Best JPPI Podcasts (2025)

1
Inside Trump-Era Economic Diplomacy 40:21

Play Pause

23h ago40:21

40:21

In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Mitchell A. Silk, the first Hasidic Jew to serve in a Senate-confirmed U.S. government role and a key architect of Trump-era global economic policy. They discuss his new book A Seat at the Table, his work on the U.S.–China trade deal, the $94B airline rescue during COVID, and how faith, diplomacy, and duty shaped…

1
Australia’s Wake-Up Call 34:24

9d ago34:24

34:24

A terror attack at Bondi Beach shattered the belief that Australian Jews were safe. In this Hanukkah episode, Yaakov speaks with Yair Miller, CEO of Keren Hayesod-UIA Australia, about a government that ignored antisemitism, turned on Israel, and left its Jewish community exposed.By JPPI

1
To Pardon, or Not to Pardon? 40:56

15d ago40:56

40:56

As President Herzog weighs whether to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel stands at a juncture between justice and stability. Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy join Yaakov to explore why the question matters to Washington, President Trump’s role in the debate, and what a pardon could mean for Israel’s democracy and political future.…

1
Is War Returning to Gaza? 47:38

22d ago47:38

47:38

A personal and unflinching conversation with Gaza-born analyst Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib on war, governance, disarmament, and whether a real path to peace still exists.By JPPI

1
Northern Border on Edge 39:30

29d ago39:30

39:30

A year into the ceasefire on Israel’s northern border, tensions with Hezbollah have intensified. This week’s elimination of a top commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, marks a new and dangerous chapter. Former intelligence officer and Alma founder Sarit Zehavi joins Yaakov to break down the escalation and what might come next.…

1
The Mamdani Warning Shot 44:57

1M ago44:57

44:57

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch joins Yaakov for a clear-eyed look at what Mamdani’s win signals for liberal Judaism, the surge of anti-Zionism on the left, and the urgent need for clear Jewish leadership.By JPPI

1
The Rebbe Before the Rebbe 42:59

1M ago42:59

42:59

Rabbi David Eliezrie joins Yaakov to discuss his new book on Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn — the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe — whose courage and leadership under Stalin’s persecution laid the foundation for Chabad’s global revival. Together, they explore how his defiance in Soviet Russia shaped the movement that would later transform world Jewry.…

1
What Keeps the Israel-Jordan Border Quiet? 45:02

1M ago45:02

45:02

Yaakov speaks with Aaron Magid, author of The Most American King, about how King Abdullah balances cooperation with Israel and pressure from his own street. The real politics behind the cold peace.By JPPI

1
Is Phase Two of the Gaza Deal Possible? 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel & Atlantic Council Fellow Dan Shapiro joins Yaakov to discuss the fragile Gaza ceasefire, what a real “phase two” could mean for Israel and the region, and whether the path to normalization - with Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and others - can be revived.By JPPI

1
Is Evangelical Support for Israel Waning? 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

Evangelical support for Israel is fading among younger generations. Yaakov Katz speaks with Bishop Robert Stearns about why it’s happening and how to rebuild this vital bond.By JPPI

1
Negotiating a Hostage Deal 47:16

2M ago47:16

47:16

Peace activist and negotiator Gershon Baskin joins Yaakov to talk about the dramatic hostage release, the behind-the-scenes diplomacy that made it possible, and what comes next for Israel and Gaza.By JPPI

1
Rebuilding Northern Israel 27:43

2M ago27:43

27:43

When Israel’s north emptied after October 8, Nissan Zeevi of Kfar Giladi stayed behind. Now he’s leading a movement to bring families and life back to the border. A story of fear, resilience, and the fight to rebuild the Galilee.By JPPI

1
Did Israel Win the War? 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

Tomorrow, 20 hostages are set to return home – a moment that marks the end of the war and the start of a new chapter of uncertainty. Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy talk about what comes next: the Egypt summit, Trump’s visit to Israel, the political fallout for Netanyahu, and Israel’s search for direction in the post-war reality.…

1
Is The Gaza War Coming to an End? 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

This week Dennis Ross joins Yaakov Katz for all the latest developments coming out of Israel and Washington. We also break down the Trump proposal and whether or not it will be successful.By JPPI

1
A Haredi in the IDF 29:40

3M ago29:40

29:40

At a time when Israel is torn over Haredi draft exemptions, Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Naiman chose a different path: he enlisted in the IDF. He joins Yaakov to discuss faith, responsibility, and why serving is not just a duty but a statement about the future of Israeli society.By JPPI

1
The War Against Jews on Campus 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

Jews in Israel face physical attack, Jews in the Diaspora face metaphysical attack – but it’s the same war. Yaakov speaks with Amb. Marina Rosenberg of ADL about a new survey showing most Jewish students hide their identity, and what Israel must do to support Jewish life worldwide, from Vienna to Chile.…

1
What Does Hamas Want? 35:40

4M ago35:40

35:40

In today’s episode, Yaakov Katz speaks with Col. (Ret.) David Hacham, a former IDF intelligence officer who spent years in Gaza and took part in the Oslo process. They discuss Hamas, Arafat, and how it all connects to Yaakov’s new book, While Israel Slept.By JPPI

1
A Deal in Uncertainty 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

Yaakov and Shmuel Rosner unpack the latest turns in the war, weighing Netanyahu’s next move: will he strike a deal, or push to expand the fighting?By JPPI

1
Is The War Expanding? 35:52

4M ago35:52

35:52

As Israel weighs its next moves, the battlefield is only part of the story. With talk of expanding the war, questions swirl over what Prime Minister Netanyahu is really aiming for – and whether his strategy can survive the growing diplomatic tsunami crashing over Jerusalem. Veteran analysts Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy join Yaakov to unpack the milit…

1
A Diplomatic Tsunami 35:22

5M ago35:22

35:22

As Europe moves to recognize a Palestinian state, Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff joins Yaakov to unpack what it means for Israel’s global standing, the fallout with Germany, and the impact on efforts to contain Iran.By JPPI

1
Tisha B’Av in a Time of War 40:20

5M ago40:20

40:20

Rabbi David Stav, Chief Rabbi of Shoham and co-founder of Tzohar, joins us to reflect on Tisha B’Av. With Israel still at war and families grieving, how do we mark a day of mourning and unity? Rabbi Stav shares what this moment demands of us.By JPPI

1
Political Instability Amid Hostage Talks 31:59

5M ago31:59

31:59

With mounting public pressure, fissures inside the war cabinet, a NYT report on Netanyahu dragging out the war, and growing tensions between the military and political leadership, we unpack what’s happening behind the scenes – and what it means for Israel’s future.By JPPI

1
On the Ground in Gaza 35:47

6M ago35:47

35:47

What is it like to spend hundreds of days inside Gaza since October 7? In this gripping episode, we speak with Dr. Tuvia Book—IDF reservist, educator, and author—who has served continuously on the front lines throughout Israel’s war with Hamas. From the chaos of combat to the quiet moments between missions, Book shares what daily life is really lik…

1
What does Iran and Hamas want? 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

What are Iranians saying about the recent war and what do Gazans think about the continued battle against Hamas? Michael Milshtein, a former IDF intelligence officer and one of Israel’s top scholars on Palestinian society, joins us to unpack the shifting public sentiment inside two of the region’s most volatile arenas.…

1
Will Iran Ceasefire Hold? 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

Will the ceasefire hold? After nearly two weeks of intense fighting, tensions remain high between Israel and Iran. On this episode, we ask the big questions: Can the truce survive? Will Donald Trump continue to stand by Israel? Is regime change in Iran still a realistic objective? And perhaps most critically—does Netanyahu know how to navigate a vo…

1
How Much Damage Did the U.S. Cause Iran? 20:54

6M ago20:54

20:54

Andrea Stricker, a Senior Fellow at FDD and one of the foremost experts on Iran’s nuclear program, joins Yaakov to break down the recent U.S. strikes on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan – what was likely targeted, the extent of the damage, and how significantly Iran’s nuclear timeline may have been set back.…

1
On the Ground in Iran 18:10

6M ago18:10

18:10

Sima Shine—former head of research at Mossad and one of Israel’s top Iran experts—joins Yaakov Katz to break down the current war against Iran’s nuclear program. In this gripping episode, Shine analyzes the strategic logic behind Israel’s strikes, the significance of nuclear sites like Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, and what it would take to stop Ira…

1
Strategic Shifts and Political Timing 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode of The Jewish People’s Podcast, Yaakov Katz hosts a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel cooperation during the war with Iran. With sharp commentary on Donald Trump’s strategic pivot, tensions within the MAGA camp, and the nuanced role of American isolationism, the discussion dives into the diplomatic an…

1
Breaking Tehran’s Shield 26:58

6M ago26:58

26:58

Retired Israeli Navy Commander Admiral Eliezer "Chiney" Marom joins Yaakov Katz for an unflinching analysis of Israel’s unprecedented achievements in the ongoing war with Iran. From establishing total air superiority over Tehran to decimating Iran’s missile launch capabilities and military leadership, Marom explains how Israel has dismantled key pi…

1
Iran: Timing and Intelligence 24:37

6M ago24:37

24:37

In this special episode of The Jewish People’s Podcast, host Yaakov Katz speaks with Dr. Eyal Hulata, Israel’s former National Security Adviser and a 23-year veteran of the Mossad. A key architect of Israel’s Iran policy, Hulata offers an insider’s view of the intelligence, strategy, and political calculations that brought Israel to this moment.…

1
War With Iran 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

Amb. Michael Herzog joins Yaakov to discuss this critical moment in Middle East history. Herzog completed his stint as Israel’s Ambassador to the United States in January. Before that, he spent decades serving in intelligence and national security roles in the IDF and the Defense Ministry and has long focused on ways to thwart Iran’s pursuit of a n…

1
Israel Attacks Iran 19:12

7M ago19:12

19:12

Why did Israel attack Iran now? Did Trump support the operation and what can be expected next? Join Yaakov Katz for a conversation with Elliott Abrams, Former US Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela and JPPI Board Member.By JPPI

1
How Strong is Israel's Democracy? 49:06

7M ago49:06

49:06

Former Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office Eli Groner outlines the challenges within Israel’s democratic structure, explains why looking at everything through the Netanyahu prism is a mistake, and how Israel can overcome its current crises.By JPPI

1
Is Israel Alone? 44:56

7M ago44:56

44:56

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel fights back against claims that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza and explains that the Jewish state still has friends across the globe.By JPPI

1
A Trump Insider 27:26

7M ago27:26

27:26

Victoria Coates of The Heritage Foundation joins Yaakov to discuss her new book on the October 7 Hamas attack, the stakes for Israel and the U.S., and why she believes the war is a battle over the future of the West. Victoria Curtin Gardner Coates is an American political consultant. She served as Senior Advisor to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette …

1
Is Israel Isolated? 35:57

7M ago35:57

35:57

Israel’s war is escalating, hostage talks have collapsed, and key allies like the UK, France, and Canada are threatening action. Even Trump is showing signs of distance. Lahav Harkov of Jewish Insider joins us to break down what it all means.By JPPI

1
Has Trump Changed? 45:54

8M ago45:54

45:54

President Trump is skipping Israel on his current Middle East visit. He has also been negotiating deals in the region without Jerusalem at the table. Has U.S. foreign policy shifted — and what should Israel make of it?By JPPI

1
Who Will Replace the IDF in Gaza? 41:51

8M ago41:51

41:51

As Israel intensifies its operations on the ground in Gaza, we’re still left grappling with a critical question: what happens when the guns finally fall silent? Who will assume control—militarily and civically—over the Gaza Strip? In this episode, we’re joined by Lieutenant General Mark, a former Green Beret who completed six combat tours across th…

1
Carrying Loss, Finding Strength with Rabbi Yirmi Stavisky 44:17

8M ago44:17

44:17

Join us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Rabbi Yirmi Stavisky, former principal of Himmelfarb High School in Jerusalem. Rabbi Stavisky, who has lost ten of his students in the current Israel-Hamas war, joins us to share his reflections on Israel’s Memorial Day, Yom HaZikaron. Together, we’ll honor the fallen, explore the meaning…

1
Statecraft During War 46:02

8M ago46:02

46:02

In this episode, JPPI Co-Chair, author, and veteran American diplomat Dennis Ross joins Yaakov Katz for a wide-ranging conversation on the mechanics of statecraft in the context of war and regime change, drawing on key historical analogies. The discussion also delves into the ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran over a pot…

1
Celebrating Redemption When Not All Are Free 35:14

9M ago35:14

35:14

By JPPI

1
Why is Bibi in America? 31:18

9M ago31:18

31:18

Dr. Shira Efron, Research Director at the Israel Policy Forum, joins Yaakov in this episode to hash out the politics, strategy, and symbolism behind Netanyahu’s trip to Washington. They take on big questions like whether this visit marks a turning point in U.S.-Israel relations and what comes next in the Gaza war.…

1
Qatar and Israel - Behind the Headlines 29:04

9M ago29:04

29:04

In this episode, Yaakov Katz is joined by Dr. Einat Wilf, author of The War of Return, for an in-depth conversation on the Qatargate scandal, the role of UNRWA, and the Israeli government's failure—particularly under Prime Minister Netanyahu—to recognize and respond to the strategic threat posed by Qatar. The discussion also explores the broader im…

1
Can Israel Overcome Division? 34:08

9M ago34:08

34:08

In this episode, author Yossi Klein Halevi delves into the deepening divisions within Israeli society, the government's deliberate stoking of those fractures to maintain political leverage, Netanyahu's role in exacerbating the schism, and a vision for the possibility of regional peace.By JPPI

1
Is Saudi Normalization Still Possible? 33:51

9M ago33:51

33:51

In this episode, Yaakov Katz speaks with Jason Greenblatt, former advisor on Israel and Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations under President Donald Trump. They discuss the Trump administration’s relationship with Israel, its policies regarding the ongoing war and hostage crisis, and the broader region…

1
Protests, Power Struggles and The Path of War 35:52

9M ago35:52

35:52

As the war in Gaza resumes, the urgency surrounding the return of Israeli hostages has intensified the wave of protests across the country. Public frustration is mounting, not just over the prolonged captivity of those still held by Hamas, but also over the Israeli government's handling of the crisis. In this episode, our panel examines how the gov…

1
Israel On The Edge 37:22

9M ago37:22

37:22

In this episode, we welcome Haaretz journalist and author Anshel Pfeffer for an in-depth discussion on Israel’s renewed war in Gaza and the escalating internal political crisis, the Netanyahu coalition and whether or not the resumption of the war is politically motivated. Anshel also dissects the strategic missteps of the Israeli government, examin…

1
A Father's Fight, A Hostage Son's Survival 41:28

9M ago41:28

41:28

A father's fight, a hostage son's survival. In this episode, JPPI's Yaakov Katz speaks with Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen about his family's relentless battle to bring his son Sugui home from Hamas captivity, the diplomatic and political struggles they've faced, and the role of international figures, including former President Trump, in efforts to secu…

1
Is Syria Disintegrating Again? 40:52

10M ago40:52

40:52

Clashes in Syria spark questions about the new regime’s stability. Charles Lister, head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, joins JPPI senior fellow Yaakov Katz to break it down—what’s happening, regional reactions, and what it means for Israel.By JPPI

1
Jewish Peoplehood Post October 7th 37:34

10M ago37:34

37:34

In a post-October 7 world, what does Jewish peoplehood mean for Israelis today? Naama Klar, Director of The Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood at ANU, joins us to explore how identity, resilience, and global connections can shape Israel’s future. With a background in policy, diplomacy, and social impact, Klar offers insights on how to…