The Take
Al Jazeera
The Take is a daily interview-driven international news podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Malika Bilal. Each episode focuses on conversations with journalists and people directly impacted by the news of the day, offering our listeners the context necessary to understand what's in the headlines.
With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.
With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 14, 2026 • 22min
Iran, Taiwan, and trade: Trump’s high‑stakes return to Beijing
Erin Hale, a Taiwan‑based reporter covering U.S.-China relations and tech, breaks down Trump's return to Beijing. She compares 2017 to 2026 and traces the renewed trade wars. She explores tech and chip competition, China’s supply chain shifts, Iran’s role, and mounting pressure on Taiwan. Expect analysis of what both sides want and what a high-stakes summit could look like.
9 snips
May 13, 2026 • 22min
How US donor bodies were sold for Israeli military training
Dena Takruri, AJ+ senior presenter and investigative reporter, uncovers how bodies donated for science were sold for military surgical training. The conversation probes perfused cadavers used to simulate combat injuries. It examines donor agreements, photos linking trainees to Israeli units, ethical concerns, and the surge of student-led reporting demanding transparency.
May 12, 2026 • 22min
Is the Pentagon’s UFO dump a political distraction?
Anthony Lappe, New York TV producer and investigative reporter who digs into leaked UFO/UAP material, breaks down the Pentagon’s recent file release. He unpacks why the collection feels curated and often recycled. He connects the timing to political messaging. He analyzes notable images, viral footage and historic memos while sizing up possible explanations and what might truly shock the public.
May 11, 2026 • 24min
Inside US Democrats' Gaza fight - and what it means for 2028 elections
Omar Baddar, U.S. Middle East policy analyst focused on Israel and Palestine. He unpacks a DNC autopsy blaming Gaza policy for losses. He discusses legislation to limit arms and seismic Senate votes. He explores how younger voters and online media reshaped party priorities and whether the Democrats can realign ahead of 2028.
6 snips
May 10, 2026 • 8min
Brief: Israel continues to strike Gaza. Israeli attacks across Lebanon despite ceasefire
Rory Challands, Al Jazeera correspondent in Beirut covering strikes and displacement in southern Lebanon. Hind Khadoury, Al Jazeera reporter in Gaza City on civilian casualties and aid limits. They discuss ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza, targeted drone attacks across Lebanon, evacuation patterns, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
9 snips
May 9, 2026 • 21min
Another Take: Why is land in the West Bank being sold off to US citizens?
Rich Siegel, a Teaneck community activist who organizes protests against West Bank settlement real estate fairs, recounts confronting synagogue sales and pushing legal objections. He describes going undercover at a sales event, outlines claims about legality and discriminatory practices, and explains how these fairs deepen local political and communal tensions.
May 8, 2026 • 27min
Justice for Shireen: the American investigation
Said Arikat, Palestinian journalist in Washington covering the State Department. Katherine Gallagher, human rights attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights. Lina Abu Akleh, niece and advocate for an independent U.S. investigation into Shireen’s killing. They discuss calls for a U.S.-led probe, legal avenues and sanctions, meetings with officials and Congress, and long-standing patterns in accountability for Palestinian journalists.
May 7, 2026 • 22min
Inside the Israeli bloc that could topple Netanyahu
Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel analyst and NYT contributor, sheds light on Israel’s shifting political landscape. She breaks down the Bennett-Lapid alliance and its internal tensions. She describes everyday life under prolonged conflict and the hidden psychological toll. She outlines what could make Netanyahu vulnerable and the coalition math needed to change power.
May 6, 2026 • 20min
‘This is my last voice note’: how piracy returned to Somalia and Yemen
Mohamed Gabobe, a Somali journalist in Mogadishu reporting on rising piracy and maritime security. He recounts a sailor’s distressing voice note and the Honor 25 hijacking. He discusses recent spikes in seizures, links to illegal fishing and diverted naval focus, clan negotiation dynamics, and the risks of renewed large-scale piracy in the region.
9 snips
May 4, 2026 • 21min
Could OPEC break lead to era of energy volatility?
Jim Krane, co-director of Rice University’s Middle East Energy Roundtable and oil geopolitics expert. He breaks down the Fujairah attack and export vulnerabilities. He discusses broader economic ripple effects, the UAE leaving OPEC and its impact on market volatility. He explores renewables as a hedge and China’s role in exporting clean-tech.
