Unholy: Two Jews on the News
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
Latest episodes
Oct 1, 2021 • 36min
Shalom, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye
The high holidays are behind us and the news is back to some routine. Israeli PM Naftali Bennett spoke to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and with the US Jewish community: Jacob Kornbluh of The Forward was in the room and is joining us to share his insights. As Angela Merkel bids farewell, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the 'charged' emotions older and younger Jews in Israel and around the world have towards Germany. And... Jonathan realizes it's easier to choose a Chutzpah nominee than to fill your car with gas (or petrol).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 24, 2021 • 42min
Unholy Sukkah - with Kara Swisher
Yonit and Jonathan are in festive Sukkot spirits and have invited rockstar journalist Kara Swisher for a conversation about tech, politics and Israeli unicorns. Happy holidays everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 15, 2021 • 33min
Yom Kippur Fast Episode
Yonit and Jonathan catch up right before Yom Kippur with some tips for fasting and book recommendations. They also share experiences from their interviews with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and Hillary ClintonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2021 • 35min
Rosh Hashanah, Prison Break, 9/11
We recover from Rosh Hashanah with the crazy Israeli prison break story. Six high risk Palestinian security prisoners escaped and left Israeli authorities puzzled. Yonit and Jonathan also look back at the effect of 9/11 on Jews and Israelis, and devise an alternative plot of The White Lotus starring... The Netanyahu Family. (Click here for Netanyahu's photo reading David Cameron's book) We'll see you next week on Wednesday for a special 'Pre-Fast' episode for Yom Kippur. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 3, 2021 • 38min
Jewish New Year Special featuring Gal Gadot and Sacha Baron Cohen
Yonit and Jonathan are back with a second season of UNHOLY, just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Sacha Baron Cohen and Gal Gadot choose their "Mensch of the Year", we ask how are President Biden and Israel PM Bennett doing regarding Afghanistan, Iran, COVID and... each other. And we finally learn Jonathan's not-so-secret nickname. Shana Tova everyone!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 1, 2021 • 34min
TV Made in Israel - with Richard Plepler
From In Treatment to Fauda, Homeland to Shtisel - Israeli TV is now a global bingeing phenomenon. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Former Chairman and CEO of HBO, Richard Plepler, to talk about how Israeli stories have broken new ground with viewers around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 2021 • 35min
Old Problems, New Leaders
COVID is hitting back in Israel and Iran is presenting a new challenge to new PM Bennett and new-ish President Biden. In the US, progressive events are starting to shun Israeli participants. Finally, Yonit and Jonathan grade Quentin Tarantino's Hebrew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 18, 2021 • 38min
Bibi, Inside and Out
While the newly formed Bennett-Lapid government is taking its first steps, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the one who is stepping down. What did Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 consecutive years in power mean for Israelis and for Jews outside of Israel? Follow us on instagram @twojewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 11, 2021 • 40min
In With the New - with Jake Tapper
As a new political reality takes form in Israel, we try and estimate what a Netanyahu-Bennett handover would look like, and what are the challenges of this unusual coalition. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by CNN's Jake Tapper for a conversation about politics, Judaism, his new book and his semester at Tel Aviv University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 4, 2021 • 37min
Ch Ch Ch Changes
Yonit and Jonathan explain the forces behind the historic coalition formed in Israel, and the forces that might stop it. What does the new President-elect Herzog mean for world jews? And no need to Google our Chutzpah nominee for this weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
