The episode unpacks how Tucker Carlson’s growing influence has thrown the Heritage Foundation—and much of the conservative movement—into a full-blown identity crisis. Daniel Mael and Mike Warren explore how Kevin Roberts’ embrace of Carlson has alienated traditional conservatives, empowered bad-faith actors like Nick Fuentes, and blurred the line between serious political thought and entertainment spectacle. They trace how populism, fueled by Trump-era incentives and the monetization of outrage, is reshaping conservative institutions from the inside out—leaving the Republican Party struggling to articulate clear principles, appeal to a broader audience, and push back against extremist rhetoric.
On the latest episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Amiad Cohen delivers a blunt wake-up call: Israel will never achieve true sovereignty until it stops treating American foreign aid as a lifeline and starts acting like the regional power it already is. Cohen breaks down how U.S. influence distorts Israeli politics, why a new generation of leaders is ready to chart an independent course, and how Israel’s booming economy makes that shift not only possible but urgent. This is the conversation the conservative movement has been avoiding — and the one that will define Israel’s future.
Megyn Kelly’s latest clash with Ben Shapiro didn’t just ignite another media feud—it exposed a deeper fracture inside today’s conservative movement. Her reflexive defense of Tucker Carlson and her willingness to indulge conspiratorial narratives reflect a broader identity crisis gripping the GOP, where principle is often sacrificed for clicks, outrage, and factional loyalty. As internal conflicts over bigotry, antisemitism, and the movement’s moral direction intensify, Kelly’s commentary has become a symbol of how far the conservative base has drifted from the values it claims to defend.
In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Lizzy Savetsky addresses accusations that she was paid by the Israeli government, firmly denying the claims and explaining how misinformation has affected her personally and professionally. She discusses the broader impact of defamation within the Jewish community, the challenges of confronting anti-Semitism from both the far right and left, and the importance of transparency for public figures. Lizzy also reflects on her work empowering Jewish students and her belief that authenticity is essential to meaningful activism.
In this episode of Mael Time, Daniel Mael takes aim at Jonah Platt’s podcast Being Jewish, arguing that Platt’s defense of Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reveals a deeper moral and intellectual crisis within progressive Judaism. Mael contends that Platt’s response to the controversy surrounding Buchdahl’s political engagement at Central Synagogue avoids serious theological questions in favor of emotional posturing and identity-driven rhetoric. Rather than confronting whether clergy should use the pulpit for partisan messaging, Platt reduces legitimate criticism to alleged bigotry. Mael challenges that framing as both dishonest and destructive, insisting that Jewish discourse demands courage, not conformity — and that true “being Jewish” means standing for ideas, not slogans.
In this explosive episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Congressman Randy Fine unleashes a blistering critique of Tucker Carlson, accusing him of betraying American values and “crossing the Rubicon into lunacy.” Fine doesn’t hold back—calling Carlson “dangerous” for spreading misinformation, twisting facts about Israel, and turning conservatives against truth itself. From fake war photos to false genocide claims, Fine exposes how lazy, reckless narratives have poisoned America’s discourse. He also takes direct aim at the Heritage Foundation, saying its leadership has “irreparably damaged” the institution by aligning with Carlson’s rhetoric. This is Randy Fine unfiltered—furious, factual, and fed up with what he calls the new face of moral cowardice in American media.
Discussing the latest back and forth about Shabbat dinner and the Heritage Foundation.
Kevin Roberts' "clarification" only made the situation worse.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Liel Leibovitz confronts the moral and ideological crossroads facing both American conservatism and the global Jewish community. From the hollow language of “belonging” to the failures of modern Jewish leadership, he challenges listeners to reject performative politics and return to principle. Liel argues that Jewish and Western survival hinge on moral clarity — in faith, in warfare, and in the courage to lead. He dissects how DEI culture has diluted Judaism’s ethical core, critiques the erosion of conviction in U.S.–Israel relations, and calls for a renewed understanding of identity rooted not in victimhood but in purpose and victory.
In this episode of the Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael examines how Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue finally addressed Zohran Mamdani’s anti-Semitism—but only after a wave of public outrage and social media pressure forced her hand. For weeks, Buchdahl avoided naming or condemning Mamdani, despite his open hostility toward Israel and the Jewish community. Mael argues that her belated response exposes a deeper crisis of moral leadership within progressive Judaism, where public perception often replaces principle. The episode challenges the notion of “apolitical integrity” and asks what happens when rabbis find their conscience only after the crowd demands it.
In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael exposes the contradictions in Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s stance on nationalism and political engagement. While Buchdahl condemns Jewish nationalism as dangerous and exclusionary, she openly champions progressive political causes—until those causes become inconvenient. Mael highlights her recent claim that she couldn’t comment on New York City’s mayoral race because Central Synagogue is apolitical, a statement that rings hollow given her history of political sermons and public advocacy. Through a sharp analysis of her rhetoric, Mael explores the double standards that pervade liberal religious leadership, the moral posturing that disguises political bias, and the deeper question of whether faith leaders can credibly invoke neutrality while preaching ideology from the bimah.
In this episode of the Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael examines Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s speech through the lens of Jewish identity, moral clarity, and the uneasy fusion of politics and religion. The discussion unpacks how American Jewish leaders like Buchdahl navigate political activism, particularly regarding Israeli politics and figures such as Zohran Mamdani, whose rhetoric often blurs the line between criticism and hostility. Mael challenges the conflation of Jewish faith with partisan agendas, warning that silence in the face of anti-Semitism — whether from extremists or political allies — is itself a moral failure. The conversation ultimately calls for a return to authentic Jewish values grounded in tradition rather than political fashion.
Israel’s fate may no longer be decided in Jerusalem — but in Washington. In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, former Israeli Consul General Alon Pincus breaks down the uneasy marriage between Trump and Netanyahu, exposing how U.S. pressure, military aid, and political leverage now shape every Israeli move — from the fragile ceasefire to the hostage crisis. As Trump reenters the global stage and Israel fights for its autonomy, the question isn’t just what America will do for Israel, but what it will demand in return.
In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Ilay David shares the emotional story of reuniting with his brother, Evyatar, after more than two years in Hamas captivity. Ilay recounts the agonizing uncertainty leading up to his brother’s release, the harrowing details of Evyatar’s imprisonment, and the tireless advocacy that kept their family’s hope alive. He reflects on the role of propaganda, the challenges of diplomatic negotiations, and the small miracles that marked the path to freedom. Through it all, Ilay highlights the power of faith, resilience, and community support in helping his family heal and find meaning after unimaginable trauma.
In this edition of The Mael Time Podcast, host Daniel Mael speaks with Ori Goldberg and Asher Guedalia about Israel’s most pressing moral and political dilemmas in the aftermath of the Gaza war. Together, they confront the uneasy tension between Israel’s Jewish identity and its democratic ideals, exploring questions of morality, legitimacy, and national purpose. The discussion examines accusations of genocide, the ethics of Israel’s military response, and whether peace can ever be achieved through negotiation with Hamas. The episode offers an honest, unflinching look at a nation wrestling with its conscience—asking whether Israel can protect itself without compromising the values that define it.
In this powerful episode of The Mael Time Podcast, host Daniel Mael sits down with Dr. Charles Jacobs, a veteran Jewish human rights advocate, to dissect the moral and strategic collapse of American Jewish leadership in the face of rising anti-Semitism. From college campuses to major Jewish institutions, Jacobs argues that too many leaders have chosen comfort and access over courage and accountability—leaving the Jewish community vulnerable at a moment of historic danger.
The conversation traces the failures that followed October 7, examining how identity politics, moral relativism, and fear of confrontation have weakened Jewish advocacy. Jacobs warns that anti-Semitism today is not confined to one side of the political spectrum; it thrives on both the far-right and within progressive movements that mask hostility toward Jews as social justice. Together, Mael and Jacobs call for a new generation of unapologetic Jewish leadership—one that defends truth, builds alliances with integrity, and reclaims the moral clarity that once defined the Jewish story.
The proposed U.S. plan to divide Gaza into zones controlled separately by Israel and Hamas has ignited intense debate across the region. Supporters argue it could offer a path to stability and reconstruction, while critics warn it risks entrenching division and legitimizing Hamas’s power. The plan’s success hinges on Hamas’s disarmament—an unlikely prospect that leaves Israel bearing enormous security and political risks as it attempts to rebuild Gaza under international pressure. Arab governments have rejected the idea outright, viewing it as a step toward indefinite Israeli control, and Palestinians fear a repeat of the fragmented governance seen in Judea and Samaria.
No nation is willing to send troops into Gaza, fearing deadly clashes with Hamas and political fallout at home. Trump’s proposed international peacekeeping force is stalled before it begins, leaving the fragile ceasefire hanging by a thread.
In this episode of the Mael Time podcast, Daniel Mael interviews Yaakov Katz, discussing the events surrounding the October 7th attack by Hamas and the subsequent failures of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Katz, a former editor in chief of the Jerusalem Post, shares insights from his book 'While Israel Slept,' exploring the chaos during the attack, the lack of accountability within the military and political leadership, and the need for a commission of inquiry to address these issues. The discussion also touches on the role of intelligence, the impact of military censorship on journalism, and the importance of transparency in military appointments.
This is a podcast review of the film “Following in Their Legacy.”
The video, created with unique animation, reconstructs the battles of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion on October 7, 2023. It offers a sweeping view of the battalion’s fierce combat under relentless fire across multiple fronts, in bases, outposts, and civilian communities throughout the sector.
Through careful visual storytelling, the film captures a powerful portrait of steadfastness, heroism, and determination, showing the courage of soldiers and commanders who stood firm and ultimately stopped the murderous enemy assault on that dark Saturday.
This heritage piece aims to pass on to future generations the enduring spirit of Golani’s 13th Battalion, a spirit defined by courage, responsibility, brotherhood, and devotion to mission, still beating strong today.