Nothing But The Truth

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern examines the rise of antisemitism following recent vandalism targeting Jewish homes and synagogues in Queens. Joined by counterterrorism expert Mitchell Silber, the conversation explores the growing range of threats facing Jewish communities, from white supremacists and Islamist extremists to far-left anti-Israel movements and Iran-backed actors. Silber explains how the Community Security Initiative works with law enforcement and local institutions to detect threats, strengthen security, and protect Jewish communities across New York and beyond.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern is joined by national security expert Jonathan Schanzer to break down the evolving conflict with Iran. As the fighting shifts from direct military strikes to an aggressive economic strategy, they explore how sanctions, blockades, and control of key النفط routes like the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping the battlefield. Schanzer explains the real impact of cutting off Iran’s oil revenues, the risks of escalation, and how global players like China and Russia factor into the equation. The episode offers a clear look at a conflict now defined less by bombs—and more by economic pressure, strategy, and endurance.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern examines the high-stakes race for New York Attorney General with candidate Saritha Komatireddy. The conversation explores the scope of the Attorney General’s power and its real-world impact on public safety, crime, and civil rights across the state. Komatireddy outlines her approach to addressing issues like transit crime, car theft, and rising hate crimes, while discussing how the role can support local law enforcement and shape policy priorities. The episode highlights the broader debate over how the office should be used—and what’s at stake for New Yorkers.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern speaks with Elise Stefanik about rising concerns over antisemitism and ideological shifts on college campuses. Stefanik reflects on her widely viewed congressional questioning of university leaders and discusses her book Poisoned Ivies, which examines the cultural, academic, and political forces shaping higher education. The conversation explores issues including campus leadership, free speech, foreign funding, and the role universities play in influencing future generations. Stefanik outlines her perspective on how these trends developed over time and what steps policymakers and institutions might take to address them.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern speaks with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman about the escalating conflict with Iran and what it could mean for the future of the Middle East and global stability. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, Friedman discusses the threat of a nuclear Iran, the possibility of regime change, and the broader regional implications—including shifting alliances and the emergence of new power blocs. The conversation also explores the human toll of the conflict in Israel and the growing divide in U.S. political discourse, raising urgent questions about leadership, strategy, and what comes next.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern explores the accelerating rise of antisemitism worldwide, from incidents in Europe and North America to growing concerns about normalization and online amplification. She is joined by Yehuda Kaploun, who outlines his role advising the U.S. government and working with international partners to monitor and combat these threats. The discussion examines antisemitism not only as a form of hate, but as a broader issue tied to national security, social stability, and religious freedom. Kaploun points to challenges including inconsistent global responses, underreporting of incidents, and political reluctance to confront the issue directly. He also reflects on recent experiences abroad, highlighting both the severity of the problem and the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and accountability across countries.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf to examine the ideological shift happening inside the Democratic Party and the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America. Sheinkopf contrasts traditional Democratic priorities—public safety, labor alliances, capitalism, and strong support for the State of Israel—with what he describes as the rising power of DSA-aligned candidates and grassroots organizing strategies. The conversation explores how modern campaigns are built, the role of money and messaging in politics, and whether the changes unfolding within the party represent a temporary factional fight or a deeper transformation of American politics.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with U.S. Senator James Lankford about the dramatic escalation following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in a joint U.S.–Israel operation. Drawing on recent intelligence briefings, Lankford discusses the state of Iran’s leadership, the possibility of regime collapse, and what the conflict could mean for the Middle East and global security. The conversation explores Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the role of the IRGC, potential leadership transitions inside Iran, and the broader implications for American national security and regional stability.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern turns the focus from Washington to Albany, examining how shifting power within the New York State Assembly could reshape life for New Yorkers. She is joined by Assembly District 69 candidate Stephanie Ruskay, a rabbi and longtime Upper West Side community leader, to discuss housing policy, bail reform, taxes, business regulation, antisemitism, and New York’s relationship with Israel. Ruskay shares her personal story—growing up in Manhattan, returning to raise her family, and building interfaith and civic partnerships—while outlining why she believes this race represents a broader battle over the direction of the Democratic Party and the future of governance in New York.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Ambassador Yoram Ettinger joins Trudy Stern to deliver a stark warning about the true nature of negotiations with Iran. Drawing a sharp distinction between Western diplomacy and what he calls the “Ayatollah dictionary,” Ettinger argues that Tehran views negotiations as a tactic to stall, rebuild military capabilities, and advance long-term global ambitions against the United States. The conversation expands beyond Iran’s nuclear program to examine its ballistic missile development, terror proxy networks, sleeper cells, and deepening foothold in Latin America—particularly through alliances with drug cartels and anti-American regimes. Ettinger makes the case that Iran’s strategy is not just about Israel or regional dominance, but about directly challenging U.S. national security and reshaping the global balance of power.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern is joined by retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery to examine the high-stakes moment unfolding with Iran, as renewed negotiations collide with an escalating U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf. Admiral Montgomery explains why talks over Iran’s nuclear program are likely buying time rather than producing a viable deal, outlining Tehran’s remaining nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile and drone threats, and continued support for proxy groups across the region. The conversation breaks down the strategic meaning behind America’s naval and air posture, the limits of diplomacy, and what real military enforcement would look like if negotiations fail—highlighting the serious implications for Israel, regional stability, and U.S. security.

As the Middle East undergoes a dramatic realignment, host Trudy Stern is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to break down the shifting balance of power following Iran’s weakening and the degradation of its terror proxies. The conversation explores Saudi Arabia’s changing posture toward Israel, rising tensions with the UAE, Turkey’s growing regional ambitions, and the dangerous vacuum forming across Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. Together, they examine whether Israel now faces stronger and more complex threats closer to its borders—and what these developments could mean not just for Israel, but for the West and U.S. interests more broadly.

As global crises unfold from Ukraine and the Middle East to Latin America and the Arctic, this episode of Nothing But the Truth examines how China is quietly shaping events behind the scenes. Host Trudy Stern is joined by Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute, author of Countering China’s Great Game, to break down Beijing’s strategy as a revisionist power exploiting global instability, expanding its military and economic reach, and preparing for potential conflict. The conversation also explores a new Heritage Foundation war game warning of U.S. weapons shortages in a high-intensity conflict with China—and what all of this means for America’s future.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Congressman Randy Fine to unpack a series of rapidly unfolding domestic and global flashpoints. From a controversial proposal to annex Greenland and rising geopolitical tensions with Russia and China, to allegations of fraud, immigration enforcement, and political unrest in Minnesota, the conversation explores how foreign policy, national security, and domestic governance are increasingly intertwined. Together, they examine what these developments mean for American strength, sovereignty, and stability in a world growing more volatile by the day.

In a stunning display of American force, U.S. Special Forces remove Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in a rapid, high-precision operation that sends shockwaves across the globe. Trudy Stern is joined by leading international law expert Eugene Kontorovich to examine what the capture of Maduro means for Venezuela’s future, U.S. deterrence, and America’s adversaries—from China and Iran to Russia and Cuba. Together, they unpack the strategic message behind the operation, the legal authority underpinning it, the limits of regime change, and the dangerous precedents such actions may set in an increasingly unstable world.

As 2026 begins, Trudy Stern takes stock of a turbulent global landscape and asks whether President Trump’s promise to end wars and restore deterrence has delivered real results. Joined by Middle East and national security expert Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, the conversation examines the state of global conflict after 2025—from Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional proxies to shifting power dynamics in the Middle East, Ukraine, and beyond. Together, they assess where U.S. strategy has succeeded, where it has fallen short, and whether today’s conflicts are isolated crises or part of a broader global struggle shaping the year ahead.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Sydney-based psychotherapist and author Margo Lowy about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Australia. Drawing on her personal history and professional expertise, Lowy examines how a country once seen as one of the safest places for Jews began to change—and why warning signs were ignored until violence became unavoidable. Together, they explore denial, societal silence, and what Australia’s experience may reveal about risks facing other Western democracies, including the United States.

Trudy Stern examines two seemingly distant crises—Venezuela and the war in Ukraine—and reveals how they are connected fronts in a broader global struggle against authoritarian regimes, terror networks, and criminal organizations. Joined by Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, she breaks down Venezuela’s role as a narco-terror state tied to cartels and terrorist groups, the strategic pressure campaign against the Maduro regime, and how these threats intersect with Russia’s war in Ukraine and wider efforts to undermine democracy, U.S. security, and global stability.

Trudy Stern sits down with Ambassador Jeff Bartos, the U.S. Representative to the UN for Management and Reform, to break down how the United Nations really works, why it’s struggling, and what America is doing to hold it accountable. They explore the UN’s shifting power dynamics, rising authoritarian influence, and Bartos’s mission to restore transparency, efficiency, and shared financial responsibility inside the institution.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern opens with a warning about what she calls a growing ideological war within America’s education system—one she links to long-term infiltration by radical anti-Western movements. She introduces guest Jeffrey Lax, a CUNY department chair who has become a vocal critic of rising antisemitism on campuses. Lax details a controversial job posting at Hunter College seeking an instructor aligned with anti-Israel ideology, arguing it reflects a deeper, systemic rot within CUNY’s leadership and curriculum approval process. He accuses state officials of superficial fixes and describes how academic culture has shifted from education to political indoctrination. Lax recounts alarming incidents from inside CUNY, including discriminatory comments from administrators, to illustrate how far the institution has fallen over the past decade.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to break down the latest developments in the Middle East. They unpack the newly passed 20-point UN Gazan plan, why its origins are so surprising, and what it would actually require from Hamas, Qatar, and Israel. Schanzer explains the significance of the remaining unrecovered hostages, the leverage the U.S. now holds over Qatar, and why Hamas—despite its attempts to stall—has become a militarily depleted force. Together, they cut through the noise to clarify what this moment means for the region, American diplomacy, and the future of the conflict.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes back journalist and analyst Karys Rhea to examine the rise of the “woke right”—a faction on the political right that blends grievance politics, identity ideology, and extreme rhetoric. They review the movement’s origins, key figures, and online networks, exploring how formerly fringe ideas are gaining traction among younger conservatives. Rhea also discusses recent developments, including the evolving roles of prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Steve Bannon, and the Groiper movement, highlighting the ideological shifts and growing influence within mainstream conservative spaces.

On this moving episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes Congressman Brian Mast — a decorated war hero and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — for a powerful conversation about courage, faith, and service. Mast recounts the harrowing night in Afghanistan when an IED cost him both legs and nearly his life, describing how his team’s bravery saved him and how his “Alive Day” became a reminder of gratitude and resilience. He reflects on recovery, the lessons from his father’s bedside visit, and how purpose and patriotism guided him from the battlefield to the halls of Congress. It’s an inspiring look at perseverance, leadership, and what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern tackles what she calls one of the most consequential political stories of the year — the New York City mayoral race. She’s joined by author and media commentator Samantha Ettus, who discusses the rise of Zoran Mamdani, a candidate critics describe as anti-Israel and anti-police, and why his potential victory has alarmed many New Yorkers. Together, they unpack polling data, media narratives, and the high stakes of voter turnout, arguing that misinformation and apathy could reshape the future of the city if people don’t take action before Election Day.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks first with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman about how his leadership has helped make Nassau one of the safest and most successful counties in the nation—through a focus on law enforcement, fiscal responsibility, and community trust. Then, veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins to break down New York City’s fast-approaching mayoral race, warning that a Zoran Mamdani administration could devastate the city’s economy, public safety, and stability. Together, these conversations explore what true leadership looks like—and what happens when ideology overtakes experience.

After two years of war, the hostages are finally home — and Israel stands at a crossroads. Trudy Stern speaks with Brigadier General Yaron Rosen, former Chief of IDF Cyber Staff, about how this war reshaped modern combat. From AI and drones to cyber warfare and missile defense, they explore how Israel’s technological edge is transforming not just the battlefield, but the very nature of war itself.

Trudy Stern speaks with Middle East expert Dr. Jonathan Schanzer about the historic deal ending the Israel–Hamas war and the long-awaited return of the hostages. They discuss what the agreement means for Israel’s security, Hamas’s future, and America’s role in shaping the postwar Middle East — including how the Trump administration is leveraging new regional alliances and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Trudy Stern continues her conversation with Ambassador Yoram Ettinger, this time tackling one of the most misunderstood issues in the debate over Israel’s future—demographics. Ambassador Ettinger explains why the oft-cited “demographic time bomb” is a myth, and how the real numbers actually strengthen Israel’s position as a thriving Jewish democracy. Along the way, they also discuss breaking news, U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and surprising ways Israeli innovation is saving American lives.

Trudy Stern speaks with Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan was murdered and kidnapped into Gaza on October 7th. Ayelet recounts the harrowing days of uncertainty, the painful confirmation of his fate, and her transformation into a fearless advocate for the hostages. Together, they discuss the failures of international institutions, the strength of the hostage families, and why Ayelet refuses to stop fighting for justice and truth.

Trudy Stern sits down with Congresswoman Laura Gillen, her own representative from New York’s 4th District, to discuss the dramatic shift from private life to public office. Gillen shares what it’s like to balance motherhood with life in Washington, the lessons of freshman orientation, and why building bipartisan relationships is essential in today’s divided Congress. She also reflects on her recent trip to Israel and how her Long Island roots guide her work on Capitol Hill.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Yoram Ettinger to discuss why the U.S.-Israel alliance is not charity but a mutually beneficial partnership. From intelligence sharing to military innovation, Ettinger explains how Israel acts as America’s most reliable strategic asset in the Middle East, saving the U.S. billions while strengthening both nations’ security.

Trudy Stern welcomes Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to discuss her recent trip to Israel, the ongoing war with Hamas, and the global fight between freedom and tyranny. From meetings with Israeli leaders to standing firm against misinformation, Tenney shares insights on U.S.–Israel relations, security, and why she sees hope despite the challenges ahead.

Trudy Stern is joined by writer and activist Karys Rhea to expose how parts of the American right are embracing rhetoric that echoes the far left—from antisemitic conspiracies to anti-Western sentiment. Together, they trace how influencers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson are reshaping the conservative movement, and why this shift is especially dangerous for Jews.

As Israel fights for its survival in the wake of the October 7th Hamas massacre, global leaders seem to be rewarding terror with statehood. Trudy Stern sits down with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman to unpack this upside-down moment in history. From the Abraham Accords to media distortion and growing antisemitism, they examine what’s gone wrong—and what needs to be done to set the record straight.

Trudy Stern continues her eye-opening conversation with Hudson Institute Fellow Zineb Ribuoa, focusing on how the West is responding to growing threats from Iran, Russia, and China. They discuss Israel’s bold cyberattack on Iran’s financial system and what it reveals about modern warfare, deterrence, and U.S. alliances.

Trudy Stern speaks with Zineb Riboua of the Middle East Forum to connect global flashpoints—from Africa to the Middle East to American campuses. Together they examine how Iran, Russia, and China are working through proxy groups like the Polisario Front to destabilize regions and challenge Western influence, highlighting why these conflicts are not isolated, but deeply interconnected.

As New York City gears up for a pivotal mayoral election, Trudy Stern takes a step back from campaign noise to focus on the system itself: how local and state government actually works. With Assemblyman David Weprin as her guest, this episode unpacks the structure and function of state and city government, from the role of the mayor and city council to the power dynamics between Albany and local officials. Who’s really responsible for policing, schools, and taxes? How much influence do campaign promises actually carry? With decades of experience at both the city and state level, Weprin provides a rare inside look at the machinery behind the headlines—arming voters with the truth they need before they head to the polls.

As the dust settles in the Middle East and the U.S. sees new legislative momentum at home, Trudy Stern sits down with Senator James Lankford to break down two major developments: the end of the war between Israel and Iran, and the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” In this episode, they unpack what the bill really does—debunking claims of Medicare cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy—while exploring its impact on taxes, Medicaid reforms, and federal spending. With global diplomacy shifting and domestic policy at a crossroads, Senator Lankford offers a clear-eyed perspective on where America stands and what comes next.

In the wake of unprecedented U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trudy Stern sits down with Jonathan Schanzer to assess what may be a historic turning point. Has Iran’s nuclear threat been neutralized? What role did President Trump play—and did he act too soon? With exclusive insights on the Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence, and possible futures for the Iranian regime, this episode explores what comes next for the region and the world.

Just days after war breaks out between Israel and Iran, Trudy Stern welcomes back Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. From firsthand accounts of fleeing Israel with a delegation of young journalists to expert analysis on the Mossad’s covert operations and the stakes of this escalating conflict, this episode offers rare clarity in a time of chaos.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Whitney Tilson, former hedge fund manager turned mayoral candidate, to discuss why he entered New York’s most high-stakes Democratic primary in decades. Tilson lays out his case against rising far-left influence, calls out antisemitism in the race, and explains why he believes defeating Zoran Mamdani is essential to saving the soul of the city.

On this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Congressman Ritchie Torres to discuss the alarming rise of antisemitism in New York politics, spotlighting mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani’s controversial positions on Israel. Torres warns that Mamdani’s rhetoric—such as support for BDS, refusal to affirm Israel as a Jewish state, and threats to arrest Israeli leaders—signals a dangerous shift that undermines democratic values. Together, Stern and Torres explore how antisemitism is a warning sign for broader societal decay, and why this election has national and moral consequences beyond party lines.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson about the shifting global landscape, rising anti-Western sentiment, and the fight to protect American values. They dive into the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping legislative package aimed at securing the border, preserving tax cuts, reforming Medicaid, and strengthening national security. Hinson shares her journey from Emmy-winning journalist to public servant, balancing motherhood with policymaking on Capitol Hill.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern sits down with newly elected Senator Jim Banks to discuss the shifting landscape of American foreign policy. As the conservative movement grapples with its global role amid conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and growing threats from China and Iran, Senator Banks outlines a vision rooted in strength and moral clarity. The conversation explores the Senator’s support for reciprocal tariffs, the resurgence of American manufacturing, and how trade policy has become a key tool of statecraft under President Trump.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern is joined by Middle East expert Dr. Jonathan Schanzer to unpack President Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and the broader regional implications. They discuss Trump’s hardline message to Iran, a controversial luxury jet gift from Qatar, and the release of American-Israeli hostage Idan Alexander by Hamas. Schanzer offers insight into Saudi-Israeli relations, the potential for normalization without Palestinian statehood, and concerns over massive U.S. arms sales in the region.

In this urgent episode of Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern speaks with Ellie Cohanim, former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism, about the dramatic rise in anti-Jewish hatred since October 7th. Together, they examine how the U.S.—once a global moral authority on this issue—is now facing its own reckoning. From college campuses to city streets, anti-Semitism is no longer a foreign threat—it’s here at home. Ellie shares insights from her time at the State Department and discusses what must happen next to confront this crisis head-on.

In Part 2 of our conversation with legal scholar Eugene Kontorovich, we turn to one of the most polarizing issues in Israeli politics today: judicial reform. Before October 7th, it dominated headlines and sparked massive protests across the country. But what exactly is Israel’s judicial reform debate about? Why does the Israeli Supreme Court hold so much power—arguably more than any court in the world? And how did this legal battle become a national crisis? With deep insight into the inner workings of Israeli law and its global implications, Kontorovich breaks down what’s really at stake—for Israel’s democracy, its governance, and its future.

Trudy Stern speaks with legal expert Eugene Kontorovich about the ICC’s shocking move to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks. They unpack how international law is being weaponized against Israel, the difference between the ICC and ICJ, and the broader campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state through global institutions.

Trudy Stern speaks with Shabbos Kestenbaum, Harvard Divinity School graduate and founder of the Jewish on Campus Legal Fund, about the rise of antisemitism at elite universities. Shabbos shares his personal experience navigating bias and hostility at Harvard, exposes the double standards Jewish students face, and explains why he’s now taking legal action to hold institutions accountable.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern is joined by Dr. Thomas Duesterberg, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, to break down Donald Trump’s newly proposed tariffs. With a 10% blanket tax on all U.S. imports and targeted increases—up to 125%—on Chinese goods, are we heading into another trade war? Dr. Duesterberg offers historical context, explains the economic and geopolitical stakes, and discusses how these tariffs could reshape American industry, global supply chains, and the 2024 election.