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
18 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 45min
Modi's Big Visit, Iran Tensions and a Republican Clash over Israel - with Matti Friedman and Alon Ushpiz
Alon Ushpiz, former Israeli ambassador to India, shares behind-the-scenes on India–Israel ties. Matti Friedman, journalist and author, discusses Iran anxieties and Israeli social tensions. They explore Modi’s warm visit and its timing, the pragmatic roots of bilateral cooperation, rising Iran fears and Israel’s uneasy normal, plus political rows that complicated the reception.
16 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 4min
Trump on the Brink of War and Work in the AI Age - with Barak Ravid and Noreena Hertz
Barak Ravid, diplomatic and global affairs correspondent who covers U.S.-Iran tensions, offers on-the-ground analysis of rising regional risk and what a U.S. response might look like. Noreena Hertz, economist and author focused on AI and labor, discusses how AI is reshaping jobs, why women may be more vulnerable, and the societal risks of misinformation and AI-driven antisemitism.
34 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 1h 25min
Gen Z in Iran and violence in the West Bank - with Holly Dagres and Amos Harel
Amos Harel, Haaretz military analyst and author, explains rising tensions in the West Bank, far-right influence, settler violence and shifting IDF dynamics. Holly Dagres, Iran analyst and Iranist newsletter curator, explores Gen Z’s defiance, protest culture, and how a globalized youth shapes Iran’s future.
30 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 9min
US-Iran talks, women in the Israeli military and antisemitism in America - with Coleman Hughes
Coleman Hughes, American writer and podcaster known for sharp commentary on race and antisemitism, joins the conversation. They tackle US‑Iran negotiations and what US signals mean for regional risk. They probe rising violence in Israel’s Arab communities and the politics behind it. They also dissect the campaign against women in combat roles and how gender, religion and power collide in public life.
22 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 11min
Last hostage returned, Bibi vs Biden, Trump vs Iran — and Listeners’ Therapy 2 with Dr. Orna Guralnik
Lee, Israeli-born Brooklyn resident exploring belonging, and Marion, an Off-Broadway producer torn between family ties and politics. They discuss where to raise their children, balancing Israeli identity, safety, and community warmth. The conversation also touches on the return of the last hostage, Netanyahu’s accusations toward Biden, and the risks of a US strike on Iran.
32 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 24min
Trump's Board of Peace - and Unholy Listeners' Therapy with Dr. Orna Guralnik
Dr. Orna Guralnik, a clinical psychologist known for her work on Couples Therapy, joins to explore intricate relationship dynamics and provide therapeutic insights. The hosts dissect Trump's controversial 'Board of Peace' and its implications for Gaza, while Orna leads a poignant session with Danish teens, Benjamin and Albert, who navigate their starkly opposing views on Israel. Their candid discussion reveals how friendship can thrive despite disagreement and the importance of empathy in challenging conversations.
40 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 7min
Iran burns, the world waits - with Suzanne Maloney
In this discussion, Dr. Suzanne Maloney, a senior foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution specializing in Iran, navigates the complexities of the current unrest in Tehran. She assesses the likelihood of regime change amidst crackdowns on protests and discusses the implications of U.S. military options under Trump's unpredictability. Maloney highlights the critical role of defections from Iran's security forces and evaluates the risks to Israel, offering insights into Iran's military and nuclear ambitions. The conversation spans global policy shifts and potential opposition leadership in a turbulent region.
24 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 8min
Trump vs. the world, Protests in Iran and the Draft bill - with Amos Hochstein
Amos Hochstein, a former U.S. special envoy known for his work on Middle East and energy policy, joins the conversation. They discuss the potential end of the post-1945 international order and the implications of Trump's foreign actions. Hochstein analyzes the West's role in supporting Iranian protesters and contrasts current U.S. diplomacy with past administrations. The conversation also touches on Israel's draft bill protests and the precarious situation in Lebanon, weighing the risks and necessary steps for regional stability.
23 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 45min
Welcome to 2026: From Mar-a-Lago to Qatargate
As 2026 unfolds, the hosts dive into Netanyahu's warm welcome at Mar-a-Lago and its implications for US-Israel relations. They unravel the unfolding Qatargate scandal, spotlighting troubling allegations against Netanyahu's advisers. Discussion shifts to election dynamics, with potential early triggers and competing narratives set to shape the political landscape. Amidst this, there's a debate on media laws and institutional integrity in Israel. Plus, the duo awards chutzpah honors and celebrates the contributions of philanthropist Maurice Kahn.
30 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 27min
Two Jews take on Christmas
Explore how Jewish identity intersects with Christmas traditions. The hosts discuss the complexities of Jews opting out of Christmas, sharing unique customs like movie nights and Chinese food. They delve into Jewish contributions to Christmas culture through music and film. Debates arise over adopting holiday symbols and the implications of political imagery. Insights on Christmas in Israel highlight cultural nuances. Finally, the hosts share favorite holiday films, revealing personal connections and surprising joys.
