Rituals
(30:07) Technology's Impact: Storytelling & Society
(34:08) Overcoming Self-Doubt and Comparison
(37:22) Normalizing Female Leadership
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