Third Opinion Podcast

This week's episode features an interview with author Mark D. Friedman about his latest book, "Come On, Let's Reason," detailing why many younger Jews feel disconnected from traditional Judaism — and why embracing Jewish identity doesn't have to mean following all 613 commandments. Friedman offers a thoughtful perspective on how Judaism can evolve without losing its core.  We also highlight a stri...

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains in limbo, raising urgent questions: What does each side truly want from a ceasefire — and who gets to define its success? As families continue to plead for the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, international pressure mounts while domestic divisions intensify. We hear from Shosh Bedrosian of Israel TV (ILTV) and Eric Mandel of the Middle East Polit...

As proposed peace talks between Israel and Hamas shift by the hour, Mike and Laureen break down the latest developments and where negotiations currently stand. They also examine how Jewish voters are weighing their choices in the New York mayoral race—especially with a prominent anti-Israel candidate in the mix. Plus, the hosts discuss behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Israeli and Saudi delegati...

Mike and Laureen analyze the political rise of Zohran Mamdani, winner of New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, and examine the implications of his controversial views. Then, they turn to the U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and share expert insights on damage assessments by Col. Richard Kemp, a former British commander in Afghanistan, on how Gazans view Hamas; Jim Sciutto,...

Mike and Laureen delve into the United States' massive and clandestine military strikes in Iran. They explore the implications and strategic motivations behind these tactical maneuvers with key experts: Benham Ben Talibu, Senior Iran Analyst with Foundation for Defense of Democracies; General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Arizona Senator Mark Kelly; and James Acton, co-director...

Mike and Laureen focus exclusively on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. They explore the geopolitical stakes and global reactions with expert insights from Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor of Government at the University of Essex. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast!

In this episode, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Consul General of Israel in Miami, reflects on his four years serving as a diplomat in Florida. And as the number of deadly antisemitic incidents rise, Mike and Laureen debate the First Amendment rights and the threats of antisemitic activities across the country. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to  The Third Opinion Podcast.

Mike and Laureen break down the week's headlines, tackling false claims of blood libel in Gaza and debunking media reports alleging that the IDF fired on civilians during the retrieval of humanitarian food boxes from the Gaza Humanitarian Fund. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast.

This week, Mike and Laureen reflect on the tragic and senseless shootings of Israeli Embassy diplomats Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, gunned down outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The episode also features interviews with Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., discussing concerns of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and Aaron Cohen, Israeli Special Operations veteran, she...

Mike and Laureen examine the week's major headlines from the Middle East, including President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates and the lifting of Israel's food blockade into Gaza. Later, Mike interviews Avi Melamed, Middle East terrorism expert and founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Inside the Middle East, for insight into the shifting political and security landscap...

This week's show features Daniel Meron, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, discussing why Israel should remain in the UN. And Rawan Osman, a Syrian-born, Lebanon-raised Muslim who converted to Judaism, sheds light on antisemitic attitudes and the state of education in the Middle East. Thank you for listening, sharing, and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast!

Mike and Laureen are joined by Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow and Iran Program Senior Director with Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Maya Sulkin, a reporter with The Free Press , describes troubling findings in Harvard University's 311-page report detailing Jewish students' and staff members' experiences with antisemitism, stereotyping and discrimination. The hosts also debate whether the...

As the world reflects on the passing of Pope Francis, Laureen and Mike debate whether he was ultimately a friend or foe to the global Jewish community. Marking the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Rachel Levy shares her harrowing escape from the gas chambers. Plus, Mike reads a compelling essay suggesting that Jewish success hasn't occurred in spite of ant...

This week, the show features ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt's testimony before the House Ways & Means Committee on efforts to curb antisemitism on college campuses. We also hear from Ken Stern, one of the original drafters of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, who raises concerns about its use in ways that may restrict free speech. Thank you for list...

This week, Mike and Laureen debate whether the U.S. government has the authority to deport visa or green card holders for anti-Israel or antisemitic remarks, or for supporting Hamas. Additionally, former CIA Political Analyst Brad Gordon discusses efforts by the U.S. and Israel to curb Iran's nuclear capabilities. Thank you for listening, subscribing and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week on the program, Mike and Laureen unpack how media misinformation has shaped coverage of the Israel–Hamas war. They also break down MSNBC's  The Weekend interview, exploring the debate over revoking student visas and the legal implications of detaining individuals without adjudication.

On this week's program, Mike and Laureen explore Palestinian protests against Hamas in Gaza and the deportations of foreign college students expressing support for Hamas. Plus Honest Reporting's Jackie Alexander weighs in on the balance between college students' First Amendment rights and incitement to violence. Thank you for listening, subscribing and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast.

On this week's program, Mike and Laureen discuss the controversy behind the end of Israel's ceasefire and renewed attacks in Gaza. And they look at updates on the effects of funding being withheld from Columbia University and other colleges. Thank you for listening, subscribing and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast.

On this week's program, Mike and Laureen discuss the current administration's efforts to deport people for acting against the best interests of the country. Is it legal? Our hosts have very different opinions! You'll also hear from author Edwin Black on why claims of genocide against Israel are baseless and the facts illustrate the opposite. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Th...

This week, Mike and Laureen share their different views on President Trump's plan to end the war in Israel and you'll also hear the pros and cons of cutting off electricity to Gaza. It's a high-energy debate on this episode of the Third Opinion Podcast! Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast.

On this week's program, you'll hear an interview with former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid to get his thoughts on the tunnels built by the Hamas terrorists in Gaza. You'll also hear from Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about what the future holds for Gaza once the war comes to an end. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week, Mike and Laureen will speak with Blaise Misztal, VP for Policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), about what might happen in Gaza once the war has concluded. You'll also hear from Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois about why he believes we're seeing shades of the 1930s right here in the United States and around the world. Thank you for listening, subscribing...

On this week's episode, Mike and Laureen continue their debate on where Elon stands with respect to Israel and the Jewish community. You'll also hear from some Palestinians that have no problem sharing their thoughts on US President Donald Trump and his strategy to end the war with Hamas. All this and more awaits you on this week's program. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Thi...

Laureen and Mike have a jam-packed show for you this week! You'll hear horrific accounts of what it's like to be a Hamas hostage and we're bringing you an interview with Israel's "top marketer", Hillel Fuld, where he'll share his insights on the ongoing war in Israel. All this and more awaits you on the next Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

We are pleased that the ceasefire is holding, and more hostages have been released by Hamas -- but at what cost? Laureen and Mike will also report on continuing antisemitic activity at Cornell University. All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!