
For the Sake of Argument
Interviews and Debates with leaders in Philosophy, Politics, and Science
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
#80: Miko Peled: HEATED DEBATE on Israel-Palestine
Miko Peled and Jake Newfield debate the morality and moral agency of Hamas, Zionism, Israel, Palestine, and a solution.Miko Peled is the Grandson of Avraham Peled, who signed Israel's Declaration of Independence. Miko's father, Matti Peled, was the General of the Israeli Army. Miko is an activist and advocate for Palestine and has authored The General’s Son: The Journey of an Israeli in Palestine, and Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five. He is also an international speaker.For the Sake of Argument podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfieldSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfieldTimeline:00:00 - Introductions06:50 - Hamas38:55 - "Would you prosecute Hamas for killing your family?"39:56 - Moral Agency47:12 - Zionism1:04:13 - "Death to America, Death to Israel!"

May 8, 2025 • 55min
#54: Ilan Pappe: Hamas-Israel, Zionism, Antisemitism
Ilan Pappé is an Israeli historian, political scientist, and former politician. He is a professor with the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, director of the university's European Centre for Palestine Studies, and co-director of the Exeter Centre for Ethno-Political Studies. Pappé was also a board member of the Israeli political party Hadash, and was a candidate on the party list in the 1996and 1999 Israeli legislative elections.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfieldSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfieldTimeline:00:00 - Introduction03:08 - What should Israel have done after October 7th?13:11 - Hamas15:56 - Buildup to October 7th21:46 - Is Hamas a terrorist group?30:00 - Zionism32:48 - The Solution34:22 - One State Solution37:07 - Do the Jews Deserve a State?39:00 - What would Ilan Pappe's parents do?41:47 - Do Jews Need Israel?45:27 - Antisemitism49:08 - lan Pappe's Life Story52:43 - Ilan Pappe was detained at a US Airport

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 39min
#93: DEBATE: are DOGE, DEI, Trump Good or Bad?
Adam Khan, Luke Melkesian, Mason, and Micah Kunkle debate DOGE, DEI, and Trump's Immigration Policies.For the Sake of Argument podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfieldSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Jan 27, 2025 • 49min
#92: Peter Beinart: Israel and the Destruction of Gaza
Peter Beinart is a prominent journalist, political commentator, and professor known for his incisive analysis of American politics and foreign policy. He is the editor-at-large of Jewish Currents and writes a regular column for The New York Times, focusing on topics such as U.S. foreign relations, Israel-Palestine issues, and progressive Jewish perspectives. Beinart is also a professor at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY and the author of several influential books, including The Crisis of Zionism and The Icarus Syndrome.For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Jan 23, 2025 • 31min
#91: Did Elon Musk INTENTIONALLY do a Nazi Salute?
Did Elon Musk do a Nazi Salute ? DEBATE with @realsocratease
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Jan 16, 2025 • 31min
#90: Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle DEBATE Atheist: "Is Jesus Son of God?"
Cliffe Knechtle is a renowned Christian apologist and speaker, famous for his "Give Me an Answer" events where he addresses live, unscripted questions on Christianity. He has spoken on over 100 college campuses and at numerous churches worldwide. Knechtle is recognized for engaging with people of all worldviews, fostering respectful dialogue on faith and spirituality. Through his speaking, books, and media, he has impacted countless individuals, especially those seeking answers to life's big questions. His approachable, intellectual style has made him a well-known figure in Christian apologetics.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
#89: Israel-Palestine Debate: Rudy Rochman vs Wajahat Ali
Rudy Rochman is a prominent Israeli rights activist and filmmaker known for his efforts to foster understanding and dialogue around Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He gained international recognition for his grassroots advocacy and work in challenging anti-Semitism and misinformation through engaging social media content. As a co-producer of the documentary series We Were Never Lost, Rochman focuses on reconnecting Jewish communities worldwide with their rich heritage and historical narratives.
Wajahat Ali is a celebrated journalist, author, and public speaker who tackles issues of culture, politics, and religion with wit and insight. Known for his book Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American, Ali explores his experiences as a Pakistani-American Muslim navigating identity and belonging. A regular commentator on major news outlets, he is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, countering Islamophobia, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield
Timeline:
00:00 - Rudy Rochman Opening Statement
02:35 - Wajahat Ali Opening Statement
09:17 - The Debate Begins
46:57 - The Debate INTENSIFIES
57:21 - Final Statements

Dec 16, 2024 • 35min
#88: Syria's Government Collapses & Israel-Palestine Conflict Rages: Debate with Omar Baddar
Omar Baddar and Jake Newfield debate whether Israel is an Apartheid State, and also whether Jihadism and Terrorism are caused by oppression.
Omar is a Palestinian-American political analyst, human rights advocate, and digital producer based in Washington, DC. With an M.A. in International Relations, he focuses on U.S. policy in the Middle East and has appeared on CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera. His writings on Middle Eastern conflicts and progressive advocacy have been featured in Newsweek and HuffPost.
For the Sake of Argument podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakenewfield
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9DDGJz02ibpUpervM5EY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-sake-of-argument/id1567749546
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeNewfield
Timeline:
00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - Syria: Assad’s collapse
05:13 - Ceasefire with Hezbollah
07:41 - Donald Trump
12:41 - Iran
14:17 - DEBATE: Israel vs Palestine
23:18 - Is Israel an Apartheid State?
27:51 - Jihadism

Dec 10, 2024 • 2h 12min
#87: Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro: Zionism vs Judaism
Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, a distinguished author and anti-Zionist intellectual, dives into the complex relationship between Judaism and Zionism. He boldly questions whether Judaism is an ethnicity and debates the validity of identity tied to lineage. The conversation travels through the philosophical realms of infinity and divine intent, challenging conventional views on suffering and existence. Shapiro also explores the contentious link between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, emphasizing that critiques of Zionism do not equal hostility towards Jews. His insights provoke a rethinking of Jewish identity amidst geopolitical realities.

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 32min
#86: Divorce Lawyer ADVISES Married Couple | James Sexton
James Sexton, a renowned divorce attorney and bestselling author, shares his two decades of experience navigating high-stakes divorce cases. He discusses the importance of empathy and communication in marriage, offering practical tips on how to resolve conflicts. James emphasizes the need for authenticity and vulnerability to strengthen relationships and highlights the delicate balance of love and parenthood. He also reflects on the complexities of divorce in religious communities, revealing how personal growth and understanding can transform both troubled and stable marriages.