Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Unholy Media
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 12, 2026 • 41min
The Future is Peace - with Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah
Aziz Abu Sarah, Palestinian peace activist and writer who lost his brother, and Maoz Inon, Israeli peace campaigner who lost his parents on October 7, share a cross-community journey. They discuss reaching across grief, language and travel breaking silos, whether narratives must change, the role of religion and extremism, and what a future of coexistence might look like.
9 snips
May 7, 2026 • 43min
Israel Election whispers, Iran Negotiations and "Lashon Hara, Babe"
Rapid US moves in the Strait of Hormuz and a chaotic ceasefire raise urgent questions about Iran's remaining nuclear stockpile. Israeli political shifts, from Bennett-Lapid maneuvering to Eisenkot teaming with ex-Shin Bet leadership, reshape the security narrative. Smotrich's controversial remarks and Netanyahu's legal and diplomatic options loom large. UK elections spotlight antisemitism, and Nick Cave earns an unlikely spotlight moment.
May 5, 2026 • 41min
Iran War: What Comes Next - with Dr Suzanne Maloney
Dr Suzanne Maloney, Brookings foreign policy director and Iran expert, offers a sober read on Tehran's post‑conflict posture. She discusses control of the Strait of Hormuz, who now makes decisions in Tehran, the limits of US options, and whether a negotiated settlement or renewed violence is more likely. The conversation maps shifting regional leverage and what this means for the nuclear question.
14 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 47min
Stabbings in London, a political marriage in Israel
A discussion of a rise in knife attacks against Jews in Golders Green and the mood of British Jewish communities. Analysis of the Bennett–Lapid electoral merger and its risks for Israel’s political math. Debate over Iran–Israel tensions and whether conflict is paused or simply reloading. Reactions to US comments on arms sales and incidents involving policing and public symbolism.
Apr 28, 2026 • 50min
Howard Jacobson - Unholy Conversations
Howard Jacobson, Booker Prize–winning British novelist and critic, reflects on rage, friendship-loss, and safety after October 7. He discusses why he turned to comic fiction for a serious subject. Short, sharp conversations cover satire, public protests, personal fears in London and Manchester, and the challenge of truth and knowledge in debates about Zionism.
20 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 1h 23min
Independence, food and a response to Ezra Klein - with special guest Adeena Sussman
Adeena Sussman, cookbook author and food writer known for Israeli and Jewish cookbooks, chats about cooking during wartime and food as identity. She talks about joyful, streamlined Tel Aviv recipes, how Shabbat cooking preserves continuity, debates over culinary provenance, and the creativity of kosher and immigrant-influenced cuisines.
Apr 21, 2026 • 44min
Rachel Goldberg-Polin - Unholy Conversations
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, hostage-release advocate, Jewish educator, and author of When We See You Again, recounts love and loss in a raw grief memoir. She talks about writing during and after her son Hirsch’s captivity. Conversations cover hope during the 330 days, withheld names and cut pages called the “suitcase,” and how personal grief might spur national change.
11 snips
Apr 16, 2026 • 42min
Lebanon ceasefire, Senate Showdown, Orban out
A brisk tour of Israel’s fraught memorial week and the surreal mix of wartime life and ceremony. Tense, untrusted ceasefire talks with Lebanon and Iran dominate the discussion. Political fallout at home and abroad — from shifting Western allies to a historic Hungarian vote — and a new centrist figure shaking up Israel’s election math.
31 snips
Apr 9, 2026 • 1h 21min
Ceasefire on day 40 - with Bret Stephens and Amir Fuchs
Bret Stephens, NYT columnist and former Jerusalem Post editor, offers a hard-nosed take on the 40-day war with Iran and US-Israel ties. Amir Fuchs, researcher at the Israeli Democracy Institute, recounts Knesset committee scenes and explains the new death-penalty bill. They discuss ceasefire realities, shifting global anger, strategic gains versus failures, and legal and political fallout in Israel.
Apr 7, 2026 • 51min
Books special: conversations with Daniel Taub and Yardena Schwartz
Yardena Schwartz, award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer who uncovered the forgotten 1929 Hebron massacre. Daniel Taub, former Israeli ambassador to the UK and writer on constructive disagreement. They discuss the forgotten history of Hebron and how it shaped the conflict. They explore Jewish argument culture, story-driven negotiation, and practical ways families and negotiators can reopen conversation.
