

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

5 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 8min
Israel At War Week VIII: Speak of the Devil - with Michael Milshtein
Michael Milshtein, Israel's foremost expert on Hamas, shares shocking insights into Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October massacre and the man they call 'the Butcher'. The podcast discusses the emotional rollercoaster of hostage families, testimonies of captive children, controversy surrounding captivity, Hamas' goals and ideology, the bleak outlook for peace, and Israel's mistakes in dealing with Hamas.

Nov 24, 2023 • 39min
Israel At War Week VII: Held Hostage
Discussion on delay in Israel-Hamas ceasefire and release of hostages, Hamas demands for release of children and mothers, IDF's discovery of terror tunnels and international media's silence, lack of importance given by UN to Jewish hostages, emotional impact and trauma in Israel, aftermath of war including rage towards IDF and intelligence agencies, challenges of satire during war, impact on polls, emotional and psychological impact of hostage release, ongoing issue of hostages held by Hamas.

Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 9min
Israel At War: Week VI - with Amos Harel & Dan Senor
Former Pentagon official Dan Senor, author of The Genius of Israel, joins Yonit and Jonathan to discuss the resilience of Israel. They also explore the ongoing war, political accountability, calls for Netanyahu's resignation, the Al Shufa Hospital situation, the largest pro-Israel demonstration in US history, and the societal shock absorbers that contribute to Israel's resilience.

Nov 10, 2023 • 59min
TikTok War - with Kara Swisher
Kara Swisher, the influential tech journalist, joins Yonit and Jonathan to discuss the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, in the Israel-Hamas conflict. They explore the role of algorithms and foreign influence, and question if international pressure will lead to Israel's operation against Hamas coming to an end. The podcast also touches on rising anti-Semitism, the toxicity of Twitter, and the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza.

Nov 7, 2023 • 52min
War Therapy
The hosts reflect on recent difficulties and tensions. They discuss the impact of recent events on diaspora Jews and the shift in conversations. The chapter analyzes the Israeli blockade and concerns about blowback on Jews. It also discusses challenges faced by diaspora Jews and the intention of Hamas. The actions of Hamas and their impact on Israelis and Jewish people are explored.

Nov 3, 2023 • 1h 7min
Israel At War: Week IV - with Muli Segev & Simon Sebag Montefiore
Muli Segev, creator of Eretz Nehederet, discusses the role of satire during wartime. Simon Sebag Montefiore talks about the misconceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The podcast also touches on the political dynamics, international pressure, and volunteer efforts in Israel. It explores the use of humor as a coping mechanism during traumatic events, and the conflict between satire and the woke movement. Jewish comedians' identity crisis is also discussed.

Oct 27, 2023 • 1h 4min
Israel At War: Week III - with Shimrit Meir
Shimrit Meir, former adviser to Naftali Bennett, discusses the international players in Israel's conflict with Hamas, including Qatar. The hosts explore the complexity of the hostage situation, Qatar's role in mediating the conflict, Israel's goal to eradicate Hamas, the shift in media coverage, challenges of fighting a cynical terror organization, a satire program during wartime, and the achievements of women combat soldiers.

Oct 20, 2023 • 1h 13min
Israel at War Week II: Listeners’ Questions
Joe Biden becomes the first US president to visit Israel at a time of war, the world’s media blame Israel for a deadly Gaza hospital blast that, most experts now agree, was most likely caused by a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket - and Yonit and Jonathan hear the moving, probing comments and questions sent in by you, Unholy’s listeners. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: Unholy podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 13, 2023 • 51min
Israel at War: Week I
Discusses the mood in Israel after a challenging week, the new unity government's response to Hamas attacks, US President Joe Biden's show of solidarity, the blame game for intelligence and political failures, controversy at Harvard, media coverage of terrorism, and stories of heroism and resilience amidst the crisis.

Oct 8, 2023 • 36min
Urgent Update: Israel At War
This emergency episode covers the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel, with casualties and abductions causing fear and terror. The conflict is analyzed, questioning the government's ability to protect civilians. Israel faces trauma and uncertainty with missing civilians and the challenges of responding while hostages are held. The shared anxiety and unity within the Jewish community is highlighted, emphasizing the need for continued conversation and reporting on the situation.


