Shoulder to Shoulder

Welcome to Shoulder to Shoulder, a podcast where a pastor and a rabbi get to the heart of issues that matter to people of faith.

(199) Remembering Charlie Kirk: Integrity, Complexity, and the Lessons of Shabbat

In this heartfelt episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed reflect on the legacy of Charlie Kirk — a man of deep integrity and conviction, whose belief in giving everyone a platform was both admirable and, at times, complicated. Pesach shares personal memories of his relationship with Charlie, including a moving story about their very first conversation, when Pesach explained a teaching on the Sabbath and the Ten Commandments that left a lasting impression. Together, Doug and Pesach honor Charlie’s impact while honestly acknowledging where they agreed and where they differed, offering a nuanced tribute to a figure who left a significant mark on those who knew him.

09-17
38:24

(198) A Disaster in the Making: Rabbi Pesach and Pastor Doug on the Fatal Flaws of the Two-State Solution

When Rabbi Pesach Wolicki visited Pastor Doug Reed in Buffalo, the two shared a passionate, no-holds-barred conversation about one of the most entrenched ideas in global politics: the Two-State solution. Far from offering peace, they argue it would be a disaster for Israel and the world. And as for the common warnings that without it the Middle East will “explode”? In their view, those fears aren’t just exaggerated — they’re completely misguided. Join our hosts for a live conversation - this time in person - about one of the most contentious issues of our time.

09-10
36:50

(197) Replacement Theology, Biblical Literacy, and the Jews: Educating Pastors on Israel and the Jewish People, with Dr. Nathan Bonilla

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug, Pesach, and Dr. Nathan Bonilla—author, academic, and new Israel Education Director for the Israel Christian Nexus—discuss the need for pastors to be educated on Israel. Dr. Bonilla brings fresh perspective on how education and faith can build stronger bridges between Christians and Israel.

09-03
43:41

(196) Biblical Wisdom for Modern Wealth: Rabbi Rami Goldberg on Faith, Finance, and Flourishing

What does the Bible really teach about money, wealth, and human flourishing? In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach sit down with Rabbi Rami Goldberg, host of the Biblical Money podcast, to explore timeless insights from Scripture on earning, giving, and living with purpose. Together they discuss how faith traditions approach the tension between material success and spiritual responsibility, what stewardship means in a Biblical framework, and how ancient wisdom can guide us through today’s financial challenges. Whether you’re struggling with money, striving for prosperity, or simply curious about what the Bible says about wealth, this conversation offers clarity, inspiration, and a fresh perspective. Watch Rabbi Rami Goldberg's Biblical Money podcast on YouTube, or listen on Apple or Spotify.

08-26
39:53

(195) From Headlines to Holy Ground: What Evangelicals Find in Israel

On this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed explore what happens when Christians come to see Israel with their own eyes. Pesach shares insights from a recent MAGA influencers’ trip he helped lead, highlighting how walking the streets of Jerusalem and standing on the borders of Israel reshapes perspectives. Then, tour guide Shai Shvalb joins the conversation to discuss his years of guiding evangelical groups through the Land, and the unique ways these encounters deepen faith, strengthen Jewish-Christian friendship, and transform how visitors understand the Bible and modern Israel. To order Shai's book, A Bridge to Your Roots: An Evangelical Journey Through the Land of Israel, click here. To join Shai's mailing list, click here.

08-20
42:59

(194) Faith, Music, and Standing with Israel — A Conversation with Bryson Comtois

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug sits down with Gen Z artist and influencer Bryson Comtois to talk about what it means to boldly support Israel in today’s cultural climate. Bryson shares his journey as a Christian musician, his experience coordinating a powerful trip to Israel with Eagles Wings for fellow artists and influencers, and his upcoming concert tour with Jordan Feliz. From music to ministry, Bryson’s story will inspire you to use your platform—no matter the size—to stand for truth, faith, and the people of Israel.

08-13
31:04

(193) Losing the Narrative: Why Israel Is Failing the PR War

In this explosive episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speaks with media strategist Eitan Fischberger about Israel’s missteps in the global information war — and what must change if Israel wants to win hearts and minds. They explore how Hamas manipulates the media, and why Israel’s messaging often falls flat. Pesach also takes on the Gaza famine narrative, using hard data to show how humanitarian aid has continued to flow — and how Hamas, not Israel, is endangering Palestinian civilians.

08-06
43:08

(192) When Christians Call You a Heretic: Standing Against Replacement Theology

In this bold and timely episode, Doug sits down with Pesach to unpack Doug’s recent Christian Post article, “If God Can Replace Israel, He Can Replace the Church.” The two dive headfirst into the fiery comment section, addressing accusations of heresy, tackling the roots and dangers of Replacement Theology, and confronting the rise of conspiracy theories surrounding Jews and Israel in Christian spaces. Rabbi Pesach brings a powerful perspective from Deuteronomy 29, suggesting that the very rise of Replacement Theology is a prophetic marker of the times we’re in—pointing to the ingathering of God’s people. If you’ve ever wrestled with Israel’s role in God’s eternal plan, or questioned what’s really at stake in the Church’s posture toward the Jewish people, this episode will challenge, provoke, and encourage you to return to a Jerusalem-centered faith. To read Doug's article, "If God can replace Israel, He can replace the Churchm too," click here.

07-30
39:45

(191) Forgotten Allies: The Druze, Syria, and Israel's Moral Stand

On this episode of the Shoulder to Shoulder Podcast, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with Mansur Ashkar about the dire situation facing the Druze community in Syria. As the al-Sharaa regime tightens its grip and threatens the ancient Druze stronghold of Suwayda, Mansur explains why Israel is stepping in to help—quietly but decisively—while much of the world looks away. He also critiques the U.S. government’s dangerous misunderstandings of the Syrian reality, contrasting it with Israel’s moral clarity and strategic grasp of the region. This is a gripping and eye-opening conversation about identity, survival, and what real intervention looks like.

07-23
44:19

(190) Faith, Geopolitics, and a Changing Middle East: A Conversation with Dr. Salem Alketbi

This week on the Shoulder to Shoulder Podcast, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach sit down with Emirati scholar and commentator Dr. Salem Alketbi to discuss the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, the role of faith in public discourse, and the surprising ways new alliances and perspectives are reshaping the region. It’s a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation that invites us to consider what the future may hold—for Israel, for the Arab world, and for people of faith. Plus: in what ways are the Biblical prophet Baalam's blessings as meaningful today as they have ever been before?

07-16
38:02

(189) Israel, Iran, and the Shifting Sands of the Middle East: A New Geopolitical Reality

In this vital episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach are joined by Dr. David Wurmser—Middle East expert and former senior advisor to the U.S. State Department and Vice President Cheney—to analyze how Israel’s war with Iran has transformed the geopolitical landscape of the region. What are the new realities Israel must face? How have alliances shifted, and what threats—and opportunities—now define the post-war Middle East? This conversation is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand what comes next for Israel and her neighbors.

07-09
47:18

(188) A Fathers Grief, A Hero’s Legacy: David Guedalia Remembers His Son Yosef

On this deeply moving episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with David Guedalia, father of IDF soldier Yosef Guedalia, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. David shares Yosef’s story—a tale of faith, idealism, courage, and deep love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. He also opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing a child, and how he and his family have drawn strength from their community, their faith, and Yosef’s enduring legacy. This is a conversation about grief, but also about meaning, memory, and moral clarity in a time of conflict. Yosef’s life and sacrifice remind us what it means to live with purpose—and what it means to stand for something greater than ourselves.

07-02
45:43

(187) From Amman to America: Why Dan Burmawi Left Islam to Unite Christians and Jews

What compels someone to leave behind everything they know — their country, their faith, their identity — in search of truth and freedom? This week on Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with Dan Burmawi, a former Muslim from Jordan who left Islam and the Middle East behind to embrace Christianity and life in the United States. Dan shares the powerful story of his spiritual and personal transformation, the challenges of walking away from Islam, and his passionate mission to build bridges between Christians and Jews in a fractured world. It’s a bold, deeply human conversation about faith, freedom, and the future of interreligious understanding.

06-25
54:16

(186) Victory Over Iranian Tyranny: Israel’s Role In Reshaping the Middle East

In this timely episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with Major (ret.) Andrew Fox about the latest developments in Israel’s war against Iran. They explore the IDF’s remarkable military achievements, the geopolitical and spiritual implications of regime change in Tehran, and the possible endgame scenarios. With clarity and conviction, the conversation unpacks what this moment means for Israel, the region, and people of faith around the world.

06-18
47:18

(185) No Such Thing as Total Victory: Elliot Chodoff on the Gaza Endgame and the Abu Shabab Militia

Military analyst Elliot Chodoff returns to Shoulder to Shoulder for a wide-ranging and sobering conversation about the current state of the war in Gaza. He explains why engaging with the Abu Shabab militia is a dangerous mistake, explores what a realistic endgame might look like, and challenges the notion of “total victory” in modern asymmetric warfare. With Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Chodoff offers sharp, insightful analysis on where the conflict stands—and where it may be headed.

06-11
43:34

(184) Has God Rejected Israel? A Conversation on Replacement Theology with Dr. Gerry McDermott

For nearly two millennia, much of Christian theology has promoted the idea that the Church has permanently superseded Israel in God's covenant — a belief known as replacement theology. In this enlightening and challenging conversation, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki speak with theologian Dr. Gerry McDermott about how this view became dominant, how it misreads both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, and why it's essential for Christians to rediscover Israel's unique and ongoing role in God's redemptive purposes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Jewish-Christian relations, biblical theology, or the future of interfaith cooperation.

06-04
45:10

(183) Tucker, Candace, and the Christian Crisis of Conscience

As war rages in Israel and antisemitic rhetoric spreads in the media, Pastor Doug and Pesach issue a challenge to people of faith: will we stay silent, or will we speak truth in love — even when it’s uncomfortable? This episode confronts the disturbing trend of Christian influencers embracing anti-Jewish narratives, and looks to Shavuot and Pentecost for guidance, unity, and spiritual strength. To read Doug's article, "Christians, We Have a Problem," click here.

05-28
44:18

(182) Trump, Qatar, and the Betrayal of Israel: A Conversation with Dave Reaboi

In this episode, Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach speak with national security expert Dave Reaboi about Qatar’s extensive and troubling influence on American policy. While many conservatives remain strong supporters of Donald Trump, Reaboi lays out how Qatari lobbying reached deep into his administration—with serious consequences for Israel. We explore how a hostile regime has used money, media, and access to undermine American interests and isolate Israel. This conversation is a wake-up call for those who care about faith, freedom, and the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

05-21
49:26

(181) A New Era: Pope Leo, Pro-Life Momentum, and the Future of the Church

In this special episode, we’re joined by Father Frank Pavone for an in-depth conversation about the newly elected Pope Leo and what his leadership might signal for the global Catholic Church. We explore the early signs of his priorities, his potential impact on moral and social issues, and the spiritual tone he may set for a new generation of believers. The conversation also turns to the issue of abortion, with Father Pavone offering insight into the rising pro-life sentiment among younger generations and what this cultural shift means for people of faith. Whether you're Catholic or not, this episode invites thoughtful reflection on leadership, life, and the values shaping our future.

05-14
47:05

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