Claim OwnershipUnholy: Two Jews on the News
Subscribed: 2,770Played: 97,361
Subscribe
© Unholy Media
Description
Yonit Levi of Israel's Channel 12 News and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian are two of the most prominent journalists in the world today. They are also Jews. Each week, join what MSNBC's Rachel Maddow calls "two great, smart smart smart hosts" as they dissect and debate current events shaping Israel, Jewish life - and the wider world.
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy.
Contact us via: unholy@unholy-media.com
Their blend of nuanced discussion and sparkling conversation, featuring a dazzling range of guests, is why New Yorker editor David Remnick calls himself a “proud, avid listener," why Ira Glass says he "completely enjoys this show" and why Malcolm Gladwell calls it an "incredibly fun podcast".
For a weekly fix of globally informed talk – including nominations for the greatest act of chutzpah and outstanding mensch of the previous seven days – there’s only one destination. Make every Friday morning Unholy.
Contact us via: unholy@unholy-media.com
251 Episodes
Reverse
Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-liveWatch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/LxyLZMMobcEJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon On Day 700 of the war, Israel prepares for a threatened push into Gaza City — a move the IDF’s Chief of Staff warns could see the imposition of martial law on the Strip. Donald Trump claims Israel is “losing the PR war,” as a ceasefire and hostage release deal remains as elusive as ever.In a special pair of conversations, Yonit and Jonathan speak with two Israeli reservists — one refusing to return to Gaza, the other still serving — about loyalty, conscience and the cost of war.Plus: a Chutzpah award for a lawyer with an awkward past - and an MVP turned Mensch.
Meet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-liveWatch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/BHz5D_p5upQJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Follow Yonit and Jonathan on InstagramAs Israeli protesters return to the streets in force, calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war, the Israeli cabinet refuses to even discuss a partial agreement — despite earlier demanding one. At the same time, Netanyahu’s closest advisor is in Washington talking “day after” strategy, while back home, reservists are called up yet again and political priorities appear increasingly out of step with public sentiment.This week, Yonit and Jonathan reunite to assess a stalled political process, shifting American pressure, and the increasingly surreal spectacle of Haredi pilgrims preparing to fly abroad — even as they continue to avoid military service. Plus: Unholy heads to New York, and Jonathan becomes an unlikely Instagrammer.
Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xJooo1JvDqsJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon As part of our journey through Jewish communities around the world, we land this week in Buenos Aires — home to the largest Jewish population in Latin America. Yonit and Jonathan speak with Pablo Mendez Shiff, freelance journalist and scholar, about Argentina’s stance on Israel, and what it means to live Jewish life in today’s Argentina.Plus – we revisit two of our previous guests: Ilanit Spinner from Germany and Nomi Kaltmann from Australia, and find a moment of optimism.
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F2anQPufbgJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon After ministers vote to approve the reoccupation of Gaza, tensions erupt between Israel’s political leaders and the military establishment. With senior IDF officials voicing unease, the divide between the cabinet and the high command deepens. This week, Jonathan is joined by Channel 11’s diplomatic correspondent Suleiman Maswadeh to unpack the political and military implications — and to discuss how the war is likely to shape the Arab vote in Israel’s next elections. And we continue our summer tour of the world’s Jewish communities with a focus on Australia, courtesy of a conversation with Nomi Kaltmann. Plus: “Locksgate” earns this week’s Chutzpah award, while a rare exponent of civility earns the Mensch prize
1Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-GUoFGFz0pgJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Pre-order "Don't Feed the Lion" by Yonit Levi and Bianna Golodryga: https://linktr.ee/DontFeedTheLionDon't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform! As Israel signals its intent to reoccupy Gaza, the public conversation around the Strip is beginning to shift — but how far, and in which direction? Meanwhile, the battle over the draft bill continues to simmer, exposing deep divisions within Israeli society. This week, Jonathan is joined by New Yorker journalist Ruth Margalit to break down the latest developments on both fronts, and to launch a new series of conversations from across the Jewish world. First up: Ilanit Spinner, a German journalist, reflects on what it means to be Jewish in Germany in 2025 — and how the war is shaping daily life far beyond Israel’s borders.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VCcIpEYOqr4Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Don't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform! As the war in Gaza grinds on, a rift appears between two familiar allies: Donald Trump breaks ranks with Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledging the scale of hunger in Gaza. Meanwhile, the UK moves to formally recognise a Palestinian state, prompting a diplomatic storm.This week, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Haaretz’s senior military analyst Amos Harel to assess the state of negotiations, the burden borne by Israeli reservists, and the stark realities on the ground for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.Plus: a crowded field for this week’s Chutzpah and Mensch awards — and a nod to our listeners who treat Unholy as an English-language workout.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LjM6XrBB440Don't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform!Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonAs the war nears its 22nd month, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens — with harrowing footage of children searching for food sparking growing outrage, even among Israel’s staunchest allies. Meanwhile, the Israeli government prepares to push forward a controversial draft bill, fuelling an already volatile political climate. This week, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation on the war, Donald Trump, his thoughts on the man who would be New York mayor: Zohran Mamdani and the question everyone’s asking: is there a way out?
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cx9UiI7PmaQDon't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform!Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon As the war in Gaza passes its 650th day, Yonit and Jonathan delve into the political and personal forces keeping the conflict going—from ceasefire talks that lead nowhere, to new revelations about Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to heed warnings ahead of October 7. Plus: new cracks in Israel’s ruling coalition, how criticism of the country is now coming from the American MAGA right, what’s behind the latest IDF strikes on Syria—and the return of one of Unholy’s favourite guests, the legendary Israeli journalist Ilana Dayan.
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbqe4AWNxzEDon't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform!Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodAs the war in Gaza grinds on, Yonit and Jonathan unpack the politics behind Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and the fragile state of ceasefire and hostage negotiations. They discuss the plan for Gaza proposed by Israel’s defence minister that has stirred trenchant opposition inside and outside the country - and the military draft bill splitting an already divided Knesset. They are also joined by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was murdered while a captive of Hamas, for a conversation about grief, belief and the future of Israel.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod This week, Jonathan returns to the podcast as he and Yonit assess the public mood in Israel in the aftermath of the war with Iran, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and renewed talk of a potential ceasefire.They also discuss the political fallout at home and abroad —including a moment at the Glastonbury music festival that saw a collision of protest and prejudice.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As the dust settles from the war between Israel and Iran, Yonit sits down with Nuseir Yassin to unpack what just happened—and what it all means. From shifting regional power dynamics to the role of social media in shaping global narratives, they go deep on war, peace, and the politics of perception.They also touch on the democratic mayoral elections in New York, the conflicts elsewhere that could either ignite or resolve in the coming years, and—above all—ask what future the region might still have. Is there room for cautious optimism, or are we simply bracing for the next round? Nuseir Yassin is a Palestinian‑Israeli video creator and entrepreneur best known as Nas Daily, the one‑minute daily vlogging phenomenon. Born in Arraba, Israel, he earned a Harvard degree in economics (with a minor in CS), then quit his Venmo software job in 2016 to launch a 1,000‑day video run that earned him over 13 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views. He’s since founded Nas Company—home to Nas Studios and Nas Academy—building a global creator ecosystem grounded in storytelling and cultural understanding .
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodThe Israel–Iran war may be behind us, for now, but one of the most critical questions is only just beginning to surface: what really happened to Iran’s nuclear program?To begin unpacking that, Yonit spoke with someone uniquely positioned to offer insight: Zohar Palti, former Head of the Political-Military Bureau at Israel’s Ministry of Defense and a longtime senior official in the Mossad. With years of experience at the heart of Israel’s security establishment, Palti helps us explore what’s known, what’s rumored, and what may still be unfolding behind the scenes.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodA few hours after the U.S. Army, under orders from President Donald Trump, bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities, Yonit sat down for an in-depth conversation with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed the ongoing operation in Iran, the aftermath of October 7th, the ICC arrest warrant—and even found a glimpse of optimism for the region’s future.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypodSpecial episodes from the past week:On life in Iran with Beni Sabti (17/6) Sunday Update with Amos Harel (15/6)Friday update with dr. Suzanne Maloney (13/6)It’s day seven of the Israel-Iran war, and the world is waiting on President Trump’s next move. Will he or won’t he strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.Yonit is joined this week by CNN anchor and senior global affairs analyst Bianna Golodryga; together they speak with former senior adviser to President Biden, Amos Hochstein, about what could happen if the U.S. joins the war.Plus: a chutzpah award you’ll enjoy, and a next-generation mensch. Amos Hochstein is a veteran American diplomat and energy expert who has served as the U.S. Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security. Known for his deep involvement in Middle East affairs, Hochstein has advised multiple administrations on strategic energy and security issues, including delicate negotiations across the region.Bianna Golodryga is an acclaimed journalist and television anchor, currently serving as a senior global affairs analyst at CNN.
Bonus episode, Unholy store and social links: https://linktr.ee/unholypodDay five of the war with Iran, and the world is holding its breath. With President Trump abruptly leaving the G7 and urging Tehran’s citizens to evacuate, the next chapter remains uncertain — escalation or ceasefire? Yonit speaks with Beni Sabti, an expert on Iran, to look beyond the headlines, to explore what life looks like for ordinary Iranians: under fire, and under a theocracy that has shaped daily reality for nearly half a century.
After a night marked by a deadly Iranian attack that claimed the lives of Israeli civilians, Yonit sat down with military analyst Amos Harel for an update on the current situation and a look at what might unfold in the days ahead.
Following Israel’s wide operation in Iran, targeting nuclear sites and top officials, we bring you a special episode and talk to Dr. Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Center for Middle East Policy.
The episode was recorded and released before the start of the Israeli operation in Iran.Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As speculation increases of an imminent attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Israel’s internal political turmoil shows no sign of calming. At the heart of the latest furore: the long-running debate over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. Who should serve—and who shouldn’t?Yonit and Jonathan unpack the implications of this fiercely divisive issue, and look ahead to what it means for Israel’s future. Plus: a special conversation recorded at Unholy’s first-ever live event at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, with Yuval Noah Harari—historian, and one of Israel’s most original thinkers. Yuval Noah HarariYuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is best known for his bestselling books, including Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, which explore broad questions about history, technology, and the future of humanity. Oi Va VoiOi Va Voi is a British band known for blending Eastern European, Jewish, and indie music influences into a unique world fusion sound. Since their formation in London, they have gained a devoted following with their energetic performances and thoughtful lyrics.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod A terror attack strikes a peaceful protest in Colorado calling for the release of hostages, while efforts to finalise a deal between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid begins to trickle into Gaza and a series of violent, and disputed, events ends in deadly consequences for Palestinian civilians.Yonit and Jonathan discuss all that, and also step back from the frontlines to look at the economic toll of a war that has lasted more than 600 days. They are joined by Dr. Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg, former deputy governor of the Bank of Israel, for a sobering conversation on the social and financial cost of protracted conflict—borne most heavily by those sent to fight, and those left waiting at home. Dr. Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg is a leading Israeli economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel, where she also served briefly as Acting Governor. A Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Ph.D., she has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors, including at Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, and Israel’s largest pension fund. She currently teaches economics at Reichman University and serves on several corporate boards, including Cellebrite. Known for her expertise in monetary policy and financial regulation, she is also married to economist and former Knesset member Manuel Trajtenberg.
Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod As Israel prepares for the festival of Shavuot, the country holds its breath for news on a hostage deal that could finally bring an end to the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, airstrikes continue, and Benjamin Netanyahu openly weighs the controversial possibility of a solo Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites—despite President Trump’s evident reluctance. To unpack the chaos and complexity of Trump’s Middle East strategy, Israel’s options on Iran, and intriguing new revelations about President Biden’s health, we’re joined by Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor under President Biden.Jake Sullivan is an American foreign policy expert who served as National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden, becoming one of the youngest individuals ever to hold the position. Previously, he was a senior policy advisor during the Obama administration, playing a central role in negotiating the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Currently, Sullivan is the Kissinger Professor of Statecraft and World Order at Harvard Kennedy School, where he continues to influence conversations on diplomacy, international security, and global strategy.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
llook at thr hamds and faces of so callef hungry philistines...they are fat ..greedy..lazy...yes they want amazing usrarli food for free ...ehem....retards
tzav9 we stand with israel ...
congratulations! mazzal tov from Iran
congratulations to Israel well-desereved, bold victory of light over darkness
A huge thank-you for bringing us the wisdom of Simon Schama. I hung on every word. The world needs more of him ... in podcasts, writings, television, whatever etc., etc. Please bring him back again.
I can only imagine the deception