Josh Szeps

Josh Szeps joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about Israel, Gaza, antisemitism, Zionism, Jewish identity and why the debate has become so exhausting and distorted. We talk about whether Jews outside Israel are being forced to answer for the Israeli government, what anti-Zionism really means, the failure of the peace process, Netanyahu, Gaza, drones, Palestinian leadership, the pressure to “circle the wagons,” and whether it is possible to criticize Israel without giving ammunition to people who hate Jews. Josh Szeps hosts one of the biggest shows on Substack, Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps, where he has funny, bullshit-free conversations with people like Sam Harris, Jimmy Carr, Bari Weiss and Mark Normand about subjects that the mainstream media fails to discuss honestly. He has been on Joe Rogan's show seven times, he was a founding host of HuffPost Live in New York, then went on to get cancelled from his own top-rating talk radio show on Australia’s national public broadcaster. He's a columnist for Australia's most prestigious newspaper, the Australian Financial Review, and a major media figure Down Under. https://x.com/joshzepps?lang=en https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/about Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Josh Szeps joins the show 03:06 Josh’s background, Australia, and his previous Israel controversy 07:12 Jokes, parenting, kids, porn and the internet 12:59 Antisemitism, Australia, and the post-October 7th climate 15:36 Anti-Zionism, Israel’s legitimacy, and the meaning of a Jewish state 22:07 Palestinian refugees, Arab countries, and the right of return 27:26 Gaza, drones, October 7th, and whether Israel had another choice 30:29 Josh’s controversial “abandon Israel” column 38:16 Circling the wagons, Jewish identity, and criticizing Israel from the diaspora 47:58 Anti-Israel backlash, boycotts, and Jews being blamed for Israel 54:16 Kristof, the dog allegations, and the difficulty of discussing ugly claims honestly 01:08:35 The flotilla, Israeli detention, and skepticism toward activist claims 01:11:23 War crimes, double standards, history, and modern technology 01:13:05 Uyghurs, Kurds, ethno-states, and why Israel gets singled out 01:17:00 Media collapse, audience capture, and trying to have sane conversations 01:18:29 Finkelstein, complexity, and final thoughts

At the end of 2024, Alexei was joined at The Last Video Store by podcaster, journalist and commentator Josh Szeps. However, we though we lost it soon after. The video remains a mystery but we recovered the audio, and it was such a great chat we had to release it to the world! Josh is a true film lover, and you can listen to his podcast Uncomfortable Conversations on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Sorry about the wait, Josh! Join Alexei & Cameron James presenting David Byrne’s TRUE STORIES at the Sydney Opera House Saturday Film Club ( https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vivid-live/saturday-film-club-true-stories ) Follow ALEXEI TOLIOPOULOS on Letterboxd ( https://letterboxd.com/thisisalexei/ ) for all the rental combo lists. Hit up the Last Video Store on instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/lastvideostorebetoota/ ) for all of our guests picks

Josh Szeps pulls back the curtain on how leaning into difficult conversations helped him become one of Australia’s biggest podcast voices. As the host of Uncomfortable Conversations, Josh has built a global audience by asking the questions most people avoid and creating space for honest, nuanced debate in an increasingly divided world. In this episode of Behind the Mic, Josh explains why he started Uncomfortable Conversations, his thoughts on modern media and public discourse, and why difficult conversations matter more than ever. He also reflects on his journey through broadcasting and podcasting, how he built an international audience, and what it was like appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the world’s biggest podcasts. Josh opens up about why curiosity has become such a defining part of his work, the balance between controversy and conversation, and how he approaches topics that many people are too afraid to discuss publicly. Thoughtful, sharp and deeply engaging, this conversation explores the future of media, the importance of intellectual honesty, and why asking uncomfortable questions can sometimes lead to the most meaningful discussions. Whether you’re interested in podcasting, journalism, politics or the changing media landscape, this episode offers insight into one of Australia’s most compelling audio voices. Follow Mike E Etheridge on Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation I had a tense but enjoyable chat with Josh Szeps. I enjoyed it because despite our ideological differences, Josh shares my view on the importance of respectful debate & disagreement. Whilst Josh is on the left, he is not from the woke left which so often seeks to cancel their opponents & not engage in heated debate. These discussions sadly rarely happen and many of them I have been invited to never even get uploaded! For that Josh has my respect in doing this and I would certainly go on again. I hope you enjoy this chat 🙏 This episode was filmed on the 12th of Feb. 2026 Click here to watch the full conversaton on Josh's channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByCo05Y4IjY Thank you for your support keeping this show going 🙏 - https://tpaust.com.au/shop/ 🔑 Click here to follow us elsewhere - https://shor.by/TheArk  If you like this content please remember to comment, share and smash that like button to boost us in the algorithm. Thank you 🙏 *Disclaimer: Any comments made by the panelists are individually their own and the Ark or other presenters are not responsible for them. Please note that the conversation in this video is not medical advice nor investment advice. #TheArkPodcast #joeljammal #turningpointaustralia #JoshSzeps

Josh Szeps has built a career on asking difficult questions and refusing to repeat the lines people want him to say. Today, he is known for pushing back against groupthink and hosting conversations most people avoid. But long before that was his public identity, Josh experienced his first pile-on the same weekend as his wedding. In this episode, Josh reflects on the online backlash that blindsided him in New York, the much bigger one that followed years later in Australia, and what it cost him to stay honest in a culture obsessed with picking sides. This is a conversation about marriage, media, tribalism and the personal toll of refusing to belong to any one camp. With thanks to Josh Szeps The Pile-On is created and hosted by Clare Stephens. Produced by Lize Ratliff. For guest suggestions or feedback, message Clare on Instagram @clare.stephenss Subscribe to Clare’s substack NQR (Not Quite Right) here . Find her debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done - about a young woman at the centre of a vicious online pile-on here . Please remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Szeps is an intellectual, comedian, and host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations . Josh is known for his nuanced takes — which often spark backlash. In this episode, we get into his recent article on Israel and Palestine, his views on gay parenting, identity, tribalism, media manipulation and much more. Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/uncomfortable-conversations-with-josh-szeps Check out Josh's Substack here: https://substack.com/@joshszeps You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up Join the Facebook Group. Follow Mark Bouris on Instagram , LinkedIn & YouTube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcaster and broadcaster Josh Szeps has made a career out of making uncomfortable conversations comfortable. He has worked in America on programs like HuffPost Live and in Australia he worked with Mike Carlton early in his career and hosted the afternoon show on ABC local radio. He now hosts his own podcast Uncomfortable Conversations. Guest: Josh Szeps, host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations.

Are we too focused on race? Have recent anti-racist movements like Black Lives Matter abandoned the ' colourblind ' spirit of the original civil rights movement? In this live FODI edition of Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szep s , writer and podcaster Coleman Hughes articulate s his vision for a future where individuals are judged by 'the content of their character ', not the colour of their skin. He argues for a society that embraces a colourblind ethos, aiming to dismantle divisive narratives and foster a more inclusive culture. Coleman Hughes is an author, podcaster and opinion columnist who specialises in issues related to race, public policy and applied ethics. Coleman's writing has been featured in The New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , National Review , Quillette , City Journal , The Spectator , and the Washington Examiner . He appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2021. In 2019, Hughes testified before the US House Judiciary subcommittee at a hearing on reparations for slavery. In 2024, Coleman released his first book, The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America . He has appeared on prominent TV shows and podcasts including The View, Real Time with Bill Maher, the Joe Rogan Experience, and Making Sense with Sam Harris . He is a columnist at the Free Press , and a contributor at CNN. Josh Szeps is one of Australia's most influential and innovative interviewers. In New York, he was a founding host-producer of the revolutionary US streaming news network, HuffPost Live, where he hosted thousands of hours of live TV with the biggest names in politics, news and entertainment. He won a Webby Award while the organisation won a Pulitzer. Josh also appeared regularly with Al Roker as a contributor on the NBC TODAY Show. On his return to Australia, he co-anchored the national morning television show, Weekend Breakfast, and became a fixture of ABC Radio Sydney. Afternoons with Josh Szeps launched in

Two Zionist Jews discuss: "Until Israeli politics can radically reorient itself, it’s time to construct a vision of Jewishness that’s independent of the state that pretends to act on our behalf. It’s time for Jews to reclaim the moral mantle of our ancestors. For the Palestinians, but also for the future of the Jewish people, it’s time for Jews to abandon Israel." https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/about Josh Szeps is the host of the podcast Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps.

Uncomfortable Conversations Podcast Uncomfortable Conversations Substack Curious Worldview Newsletter - https://curiousworldview.beehiiv.com/subscribe ----- Josh Szeps is a broadcaster, political commentator, and in my opinion, Australia's best interviewer. He has, afterall, conducted thousands of them… and from many different pulpits. Whether it’s podcasting, Huffpost live, or radio, Josh has interviewed everyone from the biggest celebrities in the world, to academics, to geopolitics, to culture wars, comedy, economics and all the rest in between - it’s incredible how flexible Josh is and how well he can extemporaneously talk about or ask the right questions of, seemingly any topic. He’s also someone who has been doing this for decades, and seen from the front row the two most significant disruptions to media over that time. I wanted to get something evergreen on Josh’s worldview and evolving timeline of a career… Josh Szeps is the creator and host of one of my favourite podcasts, ‘ Uncomfortable conversations ’, and author of a substack by the same name. 00:00 - Who Is Josh Szeps 05:16 - Navigating Career Paths: Serendipity and Ambition 18:08 - Finding Aliveness: Reflections on Career and Life 22:34 - The Journey to New York: Opportunities and Challenges 33:19 - The Journey to HuffPost Live 37:39 - Memorable Interviews and Guests 39:20 - Preparation for Interviews 42:21 - The Importance of Collaboration 49:12 - Norm MacDonald & Joe Rogan 58:41 - The Joy of Media Engagement 01:00:02 - Navigating Life Changes and Career Transitions 01:10:50 - Alan Jones 01:11:52 - The Influence of Podcasting 01:12:35 - Living in Australia vs. the US 01:15:09 - The Future of Independent Media 01:21:40 - Innovating in Media Formats

Journalists play a vital role in a democracy, holding power to account. The traditional model of journalism sees journalists as disinterested seekers of the truth, striving for 'objectivity' and suppressing their own opinions. But as newsrooms and editorial pages previously staffed only by white male journalists have evolved, and as the internet has driven the rise of opinion journalism, we are faced with two important questions : Does it matter who journalists are? And does it matter what they think? At a time when media business models are in crisis, how should we think about bias, representation, truth and opinion? What happens when journalists themselves become 'the story'? And if we can't talk about these thorny questions in the media itself, can the media do its job at all? Antoinette Lattouf is a broadcaster, columnist, author, speaker, human rights advocate, mental health ambassador who dabbles in satire and is terrible at reverse parking. She is the creator and co-host of The Antoinettes podcast, a weekly commentary and comedy podcast. She is also the co-host of news and analysis podcast The Briefing . The multi-award-winning journalist is the co-founder of Media Diversity Australia – a not-for-profit organisation working towards increasing cultural and linguistic diversity in the media. Andy Mills is an American reporter and podcast producer who co-created The Daily at The New York Times , Reflector and several documentary series including Rabbit Hole and The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling . Josh Szeps is one of Australia's most influential and innovative interviewers. In New York, he was a founding host-producer of the revolutionary US streaming news network, HuffPost Live . He won a Webby Award while the organisation won a Pulitzer. Josh also appeared regularly with Al Roker as a contributor on the NBC TODAY Show . On his return to Australia, he co-anchored the national morning television show, Weekend Breakfast , and became a fixture of ABC Radio Sydney. Afternoons with Josh Szeps launched in 2021, a three-hour daily talkback radio show. In 2024, Josh left the legacy media to wrestle freely with ideas in a spicier way. Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps took off as a podcast, Substack publication, live touring enterprise and YouTube channel. Chaired by Louise Adler, Director of Adelaide Writers' Week, who has spent over 30 years in the culture business and continues to be committed to the dissemination of dangerous ideas.

Josh Szeps is an Australian journalist & the host of popular podcast 'Uncomfortable Conversations' where he hosts some of the biggest political & social commentators/journalists from across the globe. In this conversation we discussed a range of topics from: - The importance of creating safe spaces to discuss uncomfortable/taboo topics for education & social progression. - The identity wars of the LGBTIA+ movements & whether it's actually creating equality or greater division. - How identity labels & tribalism garner division & create global conflict. - Whether the use of pronouns & trans education in schools is right or wrong. - The upcoming US election & Josh's honest thoughts on President Trump. - How to see through virtue signalling & recognise real support. - How the progressive left went lost it's radical way to cancel culture. - What history will say about about the information revolution ahead of us. - All this & much much more in this incredibly engaging conversation with @JoshSzeps_ To support the show, subscribe to my channel here on YouTube & leave a comment on this episode. Check out Josh's channel linked above & follow us both on social media @bradleyjdryburgh & @joshszeps Big love, Brad xoxo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.