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Religion & Spirituality

Jonny Gould's Jewish State

Jonny Gould

The first in this space as others followed. Chronicling Jewish life with Jonny Gould's Apple Podcast category number one hit show, projecting a positive image of Jewish values and Israel through conversations with great people.

Jonny is the go-to interviewer for presidents and politicians, artists and ambassadors, sports and celebs, rabbis and rockstars - the military and even Mossad.

Subscribe to The Podcast of Record now.

Find more of Jonny at http://linktr.ee/Gould and http://x.com/jonnygould

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  • 21 episodes
  • Updated Today

Episodes21

Newest first
  • Today · 35 min

    210: Or Yissachar: "Israel needs a National Security Doctrine to define what kind of nation it should be in the world"

    Find all of Jonny's latest articles and over 220 podcast interviews recorded over seven years via his ⁠Substack⁠. What should Israel’s long-term security strategy actually look like? For nearly 80 years, Israel has fought wars, responded to terror and dealt with one existential threat after another. Many of these conflicts are called “operation something or other”, and are often forgotten by the blinding lights of bigger wars fought either side of them. Nevertheless, they are still part of the same war. But unlike countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom, Israel has never adopted a formal National Security Doctrine. So, as the Jewish State approaches its 80th anniversary, is it finally time to define one? My guest is Or Yissachar – one of Israel’s sharpest strategic thinkers. He’s a geopolitical and security analyst, the host of the Underscore podcast, and co-founder of the David Institute for Security Policy with the Israel Defense and Security Forum, IDSF. Together with a team of experts, Or has helped produce a proposed Security Doctrine for Israel. It’s about much more than military strength. It asks what kind of country Israel wants to be, exploring everything from education and national identity to strategic alliances, energy and manufacturing independence, and the enduring relationship with the Jewish diaspora. We’ve always kept in touch over the years, so it was a real pleasure to sit down with Or in London during his busy schedule. I think you’ll find this a fascinating conversation about Israel’s future—not just how it survives, but how it thrives. Jonny Gould is supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, promoting philanthropy. Find all of Jonny's latest articles and over 220 podcast interviews recorded over seven years via his ⁠Substack⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 27 · 20 min

    209: Nova on October 7: Aner Shapiro BDE, the young man who kept throwing live hand grenades back at the Hamas murderers. His parents Moshe and Shira Shapiro remember him

    Find all of Jonny's 200+ podcasts recorded from 2018 to the present day on his Substack. It is the privilege of my journalistic life to bring you stories of courage, resilience and extraordinary bravery that have emerged from the atrocities of October 7th—the day that changed Israel and the Jewish world moving forward. As you scroll back through my podcast archive, you’ll find conversations with survivors, bereaved families, soldiers and hostages whose experiences bear witness to that day and its aftermath. In this episode, let’s speak with Moshe and Shira Shapiro, the parents of Aner Shapiro, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at just 22 years old. Aner was among dozens of young people sheltering inside a concrete roadside bunker after terrorists overran the Nova Music Festival. As grenade after grenade was hurled into the confined space, Aner repeatedly picked them up and threw them back outside, trying to save the lives huddled behind him. He continued until he no longer could. Eventually, the terrorists overwhelmed the bunker, and Aner was murdered alongside many of the people he had been trying to protect. His courage has become one of the defining stories of October 7th, but for Moshe and Shira, it is the story of a beloved son whose values were revealed in the most unimaginable and frankly, impossible circumstances. I met them at the Nova Music Festival Exhibition and Memorial when it came to London in the summer of 2026. My thanks to Gail Davidson for making this and so many other conversations possible. And, as always, thank you to Dangoor Education and UK Toremet. Without their support, I simply couldn’t bring you Jonny Gould’s Jewish State. Find all of Jonny's 200+ podcasts recorded from 2018 to the present day on his ⁠Substack⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 22 · 55 min

    208: Young Podcaster of the Year at Independent Jewish Day School

    Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and his articles on his Substack. This is a special episode rounding up the remaining winners of this year’s Young Schools Podcaster of the Year Award from Independent Jewish Day School in Hendon, London. Remember, these are 10- and 11-year-old children with extraordinary access to remarkable people and their extraordinary stories. Every Jewish family has stories of triumph over adversity, of courage, perseverance and applying intellect in the service of justice. As you’ll hear, those stories come from every place and every generation. First, Hadar Gamsu interviews Brigadier General Oren Solomon. He has devoted more than 20 years to military service, consistently putting himself in harm’s way to protect others. On October 7th, he fought in southern Israel, helping defend communities and save lives during the fiercest battles. During a distinguished career, he also fought terrorists in northern Israel and throughout the Second Intifada. His exceptional bravery is matched by his calm, thoughtful and principled leadership. Then Maya Gutkin speaks to Paul Morgan-Bentley, the former Head of Investigations at The Times and Head of Forensic Journalism at Channel 4. Paul has spent years exposing complex scandals inside major organisations, journalism that has made a real difference to public life. And Ava Minsky interviews her great-aunt, Eve Willman, who came to Britain on the Kindertransport from Austria when she was just five years old. Now aged 93, Eve was awarded the British Empire Medal for her tireless work sharing her story with future generations. She recalls arriving at Liverpool Street Station and the organised chaos of finding foster families, a moment that changed the course of her life forever. With sincere thanks to Year 6 head, Dov Cohen and headmaster, Yosh Radomsky. The enthusiasm your classes have had over the year makes this project so worthwhile. I couldn’t bring you these stories without the support of Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, promoting philanthropy. Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and his articles on his ⁠Substack⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 26 · 31 min

    206: "Menachem Begin's memory is being suppressed by Left-leaning academia and media", Herzl Makov, CEO of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center

    Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles on his Substack. Menachem Begin remains one of the least understood giants of the twentieth century. A freedom fighter, a terrorist, a liberator of Jewish people, his own and subsequent generations, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a champion of Jewish dignity after the Holocaust, and Israel’s sixth Prime Minister, Begin transformed the country’s politics forever. He brought peace with Egypt, welcomed Soviet and Ethiopian Jews home, ordered the destruction of Saddam Hussein’s nuclear reactor, and gave voice to Israelis who had long felt ignored by the political establishment. Yet behind the history books was a deeply principled, intensely private man whose moral convictions shaped every decision he made. Our guest today has dedicated much of his life to preserving that extraordinary legacy. Herzl Makov is the CEO of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, the national institution entrusted with safeguarding Begin’s archives, museum, educational programmes and research. For decades he worked closely with Begin himself, offering a rare personal insight into the man behind the statesman. In a distinguished career in public service Herzl was also Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir. We’ll discuss how Begin’s ideas continue to influence Israel today, why his life story still matters to democracies around the world, and the work of the Heritage Center in bringing his values to new generations. We’ll also explore the acclaimed documentary Upheaval, which tells the remarkable story of Begin’s rise from persecution in Europe, through the underground struggle for Jewish statehood, to the office of Prime Minister. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, promoting philanthropy. Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles on his ⁠Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 18 · 25 min

    205: Daniel Taub: What is it to be an ambassador and why? The Young Podcaster of the Year returns

    Find more of Jonny's podcasts and articles on his Substack. Our Young Podcaster of the Year series is presented in partnership with Dangoor Education. This is now the fourth year of the competition, and each year I’m reminded of one of the most valuable resources we have – the next generation. I visit schools to meet young people with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to ask the questions that adults sometimes are inhibited to ask. Just as importantly, they’re supported by parents and teachers who encourage them to explore the world around them. This episode features our latest winners, two outstanding Year 6 pupils from Independent Jewish Day School in Hendon, north London: 10-year-old Talya Sacks-Goldstein and 11-year-old Amalie White. Talya and Amalie impressed me with their intelligence, confidence, and thoughtful approach to interviewing. As winners, they earned the opportunity to co-host an episode with me – and they certainly made the most of it. Together, they secured time with an exceptional guest: Ambassador Daniel Taub. Born in London, Daniel is an Israeli diplomat, international lawyer, author, and accomplished public speaker. He served as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2015, helping to strengthen diplomatic, technological, and trade relations between the two countries. He has also played significant roles in international legal affairs and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Educated at Oxford and Harvard, Daniel has written extensively on diplomacy, Jewish thought, and the art of constructive disagreement. Few people are better placed to offer insights into international relations and the challenges facing today’s world. The Young Podcaster of the Year programme, supported by Dangoor Education, aims to encourage young people to think seriously about journalism, to show that thoughtful reporting and careful research still matter. Have a word with your headteacher and put them in touch with us if you want to take part next year. This Talya Sacks-Goldstein and Amalie White as with Ambassador Daniel Taub. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, promoting philanthropy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 12 · 18 min

    204: Nova tribute to Jake: Parents Lisa and Michael Marlowe

    Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and writings on Substack. Help support Jonny with a monthly chai latte at buy me a coffee. My guests today are Michael and Lisa Marlowe, the parents of Jake Marlowe, who was murdered at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023. Playing it back brings tears to my eyes as a parent. Jake was a 26-year-old British-Israeli musician and security guard. Known to many as the bassist for the hardcore band Desolated, he had toured the world before building a life in Israel. On the morning Hamas terrorists attacked the festival, Jake was working as part of the security team. Witness accounts say he spent his final moments helping others escape to safety. He died as he lived — looking after other people. When I met Michael and Lisa, they had already spent hours recounting the worst day of their lives to journalists from around the world. Michael had just completed an especially emotional interview and needed a moment to compose himself. In the brief time we had together, I was able to offer my condolences and a hug before speaking with Lisa, who courageously continued the conversation. It takes extraordinary strength to relive such loss in public. I hope these conversations offer something meaningful — a chance to honour Jake’s memory, to ensure his story is heard, and perhaps, in some small way, to contribute to the tribute he deserves. Of course, no interview can lessen the pain of losing a son. Some losses are simply carried forever. You’ll first hear a short conversation with Michael Marlowe, followed by my fuller interview with Lisa. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. May the memory of Jake Marlowe be a blessing. Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and writings on ⁠Substack⁠. Help support Jonny with a monthly chai latte at ⁠buy me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 27 · 38 min

    203: Surviving Hostage: Almog Meir Jan, 246 days in Gaza, the courageous IDF rescue and the loss of his father as he came home

    Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his Substack channel. Support his efforts by buying him a coffee here. Our guest today is Almog Meir Jan — one of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. Almog was taken from where he hid in woods near the Nova Music Festival, where hundreds of young people were either murdered or abducted. For months, his mother Orit campaigned tirelessly around the world for his release. I interviewed her on TalkTV back in November 2023, and I remember telling her then that I believed her son would come home. Today, I have the privilege of sitting opposite Almog himself — here in London — alive, free, and ready to tell his story. Tragically, just hours before Almog was rescued and reunited with his family, his father died, never getting the chance to see his son return home. We’ll talk about October 7, the terror of captivity inside Gaza, the moment of rescue, what kept hope alive, and what he wants the world to understand now about the hostages still being held. This is a remarkable conversation — and one I’ll never forget. Jonny Gould is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet. Find the rest of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his ⁠Substack⁠ channel. Support his efforts by ⁠buying him a coffee here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 19 · 28 min

    BONUS EPISODE: Israel Situational Update with Lt. Col (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus

    Find all of Jonny's podcasts and articles via his Substack channel. You can support him by buying a coffee here. With thanks to the Anglo-Israel Association and ELNET UK, it was a pleasure to hear Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus. A former international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, where he served for 24 years as a combat commander, military diplomat and strategic communications officer, Conricus is now a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, specialising in Middle East security and regional affairs. As he often points out, he now speaks as an independent voice rather than on behalf of the Israeli government or military. In this concise briefing, Conricus gives a sobering yet at times cautiously hopeful assessment of the region. Gaza, despite the terrible bloodshed and the sacrifices being made by IDF forces, remains bleak and unresolved. On Lebanon, he noted signs that the weakening of Hezbollah may be allowing some Lebanese voices to express a very different attitude towards Israel. On Iran, he suggested there are still grounds for cautious optimism that internal pressure could eventually bring change. He also addressed the alarming worldwide surge in antisemitism since October 7th, which he described as having grown far beyond what many imagined possible. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 13 · 18 min

    202: Surviving Nova: Tomer Zadik on the Moment Music Stood Still

    Find all of Jonny's podcasts and articles on his Substack. Before we start today’s episode, a quick note: our guest, Tomer Zadik from Tel Aviv and an Israeli Navy veteran, was just 23 when his life changed forever. He survived the horrific attack at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023 — a day meant for music and celebration that instead became a tragedy, claiming more than 270 lives and injuring thousands. Tomer’s story is one of survival, courage, and endurance in the face of unimaginable chaos. He faced moments most of us can barely imagine, and his experience at Nova has shaped him in profound ways — a story that spans trauma, resilience, and the human instinct to carry on." "For those in London, you can witness the impact of that day at the Nova Exhibition, from May 20th through July 2026. Titled ‘06:29 AM — The Moment Music Stood Still,’ the exhibition recreates the festival environment and memorializes those who were lost, offering visitors a powerful space to reflect and remember. In today’s episode, Tomer shares his personal account of survival at Nova Festival — the moments of fear, courage, and resilience that defined that day. Stay with us as we hear his story firsthand." Help Jonny make these episodes by buying him a coffee. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 7 · 55 min

    201: World Judo Gold, Sagi Muki: Championing Israel after October 7th and friendship without borders with Iranian Saeid Mollaei

    Find all of Jonny's writing, podcasts and videos on his Substack. I had the incredible honor of sitting down with Sagi Muki—Olympic medalist, 2019 World Champion Judoka, two-time European Champion, and part of Israel’s bronze-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics. But this conversation went beyond medals. How he overcame a career-threatening back injury just before the Rio Olympics… how he stayed motivated at the very top of the sport… what it’s like to represent Israel on the global stage after October 7, and the untold story behind his extraordinary friendship with Iranian competitor Saeid Mollaei. This is Sagi Muki, in-depth, with thanks and gratitude to JNF UK, who made it all possible. Would you like to help Jonny makes his podcasts? Buy him a coffee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • April 29 · 55 min

    200: Young Podcaster of the Year treads the boards: Jason Isaacs and Nathan Trochet

    Find all of Jonny's writing and podcasts on his Substack. It’s year four of our Schools Podcaster of the Year Award, presented by Dangoor Education — a project close to my heart because it’s about encouraging the next generation to think seriously about journalism, storytelling, and the power of asking the right questions. Today’s young people are growing up in a world saturated by TikTokers, YouTubers, influencers and instant opinion. News and current affairs reach them faster than ever, often through the pressure and noise of social media. Real journalism still matters. The heavy lifting of inquiry, accuracy, courage and curiosity remains fundamental to our democracy and freedoms. And this award is our way of encouraging high-minded journalistic ambition in the next generation. All three of our winners today come from North West London Jewish Day School. First, Maya Ryz and Leonore Gould quiz Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs. Jason's built an accomplished screen career, from Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter to acclaimed roles in The Patriot, Star Trek: Discovery and The OA, combining intensity, wit and remarkable range. Then Sarah Amsellem gets to grips with her cousin, Nathan Trochet. Jonny Gould's Jewish State proudly supports our North West London Jewish Day School Podcaster of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • March 25 · 52 min

    199: Eduard Shyfrin: The journey from Soviet steelworks to faith, purpose and Jewish identity

    Help Jonny continues to make his podcasts by ⁠supporting him here⁠. Born to a family who lived in a one-bedroom basement apartment in Soviet Ukraine, denied opportunity because he was Jewish, and starting out at the bottom of a steel mill, Eduard Shyfrin went on to build a vast business empire — but that’s only part of his story. In this episode, he takes us from Soviet hardship and discrimination to music, memory, reinvention and Jewish identity, revealing how a boy shaped by love, discipline and adversity became a profound Jewish thinker and entrepreneur. He's also a musician and a determined smoker! Don't miss this out-of-the-box conversation on kabbalah, data and philosophy with Eduard Shifryn. Help Jonny continues to make his podcasts by supporting him here. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, promoting philanthropy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • March 8 · 23 min

    BONUS EPISODE: Operation Epic Fury. US and Israel launch aerial attacks across Iran and assassinate the Ayatollah.

    Find all of Jonny's podcasts and writings on his Substack pages. The October 7th War aka the 47 year long Iran Israel War is reaching a head. The head of the snake is being cut off. This is a collage of soundbites, news conferences and parliamentary statements which tell the story of how this decisive leg of the war started in the early hours of Saturday morning, the 28th February 2026. It also underscores the ideological schism that exists between Britain and Europe and on the other hand the United States. In this episode, we'll hear from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, British opposition leader of the Conservatives Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK party leader, Nigel Farage. Think about supporting Jonny's work and find all his episodes and appearances on TV at buymeacoffee. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is supported by Dangoor Education and UK Toremet, supporting philanthropy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • February 25 · 1 hr 2 min

    198: Rawan Osman: The journey of an Arab Zionist, “I lost my family to find my truth” .

    Find all of Jonny's podcasts and writings on my Substack and help me by buying a coffee. In this conversation, we meet Rawan Osman - a woman of Syrian and Lebanese heritage who grew up in a world where the "Jew" was the ultimate, untouchable enemy. Rawan’s worldview shattered during an everyday trip to a grocery store in Strasbourg. What started as a visceral panic attack at the sight of Hebrew turned into a life-altering epiphany. "That gentleman converted me from an enemy to an ally simply by deciding to be kind," she says. It wasn’t just a change of heart; it was a total identity reset. From the discovery of her Mizrahi Jewish blood to the "chutzpah" of a tradition that encourages you to argue with God, Rawan deconstructs the patterns of prejudice with unflinching clarity. But what is the personal cost of choosing conviction over comfort? How do you rebuild an identity when your family and friends remove themselves from your world? Rawan offers a roadmap for finding truth in a region defined by shadows. This isn’t just a conversion story, it’s a wake up call for the future of the Middle East. Join us for the story of Rawan Osman! Find all of Jonny's podcasts and writings on my⁠ Substack⁠ and help me by ⁠buying a coffee⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Dec 24, 2025 · 27 min

    194: Bottling the Shock of Bondi as a Call for Action

    Find Jonny's articles and all of his podcasts here. Support Jonny's efforts by buying him a coffee or two! The world moves on fast. The headline ticker keeps rolling, attention shifts, and even the most brutal moments are softened by the relentless pace of the news cycle. But for those left to mourn — and for Jewish communities across the global diaspora — the shock of Bondi has not faded. It’s hardened into fear. Fear driven by the perceived lack of action by western leaders against creeping Islamist incursions into the West, attacks that target Jews and threaten the very foundations of open societies themselves. This episode is an attempt to bottle that shock. To take you back to the moment you first heard the news — whether you woke up to it, saw it break during your day, or learned of it whichever time zone you’re in. To remind you how it felt as you lit your own Chanukah lights on day one. You’ll hear from eyewitnesses there as it unfolded collected from Sky News Australia. From a doctor, speaking anonymously who treated the dead and injured. From an Australian police officer on the scene. From Rabbi Levi Wolff of Sydney’s Central Synagogue. And from the highest levels of leadership in Israel — President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus as Chanukah drew to a close Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns, on the government’s response to the tragedy. We’ve since seen an unimaginable terror plot foiled in the UK, by Britain’s secret services for what can best be described as a Bataclan style massacre on Manchester’s Jewish communities. This is not about letting the Bondi moment pass. It’s about remembering it — clearly, honestly, however uncomfortably. Action on this international persecution of Jews must start now. Jonny Gould's Jewish State is proudly supported by Dangoor Education. Find Jonny's articles and all of his podcasts ⁠here⁠. Support Jonny's efforts by ⁠buying him a coffee⁠ or two! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices