Buckle Up

In this episode of Ami's House, we dive into why American isolationists are misreading the Iran conflict and, in doing so, undermining their own objectives. Featuring an insightful conversation with Mark Dubowitz– CEO of non-profit thinktank Foundation for Defense of Democracies– we unpack the pitfalls of isolationist rhetoric, explore on-the-ground realities, and discuss what constructive engagement might look like. Whether you follow Middle East foreign policy closely or are just curious about the human impact behind headlines, this episode sheds light on how U.S. isolationism can backfire and what genuine support might entail.We cover:Historical Context: Understand pre-1979 Iran, the Shah's era, and how the Islamic Republic consolidated power.Myth-Busting: Learn why common narratives (e.g., “Argo”) misrepresent key events and how that shapes public perception.Nuclear Threat Analysis: Explore the strategic factors driving Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's responses, and why timing matters.U.S. Policy & Isolationism: Discover how calls to “avoid escalation” can paradoxically make war more likely by undermining credible deterrence.Civil Resistance & Regime Change: Hear about the growing Iranian protest movements, Operation Rising Lion, and how external support might tip the balance. If you found this discussion valuable, hit Subscribe and ring the bell to get notified about future Ami's House episodes on Israel, Middle East affairs, and global politics. Consider joining our Patreon for early access, bonus content, and to help us build a grassroots community of informed viewers. Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/amishouse/postsMike's podcast "Iran Breakdown" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WyoGsvpl3c&list=PLmEsAFBNkqsMQnt5pypwEX0ul0NyIjd3EJoin the Conversation:Do you think U.S. isolationist policies help or hinder stability in the Middle East? Have you seen gaps between American debate and on-the-ground realities? Let us know your thoughts! Comments!00:00 – Iran Under the Shah vs. the 1979 Islamic Revolution02:50 – Debunking “Argo” and the 1953 Coup Narrative04:31 – Khomeini's Rise06:08 – Succession of Ali Khamenei07:03 – The Ayatollah's Biggest Miscalculation12:22 – Why NOW? The Closing Window on Iran's Nuclear Program22:20 – What are the threats to the U.S. if it attacks Iran?28:16 – The Regime's Vulnerability38:28 – Operation Rising Lion: Supporting the Iranian People to Overthrow the Regime45:22 Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and What the Isolationists Don't Get

We discuss Natasha Hausdorff's recent appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where she and Dave Smith ALMOST debated key aspects of international law, civilian impact, and media coverage of the Israel–Gaza conflict, until they both bullied Natasha into silence.Whether you watched that Piers Morgan segment or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode clarifies what went unsaid.We also cover Dave Portnoy's viral reaction on the pizza review, and what other approach he could have taken.

Why has Israel failed to win the PR war — and what can be done to change that? In this gripping episode, British journalist and thinker Melanie Phillips lays out a bold new strategy: stop apologizing, stop defending, and start exposing the moral inversion at the heart of modern anti-Zionism.We cover:→ The roots of Western antisemitism in intersectional ideology→ Why calling Israel a "colonizer" is a complete inversion of history→ The truth about Palestinian nationalism and the myth of the Nakba→ How to flip the moral script and go on offense in the information war→ The missing link between Jewish survival and saving Western civilizationWhether you support Israel, are on the fence, or just want to understand the core arguments, this is an essential conversation for our moment.Hosted by Ami Kozak and Michael Weber.

Israeli journalist, history teacher, and commentator Haviv Rettig Gur joins Ami Kozak and Michael Weber to break down the real story behind Israel's PR crisis, Trump's Middle East strategy, and the viral rise of antisemitism in American culture. We cover everything from:The four major axes of power in the Middle East

James Lindsay has recently popularized the term "Woke Right" and has gone straight at podcasters like Dave Smith, Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, and many others, criticizing them for using the same tactics the Left used to silence opposition and construct their worldview. But Ami doesn't go easy on James here, either. He pushes back hard on whether James' tactics are any better.Listen to our conversation about the fracture inside the new conservative movement — and he doesn't hold back. In this clip, James weighs in on Joe Rogan's controversial interview with Ian Carroll, the rise of the “woke right,” how Candace Owens wants to be a cult leader, and the dangers of engaging conspiracy-driven influencers without pushback.

What happens when cancel culture comes from both sides?In this unfiltered conversation, Winston Marshall — former Mumford & Sons banjoist turned political commentator — opens up about the radicalization of the left, the growing antisemitism on the right, and what really happened after he was canceled for supporting a book critical of BLM and Antifa. We dive into the rise of the “woke right,” the cultural fracture post-October 7th, and why so many formerly sane voices are flirting with extremism.Check out Winston's show, The Winston Marshall Show: https://www.youtube.com/@winston_marshallFrom Joe Rogan and Dave Smith to Hamas support at Coachella, no topic is off limits. Whether you're here for the music, the media criticism, or the takedown of hypocrisy across the spectrum — this episode delivers.

Ami and Mike catch up on all the crazy (and disturbing news from the week). We review the antisemitic sign at Dave Portnoy's Barstool bar and how he responded, how toxic Twitter has become (you're kidding!), the reaction do the Dave Smith V. Douglas Murray debate with even more time to reflect, and a great podcast episode from Malclom Gladwell that nobody is talking about.Check out the Malcolm Gladwell episode on Joe Rogan:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nX4nOsEPbsuEWMuIaX2JY?si=be3b14dbd7fd41b6Let us know what you think! Comment below.Join our Patreon Here - https://www.patreon.com/amishouse?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator00:00 Barstool drama20:30 Rogan's recent comment on Douglas Murray V. Dave Smith28:51 Has X gotten even worse?33:23 Malcom Gladwell's take on Rogan

We sit down with Nick Freitas, military veteran, commentator, and former Green Beret, to break down what so many comedians like Dave Smith get dead wrong about warfare, combat, and the real-world consequences of conflict.

When the Douglas Murray vs. Dave Smith debate on Joe Rogan first went viral, we thought we had it all figured out. But after watching the fallout—and watching it again—we realized: we got it wrong.In this episode, we revisit the debate, the explosive reactions, and the chilling aftermath. What Douglas Murray exposed wasn't just about Zionism or Gaza—it was about something much deeper happening in our culture, and we completely missed it the first time.00:00 Our Initial Reactions to Douglas Murray's performance05:26 Reaction to the reactions around the internet10:27 What was Douglas Murray thinking?13:24 The real problem with experts19:00 The bigger question about Rogan now27:40 Mocking Douglas Murray with Tim Dillon 31:05 What camp are these people in?36:29 Sam Harris/Douglas Murray conversation43:17 Mike shares a DARK vision50:40 Anything to feel optimistic about?52:48 Kanye TWEET!

There's a lot of misinformation flying around about Israel, Gaza, and international law. In this episode, international law expert Natasha Hausdorff joins us to set the record straight.00:00 Natasha on the recent British radio drama12:27 The state of the Zionism debate online right now30:32 Natasha reacts to Dave Smith's claims42:35 The Right and Left have the same goals50:07 The role Jordan plays in Palestinian suffering#israel #gaza #rogan #davesmith

Dave Smith's controversial comments about Darryl Cooper, WWII, Zionism and the war in Gaza on Joe Rogan's podcast are blowing up all over X. Critics are piling on—but most of them are missing the point.In this episode, I offer a different critique—one that doesn't rely on outrage or lazy assumptions, but goes deeper into the ideas, the framework, and the impact of what Dave said.00:00 The clip none of Dave Smith's critics are sharing9:27 What we're doing wrong on the pro-Israel side15:48 How the woke right is so inconsistent on Israel20:30 Does Dave Smith actually understand history?22:57 Debate: Is Darryl Cooper a problem?27:49 What's a better way to respond to Dave Smith and those like hum?29:42 What does Joe Rogan really believe?36:17 Worst case scenario for Israel36:39 Sam Harris and Gad Saad going at each other on X39:12 Why is there no competition to the Joe Rogan Experience?43:49 Happy Passover!#DaveSmith #JoeRogan #Zionism #Gaza #Israel #Podcast #CurrentEvents #PoliticalCommentary #xtrending

Darryl Cooper first earned national notoriety when he appeared on Tucker Carlson's YouTube show to explore the real criminals behind the atrocities of WWII. (Hint: It isn't who you think!) Now, his appearance on Joe Rogan has sparked outrage in the Jewish community, denouncing both Joe and his guest as... you guessed it. Watch it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mHt2PMKdOS6TFoGADOIY5But should Darryl Cooper be denounced? In this episode we give our takes on controversial "historian" Daryl Cooper's appearance on Joe Rogan, and the tradeoffs we make when we label someone as an antis*mite. Are we doing more harm than good? What else can we do to fight?We discuss what we liked about Darryl Cooper, what we disagree with, and how to attack his ideas rather his character.

Was Ian Carroll's Joe Rogan Interview Antisemitic? Israel advocate & comedian Ami Kozak breaks down the controversy, exposes the double standards, and explains why so many people are getting this completely wrong.

Israel stands at a crucial moment in Jewish history. Rabbi Shlomo Katz— renowned musician, Torah scholar, and unapologetic advocate for Israel's people— joins us for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the real fight for Israel's future.

Why does antisemitism keep resurfacing in different forms? Award-winning author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) breaks down the disturbing patterns behind antisemitism, how anti-Zionism is just antisemitism rebranded, and why Hollywood only tells Jewish stories a certain way. From the media's obsession with Jewish victimhood to the double standards applied to Israel, Dara exposes the uncomfortable truths no one wants to talk about. Listen to her non fiction mindblowing book on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2R3OIbsFMtEzjvaor1gpD8Ami's House is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian and musician Ami Kozak with co-host Michael Weber. We schmooze with our favorite artists and thinkers about comedy, politics, and all things Jewish. 00:00 Why Nobody Wants This is so cringe08:20 What connects every single form of antisemitism19:30 How Iran overtook the human rights conversation29:05 History of Anti-Zionism being antisemitism50:00 How to respond to Right Wingers who think Jews are crying wolf?53:44 Dara's new graphic novel, "One Little Goat"====== ====== ====== ======

Shabbos (that's really his name!) recently spoke at the RNC and has been in the news for his lawsuit against Harvard for violating laws against antisemitism. He explains how he went from being a Bernie-Sanders Democrat to campaigning for the Republican party. Follow Shabbos on X:https://x.com/shabbosk.

Hosted by Ami Kozak . Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber.

Aleeza is the most famous matchmaker in the world. You've probably seen her on her hit Netflix show, "Jewish Matchmaking." Today, she sits down to answer our most pressing questions about love and marriage. We do NOT go easy on her. Get her new book "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," out NOW! Hosted by Ami Kozak. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber. Find us on:

We break Meta's new content moderation policies down for you, Trudeau's exit, and define "Woke Right." Hosted by Ami Kozak. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber.

Please support Leket's Hanukkah campaign by donating here: https://yearend.leket.org/?utm_source=Ami&utm_medium=social Hosted by Ami Kozak. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber.

Catching up on the (tragic) news of the week.

Hillel is an Israeli musician that just released one of the most interesting and exciting albums I've heard in a very long time. Maybe ever. Check it out our conversation on this very special edition of Ami's House– with Michael doing a solo interview! And check out Hillel's album, starting with this song: https://youtu.be/KzibQhv4C94 Ami's House is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian and musician Ami Kozak with co-host Michael Weber. We schmooze with our favorite artists and thinkers about comedy, politics, and all things Jewish. Links Video for “Titkasher” by Hillel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ln-F2x52A Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/4aoxPoKOGEgbQWdM2kFncg?si=kj7nr-mGQ6CnGPAK0ZcHCw “Lihyot B'Simcha” https://open.spotify.com/track/2Z4xoG6LHtZCN2JmU0Emf9?si=874ef09a52ef480d Mikveh: https://open.spotify.com/track/3djZItackFSTDWUtWpHbOl?si=40b08f99a9aa409d Hashem is a winner song: https://open.spotify.com/track/178Xfa9x0TkrL2yyNbUgyl?si=c728be36d6ec4d13 Disco Shel Hashem: https://youtu.be/WP1bwwMlAc8?si=w4Wk_2J31chYrLD9 Pekeleh: https://open.spotify.com/track/7be25u7ORxwTMgH2tfAogi?si=1bcb17f1d9cc40b7 00:00 Intro 05:08 Hillel's Early Influences 09:55 Hillel stopped TRYING to be religious* 16:42 WHY baal teshuvah's are loving Hillel 21:52 this isn't a religious album 23:10 Hashem is a winner 31:01 Is this a Breslov album? 33:00 Who the f**k is Mike anyway? 40:15 American Jews VS Israeli Jews post 10/7 52:15 How's Hillel produce this entire thing so well? 55:00 The Chaggim in Israel 58:20 Hillel coming to U.S.?

Yes, that John Stossel. For more, check out John Stossel's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StosselTV

For the full episode, head over to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/amishouse/posts

Brian Spivak is the Founder and CEO of Barzel (https://www.barzelmedia.com ), and volunteered at the organization spearheading the social media efforts behind #bringthemhomenow. Check him out at https://www.instagram.com/barzel.media.

Distant Cousins join us LIVE in the studio for two special performances off their brand new album, plus a conversation about why they leaned into their Jewish identity after the atrocities of October 7th. Ami's House is a weekly podcast hosted by comedian and musician @aj-comedy with co-host Michael Weber. We schmooze with our favorite artists and thinkers about comedy, politics, and all things Jewish.

Pingtrip is a brilliant creator who's responsible for the viral cuts of Rogan interviews, among others. We've been dying to talk to him since we started the show, and we finally got the chance.

We catch up about the hardest week we've had since 10/7.

Check out Shmuel's hit song, here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2biQCM9i8PaFYVEYyVkn31


Congressman Ritchie Torres is the Representative from the 15th District in The Bronx, and an outspoke Zionist. Follow him on X: https://x.com/RitchieTorres


Ian Haworth is a man with a British accent, so we suggest listening to everything he has to say. He's been a contributor to the DailyWire, a computer scientist at Facebook, and has been an outspoken supporter of Israel in their fight since October 7th. → Follow Ian on X: https://x.com/ighaworth?lang=en&lang=en → Read his Substack: https://ianhaworth.substack.com/

You may have seen Seth on Lex or Rogan. You've certainly read a Babylon Bee headline recently whether you know it or not. It's like The Onion of the Right but a A LOT more Christian... but we'll let Seth explain it himself. Check out Babylon Bee, here: https://babylonbee.com/ Follow Seth on X - @sethdillon https://x.com/SethDillon And on Instagram - @beechief https://www.instagram.com/beechief/

Jared Armstrong is a professional basketball player, currently playing for Elizur Ashkelon in Israel. Recently, he launched JAB Camp to combat antisemitism and offer children affected by October 7th an outlet for fun. find out more, here: https://www.jabcamp.com/

Want to hear more in-depth reflections on Ami's Candace Owens appearance? Check out our Patreon! https://patreon/com/amishouse

For the full episode and to hear what Ami wishes he'd said, plus what Michael thought of his performance, become a Patron and support the show

Rabbi Manis Friedman is a world renowned speaker, author, and teacher. To learn more, check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCIoNiBQzEyB6rPx4G8iSAMA

(This was recorded just hours before The Hill informed BJG that she was fired). We get into the Dissident Dialogues debate, her infamous eye-roll to the sister of a hostage, and why she's different than other journalists critical of Israel.

Abe Hamra is a Syrian-born Jew who has been an outspoken Israel advocate since way before October-7th. He enlightens us with a fresh perspective on the Israel-Gaza war, from the eyes of someone who understands what the people in that region actually say they want. Find Abe on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/abrahamhamra/?hl=en.

This week, we get into Seinfeld's recent promo tour, what sets ⁠ Andrew Schulz apart from other comics, why Neal Brennan challenges Mike, and finally... why is Biden being so mean?

Here's our episode from last week recapping the mayhem at Columbia, USC, and other college campuses around the country. Plus, some thoughts on legislating "bad" speech.

If you're in the Israel/Palestine algorithm, you've probably come across one of Lionel's viral man-on-the-street reels. In his FIRST EVER podcast appearance, we go deep on what makes him tick, his troll inspirations, and get his thoughts as on outside observer on which side is right and which side is definitely wrong. Lionel on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/therealbiglie/?hl=en Lionel on X: https://twitter.com/realBigLie Lionel on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@LionelMcG100 Hosted by Ami Kozak. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber. Find us on:

We get into the response from Andrew Shulz and some others in the Rogan-verse.

Dr. Yaron Brook is the Chairman of the Board at the Ayn Rand Institute, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, a former finance professor at Santa Clara University, and one of America's foremost public intellectuals. You may have seen him on Lex Fridman or Sam Harris. We were honored to sit down with him to discuss the current war in Gaza, Candace Owens, Ben Shapiro, and how to live a meaningful life. Hosted by  Ami Kozak. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber.

Rudy Rochman is an Israel activist, content creator, and active soldier in the IDF. For our money, he's one of the best in the game at changing hearts and minds. We sat down to discuss his unique take on debating, the current war in Gaza, who's ultimately responsible, and what comes next for the Israelis, Palestinians, and hundreds of millions of Israelites around the world. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR! Not too early to start thinking about what you'll wear on Pesach! Head over to Twillory to stock up on suits, blazers, and joggers with one of their biggest discounts ever. If you're already a customer don't worry! UNTIL MARCH 29th ONLY: Use code Pesach18 & Pesach36 for $18 off $250 and $36 off $350, for NEW and RETURNING customers! https://twillory.com/ Hosted by  @aj-comedy  Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber.

Hosted by  @aj-comedy . Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber. Find us on:

Mike sits down with his mentor and spiritual guide– Ami Kozak– to learn how to be a better friend, artist, citizen, and father. Mike listens as Ami shares his wisdom on the Shane Gillis appearance on Saturday Night Live, and how the conversation around #israelpalestineconflict will evolve over the next few months.

Dovie is a standup comedian, producer, and co-host of controversial podcast Mislaibeled. He joins us for our longest episode ever to go deep on his comedy influences, performing onstage as a prominent rabbi's son, and a heated discussion on whether Dave Chappelle is an antisemite. Please support our partners!

In 2011, Alex wrote a #1 song that changed his life and changed the world of Jewish music along with it when he became an publicly observant Jew. That song went double-platinum and today Alex nearly 300-million streams on Spotify and 100k subs on YouTube. He also did a Tiny Desk Concert... so, he's the real deal. We dug deep into the myth of "Alex Clare," how his music has evolved since "Too Close," how it feels to get uber famous, working with Rick Rubin, and the evolving state of Jewish music . Check out Alex on Spotify Hosted by @aj-comedy. Co-hosted and produced by Michael Weber. Also find Ami's House on: ☼ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buckle-up/id1589871008 ☼ Instagram (@amishouse): https://www.instagram.com/amishousepod/ ☼ TikTok (@amishouse): https://twitter.com/AmisHousePod ☼ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoIZgc8_0dTwuwnQzqnyHl ☼ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmisHousePod Links ☼ Follow Ami on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amikozak_official ☼ Follow Ami on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aj_comedy ☼ Subscribe to Mike's weekly newsletter: https://contextiseverywhere.beehiiv.com ☼ Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mweber (00:00) You sick of “Too Close” or what? (14:47) Hasn't Jewish Music gotten GOOD?& listening to secular music  (23:50) Initial reaction to Too Close in the frum community  (29:39) What's Alex been working on since Too Close? (37:20) Putting tefillin on RICK RUBIN (46:08) Mysticism of performing for a crowd (47:15) UK Jews vs American Jews (49:50) European antisemitism vs American antisemitism  #jewishmusic #kosher #jewishpodcast #torahchannel #podcast #musicianinterview