Best Half Hour Heroes Podcasts (2025)

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42: Doom Patrol #116 56:23

Play Pause

2y ago56:23

56:23

Devin and Brian discuss potentially the oddest issue of Doom Patrol yet (which is also incredibly dark), as well as Madame Rouge’s kinks, what the Chief does on the second Tuesday of every third month, and why the Abominable Snowman is the complete package.By Devin & Brian

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41: Doom Patrol #115 43:40

2y ago43:40

43:40

Brian and Devin discuss mutants (for real this time) in Doom Patrol 115, as well as weird ways that rich people get tax write offs and Into the Woofs, and also have a slightly serious conversation about word evolution.By Devin & Brian

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40: Doom Patrol #114 41:48

2+ y ago41:48

41:48

Devin and Brian discuss Kor and his city destroying gun in Doom Patrol 114, as well as Brian’s apparent issues with habeas corpus, the timeline of Chicken Nuggets (Mc and otherwise), and ways that cavemen can give positive affirmative enthusiastic consentBy Devin & Brian

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39: Doom Patrol #113 44:23

2+ y ago44:23

44:23

Brian and Devin discuss the main story of Doom Patrol 113, as well as if masculinity is jowly, how machines and sausages work, and the logistics of attacking erogenous-zone-first. Also, Devin sings a lot. We're sorry.By Devin & Brian

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38: Doom Patrol - Beast Boy's Backstory 1:08:25

2+ y ago1:08:25

1:08:25

Devin and Brian are joined by the good-for-many-things co-host of Titan Up the Defense, Cory, to discuss Beast Boy's origin back-up stories, as well as how accepting a princedom is like eating broccoli, matching hats with countries, and tough choices around cheese.By Devin & Brian

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37: Doom Patrol #112 54:15

2+ y ago54:15

54:15

Devin and Brian discuss the conclusion to the Zarox-13 plot that basically ignores its first half, as well as the beginnings of Beast Boy not understanding sex humor, issues with alien-tech Life Alert, and perm-related conspiracy theories.By Devin & Brian

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36: Doom Patrol #111 49:34

2+ y ago49:34

49:34

Brian and Devin cover an admittedly frustrating Doom Patrol 111, and also discuss Devin’s mom’s methods of paper editing, joining a naked family, and how this issue was so stupid even Brian couldn’t Brian.By Devin & Brian

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35: Doom Patrol - Larry's Back Story 1:15:48

2+ y ago1:15:48

1:15:48

Devin and Brian return from a very long hiatus to discuss Larry's backstory from issues 106 through 111, as well as the fact that Louis Zamperini is a multiversal constant, how circuits work, and distinct types of cartoon aunts.By Devin & Brian

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90: Israel at the Tour de France 16:34

3y ago16:34

16:34

One of the fastest-growing teams at the Tour de France is one that carries the name of Israel. But is it an effort to develop cycling as a sport, or simply a promotional opportunity for the country? Michael Daventry speaks to Sylvan Adams, Ron Baron and Chris FroomeBy Jewish News

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34: Doom Patrol #110 54:42

3y ago54:42

54:42

In their last episode before their hiatus, Devin and Brian discuss the finale of the Beast Boy/Galtry story, as well as the evolution of the Brain's relationship with Mallah, whether or not Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas was intended for sex-use, and the Chief's Dinner Theatre. See you all later this fall!…

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33: Doom Patrol #109 51:00

3+ y ago51:00

51:00

Devin and Brian discuss the fate of the definitely-not-dead Doom Patrol as well as resurrecting poop, Brian's method of eating Neapolitan ice cream, and how jars work.By Devin & Brian

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89: Did the pope ignore the Holocaust? 26:46

3+ y ago26:46

26:46

Pius XII has long been criticised for failing to act as Jews were being rounded up across Europe and on his doorstep. The Vatican says new papers released in recent years go some way to absolving him but historian David Kertzer tells Michael Daventry there was much more he could have doneBy Jewish News

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32: Doom Patrol #108 49:16

3+ y ago49:16

49:16

Devin and Brian discuss the pretty tense Doom Patrol 108, as well as conservative America's true problem with Elvis, bows as a better type of minimum wage, and how there's no way to redeem a Never-Been-Kissed.By Devin & Brian

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88: Israel at the United Nations 18:04

3+ y ago18:04

18:04

Danny Danon, Israel’s former ambassador to the United Nations and now a senior figure in Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, talks about ancient coins, his Arab counterparts and his future ambitions in Israeli politics with Michael DaventryBy Jewish News

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31: Doom Patrol #107 47:08

3+ y ago47:08

47:08

Devin and Brian discuss the continuation, escalation, and complication of the Beast Boy/Galtry story, as well as their dog’s aptitude as a cheerleader, Cars (Pixar, 2006) role-play, and their email-induced guilt and anxiety.By Devin & Brian

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87: Keir Starmer: 'judge me by my actions now’ 15:12

3+ y ago15:12

15:12

In a wide-ranging interview ahead of Passover, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tells Jewish News’ political editor Lee Harpin his party has undergone a seismic shift under his watch – and shares his seder secrets. Introduced by Michael DaventryBy Jewish News

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30: X-Patrol #1 1:11:00

3+ y ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Devin and Brian welcome guest X-Pert Miles Stokes to discuss Amalgam’s X-Patrol #1, as well as Devin’s recurring nightmares, how much dominos relate to luck, and just how 90s the 90s could be.By Devin & Brian

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86: Tributes to a fallen hero of Ukraine 36:03

3+ y ago36:03

36:03

In this special edition of the Jewish News podcast, we discuss the plight of Jews on the ground in Ukraine with journalist Natalie Gryvnyak and the potential impact of sanctions on Russian philanthropists.By Jewish News

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29: Doom Patrol #106 46:28

3+ y ago46:28

46:28

Devin and Brian discuss the main story of Doom Patrol 106, which is getting continuity-heavy enough that Devin has to do a "previously on", as well as Devin's disgusting food habits as an 8-year-old, Maxwell Sheffield's sinful secret, and what’s actually going on with Rita’s hair.By Devin & Brian

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85: The battle to help Jews in Ukraine 41:54

3+ y ago41:54

41:54

Ukraine is the only news story in town at the moment and in this week’s episode Michael Daventry speaks to eyewitnesses, charities, aid agencies and journalists to help you make sense of how Jews in the country and around the world are being affectedBy Jewish News

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84: Impact of Covid restrictions being lifted 32:18

3+ y ago32:18

32:18

After Boris Johnson announced the end to coronavirus restrictions, we examine the measures community institutions are taking to keep everyone safe. Joining this week’s podcast are, Daniel Carmel-Brown, chief executive of Jewish Care, Rabbi Alex Chapper, of Elstree and Borehamwood United Synagogue, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive officer, Rabbi Ch…

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28: Doom Patrol #105 1:11:30

3+ y ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Devin and Brian discuss Rita's failed honeymoon plans and the end of the Robotman backstory (or is it?) in Doom Patrol #105, as well as how to break into our home easily, the math Devin does for our listeners, and some legit discussion of comic books as a medium that was not meant to maintain readership.…

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83: Condemning Bezalel Smotrich: did the Board of Deputies do the right thing? 42:31

3+ y ago42:31

42:31

A far-right Israeli politician visits London and is unexpectedly denounced by Britain's largest Jewish communal body, with reverberations around the world. Jewish News foreign editor Michael Daventry discusses a bewildering week with Jerusalem Post editor Yaakov Katz, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and Dov Ben-Shimon from the Jewish Fed…

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82: Chief Rabbi's appeal to young Jews 33:29

3+ y ago33:29

33:29

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis sits down with Jewish News to discuss why he's putting climate change and the refugee crisis at the centre of a world-first programme for young British JewsBy Jewish News

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81: For Queen and community 28:29

3+ y ago28:29

28:29

The Queen will become the first Monarch to serve for 70 years on 5 February. In this special episode, we examine her relations with country and community with ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship, former Buckingham Palace aide Zaki Cooper, long-time investiture photographer to Her Majesty Charles Green and David Ereira, honorary president of Norwood. Hosted…

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80: What use is a Jewish diaspora for Israel? 36:44

3+ y ago36:44

36:44

Israel will probably never send troops to help Jews in distress like it once did in Entebbe, according to the country’s diaspora minister Nachman Shai, but there’s plenty to do for non-Israeli Jews. In his first major UK interview since becoming Israel’s diaspora minister he talks to Michael Daventry about soaring antisemitism, the prospects for Pa…

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79: Texas shul siege: How safe are we? 37:10

3+ y ago37:10

37:10

In this week’s Jewish News Podcast, editor Richard Ferrer is joined by CST chief executive Mark Gardner, JW3 chief executive Raymond Simonson and Imam Abdullah Antepli to analyse the impact and implications of the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue siege in Texas.By Jewish News

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27 Doom Patrol #104 54:45

3+ y ago54:45

54:45

Devin and Brian have Alex of Doom Patrol Studies on to discuss Doom Patrol 104: The Wedding of Rita (Elasti-Girl) and Steve (Mento). Naturally, there's discussion of the fashion, the guest list, but we also manage to cover the utility of public art, the value of working from home, and letters written by actual fans and not just Arnold Drake in a wi…

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78: Losing hope for Poland 27:43

3+ y ago27:43

27:43

In the week Poland fired Jaroslaw Marek Nowak, its envoy to the Jewish community, for comments he made in a Jewish News interview, Michael Daventry explores the reasons behind his dismissal, his achievements during his six months in the role and the prospects for the future. With Polish journalist Karol Darmoros, Sebastian Rejak from the American J…

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26 Doom Patrol #103 1:07:14

4y ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Devin and Brian discuss both stories in Doom Patrol 103, which seem like they shouldn’t take a while, but they do. While we’re at it, we discuss how scientific readings may be like bra-sizes, popular soups, and modest streakers. Also, prepare yourselves, because we have a Sentence Diagram Battle.By Devin & Brian

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77: A year of headlines: 2021 in review 37:17

4y ago37:17

37:17

From the Gaza conflict and weddings during lockdown, to the return of Louise Ellman to Labour and the 50th anniversary of Fiddler on the Roof, we look back over a hectic year at home and abroad. Guests include foreign editor Mike Daventry, political editor Lee Harpin, executive editor (features) Brigit Grant, editor and co-publisher Richard Ferrer …

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76: Who is the real Eric Zemmour? 11:50

4y ago11:50

11:50

Jewish News Foreign Editor Michael Daventry looks behind the story of the far-right Jewish candidate who has taken France's presidential election by storm — because of his opposition to immigrantsBy Jewish News

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75: Putting antisemitism centre stage 59:24

4y ago59:24

59:24

We examine the issue of antisemitism in the world of theatre on the back of the Royal Court scandal in which it called its billionaire baddie Hershel Fink - but claimed he wasn't Jewish. With actors Tracy Ann Oberman, Louisa Clein and Murray Hecht and director Adam Lenson. Presented by Nicole Lampert.…

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25: Doom Patrol #102 1:04:53

4y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Brian and Devin discuss the conclusion to the Doom Patrol’s first crossover in Doom Patrol 102, as well as the difference between normal fictional cities and fictional capitols, the dangers electric fans posed to 1960s men, and - naturally- Miss Marple.By Devin & Brian

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74: Azeem Rafiq Interview 18:43

4y ago18:43

18:43

In his first interview since revelations emerged about hateful comments he’d made on social media a decade ago, former Yorkshire cricketer and racism whistleblower Azeem Rafiq told Jewish News how he will make amends over his antisemitic remarks. He tells us how he’d had little contact with Jews as a youngster and promised to now use his platform t…

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73: Antisemitism in sport 29:14

4y ago29:14

29:14

Following shocking footage of antisemitic chanting by West Ham fans, a conviction for a Chelsea supporter who shared vile social media posts, and the racism row engulfing Yorkshire County Cricket Club, we look at the issue of intolerance in sport. Guests on this week's episode include writer and lifelong Chelsea supporter Ivor Baddiel, chair of the…

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72: Anti-Jewish hate on social media 26:07

4y ago26:07

26:07

We all know people can be nasty online, and that for Jews a lot of that nastiness quickly turns into hate. But shouldn't social media companies be doing more to deal with it? Or is it time for governments to order them to do it? Michael Daventry explores why antisemitism is flourishing online with the Anti-Defamation League’s Jonathan Greenblatt, I…

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24: Challengers of the Unknown #48 52:59

4y ago52:59

52:59

Devin and Brian discuss Challengers of the Unknown 48 (aka The Doom Patrol's first crossover) as well as whether white undershirts are shorthand for gay sex, how to play euchre, and postulations as to who actually read Challengers of the Unknown.By Devin & Brian

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71: The life and legacy of Lord Sacks 51:35

4y ago51:35

51:35

As communities around the world prepare to mark Lord Sacks’ first yahrzeit, we examine his impact and legacy with the former Foreign Secretary David Miliband, South Africa’s Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, CEO of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust Joanna Benarroch and Alan Sacks, the legendary leader’s brother.…

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70: Gilad Shalit anniversary 23:09

4y ago23:09

23:09

Activist and campaigner Gershon Baskin tells Michael Daventry how he worked behind the scenes to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, the young IDF corporal who was released from captivity in Gaza a decade ago this week. Baskin recounts how he worked Hamas and Mossad backchannels and tells us about the man Gilad Shalit has become today.…

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23: Meet Your Doom #101 Main Story 46:58

4y ago46:58

46:58

Brian and Devin discuss the main story of Doom Patrol 101, as well as fancy sandwiches, lines of inheritance between professors, their families, and grad students, and how Brian can Brian himself.By Devin & Brian

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69: The Professor David Miller affair 24:15

4y ago24:15

24:15

This week’s Jewish News Podcast debates the belated sacking by Bristol University of David Miller, the professor who accused Jewish students of being “pawns of a racist regime engaged in ethnic cleansing”. Joining presenter Richard Ferrer are Baroness Ruth Deech, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism,Gideon Falter and president of Bristo…

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68: Labour Conference Special 45:09

4y ago45:09

45:09

Political editor Lee Harpin and news editor Justin Cohen discuss the highs and lows of Sir Keir Starmer’s first full Labour conference at the helm. We also get the views of party chair Annelise Dodds, shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens, NEC member Luke Akehurst and Jewish Labour Movement chair Mike Katz.…

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22: Doom Patrol #100 & 101 - Cliff's Backstory 50:11

4y ago50:11

50:11

Devin and Brian discuss the back matter (and Cliff’s backstory) of Doom Patrol 100 and 101, as well as whether comparing babies to nuclear bombs makes sense in this political climate, garlic toothpaste, and why you should always invite Aunt Agatha to your bachelorette party. Also, Brian finally breaks Devin. (CW: there's some talk of self-harm in t…

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67: The Abraham Accords - one year of normalisation 36:55

4y ago36:55

36:55

Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and former Bahrain Ambassador to the US Houda Nonoo reflect on the first year of the Abraham Accords and what's still to come. We also hear from former defence secretary Liam Fox about his decision to head a new UK group to promote the Accords. Hosted by Mike Daventry…

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66: 9/11 special edition: ‘I was saying the Shema as the Tower collapsed’ 22:19

4y ago22:19

22:19

Three Jewish New Yorkers - emergency services volunteer Benjamin Diamond, Twin Towers office worker Ari Schonbrun and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik - recount their memories of September 11, 2001, a day that changed their world. Hosted by Michael DaventryBy Jewish News

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21: Doom Patrol #100 - Main Story 54:05

4y ago54:05

54:05

BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP! Devin and Brian discuss Beast Boy’s origin in the main story in Doom Patrol #100, as well as grad students' obligations to raise their advisors’ orphans, the evolutionary path of dinosaurs and pterodactyls, and how Brian has an answer for every plot hole.By Devin & Brian

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65: High Holy Days in a (partially) post-covid world 31:59

4y ago31:59

31:59

With the High Holy Days returning to a semblance of normality but Covid still very much with us, Rabbis Alex Chapper, Debbie Young-Sommers and Alby Chai discuss what shul-goers can expect and the impact of this unprecedented period. Hosted by Francine WolfiszBy Jewish News

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64: Afghanistan in crisis 39:17

4y ago39:17

39:17

Hours before the terrorist attacks on Kabul airport, Afghan-born Cllr Peymana Assad, MP Tom Tugendhat and World Jewish Relief CEO Paul Anticoni discuss the desperate rush to rescue vulnerable Afghans and the Jewish community’s efforts to support those fleeing the TalibanBy Jewish News

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63: We need to talk about Poland 41:29

4y ago41:29

41:29

The Polish government says historians are getting it wrong about the Holocaust. It’s using its hold over parliament and the courts to push its own narrative — which has even caused the worst diplomatic spat with Israel in history. Is it possible to change course now? With Professor Jan Grabowski, Lord Pickles, Nadav Eyal and Baroness Deech…