

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

7 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 25min
'They picked the wrong state': how Minneapolis is fighting back
Marcia Howard, president of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators and community steward of George Floyd Square, discusses organizing after the 2020 uprising. She recounts the week of federal raids and a fatal shooting. She describes grassroots rapid-response networks, mutual aid, daily coordination, and calls to abolish ICE.

10 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 20min
Who controls Yemen now and why it matters
Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera editor and Yemeni affairs analyst based in North Carolina. He maps who controls Yemen now, explains Saudi strikes like the Mukalla incident, and teases the Saudi-UAE rift. Discussion covers STC versus Riyadh, UAE influence and detention claims, Houthi positions, and the humanitarian stakes as alliances shift.

Jan 27, 2026 • 21min
Inside Gaza after Israel’s last captive is found
Maram Humaid, an Al Jazeera English digital correspondent reporting from Gaza, speaks about life under blackout conditions and the challenges of reporting there. She recounts the recovery of the final Israeli captive’s remains and what that could mean for crossings and aid. She describes Rafah’s importance, criticism of external rebuild plans, and daily resilience in crowded makeshift camps.

Jan 26, 2026 • 21min
Minnesota, ICE and the makings of a US civil war
Claire Finkelstein, law professor and director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law, brings national security and constitutional expertise. She walks through a University of Pennsylvania simulation of state-federal clashes. Discussion covers parallels to Minneapolis ICE actions, risks of National Guard versus federal troops, legal limits on orders, and how courts and accountability can prevent escalation.

4 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 5min
Brief: Trump's Board of Peace plans for Gaza
Nida Ibrahim, Al Jazeera correspondent in the Occupied West Bank, outlines the politics around Phase 2 and troop movements. Hind Khoudary, Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza City, reports on residents’ skepticism and rebuilding under strict limits. They discuss Trump’s Board of Peace plans, local reactions to redevelopment, and doubts about withdrawal and disarmament.

10 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 26min
Another Take: We need to talk about Davos
Peter S. Goodman, global economics reporter and author of Davos Man, unpacks the rituals and power plays at Davos. He describes panels and secret dealmaking. He talks about lavish parties, billionaire self-presentation, and financial giants like BlackRock. He also explores why wealthy elites avoid scrutiny and how activists try to challenge the narrative.

9 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 22min
Trump’s fragile Greenland ‘framework’ with NATO
Jonah Hull, an Al Jazeera English correspondent with deep insights on Arctic security, shares his expertise on the implications of Trump’s recent claims about Greenland. He discusses the potential impact of mineral wealth and missile defense ties on Greenlanders’ future. Hull analyzes European reactions to the U.S. framing, highlighting the urgency for EU strategic autonomy. He also addresses local sentiments around independence from Denmark and reflects on the rich culture of Greenland and misconceptions about its people. A thought-provoking dive into geopolitics!

Jan 22, 2026 • 22min
Are we witnessing the death of traditional TV?
Angela Palumbo, a Technology Reporter for Barron's, dives into the seismic shifts in viewing habits as she discusses the Oscars' move to YouTube in 2029. She highlights how Nielsen data and changing audience preferences drive this change. Angela also critiques traditional networks for stalling innovation and explains how platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts disrupt attention. She points out the rise of targeted ads and the challenges older viewers face with online viewing, all while pondering if traditional TV is dying or merely evolving.

6 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 24min
Inside Trump’s plan to rebuild Gaza without Palestinians
Nour Odeh, an Al Jazeera correspondent with extensive experience in the Gaza conflict, dives into the controversial reconstruction plans for Gaza. She reveals how a billion-dollar initiative called the 'Board of Peace' excludes Palestinians from crucial discussions. Odeh critiques the roles of figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner in this privatized vision of Gaza’s future. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the grim realities on the ground and the detached political frameworks being proposed, raising questions about who really gets to shape Gaza's destiny.

23 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 25min
What's behind Trump's push to control Greenland?
In this discussion, Sara Olsvig, an advocate for Inuit rights and former parliamentary member from Greenland, delves into Trump's controversial threats about Greenland's annexation. She reveals how these threats are perceived as colonial and insulting by its Inuit residents. Sara emphasizes the strategic significance of Greenland amid climate change, while addressing historical colonial harms and the ongoing push for self-determination. She highlights public resistance to foreign control and reinforces the Inuit commitment to cultural identity and empowerment.


