

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

May 26, 2023 • 52min
Conversations We Love: Etgar Keret
Happy yearly celebration of dairy - for those celebrating! While we mark the harvest holiday of Shavuot on the Jewish calendar, we're reminding you listeners of one of our favorite and most intriguing interviews as of late - with Israeli literary genius Etgar Keret. Listen back as Etgar talks about defending democracy, gives a sneak peak into his world of storytelling and shares heartening tales of his late mother. So grab your cheese-centered dish (or cheese substitute, we accept both) and tune in - we'll be back next week!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.

May 19, 2023 • 53min
Red Flag - with Michael Eisenberg
A week into the ceasefire in Gaza, nationalist activists march on the streets of Jerusalem in the controversial Flag Day annual parade, sparking conflict with Arab residents of the city. Yonit and Jonathan discuss that and all the latest political turmoil. And - an interview with leading investor Michael Eisenberg on why the best way to integrate ultra-orthodox Jews into Israeli society is to hand them less public money. Plus: the rare marine animal that’s been driving Israelis wild, and a Marvel-ous act of chutzpah. -- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/and X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenewsJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/ 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.

May 12, 2023 • 48min
Under Fire - with Barak Ravid
“Shield and Arrow” - that’s the name of the operation initiated this week by the IDF in the Gaza Strip, beginning with airstrikes on Islamic Jihad generals, and developing into extensive missile attacks on Israel. Yonit and Jonathan give an update on the current violence and negotiations for a ceasefire. Plus, we are joined by Axios scoop machine Barak Ravid, to discuss the prospects of a Saudi-Israeli peace accord, the departing of the US ambassador to Israel and his new book, “Trump’s Peace”: an insider account of the making of the Abraham Accords. Order Barak Ravid's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47WPZT1 -- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/and X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenewsJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/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.

May 5, 2023 • 1h 7min
Mother's Boy - with Howard Jacobson
Gold coaches, historic royal attire and controversial crown jewels - preparations for the coronation of King Charles have Londoners exhilarated, including our British co-host, a notable monarchy fan (just kidding, of course). As the ceremony approaches, a discussion on the King's unique relationship with Jews. And, speaking of British Jews, Yonit and Jonathan are lucky to be joined by arguably the most valued novelist of the lot - Howard Jacobson. The acclaimed author talks about his new bestseller, plus how he defends Israel's image and why he can't escape the use of Judaism in his works. Lastly, what way of celebrating May the Fourth is more acceptable than bestowing an award upon a robot?-- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/and X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenewsJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/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.

Apr 28, 2023 • 48min
75 and counting - with Ben Smith
With barbecues, the annual Air Force flybys and other festivities - Israel celebrated its 75th birthday, but not without a noticeable rift in the nation, as well. Yonit and Jonathan talk recent updates as the status of the judicial overhaul remains unclear, and revisit Netanyahu's foreign press campaign. And, we are joined by Semafor and BuzzFeed co-founder, Ben Smith, to discuss the seismic sacking of Fox News' controversial host Tucker Carlson, and whether the abrupt dismissal indicates even Murdoch’s network felt its biggest star was becoming a liability. Plus, a homage to the 17-year-old who moved Israelis to tears at the annual torch lighting ceremony. Pre-order Ben Smith's book, Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678592/traffic-by-ben-smith/ -- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/and X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenewsJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/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.

Apr 21, 2023 • 36min
Moment of Silence
In truly Israeli fashion, much has happened in the two weeks of Passover - and we've returned to try and make sense of it all! Following the holidays, Israel is deep into its season of commemoration - after this week’s Holocaust Remembrance, next week sees Memorial Day and Independence Day marking the 75th anniversary of the birth of the state. Yonit and Jonathan assess the outlook of these two occasions under the shadow of the protests - and bid farewell to two creative giants who greatly contributed to Israeli culture, with a post-mortem mensch award. 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.

Apr 14, 2023 • 54min
Conversations We Love: Malcolm Gladwell
Only a week until we resume our regular programming - and trust us, there's a LOT to talk about. But in the meantime - to conclude Passover break - we're airing yet another of our favorite talks from this season. This Friday - we're sending listeners back to Yonit and Jonathan's talk with the greatly influential literary giant, Malcolm Gladwell, to discuss how he popularized non-fiction, why social media damages the way we interpret reality, and that time a wedding toast ruined a friendship of his. 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.

6 snips
Apr 7, 2023 • 49min
Conversations We Love: Rachel Maddow
Hag Semach, listeners! Following weeks of reporting on political turmoil in Israel, we're going into Passover break with reruns of our favorite conversations as of late: starting with a fascinating chat with MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow. Tune in (again) as Rachel talks about her hit podcast, "Ultra", on an all-but-forgotten Nazi scheme to overthrow the American government, plus her take on social media as a platform for extremism. 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.

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 10min
Unholy 100 With Yuval Noah Harari
For Unholy's 100th episode, a very special guest indeed: Yonit and Jonathan talk with one of the world's foremost thinkers and writers, Yuval Noah Harari. Usually preoccupied with the climate emergency and the rise of AI, right now Harari is focused on his own country - because, he says, "the house is on fire." A wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation about Israel, the protests against the judicial overhaul - and Harari's fear that democracy could give way to dictatorship. Plus a look back at two favourite Unholy moments from the last 100 episodes. -- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unholypodcast/and X: https://x.com/2jewsonthenewsJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1150578065793142 Subscribe to our blog: https://unholypodcast.substack.com/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.

Mar 28, 2023 • 35min
Special Update: Chaos in Israel
After 24 hours of stunning drama in Israel, a special update from Yonit and Jonathan. Join them as they unpack the chaotic timeline - Sunday night's spontaneous eruption of mass protests around the country following the sacking of the defence minister, the general strike by trade unions and bosses and Monday's eventual offer of a "timeout" on the judicial overhaul from Benjamin Netanyahu - and try to determine: was this a climbdown by the prime minister or a chance for him to regroup and weaken the opposition? 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.


