In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to break down the latest developments in the Middle East. They unpack the newly passed 20-point UN Gazan plan, why its origins are so surprising, and what it would actually require from Hamas, Qatar, and Israel. Schanzer explains the significance of the remaining unrecovered hostages, the leverage the U.S. now holds over Qatar, and why Hamas—despite its attempts to stall—has become a militarily depleted force. Together, they cut through the noise to clarify what this moment means for the region, American diplomacy, and the future of the conflict.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes back journalist and analyst Karys Rhea to examine the rise of the “woke right”—a faction on the political right that blends grievance politics, identity ideology, and extreme rhetoric. They review the movement’s origins, key figures, and online networks, exploring how formerly fringe ideas are gaining traction among younger conservatives. Rhea also discusses recent developments, including the evolving roles of prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Steve Bannon, and the Groiper movement, highlighting the ideological shifts and growing influence within mainstream conservative spaces.
On this moving episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes Congressman Brian Mast — a decorated war hero and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — for a powerful conversation about courage, faith, and service. Mast recounts the harrowing night in Afghanistan when an IED cost him both legs and nearly his life, describing how his team’s bravery saved him and how his “Alive Day” became a reminder of gratitude and resilience. He reflects on recovery, the lessons from his father’s bedside visit, and how purpose and patriotism guided him from the battlefield to the halls of Congress. It’s an inspiring look at perseverance, leadership, and what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern tackles what she calls one of the most consequential political stories of the year — the New York City mayoral race. She’s joined by author and media commentator Samantha Ettus, who discusses the rise of Zoran Mamdani, a candidate critics describe as anti-Israel and anti-police, and why his potential victory has alarmed many New Yorkers. Together, they unpack polling data, media narratives, and the high stakes of voter turnout, arguing that misinformation and apathy could reshape the future of the city if people don’t take action before Election Day.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks first with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman about how his leadership has helped make Nassau one of the safest and most successful counties in the nation—through a focus on law enforcement, fiscal responsibility, and community trust. Then, veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins to break down New York City’s fast-approaching mayoral race, warning that a Zoran Mamdani administration could devastate the city’s economy, public safety, and stability. Together, these conversations explore what true leadership looks like—and what happens when ideology overtakes experience.
After two years of war, the hostages are finally home — and Israel stands at a crossroads. Trudy Stern speaks with Brigadier General Yaron Rosen, former Chief of IDF Cyber Staff, about how this war reshaped modern combat. From AI and drones to cyber warfare and missile defense, they explore how Israel’s technological edge is transforming not just the battlefield, but the very nature of war itself.
Trudy Stern speaks with Middle East expert Dr. Jonathan Schanzer about the historic deal ending the Israel–Hamas war and the long-awaited return of the hostages. They discuss what the agreement means for Israel’s security, Hamas’s future, and America’s role in shaping the postwar Middle East — including how the Trump administration is leveraging new regional alliances and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Trudy Stern continues her conversation with Ambassador Yoram Ettinger, this time tackling one of the most misunderstood issues in the debate over Israel’s future—demographics. Ambassador Ettinger explains why the oft-cited “demographic time bomb” is a myth, and how the real numbers actually strengthen Israel’s position as a thriving Jewish democracy. Along the way, they also discuss breaking news, U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and surprising ways Israeli innovation is saving American lives.
Trudy Stern speaks with Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan was murdered and kidnapped into Gaza on October 7th. Ayelet recounts the harrowing days of uncertainty, the painful confirmation of his fate, and her transformation into a fearless advocate for the hostages. Together, they discuss the failures of international institutions, the strength of the hostage families, and why Ayelet refuses to stop fighting for justice and truth.
Trudy Stern sits down with Congresswoman Laura Gillen, her own representative from New York’s 4th District, to discuss the dramatic shift from private life to public office. Gillen shares what it’s like to balance motherhood with life in Washington, the lessons of freshman orientation, and why building bipartisan relationships is essential in today’s divided Congress. She also reflects on her recent trip to Israel and how her Long Island roots guide her work on Capitol Hill.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Yoram Ettinger to discuss why the U.S.-Israel alliance is not charity but a mutually beneficial partnership. From intelligence sharing to military innovation, Ettinger explains how Israel acts as America’s most reliable strategic asset in the Middle East, saving the U.S. billions while strengthening both nations’ security.
Trudy Stern welcomes Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to discuss her recent trip to Israel, the ongoing war with Hamas, and the global fight between freedom and tyranny. From meetings with Israeli leaders to standing firm against misinformation, Tenney shares insights on U.S.–Israel relations, security, and why she sees hope despite the challenges ahead.
Trudy Stern is joined by writer and activist Karys Rhea to expose how parts of the American right are embracing rhetoric that echoes the far left—from antisemitic conspiracies to anti-Western sentiment. Together, they trace how influencers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson are reshaping the conservative movement, and why this shift is especially dangerous for Jews.
As Israel fights for its survival in the wake of the October 7th Hamas massacre, global leaders seem to be rewarding terror with statehood. Trudy Stern sits down with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman to unpack this upside-down moment in history. From the Abraham Accords to media distortion and growing antisemitism, they examine what’s gone wrong—and what needs to be done to set the record straight.
Trudy Stern continues her eye-opening conversation with Hudson Institute Fellow Zineb Ribuoa, focusing on how the West is responding to growing threats from Iran, Russia, and China. They discuss Israel’s bold cyberattack on Iran’s financial system and what it reveals about modern warfare, deterrence, and U.S. alliances.
Trudy Stern speaks with Zineb Riboua of the Middle East Forum to connect global flashpoints—from Africa to the Middle East to American campuses. Together they examine how Iran, Russia, and China are working through proxy groups like the Polisario Front to destabilize regions and challenge Western influence, highlighting why these conflicts are not isolated, but deeply interconnected.
As New York City gears up for a pivotal mayoral election, Trudy Stern takes a step back from campaign noise to focus on the system itself: how local and state government actually works. With Assemblyman David Weprin as her guest, this episode unpacks the structure and function of state and city government, from the role of the mayor and city council to the power dynamics between Albany and local officials. Who’s really responsible for policing, schools, and taxes? How much influence do campaign promises actually carry? With decades of experience at both the city and state level, Weprin provides a rare inside look at the machinery behind the headlines—arming voters with the truth they need before they head to the polls.
As the dust settles in the Middle East and the U.S. sees new legislative momentum at home, Trudy Stern sits down with Senator James Lankford to break down two major developments: the end of the war between Israel and Iran, and the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” In this episode, they unpack what the bill really does—debunking claims of Medicare cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy—while exploring its impact on taxes, Medicaid reforms, and federal spending. With global diplomacy shifting and domestic policy at a crossroads, Senator Lankford offers a clear-eyed perspective on where America stands and what comes next.
In the wake of unprecedented U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trudy Stern sits down with Jonathan Schanzer to assess what may be a historic turning point. Has Iran’s nuclear threat been neutralized? What role did President Trump play—and did he act too soon? With exclusive insights on the Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence, and possible futures for the Iranian regime, this episode explores what comes next for the region and the world.
Just days after war breaks out between Israel and Iran, Trudy Stern welcomes back Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. From firsthand accounts of fleeing Israel with a delegation of young journalists to expert analysis on the Mossad’s covert operations and the stakes of this escalating conflict, this episode offers rare clarity in a time of chaos.