Shows
Third RailBreaking the Siege: A Conversation with Thiago Ávila on Gaza and Global ActivismIn this episode, I sit down with activist and organizer Thiago Ávila for a deep conversation about Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and the global movement challenging the blockade through flotillas and solidarity missions. We explore the political context behind the siege, the risks activists take to break it, and what international civil society can realistically do to support Palestinians on the ground. Thiago breaks down the history, the lived realities, and the broader struggle for justice - offering clarity, urgency, and a reminder that people-powered action still matters.
2025-11-2032 min
Palestine This WeekGenocide, Sanctions and Smokescreens | Palestine This Week with Mouin RabbaniThis week’s episode opens with the news of sanctions imposed by the UK on Israel’s far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The UK joined a small bloc of Western states attempting to pressure Israel over its Gaza genocide. But does targeting two of the most extreme figures in the government of Benjamin Netanyahu signal genuine attempt to hold Israel to account, or is it diplomatic window dressing by governments that criminalises the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement while selling weapons to Israel? We interrogate the contradictions and timing of this move with host Mouin Rabbani.
2025-06-1158 min
Drop Site NewsInternational Fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu Goes to WashingtonIsraeli prime minister and international fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to be hosted in Washington, D.C., by President Donald Trump. They are meeting in the wake of a barrage of chaotic and conflicting messages by Trump on what he believes should happen in Gaza and the West Bank.Without a doubt, Trump wants to preside over a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, though the Saudis have said they will not enter into such a deal without a credible process to create an independent Palestinian state. Israeli officials have made clear Netanyahu...
2025-02-0448 minThird RailFrom UAlbany to the Front Lines: AJ Toporovsky's JourneyIn this episode, Jeremy sits down with AJ Toporovsky, a longtime friend and former lone soldier in Israel's Nahal Brigade. Hailing from White Plains, NY, AJ shares his incredible journey from college life at the University at Albany to serving on the front lines of Israel's campaign against Hezbollah. After the events of October 7, AJ made the courageous decision to rejoin his unit, reflecting his deep commitment to defending the Jewish state.
AJ opens up about his experiences in southern Lebanon, his return to the U.S., and the controversy surrounding his talk at the UAlbany Chabad...
2024-12-3144 minThird Rail2024 Post-Election Special with Jill Stein!Not the Donald or Kamala —but joining us today is Dr. Jill Stein, the third-highest vote-getter in the 2024 presidential race. In this episode, Dr. Stein shares her take on Trump’s landslide victory and her reaction to the election results.
From her thoughts on third-party influence and the impact of her campaign to her response to Trump’s recent praise, we cover it all. Dr. Stein also addresses her meeting with Vladimir Putin and what might lie ahead. Join us for an in-depth conversation that redefines what it means to be a progressive in modern America.
2024-11-0941 minThird RailBehind the Front Lines: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Jonathan ConricusLt. Col. Jonathan Conricus is the spokesperson and the voice of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). With his crucial role in military communications, Jonathan provides essential insights into the IDF’s perspectives and strategies. In this discussion, we explore Jonathan’s views on the current conflict, military strategy, misinformation, and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing war, including the recent tragedy in Majdal Shams. Join us for a conversation that spans from the Golan to Gaza, delving into the complexities of modern warfare and the challenges of countering false narratives.
2024-07-2943 minThird RailShattered Homeland, Unbroken Spirit: Artak Beglaryan on ArtsakhIn this episode, we delve into the remarkable story and profound insights of Artak Beglaryan, a prominent figure in the ongoing struggle for human rights and peace in Artsakh. Artak has previously served as the former Prime Minister of Artsakh, as well as the former human rights Ombudsman.
Born amidst conflict and adversity in the tumultuous region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Artak's life journey has been marked by hardship, loss, and unwavering determination. From losing his eyesight in a landmine explosion at a young age to enduring the siege and shelling of his homeland, Artak's personal experiences have shaped...
2024-03-281h 02Third RailVoice of Reason?: Ofer Cassif on Peace and Justice in the Israel-Hamas ConflictIn this episode, we delve into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict with Israeli politician Ofer Cassif, a prominent yet controversial voice in Israel known for his advocacy of social justice and peace. We begin by discussing the recent Hamas-led attack on October 7th and its implications for the ongoing conflict. Ofer shares his perspectives on the current war, offering insights into the underlying dynamics and the impact on both Israel and Gaza. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on one of the most contentious issues in the Middle East.
2024-03-2149 minThird RailMichael Oren on the Israel-Hamas ConflictI sit down with Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to discuss Israel's current campaign to root out Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
2024-02-0227 min
The Intercept BriefingTwo Months That Shook the World: The First Phase of the Gaza WarOn Friday morning, Israel resumed its bombing campaign against Gaza, and the civilian death toll is once again rising. Both Hamas and Israel accused the other of violating the temporary truce. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised, “We will fight in the entire [Gaza] Strip.” Despite meekly worded suggestions from Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel make an effort to reduce civilian deaths, the U.S. position remains one of full-throttled support for a military campaign that has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them children and other civilians.In this special epis...
2023-12-021h 08Third RailTurning Tragedy into Triumph: Abid Shamdeen's Journey with Nadia's Initiative and Yazidi Community RenewalIn this episode, join us on an inspiring journey with Abid Shamdeen, as he shares powerful insights into the transformative work of Nadia's Initiative in the aftermath of the Yazidi genocide in Iraq. From navigating tragedy to fostering triumph, Abid sheds light on the resilience of the Yazidi people and the impactful role of Nadia's Initiative in rebuilding lives and their community. Discover how Nadia's Initiative continues to shape narratives of recovery and triumph for the Yazidi people.
For those looking to help: https://nadiasinitiative.networkforgood.com/projects/75429-support-nadia-s-initiative
2023-11-1337 minThird RailAkhmed Zakayev: From Conflict to ConversationIn this episode, I have the special privilege of speaking with the Prime Minister of Chechnya in exile, Mr. Akhmed Zakayev. Mr. Zakayev has lived an incredible life - from a Chechen fighter to one of their most well-known statesman. Mr. Zakayev provides fascinating insights into his life, the state of Chechnya today, his contributions to Ukraine in their war against Russia, as well as his views on the current Israel-Hamas conflict. Special thank you to my interpreter, Elena.
2023-11-0143 minThird RailVoices from the Frontlines: Inside the NRF's Fight Against the Taliban with Ali Maisam NazaryWe sit down today with Ali Maisam Nazary, the head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, currently, the only force within the country resisting Taliban rule. Today, Afghanistan's people have suffered immensely and the country has become a breeding ground for terrorism. We go inside their fight and learn about their vision for a future Afghanistan.
https://www.nationalresistance.org/en/
2023-08-031h 00Third RailSami Steigmann Holocaust Survivor Testimony Part 1/3Part 1 of a 3 part series documenting the life of Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann
2023-07-2542 minThird RailRami Aman, Gaza Strip Activist and former Hamas prisonerA brief conversation with Rami Aman, a peace activist from the Gaza Strip currently based in Egypt. Rami made headlines in April 2020 for being arrested and tortured by Hamas after organizing a Skype call with Israelis. Not really much of an interview but more so allowing Rami to share his life story. Enjoy!
2023-07-0737 min
Authentic Leadership for Everyday PeopleThird Annual Business Jargon That Drives Us Crazy - part 2Today we're thrilled to bring you part two of our third annual "Business Jargon that Drives Us Crazy" show. This features the shows from January to June of 2023.Part one was published on Memorial Day and it featured episodes from July to December of 2022.This are the guest featured in this show - refer to their individual pages for information on each one.Mya Byrne - Episode 91Silvia Negri - Episode 89Gil Blander and Rony Sellam - Episode 72Jean Batthany - Episode 79Jonathan Rosoff...
2023-07-0326 minThird RailMK Ofer CassifWhat's up guys, today I sit down with controversial left-wing Israeli politician Ofer Cassif and delve deeper into his views on the Arab-Israeli conflict.
2023-06-0553 min
Third RailLeona Roberts - The Falkland IslandsToday we sit down to talk with Leona Roberts, Chair of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands.
2023-02-2843 minThird RailIssa Amro - On PalestineToday we talk with Palestinian human rights activist Issa Amro, who is leading the non-violent resistance in the West Bank.
2023-02-2440 minThird RailRachel Jamison - Director, Safe Passage 4 UkraineToday I sit down with Rachel Jamison, Director of Safe Passage 4 Ukraine, a non-profit helping Ukrainian refugees. We talk about her organizations mission and how she assists thousands of displaced people due to the conflict.
Ways to Help: https://sp4ukraine.org/take-action
2022-12-1133 minThird RailNorth Korean Defector Testimony: HannaI speak to North Korean defector Hanna, who shares her riveting and dangerous story of leaving the most isolated country on Earth. Name has been changed for security purposes.
Ways to help defectors: https://www.libertyinnorthkorea.org/
2022-08-0258 minThird RailNoor Ramzan - AfghanistanToday's show is with Noor Ramzan, founder of tour company Let's Be Friends Afghanistan. We talk about what it meant to him to be a tour guide in his beloved homeland, early life under Taliban rule and his life in the country until ultimately fleeing in 2021. Noor is an absolute inspiration and the very definition of what it means to be a man; no matter what life throws at him he gets right back up.
Ways to help:
https://secure.wfpusa.org/donate/save-lives-places-afghanistan-today-16?ms=SRCH_CO_AFG&gclid=CjwKCAjw3K2XBhAzEiwAmmgrAqRwhuRU30X9...
2022-07-2849 min
Third RailConflict in TigrayToday we talk with Fedilla Kassa, who gave us an in depth look at the conflict in Tigray, of which many Americans are unaware. Unfortunately we got cut short, but a riveting conversation nonetheless.
Ways to help:
https://omnatigray.org/
https://help.rescue.org/donate/ethiopia?ms=gs_ppc_fy22_ethiopia_dmusa_mar&initialms=gs_ppc_fy22_ethiopia_dmusa_mar&gclid=CjwKCAjw3K2XBhAzEiwAmmgrAiKDugCL2z5-EcvSOLECK_VLkNcKAYtzzVEbuPenuLhbU2tbbjlBWxoC9VkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://give.unrefugees.org/201120emer_etpmain_p_3000/?SF_onetime=7011K0000022TiqQAE&SF_monthly=7011K0000022TilQAE&g...
2022-06-1115 minThird RailNBA: Ronnie BrewerPivoting from usual content, today we got 8 year NBA vet Ronnie Brewer. We talk about his come up, his NBA experience coming from Arkansas to the bright lights of the league, and even what it was like guarding prime Kobe.
2022-01-2523 minThird RailAzeris in Iran: Mr. Saleh KamraniStarting off 2022 right as today I sit down with Iranian Azeri activist Saleh Kamrani, head of the Azerbaijan Central Party.
2022-01-0334 minThird RailThe Push for D.C. Statehood - U.S (shadow) Senator Michael D. BrownToday I catch up w U.S. (shadow) Senator Michael D. Brown where we chop it up about the need/push for Washington D.C. statehood.
2021-06-2037 minThird RailUyghur Genocide in Xinjiang: Zumretay Arkin, Uyghur ActivistToday, I sit down with Program and Advocacy Manager for the World Uyghur Congress, Zumretay Arkin to learn more and get the word about arguably the most pressing humanitarian crisis of our time.
Ways to help:
https://www.saveuighur.org/donate/
https://uhrp.org/donate/
https://campaignforuyghurs.org/donation/
2021-06-0941 minThird RailPersecuted Minorities in Iran - The Baloch People: A conversation with Mr. Nasser BoladaiToday we sit down with Mr. Nasser Boladai, General Secretary of the Balochistan Peoples Party as well as the President of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (sort of like the UN for peoples without a state).
2021-05-3151 minThird RailArab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of AhwazThe ASMLA is an organization that is devoted to the self determination of the Ahwazi people, Arabs who have lived in what is now Khuzestan province in far western Iran for thousands of years. Today, we sit down with Mr. Saeid Hamidan, the exiled president of ASMLA, and Dr. Khalaf al-Kaabi, the exiled Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of ASMLA and learn about their peoples struggle under the Iranian regime.
2021-05-0252 min