Shows
In Doctrine NationThe Impact of Social Media on Historical Literacy w/ Prof David HalahmyProf David Halahmy, a history professor and creator of the YouTube series 'History for the Ages.' discusses his journey into teaching history, the impact of social media on historical literacy, and the evolution of history education. David shares insights on the importance of understanding Zionism and anti-Zionism, the role of academia in shaping historical narratives, and the intersection of antisemitism and anti-Americanism. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking in education and the importance of engaging the silent majority in discussions about history and current events.
Bio
Professor David Halahmy is a history professor at Cypress College, where...2025-06-1242 min
In Doctrine NationUnderstanding Religion: The Importance of Dialogue w/ Prof Nathan Katz - IDN Ep 7Professor Nathan Katz explores the comparative studies of Judaism and Hinduism, delving into his personal journey that led him to this unique field. He discusses the importance of understanding religious beliefs in an academic context, the challenges of misrepresentation in education, and the need for a new framework to understand old and new religions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of dialogue and curiosity in fostering understanding among different cultures and religions.2025-06-0536 min
The DissidentsS5 E15 | Decolonization: Erasure or Diversity?In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to...2025-05-3041 min
In Doctrine NationParent Upends Extreme School Board - Sharon Sorkin w/ Josh WeinerSharon Sorkin, a parent activist from Ann Arbor, Michigan, shares her journey of navigating the complexities of school board politics and community activism following the events of October 7th, 2023. Sharon discusses her family's move to Ann Arbor, the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent rise of antisemitism in her community. She details her efforts to mobilize parents against a one-sided ceasefire resolution proposed by the school board, emphasizing the importance of focusing on education rather than political agendas. Sharon highlights the need for collaboration and building coalitions to effect change within the school system, ultimately leading...2025-05-291h 06
FDD Morning BriefFDD Morning Brief | feat. Brandy Shufutinsky (May 23)FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN K-12 SCHOOLS AND BEYONDHEADLINE 1: Israel and Turkey reportedly established a new mechanism to help prevent unwanted military incidents in Syria.HEADLINE 2: Two more Houthi missile attacks were recorded.HEADLINE 3: France is working with Saudi Arabia on a proposal for Gaza that would require Hamas to disarm.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Brandy Shufutinsky, director of FDD's brand-new program...2025-05-2322 min
In Doctrine NationOctober 8 Film: The Fight for the Soul of America w/ Wendy Sachs & Nimrod Erez - IDN Ep 6The conversation delves into the film 'October 8', which explores the rise of antisemitism in America, particularly on college campuses, following the October 7th attacks by Hamas. The filmmakers discuss the ideological roots of this antisemitism, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and the influence of K-12 education. They also examine the implications of foreign funding in academia and the broader societal impacts of these issues. This conversation delves into the themes of media bias, the impact of anti-Israel sentiment on youth, the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism, the importance of education and historical context, and reflections on...2025-05-2253 min
In Doctrine NationStudent Runs for School Board : A Young Voice for Change - Jacob Rudolph00:00 Meet Jacob Rudolph: A Young Candidate's Journey02:50 Navigating Special Education Challenges06:02 Confronting Antisemitism in Schools11:53 The Role of School Board Members18:03 Addressing Systemic Antisemitism23:47 Activism vs. Education in Schools30:04 Curriculum Changes for a Better Future35:58 Putting Students First: A New Approach
2025-05-1449 min
In Doctrine NationUnderstanding Modern Antisemitism: A Cultural Shift w/ Prof Rona Kaufman - IDN Ep 5Prof Rona Kaufman shares her deeply personal journey in combating antisemitism, reflecting on generational trauma and the evolving nature of antisemitism in modern contexts. She discusses the disconnect between American Jews and Israel, the critical role of education in addressing antisemitism, and the troubling manifestations of antisemitism in academia and law schools. Kaufman argues that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in understanding Jewish identity and history. She discusses the rise of anti-Zionism and its implications for Jewish identity and history, exploring the distortion of Jewish narratives in academia and the media...2025-05-0857 minIn Doctrine NationDisrupting Antisemitism at Harvard : The Lawsuit w/ Shabbos Kestenbaum- IDN Ep 4Shabbos Kestenbaum discusses the pervasive antisemitism at Harvard University, tracing its roots and the systemic issues that allow it to persist. He highlights the events of October 7th as a wake-up call for the broader American public regarding the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of elite institutions. Kestenbaum elaborates on his ongoing lawsuit against Harvard, aiming to hold the university accountable for civil rights violations against Jewish students. He connects the rise of antisemitism to anti-American sentiments and discusses the role of education, particularly in K-12 systems, in shaping these ideologies. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change and accountability...2025-04-2445 minIn Doctrine NationThe Role of Education in Combating Anti-Semitism w/ Dr. Naya LekhtDr. Naya Lekht discusses her background, the rise of anti-Zionism on college campuses, and the impact of the BDS movement. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Jewish identity as it relates to anti-Zionism and the need for education to combat antisemitism. The discussion also covers the dangers of DEI initiatives, the role of the incoming administration in addressing these issues, and the empowerment of parents in advocating for their children's education. Dr. Lekht calls for a renewed focus on Jewish history and identity as a means to combat rising anti-Semitism.
Guest Bio
Naya Lekht was born in the former Soviet...2025-04-1044 min
Of the People — with Robert Chernin and Ericka RedicHow Wokeism and Antisemitism Are Hijacking Our Schools: Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky on Fighting BackJoin Ericka Redic and Steve Rosenberg as they welcome Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values (JILV), Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky.Together, they discuss how wokeism and antisemitism have infiltrated America’s education system and what we can do to fight back. Brash, irreverent, and mostly peaceful! Stay in contact with us!Ericka RedicX - @ErickaRedicFB - @GenerallyIrritableIG - @generally_irritableSteve Rosenberg:X - @TheGSDGroupGSD Group: https://theteamgsd.com/Purchase Steven’s Book, MAKE BOLD THINGS HAPPEN...2025-04-021h 00
The Yoga of War Podcast: Fighting for Israel & The Jewish PeopleBrandy Shufutinsky | Critical Race Theory in K-12 | Israel-Hamas War | Conversation with Shana MeyersonEthnic Studies sounds like such a warm, fuzzy concept. I learn about you, you learn about me. We foster mutual respect, tolerance, and appreciation for our cultures, traditions, and histories. Unless you’re a Jew.What masquerades as a well-intentioned effort to promote co-existence and understanding within the great melting pot we call America, happens to have a very dark underbelly that not only excludes, but demonizes, one minority group.The one group, in fact, that is the target of more hate crimes than any other, despite comprising only 2% of the American population....2025-03-281h 24In Doctrine NationThe Great Classroom Collapse: An In-Depth DiscussionDr. Lance Izumi discusses the current state of K-12 education in America, highlighting the alarming statistics regarding student proficiency in reading and mathematics. He delves into the motivations behind his book, 'The Great Classroom Collapse,' and critiques the effectiveness of current educational methods, particularly the influence of constructivism and progressive education. The discussion also covers the role of school choice, the importance of foundational knowledge in teaching, and the need for educational reform to address systemic failures. In this conversation, Lance Izumi discusses the current state of education, particularly focusing on reading methodologies and the impact of progressive education...2025-03-201h 01In Doctrine NationDisrupting the cycle of K-12 EducationDr. Abraham Unger discusses the critical role of K-12 education in preparing students for the future, emphasizing the importance of classical education and the need for a return to foundational skills. He addresses the impact of ideological shifts in education, the role of parents in advocating for their children's education, and the significance of the middle class in driving educational reform. Dr. Unger also shares insights on recruiting quality educators and the importance of transparency in educational institutions, concluding with a hopeful outlook on the future of education and the potential for new models to emerge.
Rabbi Abraham Unger, Ph...2025-03-0640 min
Think Twice with Jonathan TobinEP. 168: Breaking the DEI binary in American education w/ Dr. Brandy ShufutinskyWelcome to Think Twice, the weekly show hosted by Jonathan S. Tobin, Editor-in-Chief of JNS. This episode features Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values.Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The Rise and Fall of Woke Ideology: How DEI took over education, corporations and the arts.✅ Why Jewish Americans Are Targeted: How DEI’s oppressor-oppressed ideology fuels antisemitism.✅ Ethnic Studies and Radical Indoctrination: How schools push division instead of education.✅ Settler Colonialism and Israel: The false narrative used to delegitimize Jewish history.✅ The Left’s War on Liberalism: Why American liberalism fai...2025-03-0643 min
Free Black Thought PodcastEp. 97 - Leave the Kids Alone (Kofi Montzka)Activist Kofi Montzka gives host Connie Morgan advice on finding like-minded individuals and building supportive communities. Kofi shares her thoughts on how the ethnic studies curriculum may promote a narrative of hopelessness for Black children and opens up about the backlash she’s faced for speaking out against these ideas. She also talks about the importance of curiosity over certainty, the need for kindness in disagreements, and the value of engaging with diverse perspectives.Show notes:Kofi speaks out against critical race theoryKofi addresses the Minnesota State LegislatureKofi’s "Teaching Hopelessness to Kids of Color" in the...2025-03-051h 15
In Doctrine NationTrailerWelcome to In Doctrine Nation. The podcast that exposes and opposes radical ideology in K-12 schools and academia. We examine the illiberal education loop that is teaching students what to think and not how to think. We speak with leaders across the country about the politicized ideology that fosters indoctrination masquerading as education. We are Dr. Marcy Goldstein and Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky, your hosts. Join us and Americans nationwide! Podcast coming soon.2025-02-1201 min
The Rich Zeoli ShowThe Truth About USAIDThe Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4:
6:05pm- On Monday, President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk seemingly came to an agreement that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) needs to be seriously evaluated—with Musk going a step further and recommending it be shut down entirely.
6:30pm- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) told reporters she will vote in favor of confirming Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
6:40pm- Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky—Social Worker, Writer, & Researcher—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss President Donald Trump signing an executive order that defunds schools teaching Critical Race Theory...2025-02-0443 min
Free Black MomsEp. 8 - About Pluralistic Ethnic StudiesBrandy Shufutinsky is a social worker, writer, researcher, and advocate. She holds her Doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, her MSW from the University of Southern California, and her MA in International Relations from the University of San Diego. Dr. Shufutinsky has worked towards advancing the rights of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through practice, education, and research, and is now focusing her advocacy on developing intercultural and academic opportunities to enhance liberal democratic ideals as the director of education and community engagement with the Jewish Institute for Liberal Va...2024-09-2654 min
The DissidentsFSF Ep. 8: Standing Up for Free Speech with Courage and Grace | Brandy ShufutinskyIn today’s episode, Chris and Joia interview Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky, who has been the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values. Brandy discusses the importance of free speech and the erosion of this right in recent years, which makes us become more “robot-like”. She also emphasizes the need for education on democratic values and free speech in K-12 schools.
Learn more at: https://jilv.org/2024-08-1316 min
The SyllabusBrandy Shufutinsky“So at the higher education level, in colleges and universities, ethnic studies pedagogy actually doesn't align with K-12 education code,” says Brandy Shufutinsky, the director of education and community engagement at the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, in this week’s episode of The Syllabus podcast. “At the college level, you're allowed to bring in a certain level of biases, while K-12 education code says a teacher can't.” Brandy initially welcomed the idea of expanding history curricula to include ethnic studies. However, her excitement waned as she discovered the heavy ideological underpinnings within the curriculum, lacking in historical substance. 2023-12-2117 min
The SyllabusBrandy Shufutinsky“So at the higher education level, in colleges and universities, ethnic studies pedagogy actually doesn't align with K-12 education code,” says Brandy Shufutinsky, the director of education and community engagement at the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, in this week’s episode of The Syllabus podcast. “At the college level, you're allowed to bring in a certain level of biases, while K-12 education code says a teacher can't.” Brandy initially welcomed the idea of expanding history curricula to include ethnic studies. However, her excitement waned as she discovered the heavy ideological underpinnings within the curriculum, lacking in historical substance. ...2023-12-2117 min
The DissidentsPotemkin Villages: The Origin of Antisemitic Soviet Propaganda & it's Influence on American Education & Media | Izabella TabarovskyWelcome to the Radical Roots of Ethnic Studies, a series of the Dissidents Podcast， with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with Izabella Tabarovsky, a Soviet Jewish Immigrant who has dedicated her research to exploring the spread of Soviet propaganda throughout the mo...2023-11-2852 min
The DissidentsCritical Resentment Theory & the Colonization of the MindWelcome to the Radical Roots of Ethnic Studies, a series of the Dissidents Podcast， with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with Carob Marcelle, an educator, mother and host of Be Not Afraid. Carob moved her family from Washington to Utah in search of a...2023-11-1449 minThe DissidentsEp. 029: Antisemitism Before and After the 7th | David Bernstein & Brandy ShufutinskyOn October the 5th Brandy Shufutinsky, David Bernstein and Mike Burke met to discuss the growing problem of antisemitism on both the political left and right. Little could any of them know what was about to happen just a couple of days later on October the 7th, which was the worst attack on the Jewish people, since the Holocaust. In an addendum to the original recording, made just a few days later but in what felt like a totally different era, Mike and Brandy included a follow-up conversation on the outpourings of antisemitic madness erupting across Western world, including...2023-10-271h 46
The DissidentsConnecting Liberated Ethnic Studies and HamasWelcome to the Radical Roots of Ethnic Studies, a series of the Dissidents Podcast, with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
Hamas’ recent terrorist attack in Israel has garnered the support of the Coalition for Liberated Ethnic Studies (CLES), a group that is designing curricula for K1...2023-10-2428 min
Take Back Our SchoolsEthnic Studies and the Rise of AntisemitismOn this episode, Andrew and Beth speak with Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values. Shufutinsky shares her views on the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel and on the antisemitism we are seeing in the United States. We discuss the roots of that antisemitism on college campuses and in K-12 schools. Ethnic Studies curricula first developed in the state of California, says Shufutinsky, has led to a generation of anti-Israel and antisemitic students. We also discuss whether or not recent events will be a wake-up call for American Jews to reconsider their allegiance to...2023-10-2144 minFree Black Thought PodcastEp. 15 - Fighting for Pluralistic Ethnic Studies (Brandy Shufutinsky)Host Connie Morgan and Brandy Shufutinsky discuss the need for a new approach to ethnic studies.Stuff referenced in this episode:Coalition for Empowered EducationBrandy’s “The Intersectionality of anti-Blackness & Antisemitism,” in The Times of IsraelBrandy on X: @76brandy76Brandy’s “I Am Not Your Negro,” in the Journal of Free Black ThoughtThe Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature by Angel Parham and Anika PratherPodcast Theme Music by JoDavi2023-10-1153 min
The DissidentsSocialism Then & There, Here & Now | David SmolanskyWelcome to a new series of the Dissidents Podcast with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with David Smolansky, a mayor in exile from Venezuela. David tells his personal story living through the transition from democracy to socialism in Venezuela. His experience...2023-10-0358 min
The DissidentsDiversity for the Curious: A Liberal Conversation with Brandy ShufutinskyWelcome to a special “Liberal Conversations Series” of the Dissidents Podcast.
In this series we invite guests who have resources, ideas, and viewpoints that will challenge us to reflect on liberal values, what they are, how they are applied, their impact on us as individuals, and why they matter for the larger communities in which we live.
In this episode, Brandy Shufutinsky and Elizabeth Spievak discuss intercultural and academic opportunities that can enhance liberal democratic ideals. Brandy gives us an overview of her upcoming course and its usefulness for teachers, parents, and laypeople. The course and our disc...2023-09-2641 min
The DissidentsBigotry of Low Expectations | Kofi MontzkaWelcome to a new series of the Dissidents Podcast with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with Kofi Montzka, an attorney, wife and mother. In March, Kofi spoke out at a Minnesota Legislature assembly against a bill mandating ethnic studies. According to...2023-09-1941 min
The DissidentsJustice by Learning History | Amy LessermanWelcome to a new series of the Dissidents Podcast with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with Amy Lesserman, an English and Social Studies teacher with a long career in the Los Angeles Unified School District. We discuss the...2023-09-0555 min
The DissidentsAmerica's Dangerous Repeat of the Chinese Cultural Revolution | Mike ZhaoWelcome to a new series of the Dissidents Podcast with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality.
This week we speak with the President of the Asian American Coalition for Education, Mike Zhao. Zhao, the author of Critical Race Theory and Woke Culture: America’s Dangerous Repeat of...2023-08-2238 min
The DissidentsThe Radical Roots of Ethnic Studies (A Series of The Dissidents Podcast) no. 1Welcome to a new series of the Dissidents Podcast with your co-hosts, Jennifer Richmond and Brandy Shufutinsky. In this series we explore the radical roots of liberated ethnic studies, how extreme ideology is infiltrating our schools with the aim to indoctrinate instead of educate, and our search for solutions to empower parents, teachers and students, giving them the tools to embrace inquiry and to express their individuality. Join us.
https://empowered-ed.org/
https://ilvalues.org/2023-08-0840 min
The Institute for Liberal ValuesEp. 72: Ukraine & CSJ in the USA | Brandy Shufutinskyby Brandy ShufutinskyCritical Social Justice relies on a few factors being accepted as canon without question. First, that CSJ ideology is the only acceptable ideology for self-defined progressives. It requires complete and total fealty by those looking for acceptance by its vanguard. Next, it does not allow scrutiny. Close scrutiny of CSJ exposes it as the paper tiger it is. Lastly, it embraces hypocrisy and double-standards… as long as both suit the CSJ narrative. The reactions from self-defined progressives to the invasion of Ukraine provide examples to all three factors listed above. Adher...2022-03-1758 min
The DissidentsEp. 72: Ukraine & CSJ in the USA | Brandy ShufutinskyIn the Hold my Drink - navigating culture with a chaser of civility, and Counterweight podcast, Episode 72, we speak with Brandy Shufutinsky on the problems with Critical Social Justice in the United States as viewed through the current Ukrainian crisis. When applied to existential crises in the “real world”, CSJ ideology crumbles under the weight. As we debate the “whiteness” of Ukraine, a real catastrophe is underway that cares not for the pedantic elite allegiance to identities. All discussed with a sober chaser of civility, of course.
To read more from Brandy and to see what we are each...2022-03-1758 min
SpeechCastSpeechCast - Antisemitism in the Classroom: What We Can Learn from California - 44EPCo-sponsored Livestream with the Alliance for Constructive Ethnic Studies discusses curriculum changes and newly introduced graduation requirements in Ethnic Studies. The presentation, given by Elina Kaplan, President and Co-Founder of Alliance for Ethnic Studies (ACES), and Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky, social worker, writer, researcher, advocate, and board member of Jewish Institute for Liberal Values discuss the current curriculum and how some approaches are antisemitic. Using California as a case study, learn what is under consideration, its implications for our Jewish students and the Jewish community, and what you can do. Special introduction by human rights icon Natan Sharansky and commentary b...2021-12-301h 11
RivkushBrandy Shufutinsky: Safer to be Black in Israel than the U.S.In North America, Brandy Shufutinsky might be called a Black Jewish woman, or a Jew of colour. But in Israel, she's just a Jew. It might sound counterintuitive to feel safer in Israel, under threat of geopolitcal tension and terrorism, than in the United States, but that's the truth. Feeling comfortable walking down the street makes a big difference when you were born in a country where anti-Black racism is significantly more pronounced.
A social worker and activist with two master's degrees, Shufutinsky joins the show to discuss her life in both countries, her thoughts on the...2021-09-2049 min
SpeechCastSpeechCast - Brandy Shufutinsky - I don' fit their narrative - 16EPBrandy Shufutinsky holds a Ph.D. in Education. She is a writer, researcher, and advocate for advancing the rights of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Shufutinsky believes that there has been a successful hijacking of discourse by people who want to silence Jewish voices and minimize the hatred inflicted on the Jewish community. People like her, she argues, don't visually and ideologically suit their narrative.2021-08-0136 min