Podcast appearances and mentions of Jonathan Freedland

Bestselling author and journalist, Jonathan Freedland, discusses some of his favourite authors, The Beatles, his writing process - and - gives us some brilliant book recommendations too. We also hear from Jeremy Vine - who is a big fan of Jonathan's books - and find out who would be invited to his fantasy dinner party.

Donald Trump has in recent months turned his attention to ousting Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. But the US president and his secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, are under scrutiny over military strikes on suspected drug boats from Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's Tom Phillips about why people are accusing Trump of war crimes

Donald Trump has in recent months turned his attention to ousting Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. But the US president and his secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, are under scrutiny over military strikes on suspected drug boats from Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's Tom Phillips about why people are accusing Trump of war crimes

In 1943 a group of high society anti-Nazi's from Germany met together to discuss ways in which they could defy the Nazi regime and rebuild Germany after the war. What they didn't know is that at that meeting there was a spy. Someone who would betray them all. In Jonathan Freedland's new book, The Traitors Circle, he tells this unknown story of those within the Nazi regime that chose to give up everything to defy and disrupt Hitler's plans. Why? Well, it's not as clear cut as you could imagine. In fact, most of these anti-Nazi's could have stayed silent, looked the other way, and remained comfortable in their high society lives until the war was over. But they didn't. In my conversation with Jonathan Freedland, we talked about what or who could convince a group of men and women who did not need to give their lives up to sacrifice for the ultimate good of not only Germany, but the world. I hope you enjoy. Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

Journalist and bestselling author, Jonathan Freedland, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest book - 'The Traitor's Circle' They chat about his extensive research, love of history, the incredible real-life stories of bravery he discovered and put in the book and how and when he likes to write. Although this book is non-fiction, it reads like a thriller! Some of the stories in it are quite remarkable! Here's a bit more info on the book:A thrilling true story of courage, resistance and ultimately betrayal in the Third Reich, captured by internationally bestselling author and prize-winning journalist Jonathan Freedland.The Traitors Circle tells the true, but scarcely known, story of a group of secret rebels against Hitler. Drawn from Berlin high society, they include army officers, government officials, two countesses, an ambassador's widow and a former model - meeting in the shadows, whether hiding and rescuing Jews or plotting for a Germany freed from Nazi rule. One day in September 1943 they gather for a tea party - unaware that one among them is about to betray them all to the Gestapo. But who is the betrayer of a circle themselves branded 'traitors' by the cruellest regime in history?In another page-turning work of nonfiction that reads like a thriller, Jonathan Freedland, acclaimed author of The Escape Artist, sheds light on one of the most dramatic episodes of the second world war, telling a story of courage, resistance and ultimate betrayal that has deep moral resonance for our own time, and asks what kind of person it takes to risk everything and stand up to tyranny.

In this special episode taped live onstage in New York, John interviews his pal Jonathan Freedland – Guardian political columnist and co-host of the Unholy podcast – about his new book, “The Traitor's Circle: The True Story of a Secret Resistance Network in Nazi Germany – and the Spy Who Betrayed Them.” Freedland, the author of nine thrillers under the pen name Sam Bourne, describes how "The Traitor's Circle," like its predecessor “The Escape Artist,” marries rigorous research with the techniques of genre fiction to create a serious work of historical non-fiction that reads like an Agatha Christie mystery. The two also discuss how pop culture has processed the Holocaust, from “Shoah” to “The Odessa Files” and “Inglorious Bastards.” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RHLSTP Book Club #162 - The Traitors Circle - Richard talks to journalist and author Jonathan Freedland about his non-fiction thriller, The Traitors Circle, which isn't about the TV series, but the horrific consequences of failing to discover a traitor in your midst in real life. They chat about the parallels between Nazi Germany and other more recent political developments, the surprising group of people who resisted Hitler in varying degrees and the complicity of the vast majority. How one of the characters in the story was at the heart of development of mass extermination and how others were willing to go along with mass murder, the incredible luck that Hitler enjoyed in the various assassination plots that he survived, the fervour with which his supporters continued his work, even as their enemy was at the gates and how there is no justice for the traitor at the heart of the circle. Plus how in spite of the horror of the subject, the bravery and rebellion of the people who opposed the regime is an incredible positive and what effect does a subject like this have on the author.Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-traitors-circle-the-rebels-against-the-nazis-and-the-spy-who-betrayed-them-jonathan-freedland/7872819SUPPORT THE SHOW!See details of the RHLSTP LIVE DATES Watch our TWITCH CHANNELBecome a badger and see extra content at our WEBSITE Buy DVDs and books from GO FASTER STRIPE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erika Kirk – the widow of Charlie Kirk, the rightwing activist killed in Utah in September – has indicated she would be willing to support JD Vance in a 2028 presidential bid. Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, invites senior Republicans on to her podcast for discussions with conservative women. And the Trump administration is developing baby-boom policies it hopes will help gain the backing of women in the midterm elections. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi about the Republican drive to win over women

Erika Kirk – the widow of Charlie Kirk, the rightwing activist killed in Utah in September – has indicated she would be willing to support JD Vance in a 2028 presidential bid. Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, invites senior Republicans on to her podcast for discussions with conservative women. And the Trump administration is developing baby-boom policies it hopes will help gain the backing of women in the midterm elections. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi about the Republican drive to win over women

Abigail Pogrebin is joined by bestselling author, podcast host ("Unholy") and British journalist Jonathan Freedland to discuss his real-life thriller- "The Traitors Circle: The True Story of a Secret  Resistance Network in Nazi Germany- and the Spy Who Betrayed Them."

In an incredible U-turn, Donald Trump this week signed a bill directing the justice department to release more files from the investigation into the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes amid a huge bust-up with his former firebrand loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has led the calls for him to release the documents. Is this the start of a Maga breakdown? And where will this increasingly hostile row between them go? Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Rolling Stone reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez about how the former allies fell out and what will happen next with the Epstein files

In an incredible U-turn, Donald Trump this week signed a bill directing the justice department to release more files from the investigation into the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes amid a huge bust-up with his former firebrand loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has led the calls for him to release the documents. Is this the start of a Maga breakdown? And where will this increasingly hostile row between them go? Jonathan Freedland speaks to Rolling Stone reporter Nikki McCann Ramirez about how the former allies fell out and what will happen next with the Epstein files

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qq_LY5Ftf8MFollow us on social media and join Patreon to get more of Unholy: https://linktr.ee/unholypodAfter Donald Trump warmly welcomed Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Yonit and Jonathan explore what enhanced US military sales to the kingdom mean for Israel's security - and how the changing relationship between Washington and Riyadh is reshaping Israeli politics. They examine the UN Security Council's adoption of Trump's Gaza plan, the fragile ceasefire on the ground and the growing threats facing journalists in Israel.And we dip back into our recent live event at the Streicker Center in New York City, with some sharp - and much-needed - humour from Alex Edelman. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jonathan Freedland is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Save the World and he's a weekly columnist for the Guardian and previously the Guardian's Washington correspondent. He hosts the Guardian's Politics Weekly America podcast, presents BBC Radio 4's The Long View and co-hosts the Unholy podcast,. He is also the author of several thrillers under the pseudonym Sam Bourne and is a past winner of the Orwell Prize for Journalism. His new book is The Traitors Circle: The True Story of a Secret Resistance Network in Nazi Germany—and the Spy Who Betrayed Them” Jonathan and I discuss his incredible new book as well as British politics and Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, and the populist parallels to Donald Trump's MAGA movement. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

Jonathan Freedland unpacks Donald Trump's latest U-turn over the Epstein files – the one scandal the president just can't seem to shake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Just when Donald Trump thought he could celebrate the end of the longest government shutdown in US history, the Democrats had a trick up their sleeve. They released another batch of emails, some from the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who wrote that ‘of course he knew about the girls', referring to Trump. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's George Chidi about why the Epstein files will not go away and how the saga is likely to unfold over the next few weeks

Just when Donald Trump thought he could celebrate the end of the longest government shutdown in US history, the Democrats had a trick up their sleeve. They released another batch of emails, some from the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who wrote that ‘of course he knew about the girls', referring to Trump. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's George Chidi about why the Epstein files will not go away and how the saga is likely to unfold over the next few weeks

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lxA2yVSOzakFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon A week that spanned both sides of the Atlantic: in New York, Zohran Mamdani has been elected the city's next mayor — a result that's caused unease among parts of the Jewish community. Yonit and Jonathan are joined by The Atlantic's Yair Rosenberg to unpack the reaction and what this political shift could mean for New York's Jews. Meanwhile, in Israel, the week's biggest story returns to Sde Teiman — and to the extraordinary admission by the army's chief military advocate that she was behind the leak of the video that sent shockwaves through Israel and beyond. To help untangle this tangled and troubling saga, Yonit and Jonathan speak with Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel. Plus, a bold nomination for Chutzpah and some truly feel-good Mensches of the Week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This time last year, no one had really heard of him. Now, Zohran Mamdani is the first Muslim, millennial and person of south Asian heritage to run America's largest city. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Ed Pilkington about Mamdani's historic win, his challenge to the president, and what the Democrats should take away from a successful night at the ballot box

This time last year, no one had really heard of him. Now, Zohran Mamdani is the first Muslim, millennial and person of south Asian heritage to run America's largest city. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Ed Pilkington about Mamdani's historic win, his challenge to the president, and what the Democrats should take away from a successful night at the ballot box

Less than an hour before Donald Trump met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to discuss a deal that could end the trade war between the two superpowers, the US president posted on Truth Social that he had directed the Pentagon to match Russia and China in nuclear weapons testing. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jonathan Czin, the former director for China at the National Security Council, about why Trump did this and whether he or Xi left South Korea feeling the strongest

Less than an hour before Donald Trump met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to discuss a deal that could end the trade war between the two superpowers, the US president posted on Truth Social that he had directed the Pentagon to match Russia and China in nuclear weapons testing. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jonathan Czin, the former director for China at the National Security Council, about why Trump did this and whether he or Xi left South Korea feeling the strongest

Millions of people across the US attended No Kings protests against Donald Trump last weekend. The president publicly denied he wanted to be a king, but he posted an AI-generated video of himself dressed as one, flying a fighter jet and dumping excrement on protesters. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the political scientist Barbara Walter about the tactics the Trump administration is using against protesters

Millions of people across the US attended No Kings protests against Donald Trump last weekend. The president publicly denied he wanted to be a king, but he posted an AI-generated video of himself dressed as one, flying a fighter jet and dumping excrement on protesters. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the political scientist Barbara Walter about the tactics the Trump administration is using against protesters

Donald Trump has his hands in multiple pies around the world. Not satisfied with the Middle East, the president is attempting to end the war in Ukraine, influence elections in Argentina and manage conflict with Venezuela. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's Andrew Roth about what happened to the ‘America first' president. Having made himself the king of America, does Trump want to be king of the world?

Today, we journey back to Berlin in the summer of 1943, where a clandestine gathering of Germany's elite quietly plots to resist Hitler's regime. But there is a traitor in their midst...We're joined by acclaimed journalist and author Jonathan Freedland, author of 'The Traitors Circle: The Rebels Against the Nazis and the Spy Who Betrayed Them'. He unravels the true story behind the Solf Circle - a group of courageous men and women who risked everything to oppose the Nazis from within.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Freedland, columnist with The Guardian, reacts to the newly-signed peace deal that has delivered an Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/wwiAJvAeoN0As a ceasefire and hostage deal is signed between Israel and Hamas, Yonit and Jonathan unpack what it could mean for both sides — and for those still living with the war's aftermath. They explore the relief and uncertainty surrounding the release of hostages, the possible political outcomes in Israel, and the fragile hopes for peace after two years of war. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas had agreed the first phase of a new ceasefire deal in Gaza. We've been here before, but is it different this time? Has Trump proved the doubters wrong? Jonathan Freedland speaks to Julian Borger about the prospect for peace in the Middle East and the US president's role in getting to this point

The US supreme court starts a new term on Monday, and the nine justices are preparing to take on cases that could prove crucial to the future of American society and democracy. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Prof Leah Litman about what exactly motivates the nine judges who are supposedly tasked with upholding the US constitution? When did the highest court in the land become so apparently partisan? Is there any coming back from this?

The US supreme court starts a new term on Monday, and the nine justices are preparing to take on cases that could prove crucial to the future of American society and democracy. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Prof Leah Litman about what exactly motivates the nine judges who are supposedly tasked with upholding the US constitution. When did the highest court in the land become so apparently partisan? Is there any coming back from this?

After weeks of threats from both sides and negotiations that went nowhere, the US is once again experiencing a government shutdown. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Marianna Sotomayor, a congressional reporter at the Washington Post, to look at who should take the blame, who suffers, and who will blink first

The US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has long been consumed by the neurological condition autism – what causes it, and whether there's a treatment. This week, Donald Trump took on the cause, making claims about acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol and paracetamol, that were dismissed outright by medical experts around the world. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Carter Sherman, the reproductive health and justice reporter at Guardian US, about when and why the obsession with autism became political

Award-winning Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland explores themes from his new, Nazi era book, The Traitors Circle, including how human beings react to evil in their midst; considers what he sees as the growing threat of authoritarianism in the UK, the Tommy Robinson rally, and the involvement of Elon Musk; ponders whether or not participation on X is the best way to combat populist, and extreme, views projected from the platform; rejects the blaming of Israeli government policies on Jews while acknowledging the connection many Jewish people feel to the state of Israel; calls out what he sees as the injustice of Israel's response to the atrocities of October 7th; reveals the role his father played in his becoming a journalist, and explains why he became an Arsenal fan. 

This week, the US president has announced he is suing the New York Times for $15bn, and gloated that the late-night TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been suspended. JD Vance has also promised to crack down on ‘far left' groups. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the president of The Nation magazine, Bhaskar Sunkara, about the future of the constitutional right to free speech for Americans who disagree with Trump

The Matts are joined by author and journalist Jonathan Freedland to discuss his remarkable new book, The Traitor's Circle. It's a forensically-researched historical story of resistance against the Nazis from inside Germany. Written in the style of a classic whodunnit, Freedland has created a thriller that not only sheds new light on the actions of at least some Germans during the war - but also sounds a warning about the state of the world today and the indications that fascism is once more gaining ground. It's a brilliant, engrossing conversation about a brilliant, engrossing book. Enjoy!Buy The Traitor's Circle: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-traitors-circle/jonathan-freedland/9781399813679OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Teq1Qe9EEyMMeet us at Unholy Live NYC - October 29th, 2025 - https://streicker.nyc/events/unholy-liveFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/unholypodJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Order "The Traitors Circle" by Jonathan Freedland - https://www.amazon.com/Traitors-Circle-Resistance-Germany_and-Betrayed/dp/0063373203As America reels from the shocking assassination of the pro-Trump activist and organiser Charlie Kirk, Yonit and Jonathan assess the rising menace of political violence in the U.S. — from toxic rhetoric to loose gun laws. Meanwhile, the region is rocked by Israel's first-ever airstrike on Qatar, raising fears of escalation and fury in the Gulf.Jonathan wears two hats this week — both co-host and guest — as he reflects on the release of his new book The Traitors Circle, which tells an astonishing true story of courage, resistance and betrayal during the Third Reich.Plus: a Chutzpah award that dominates the headlines, and a Mensch nominee whose pronunciation sparks an unexpected debate.

On Wednesday night, Charlie Kirk, an influential rightwing activist and Donald Trump ally, was shot dead at a university campus in Utah. The US president immediately blamed the ‘radical left' but failed to mention rising violence against Democrats. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian's Washington DC bureau chief, David Smith, about the increase in political violence in the country

Quentin Johnson reviews The Traitors Circle by Jonathan Freedland, published by Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

Donald Trump wants to change the way Americans vote, promising to introduce measures such as mandatory voter ID and a ban on mail-in voting. But what is his motivation? And what might the consequences be? This week Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian US politics and democracy reporter George Chidi about whether the president could be trying to tip the scales in next year's midterms Send your questions and thoughts to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com

A fight over a redrawing of the congressional map in Texas united Democrats across the country. This week, we hear from the state representative Nicole Collier about why she slept on the House floor for two nights, and Jonathan Freedland speaks to the KQED reporter Marisa Lagos about why the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, sees an opportunity in fighting dirty

This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to the journalist Gil Duran about his upcoming book The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Global Democracy

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F2anQPufbgJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon  After ministers vote to approve the reoccupation of Gaza, tensions erupt between Israel's political leaders and the military establishment. With senior IDF officials voicing unease, the divide between the cabinet and the high command deepens. This week, Jonathan is joined by Channel 11's diplomatic correspondent Suleiman Maswadeh to unpack the political and military implications — and to discuss how the war is likely to shape the Arab vote in Israel's next elections. And we continue our summer tour of the world's Jewish communities with a focus on Australia, courtesy of a conversation with Nomi Kaltmann. Plus: “Locksgate” earns this week's Chutzpah award, while a rare exponent of civility earns the Mensch prize

With a summit in Alaska and national guard troops in DC, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Susan Glasser of the New Yorker about the week that may dent the US president's ‘strongman' image

Donald Trump needed his Maga base to focus on something other than the Jeffrey Epstein files. Enter Sydney Sweeney and the uproar over a jeans advert. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to politics reporter Amanda Marcotte about ‘cancel culture' being a useful tool in a political crisis

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-GUoFGFz0pgJoin our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreon Pre-order "Don't Feed the Lion" by Yonit Levi and Bianna Golodryga: https://linktr.ee/DontFeedTheLionDon't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform! As Israel signals its intent to reoccupy Gaza, the public conversation around the Strip is beginning to shift — but how far, and in which direction? Meanwhile, the battle over the draft bill continues to simmer, exposing deep divisions within Israeli society. This week, Jonathan is joined by New Yorker journalist Ruth Margalit to break down the latest developments on both fronts, and to launch a new series of conversations from across the Jewish world. First up: Ilanit Spinner, a German journalist, reflects on what it means to be Jewish in Germany in 2025 — and how the war is shaping daily life far beyond Israel's borders.

Despite growing pressure to lower interest rates to appease the president, the Federal Reserve voted to leave them unchanged. This week Jonathan Freedland speaks to Heather Boushey, former chief economist to Joe Biden, about the latest tussle between the White House and the Federal Reserve

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LjM6XrBB440Don't forget to follow/subscribe to your favourite podcasting platform!Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonAs the war nears its 22nd month, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens — with harrowing footage of children searching for food sparking growing outrage, even among Israel's staunchest allies. Meanwhile, the Israeli government prepares to push forward a controversial draft bill, fuelling an already volatile political climate. This week, Yonit and Jonathan are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation on the war, Donald Trump, his thoughts on the man who would be New York mayor: Zohran Mamdani and the question everyone's asking: is there a way out?

Donald Trump has filed another lawsuit against a media company. This time though, he's up against the billionaire media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the author of Murdoch's World: The Last of the Old Media Empires, David Folkenflik, about the potential fallout for the president

Donald Trump really wants people to stop talking about Jeffrey Epstein, but his Maga base, including some prominent commentators such as Laura Loomer, want his administration to ‘release the files'. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Ali Breland of the Atlantic about the tricky situation the US president finds himself in