Unholy Podcast

On the Nova exhibition, Why festival goers around the world don’t commemorate the hundreds murdered at a music festival, and why news commentary skips over what happened on October 7th.

Nick Cave's marriage rule should be everyone's rule. Listen to the reason Nick Cave is our mensch this week.

One of America's foremost Iran experts says the regime emerged from 40 days of war more powerful — not less. The Hormuz tax is now priced into everything. #unholypodcast #Iran #USIranWar #StraitOfHormuz #geopolitics

Howard Jacobson on the protest marchers — unfiltered and unflinching. When one of Britain's greatest living novelists speaks, it's worth listening. Full episode of Unholy out now. #UnholyPodcast #HowardJacobson #FreeSpeech

Howard Jacobson on why literature still matters — and how media shapes the way we see the world. One of Britain's most celebrated novelists in conversation with Unholy. Full episode available now on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

Howard Jacobson on what's gone wrong in higher education: universities that stopped teaching students how to think and started telling them what to think. Our conversation with Howard Jacobson in available to watch on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

80% of Israel celebrates Shabbat every single week. And it all revolves around food. The full conversation with Adeena Sussman is available on Youtube and all podcasting platforms. #unholypodcast #shabbat #israelifood #adeenasussman #zariz

Rachel Goldberg-Polin describes the moment Hersh was put into the ground — and why she told her girls not to look. This special interview on Unholy will be available soon on all podcast platforms.

Chuzpah of the week goes to the VP who teaches the pope and theology, while an unexpected mensch emerges, in the form of Yonit’s grandmother, who might have changed the course of history.

"Nothing is more Israeli than trying to explain to your children the difference between a Memorial Day siren and an alert siren." Listen to the latest Unholy, now streaming on all podcasting platforms and YouTube.

Whether it's a father protecting his child during a missile attack from Iran or the Israeli women who gave birth in an underground parking lot - the Israeli spirit proved again its resilience.

"The main question on the ballot, as it has been for a long time now, is — to Bibi or not to Bibi. Is he going to get re-elected as prime minister or not?" Jonathan breaks down Netanyahu's record. After 40 days of war with Iran, what does Netanyahu actually have to show for it?

Kanye West praises Hitler — and the UK responds with a clear line: no platform, no entry for hate speech. At the same time, he’s calling for a “meeting” with the Jewish community. Jonathan unpacks the story behind this week’s chutzpah award.

What happens when you destroy the holiest city in the world? You get two world religions — locked in rivalry ever since. Tom Holland joins Unholy to trace Judaism and Christianity back to the same catastrophic root — and explain why that rivalry still shapes everything today.

Tom Holland on why the most powerful man in the world may be the least prepared for Iran. A historian's blunt verdict: if you don't understand what they believe, you don't know what you're taking on. The conversation with Tom Holland is available on Youtube.

What makes Jews exceptional? A special conversation with historian Tom Holland, now available on all podcast platforms.

What should Europe’s next move be, according to former NSA Jake Sullivan?

You can get the NSA out of the White House, but you can get the White House out of the NSA. "Nobody's asking me. So why can't I just have fun?" Listen to the full interview with former NSA Jake Sullivan in the latest episode of Unholy.

Jonathan summarized the unbearable truth of Jewish communities around the world since the beginning of the month. Since this war began, barely a day has passed without an attack on a Jewish target somewhere in the world.

Jake Sullivan on why starting this war was the wrong call. Biden's former national security advisor — the man who was in the room — just said it plainly. Seven shifting explanations. No clear objective. #unholypodcast #JakeSullivan #IranWar #NationalSecurity #USForeignPolicy

Following the attack in Golders Green, Yonit and Jonathan talk on why Jews are the only minority asked to answer for a government thousands of miles away. After every terror attack on every minority, the world is clear. Somehow, not this time. #london #antisemitism #GoldersGreen #JewishCommunity

"Donald Trump governs on whims. The deadline that was 12 hours away — that was one whim. This is another whim."

How does a war like this actually end? Not just in war rooms — but in bomb shelters, in homes, in the daily reality of people running 5–7 times a day for cover. #UnholyPodcast #Israel #Iran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics

This week’s episode is brought to you by sleepless nights spent in the shelter. Yonit and Jonathan break down what's really at stake — from children at home when schools are closed, to the pressures of running in and out of the shelter.

General David Petraeus joins Yonit and Jonathan to unpack the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz

Naomi Alderman — novelist, broadcaster, award-winning author of The Power and Disobedience — cam to Unholy to discuss Marty Supreme, nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. It is "the most intensely Jewish movie she had ever seen in her life". @MARTYSUPREME

Jonathan has returned from his Australia tour, reflecting on Jewish life amidst crises, security concerns, and the prospect of moving forward.

What is causing your sleepless nights? Is it the crying of a newborn baby, anxiety, or limited sleep cycles? Or is it a nation at war?

FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman discusses potential leaders for the Middle East post-war.

Yonit and Jonathan discuss the old-new routine in Israel - being in and out of the shelter, but finding hope in the Israeli resilience amidst it all.

Mourning or filled with hope? The Iranian people react to the elimination of Khamenei. Catch out on emergency update with Dr. Suzanne Maloney, Iran expert, available now on all platforms.

The 1980s tech boom and today's AI shift share a troubling trend for women in the workforce. Women are 3x more likely to lose jobs to AI than men, often leading to lower-paid roles or leaving the workforce entirely. Let's address this! #GenderEquality #FutureOfWork #AIandWomen

We should look at Arbel Yehoud and reflect on the silence of women’s organizations around the world in response to what Israeli women endured on October 7 and during their captivity afterward.

As the Middle East faces rising tensions, Yonit speaks with Barak Ravid from Axios and Israel’s Channel 12 about the current situation and Donald Trump's potential actions. Catch the full conversation on this week's episode.

Amos Harel analyzes the impact of Gaza's heavy toll on Palestinian actions, highlighting fear as a deterrent against a third Intifada.

Holly Dagres, who spent her formative years in Tehran, already has a perfect day trip itinerary in mind for a visit back to the city she grew up in.

Holly Dagres reflects on the unique ways Iranians are expressing resilience and defiance against a culture of mourning imposed by the Iranian regime.

What does Jonathan have to say to the Israeli government members who are trying to delete the word “massacre" from the October 7th memorial day?

Holly Dagres, senior fellow at the Washington Institute and curator of The Iranist newsletter on Substack, discusses the globalized nature of Iranian Gen Z, their cultural connections, and their role in anti-regime protests. Listen to the full conversation on this week's episode.

Why "Unholy"? is probably a question you asked yourself more than once over the last 5 years. On their latest interview with @batshuaj

Israel seeks the return of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, indicating no intent for genocide. 🎙 Tune in to the full conversation with Coleman Hughes on this week's episode, available on all streaming platforms and YouTube!

Coleman Hughes reflects on how the moral frameworks forged in the fight for racial equality are now projected onto global conflicts, flattening history, intent and context in the process, and obscuring more than they reveal.

A new book proposes that the iconic playwright was, in fact, Amelia Bassano, an English poet. This caught the attention of Yonit and Jonathan 📚

Dr. Orna Guralnik had an hour-long conversation with Albert and Benjamin from Copenhagen. At one moment, they asked an important question that is relevant to people all around the world.

On our last episode, “Listeners' Therapy", we heard from Benjamin (19, Copenhagen) an honest and authentic depiction of the difference in experience between being Jewish in Israel and in the diaspora.

This week we kicked off our first Listeners' Therapy episode with Dr. Orna Guralnik and two friends from Copenhagen: Benjamin and Albert. They might be young, but they helped us regain hope for a better future.

"The purpose of an interaction is not to make people the same, but to expand their understanding." Our Listeners' therapy series kicked off this week with Dr. Orna Guralnik, Benjamin, Albert, Yonit, and Jonathan. Tune in to catch the full conversation.

Unholy celebrates 5 years, and Yonit and Jonathan reflect on the phone call that changed everything. Would Jonathan wish he had never accepted that call? This and more surprising findings in the latest Unholy! Streaming on all platforms and YouTube.

Despite setbacks, the Iranian regime’s strategic threats persist, warns Dr. Suzanne Maloney.

"I hope that the recent events in Iran have prompted the rest of the world to adopt a different approach to this regime." Listen to the full interview with Iran expert Suzanne Maloney on this week's episode - now streaming on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

"Democrats followed Europe in the abdication of power, where strong is wrong." Listen to the full interview with Amos Hochstein on this week's episode.

Two Jewish individuals on the news put on their Christmas hats and discuss various Jewish traditions, including what Jews do on Christmas, prominent movies, and other customs. Tune in this Friday to watch the full episode.

On our emergency episode following the horrific terror attack in Sydney, Nomi Kaltmann shared her experience of being a mother during the rising wave of antisemitism in Australia.

When will there be a normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel? If you ask diplomatic correspondent and analyst Barak Ravid, the answer is clear.

Yonit is thankful for Yehudit Ravitz’s return to the stage, and Jonathan throws us back to when they first met.

When his relative told him that "this is the most challenging time ever for Jews", Alex Edelman couldn’t help but wonder what his ancestors would have to say about it.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or you’ve never heard the term “Mensch of the week,” you’re welcome to join us on Unholy Live! So, start the countdown! Unholy Live in NYC is just around the corner. Grab your ticket from the link in our bio/story.

For Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, wearing the number of days since the war started is a moral duty.

This week on Unholy: Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin share their perspective on this emotional week. Watch it on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Unholy Live NYC is just around the corner... who will sit in the guest chair? Get your tickets from the link in our bio.

Home again. A special update of Unholy is now available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube.

Yonit summarizes in 60 seconds the feeling of the nation for the past 12 hours: we can breathe again.

"British Jewish life will continue. It must continue.” Jonathan shares his immediate emotions after the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Yom Kippur.

Eli Sharabi was held hostage for 491 days by Hamas in Gaza. He lost his wife, two daughters, and brother. Yet, he considers himself lucky.

Eli Sharabi is a numbers person. He was a CFO before October 7th, and his skills proved invaluable during his 491-day captivity in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. The full conversation with Eli Sharabi will drop on Sunday evening ET.

Eli Sharabi, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for 491 days, shares his remarkable and unbelievable story with Yonit and Jonathan. The full conversation will be available on Sunday evening.

Emergency update: Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s peace plan - what comes next? Find the link in the story

According to Alex Edelman: Jews forgive, but they don't forget. Here's his explanation of the un-Jewishness of Yom Kippur.

"I could be named to one of the most important pulpits, and I still have people out there putting in headlines saying I'm not even a Jew at all." Rabbi Angela Buchdahl talks about other people's reactions during her journey to become a rabbi.

Jonathan quoting Kyle's mom from South Park is something we didn't see coming.

While world leaders vote "Yes" for establishing a Palestinian state, Yonit looks exactly 20 years back for insights on promises vs. reality.

Just before Rosh Hashanah, we gather for our annual tradition—an inspiring and fulfilling conversation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl.

Former head of Mossad, Yossi Cohen, talks about when and why he'll enter the political arena in Israel.

Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Qatar. An emergency episode is available on all of the podcasting platforms.

With tears in his eyes and over 250 days of reserve duty, first major sergeant Yehuda Lapian shares his experience from the eyes of an IDF reservist in Gaza.

Day 700. It feels like the world can’t tell the difference between good and evil anymore

After an incredible evening in London, we’re embarking on a transatlantic journey to New York City! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience Unholy Live at the Streicker center. Grab your ticket now!

Just in case you're keeping score: Books - 14-1 Instagram accounts 1-1

This week's guest co-host, Suleiman Maswadeh, breaks down the political aspects of the decision to conquer Gaza City.

This week on Unholy: Yonit talks about the true main obstacle to a Palestinian state.

Thomas Friedman on where Zohran Mamdani the left and are getting it wrong.

Tom Friedman calls on Israelis to "take advantage of this incredible moment in history when Israel could be at peace with Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Muslim world."

"The hostages made us meet who we are, and who we want to be". Ilana Dayan talks about the defining role of the hostages for the nation of Israel and its people.

Ilana Dayan talks about the pulse of the nation after 650 days of war. Listen to the full conversation on our weekly episode.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin talks about the absence of coalition members during Hersh’s Shiva.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin discusses the role of faith in her life with Yonit and Jonathan on the latest episode of Unholy.

"After a year and nine months, Israel is safer than it was on October 8th."

Hey Marvel/DC — in case you’re casting for your next Jewish superhero movie, here’s the perfect origin story.

Yonit and Jonathan discuss a moment at the Glastonbury music festival that saw a collision of protest and prejudice.

What is the driving force behind Trump’s pursuit of peace in the Middle East?

This week's guest co-host, Nuseir Yassin, offers a solution to Israel's PR problem.

In a conversation with Yonit on the latest episodes of Unholy, former defense minister Yoav Gallant talks about the cooperation and coordination around the elemination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

"Attacking American will be like suicide for Iran" A special interview with former defense minister Yoav Gallant drops later tonight.

While Israeli leaders discuss regime change and political assassinations, Amos Hochstein holds the opposite position.

While the world awaits Trump’s decision on an American attack on Iran's nuclear sites, Amos Hochstein discusses the risks.

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.

Back in September 2024, Yonit and Jonathan spoke with political analyst Amit Segal and asked him to look into his crystal ball. Is this prophecy closer than ever?

"a diplomatic resolution that puts Iran's nuclear program in a box is the right way to proceed" Jake Sullivan on a possible Israel attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the role of the US in this attack.

"Israel has not been able to turn the tactical success into a long-term strategy." Jake Sullivan talks about the need for a sustainable strategy in Gaza, and the role of the US government in this situation.

"Donald Trump likes peace, and he likes deals.” Jake Sullivan talks about Donald Trump's agenda for the Middle East. Listen to the full interview on the recent episode of Unholy.