Third Opinion Podcast

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, shedding light on the networks funding the radicalization of college students. Thank you for listening, sharing, and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast.

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 landscape across the region.    Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast!

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 federal government has the right - or responsibility - to dictate universities' academic programs. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast!  

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 antisemitism—but because of it. Thank you for listening, subscribing and sharing the Third Opinon Podcast!

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 listening, subscribing and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

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 Third Opinion Podcast!

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, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!  

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 Third Opinion Podcast!

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!

On this week's program, Mike and Laureen discuss the problematic Wikipedia page for the State of Israel. You'll also hear an interview with IDF soldier Jesse Davidson, a native of Tampa, Florida, who shares his recollections from the war and his thoughts on what's ahead. All this and more awaits you on the latest Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show!

On this week's show, Mike and Laureen share the latest on the proposed ceasefire. You'll also hear new perspectives on growing antisemitism and a recap on the Jew hate that recently occured in Amsterdam. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's Third Opinion Podcast, Laureen and Mike discuss the lengths Israel went to to track down and take out the architect of the October 7th terrorist attack. They'll also get into the incredible antisemitic attacks in Amsterdam as well as a potential peace deal with Hamas to include release of more hostages. All this and more awaits you on the latest episode. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

On this week's episode, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations doesn't hold back on calling out its indefensible bias against Israel and emphasizing Israel's right and obligation to ensure the safety and security of its people. We'll also hear from journalist Douglas Murray who proves once again that those who speak out most strongly against Israel have few facts to back up their positions and resort to lies and misinformation to spread their propaganda. All this and more awaits you on the Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

On this week's episode, Mike and Laureen discuss the ongoing Houthi threat and how the US and Israel are dealing with it. Also, you'll hear a debate that clearly illustrates that the most vocal anti-Israel spokespeople are simply ignorant and/or choose to express what they know to be lies and misinformation. All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

Mike and Laureen point out another example of prejudice against Israel and Jewish people in general as they share the latest on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and her ongoing efforts to discredit the Jewish homeland. You'll also hear how some say disinformation in times of war is okay for the United States, Britain, and other countries, but, somehow, not for Israel. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week, you'll hear an interview with David Siegel. He's the President of Friends of ELNET (European Leadership Network) that is an organization very much like AIPAC is in the United States. He'll share his thoughts on rising antisemitism in Europe as well as what he thinks we should do about it. There will also be a lively discussion on what might happen if Israel chooses to attack Iran.  Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast.

The overthrow of the Assad dictatorship will have serious impacts around the world and especially in Israel. Mike and Laureen will discuss this as well as continuing misuse of the term "genocide". Thank you for listening to, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's program, you'll hear from a Virginia legislator and US veteran who explains why you can't call what's happening in Gaza a genocide. And, of course, Laureen and Mike will discuss the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States and throughout the world. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

The International Criminal Court has called for the arrest of Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes. Is this just another instance of antisemitism amongst world leaders? Mike and Laureen will also discuss the proposed ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lots to cover on this week's episode. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's program, Laureen and Mike debate the potential cabinet nominations for the Trump administration and their impact on Jewish and Israeli relations. They'll also discuss how a move toward isolationism might impact the United States' ability to keep the threat of Iran under control. All this and more awaits you on the latest Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show!

This week, Laureen and Mike do a deep dive on the 2024 US presidential election -- and sparks will fly! Also, we'll bring you the latest on the Israeli soccer fans who were brutally attacked after a match in Amsterdam. All this and more awaits you on the latest Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

This week, Mike and Laureen will discuss the real threat of Iran launching missiles at Israel again and you'll also hear from Rabbi Manis Friedman about why he thinks antisemitism continues to rise in the United States and around the world. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's episode, you'll hear an interview with a Cornell University professor who describes in detail the anti-Israel and antisemitic environment at the school and the lack of effort by the administration to address the issue. Laureen and Mike will also weigh in on the upcoming presidential election. All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

Hamas leader, terrorist, and murderer Yahya Sinwar is dead! What does this mean for the future of Hamas? Laureen and Mike will share their views on this as well as what might be in store following the presidential election in the United States. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

Mike and Laureen were both directly impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but the show must go on! You'll hear a brief update their current situations and they'll bring you a powerful interview with a Nova Music Festival massacre survivor known as the the Lady in Red. All this and more on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week, we're bringing you interviews of journalists Bari Weiss and Douglas Murray with their unique perspectives on Iran's recent ballistic missile attack on Israel. All this and more awaits you on the latest episode of the Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

On this week's episode, Laureen and Mike discuss Israel's successful efforts to weaken Hezbollah significantly and you'll also hear an interview with a young teacher from Tampa who chose to join the Israel Defense Forces and personally take up the fight against those committed to Israel's destruction. All this and more awaits you on the latest Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show!

This week, Laureen and Mike bring you the head of the Arab American Institute who can't even recognize her own blatant antisemitism and then you'll hear from two "journalists" who can't agree on the definition of genocide. All this and presidential candidate Donald Trump suggests that if he loses the election, it will be the Jews' fault. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

Former Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennet, shares his opinion on why a two-state solution just won't work and you'll also hear from author Jonathan Schanzer on the significant increase in antisemitic incidents on US college campus. All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the program!

On this week's show, you'll hear Rachel Goldberg-Polin's heart-breaking eulogy for her son Hersh who was murdered by the Hamas terrorists while being held hostage. You'll also hear from journalist Douglas Murray about what Hamas really wants --- every Jew eradicated from Israel! All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

Mike and Laureen share the sad news this week that six hostages held by Hamas were murdered execution-style this past weekend. You'll also hear from a Jewish Columbia University professor who shares his strategy for combating antisemitism when he's the victim of Jew hate where he teaches. All this and more on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's episode, Laureen returns and enemy rockets continue to bombard Israel. You'll hear about how the CIA has recruited Iranian civilians to help ensure Israel's survival and promote decency and humanity throughout the Middle East. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week, Mike is once again on his own, but there are still plenty of opinions to share! Hear for yourself how Hamas leadership takes no responsibility for the deaths of their own people used as human shields. You'll also get an update from Columbia University where blatant acts of antisemitism were more prevalent than we thought. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week Mike is flying solo while Laureen is traveling. One Jew and two opinions? You'll hear about the newly appointed leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, and what impact he may have on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Mike will also bring you some great reporting on how Hamas is tunneling under schools, hospitals, and other public buildings in order to use innocent Palestinians as human shields. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

Our guest this week is Jackie Alexander, CEO of Honest Reporting, who shares with Laureen and Mike her thoughts on how the media is covering the war in Israel. You'll hear why she thinks more Americans support Israel than the news outlets are reporting and how Hamas is winning the public relations game. All this and more awaits you on this week's Third Opinion Podcast. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

If you like heated debates, this is the episode for you! Laureen and Mike go at it over media coverage of war in Israel, Vice President Kamala Harris's remarks about Gaza, and Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the United States. You'll also hear from the parents of the American hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, still being held by Hamas. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this episode, author John Spencer, an expert on urban warfare, shares his thoughts on why Israel is being judged unfairly. You'll also hear directly from freed Israeli hostage Andrey Kozlov about his rescue by Israeli commandos. All this and more awaits you on this week's show. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

On this week's Third Opinion Podcast, Laureen and Mike will discuss elections across Europe and the potential impact on Israel and antisemitism. You'll hear from David Siegel, the US president of the European Leadership Network, who'll share his thoughts on the rapidly changing situation in Europe. All this and more on this week's program. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing!

This week, Laureen and Mike will provide undeniable proof that Hamas committed atrocious sexual war crimes and you'll also hear a report by journalist Yair Pinto from the front lines in Rafah. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast!

This week, Mike and Laureen will bring you the latest on the Israeli Supreme Court's decision around requiring the orthodox to serve in the military. You'll also hear the continuing conversation about the increasing threat coming from Hezbollah. All this and more on this week's episode! Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the Third Opinion Podcast.