Trudy Stern
Get to the heart of the issues facing the Jewish community in the U.S. and Israel with real facts, real stories, and real voices. This podcast cuts through the noise, providing listeners with straightforward, unbiased insights into current events, cultural discussions, and policy shifts that impact Jewish life today. Featuring interviews with influential experts and leaders—from members of Congress to community advocates—each episode brings listeners closer to the truth behind the headlines, empowering them with the knowledge to stay informed and engaged.
Trudy Stern speaks with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer about the 2026 midterm elections and the fight for control of Congress. They discuss key House battlegrounds, competitive races in New York, election integrity concerns in Minnesota, and what Emmer believes is at stake for the country's future.
Trudy Stern sits down with U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos to discuss his first year working from inside the United Nations to push for reform. They examine the UN’s spending, budget cuts, staffing reductions, humanitarian work, treatment of Israel, and the institutional problems Bartos believes still need to be addressed.
Trudy Stern sits down with Columbia Business School professor Dr. Shai Davidai to examine the rise of antisemitism on American college campuses following October 7th. They discuss the warning signs that preceded the attacks, the experiences of Jewish students and faculty, the role of university institutions and foreign funding, and what Davidai believes can be done to confront the problem.
Trudy Stern sits down with Senator Joni Ernst for a conversation about the growing threats facing the United States, from Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its ties to Russia and China to election interference and national security. They also discuss the upcoming midterm elections, energy prices, and the challenges facing American voters.
Trudy Stern sits down with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for a conversation about the ideological divide in American politics, the upcoming midterm elections, and the issues shaping Congress—from energy and the economy to Israel and national security.
Trudy Stern is joined by Michael Sobolik, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and author of Countering China’s Great Game, to examine the strategy behind the campaign, Iran’s growing economic isolation, and the difficult choices facing Beijing and Moscow. They discuss China’s role as Iran’s primary oil customer, the risks of secondary sanctions, Russia and China’s alignment with Tehran, and whether economic pressure could ultimately threaten the survival of the Iranian regime.
Trudy Stern and political strategist Michael Fragin discuss how the DSA and other progressive groups have built political power by focusing on low-turnout Democratic primaries, particularly in heavily Democratic New York districts. They examine the weaknesses of the current primary system, the Democratic Party's response to the leftward shift, and whether increased voter turnout, grassroots organizing, and electoral reform could counter the movement's influence.
Trudy Stern is joined by Dr. Jonathan Schanzer to examine the ongoing conflict with Iran, the weakening of its proxy network, the stalled negotiations, and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. They also discuss Iran’s internal instability, the IRGC, and what the conflict could mean for U.S. national security and the region’s future.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern is joined by veteran radio host Sid Rosenberg to discuss the political fallout from Michigan's closely watched Democratic Senate primary and what it may signal about the future direction of the Democratic Party. Together, they examine the nomination of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the growing influence of progressive candidates, and the debate surrounding his positions on Israel and U.S. foreign policy. They also explore what these developments could mean for New York, national politics, and the upcoming elections, while discussing the challenges facing the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.
In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern sits down with Nassau County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman for an in-depth conversation about the future of New York State. Blakeman shares his vision for restoring New York's economic strength, improving public safety, lowering taxes, and making the state more attractive to families and businesses. The discussion explores population loss, affordability, education, energy policy, business investment, and immigration, as well as his record leading Nassau County and how he would apply those policies statewide if elected governor. He also discusses his approach to working with New York City's leadership and the challenges he believes New York must address to regain its competitiveness and prosperity.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with former U.S. Marine Corps Major and Foundation co-founder Mike LeBlanc about how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and robotics are transforming modern warfare. Drawing on his military experience and work in defense technology, LeBlanc explains how drones and AI are reshaping the battlefield, reducing risks to service members, and redefining military strategy. The conversation explores lessons from Ukraine and Israel, the future of autonomous defense systems, and how emerging technologies are changing the way wars are fought.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ezra Cohen about the evolving situation in Iran following U.S. and Israeli military operations. Cohen discusses the damage to Iran's nuclear program, the regime's internal power struggles, the challenges of enforcing the new memorandum of understanding, and how shifting alliances, cyber threats, and global security dynamics are reshaping the international landscape. Together, they examine what comes next for Iran, the United States, Israel, and the broader Middle East.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Seattle radio host Ari Hoffman about the city’s political and cultural transformation over the past two decades. Using Seattle as a case study, they discuss progressive governance, public safety, homelessness, drug policy, taxation, and the broader implications these policies could have for other major cities, including New York.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Assemblyman David Weprin about the political fallout from New York’s Democratic primary elections and what the results could mean for the future of the Democratic Party. They discuss the rise of Democratic Socialist-backed candidates, voter turnout, shifting political priorities, and the implications for New York, Israel, and national politics.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Admiral Mark Montgomery about the proposed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and the major questions surrounding its contents. Montgomery examines concerns over sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, regional proxy groups, and the potential consequences of a future agreement. The conversation explores whether the deal represents a diplomatic breakthrough or a risky concession, and what it could mean for the United States, Israel, and stability in the Middle East.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Jonathan Schanzer about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran following recent attacks and retaliatory strikes. Schanzer explains the regional dynamics involving Iran, Israel, and proxy groups, and argues that the conflict reflects a long-running pattern of Iranian aggression and instability. The conversation explores the limits of diplomacy, the risks of wider war, and the strategic options available to the United States moving forward.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Rachel Storch about the importance of local and state elections in shaping public policy, public safety, education, and civic life. Storch explains the mission of the New York Solidarity Network, which helps voters better understand local races, candidates, and issues that often receive little public attention. The conversation explores voter engagement, civic participation, and why informed involvement in local politics can have lasting impacts on New York and beyond.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Joel Finkelstein about how social media, online radicalization, and “narrative warfare” have become major weapons in modern conflict. Finkelstein explains why he founded the Network Contagion Research Institute after noticing how intelligent people were increasingly adopting extreme ideological views online. The conversation explores how digital platforms amplify polarization, mob mentality, disinformation, and antisemitism, while also examining how online hate and coordinated narratives can spill into real-world violence and social unrest.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern discusses the growing national importance of redistricting and how recent court battles in states like Virginia and Florida could shape the balance of power in Congress. She’s joined by Scott Singer, who explains why Virginia’s redistricting effort was struck down by the state Supreme Court on procedural grounds and contrasts it with Florida’s legally approved redistricting process. The conversation explores how shifting populations, Supreme Court rulings on race-based districts, and political migration are reshaping congressional maps and influencing upcoming elections, particularly in South Florida.
On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern examines the rise of antisemitism following recent vandalism targeting Jewish homes and synagogues in Queens. Joined by counterterrorism expert Mitchell Silber, the conversation explores the growing range of threats facing Jewish communities, from white supremacists and Islamist extremists to far-left anti-Israel movements and Iran-backed actors. Silber explains how the Community Security Initiative works with law enforcement and local institutions to detect threats, strengthen security, and protect Jewish communities across New York and beyond.