Matisyahu reflects on his evolution as a Jewish musician, detailing his journey from his early forays into music, to his time immersed in Hasidic Judaism, and onto his current state of faith and fame. He discusses the impact of recent events on his identity and career, along with facing antisemitic protests during concerts.

Author Dara Horn joins the podcast to discuss Jewish responses to tragic events, anti-Semitism, and optimism for the future, alongside her new graphic novel "One Little Goat." The conversation covers themes of Jewish resilience, historical narratives, and strategies to engage younger generations with Jewish storytelling and identity.

Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz discusses the concept of dual loyalty among American Jews, advocating for a proud embrace of loyalty to both the United States and Israel as complementary rather than conflicting identities. He critiques past tendencies to downplay Jewish identity in favor of universalist values and stresses the importance of reconnecting Jewish youth with their global Jewish community.

Attorney Gary Osen discusses a lawsuit involving Palestinian-American mogul Bashar Masri, whose real estate properties in Gaza allegedly served as Hamas attack sites. The lawsuit highlights the complexities of international aid, the role of entrepreneurial leaders in conflict zones, and the alleged complicity in promoting terrorism under the guise of economic development.

Courtney Hazlett and Rabbi Diana Fersko explore crucial and sometimes quirky aspects of Passover, such as the cultural variations in Seder practices and the historic implications of the Exodus story. They discuss the inclusivity of Seders and address the discomfort some feel about non-Jewish communities hosting Christian Seders.

Entrepreneur and author Mark Gerson argues in his book 'God Was Right' that multi-millennial Torah prescriptions can be corroborated by contemporary social science, demonstrating their continued relevance. He discusses dating, clothing, and social structures as examples of Torah's practicality, proposing that adopting its principles may remedy modern societal issues.

Ayelet Zurer discusses her portrayal of Ahinoam, a complex biblical character, emphasizing themes of motherhood, identity, and faith. The episode explores how television can offer new interpretations of ancient stories, particularly the roles of women in biblical narratives.

Josh Hammer discusses his book 'Israel and Civilization' with Liel Leibovitz, positing that the future of Western civilization is intricately tied to the success of Israel and the Jewish people. The conversation explores the challenges posed by the Neo-Nietzschean right and the liberal Jewish loss of direction, advocating for a Jewish-Christian coalition to navigate current global tumult.

Jordan Rosenblum explores the profound symbolism of the pig in Jewish culture, highlighting how it's been used to affirm and challenge Jewish identity throughout history. His book "Forbidden" delves into the complexity of kashrut laws, showcasing the pig as a powerful metaphor for Jewish self-definition, resistance, and identity formation.

Jewish Studies professor Jordan Rosenblum explores the symbolic significance of the pig in Jewish culture, addressing both its historical and contemporary impacts on Jewish identity. His discussion in a recent podcast episode highlights the pig as a potent symbol used throughout history, representing transgression and often weaponized against Jews, while also illustrating internal dynamics within Jewish communities regarding dietary laws and identity.

Cary Nelson discusses how universities have shifted from their foundational principles of free inquiry to embracing ideological conformity, driven partly by growing anti-Zionism. This trend has adversely affected Jewish students and faculty, highlighting the urgent need to restore academic freedom and intellectual debate on campus.

Cary Nelson discusses the ideological decline in universities, particularly how anti-Zionism has contributed to current campus climates of ideological conformity and antisemitism. He argues that comprehensive external oversight and diverse experiences outside academia are vital for restoring academic freedom and intellectual inquiry.

AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jewish athlete in the Winter Olympics, shares insights from the World Bobsled Championships and highlights the challenges faced by Israel's bobsled team in terms of funding, equipment, and recruitment. Despite the dangers and difficulty of the sport, Edelman's passion remains evident as he details both the technical aspects of bobsledding and the operational hurdles in managing the team.

Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz argues in favor of embracing dual loyalty for American Jews, advocating for simultaneous loyalty to both America and Israel as a harmonious concept. He discusses the historical context of dual loyalty, the post-October 7th Jewish identity crisis, and the societal differences between the potential acceptance of Jews in America and Europe.

Salvador Litvak, the "Accidental Talmudist," discusses his new film "Guns and Moses," about a small-town rabbi who becomes a gunslinger following an attack on his community. Litvak also shares his journey to observant Judaism and the challenges of accurately representing Jewish characters in media.

Ilya Shapiro discusses the legal grounds for Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation from the U.S., emphasizing that it's a matter of immigration law violations due to advocating for terrorist groups, not a free speech issue. The episode critiques the mismanagement of Khalil's case by the left and some Jewish organizations, highlighting their reluctance to support these legal immigration actions.

Journalist Eli Lake critiques Trump’s handling of Ukraine, highlighting missteps including potential appeasement towards Putin, while analyzing Israel’s strategic stance post-Hamas ceasefire. Discussions extend to ongoing Middle Eastern issues with a nuanced view of regional politics and individual nations' roles in current conflicts.

In this episode, the team discusses the new streaming show 'Kugel,' a prequel to the popular series 'Shtisel.' Actress Hadas Yaron shares insights on her role and the series' impact on Jewish culture.

Yehonatan Indursky returns with a new prequel to 'Shtisel' called 'Kugel,' highlighting the rich narrative of Libbi and her father Nuchem Shtisel in Antwerp. Hadas Yaron, playing Libbi, shares insights into this fresh portrayal and the relevance of diverse Jewish narratives, reflecting on the show's impact in strengthening Jewish identity.

Dara Horn discusses the challenging realities of modern antisemitism while encouraging optimism for the Jewish future, as highlighted by her latest children's graphic novel, "One Little Goat." The conversation critiques societal responses to antisemitism and emphasizes the importance of understanding Jewish identity beyond a religious framework.