Israel
Life in Israel, Israeli society, culture, and domestic affairs
#981: Why Most Americans Under 55 Just Turned on Israel
A historic shift is underway as Americans under 55 move away from a pro-Israel consensus. We dive into the data behind this "Opinion Gap."
#924: When a Donkey and a Sloth Explain Purim
Explore the deep themes of Purim in Jerusalem during wartime, from the power of masks to the defiance of finding joy in the face of modern threats.
#854: Mastering the Move: Stress-Free Relocation in Israel
Navigate the chaos of an Israeli move with tech tools, professional cranes, and expert strategies for a stress-free transition.
#760: How Drip Irrigation and Desalination Reshaped a Desert Nation
Discover how drip irrigation and desalination turned a desert nation into a global leader in water security and sustainable agriculture.
#743: The IHRA Definition: Yardstick or Weapon?
Where does political critique end and hatred begin? Explore the IHRA definition and the "Three Ds" in today's complex global landscape.
#713: When AI Reasoning Engines Become Weapons
Exploring why Israel is the world's top cyber target and how generative AI is transforming state-sponsored attacks into automated weapons.
#705: When a Bullet Hits a Bullet at Mach 10
Explore the physics of "hit-to-kill" technology and how lasers are reshaping the future of multi-layered missile defense systems.
#655: The Headache Tax: When Price Stops Mattering
Why is it so hard to find good service? Corn and Herman explore the "Headache Tax" and a new framework for rewarding excellence in Israel.
#631: The Oron: Israel’s Flying Supercomputer in a Luxury Jet
Discover how a luxury business jet became the IDF's most powerful intelligence asset, the Oron, a high-altitude flying supercomputer.
#626: The Quiet Interrogation: Psychology Over Force
Explore the chilling contrast of high-stakes interrogations, where psychological mastery and the "illusion of knowing" replace physical force.
#618: When Ancient Cloth Beats Modern Filters
As Jerusalem turns orange under a massive dust storm, Herman and Corn explore how Bedouin traditions and human biology adapt to a world of sand.
#611: Jerusalem’s Light Rail: Public Transit or Private Power?
Corn and Herman explore the aggressive "enforcement theater" on Jerusalem’s light rail and how residents can organize against systemic harassment.
#602: Seismic Shifts: Can Israel Withstand the Big One?
Are Israel's old buildings ready for the Big One? Explore the engineering of Tama 38 and how safe rooms provide a hidden seismic spine.
#601: Where to Run When the Sirens Sound
How do you survive a missile strike? Corn and Herman dive into the structural secrets of MAMADs, stairwells, and underground bunkers.
#585: The 48-Hour Army: Onboarding at Warp Speed
How does a nation turn software engineers into tank commanders in 48 hours? Herman and Corn explore the IDF’s unique hybrid military model.
#579: The $2 Intercept: Making Laser Weapons Cheap
Discover how the Iron Beam laser is changing warfare with $2 interceptions and megawatt power. A deep dive into the future of defense technology.
#548: Israel's Security Tax: Can a Nation Afford Both Defense and Decent Sidewalks?
Can Israel balance national security with social needs? Herman and Corn dive into the staggering math of the country’s defense budget.
#547: The Thirst Tax: When Water Becomes a Luxury
Why is it so hard to find a drink in Jerusalem? Herman and Corn explore the history, economics, and public health of urban water access.
#514: Why Israeli Mortgages Are a High-Stakes Maze
Herman and Corn dive into the complex world of the Israeli Mashkanta, exploring why the system is unique and how to navigate its many risks.
#512: The OPEC of Dirt: Why Israel Owns 93% of Its Land
Why does the Israeli state own 93% of the land? Herman and Corn explore the history and the impact of this unique monopoly on the housing market.