Best Michael Kushner Podcasts (2025)

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The SAPIR Debates: Does Zionism Have a Future on the American Left? 1:39:34

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2d ago1:39:34

1:39:34

In the shadow of the war in Gaza, shifting ideological fault lines and coalitions are redefining the boundaries of progressive politics nationwide. The normalization of rhetoric on the Left that questions Israel’s legitimacy has become a source of growing discomfort, if not concern, for Zionists across the political spectrum. Likewise, actions of t…

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"Don't Cry" for Me, Argentina (Axl's "Tantrum") | Ep. 538 59:49

5d ago59:49

59:49

Guns N' Roses recently performed for 2 massive crowds in Argentina. Let's welcome Argentinian fan, Agustín, who was there for Axl's mic throwing/drum kicking "tantrum" that went viral. What exactly happened and what should be the appropriate response? Agustín had his GN'R doubts going in but left with a difference perspective.It's been a bit since …

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CKY's Jess Margera "Can't Stop Running" | Ep. 537 23:04

8d ago23:04

23:04

CKY are back with their first new single in 7 years, "Can't Stop Running." Band co-founder and drummer Jess Margera returns to the podcast to talk new music, balancing tour life with fatherhood, thoughts on Axl's recent inner-ear monitor drama, and more stories from the infamous 2002 tour with Guns N' Roses.More info:https://linktr.ee/ckymusichttps…

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S18E3: A Catholic Response to Jewish Chosenness with Professor Robert P. George 53:10

11d ago53:10

53:10

Amid a troubling resurgence of antisemitism, Princeton scholar Robert P. George declared in his most recent SAPIR essay that “any attempt to deny or undermine God’s unique and mysterious bond with the Jewish people … is antithetical to Christianity.” At a moment when the concept of Jewish chosenness is increasingly uncomfortable to discuss, how sho…

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The Story of West Arkeen and The Outpatience | Ep. 536 59:30

15d ago59:30

59:30

Dan McConomy was the manager for West Arkeen and his band, The Outpatience. We learn more about the late musician, his songwriting, how the album almost didn't happen, the truth behind West's tragic death, a crazy story behind the monkey album cover, Guns N' Roses' early days, and much more!More info:Contact Dan: https://www.instagram.com/danmccono…

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How France Lost Its Way, with Andrew Hussey 1:08:23

17d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

In this episode recorded live at Shakespeare and Company, historian and cultural critic Andrew Hussey joins Adam Biles to discuss his powerful new book, Fractured France: A Journey Through a Divided Nation. With wit, erudition, and decades of on-the-ground insight, Hussey examines how France—once the model of revolutionary ideals and republican uni…

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"Axl Rose: Appetite For Destruction" Graphic Novel from Sumerian Comics | Ep. 535 33:28

21d ago33:28

33:28

Axl has teamed up with Sumerian Comics to launch a brand-new graphic novel series, "Axl Rose: Appetite For Destruction." Nathan Yocum, Sumerian co-founder and series co-creator, joins to tell us all about it!More info: https://sumerian.ink/https://www.instagram.com/sumeriancomics/Our website:www.afdpod.com…

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John Bush, Armored Saint / ex-Anthrax | Ep. 534 32:05

26d ago32:05

32:05

By Appetite for Distortion

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Philippe Sands: Pinochet, Walter Rauff, and the Shadows of History 1:06:38

1M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

This week Adam Biles speaks with international lawyer and acclaimed author Philippe Sands about his latest book, 38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia. Building on East West Street and The Ratline, Sands traces the remarkable and disturbing links between Nazi officer Walter Rauff—architect of the mobile gas van…

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The Story of Billy McCloud: Guns N' Roses "Yesterdays" Co-writer | Ep. 533 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

Billy McCloud is credited for co-writing the Guns N' Roses song "Yesterdays" from Use Your Illusion II. Sadly, Billy passed in 2002, but his sister Cynthia is here to share the story. Who was he? Why just "Billy" in the UYI II liner notes? What did Axl pay out in royalites? Cynthia McCloud is eager to let fans know who her brother was and how gener…

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S18E2: Choosing to be Chosen with Rabbis Noa Kushner and Adam Mintz 54:41

1M ago54:41

54:41

What does the process of conversion — joining the Jewish people— reveal about the meaning of chosenness? In his recent essay for SAPIR, Rabbi Adam Mintz writes that “we, Jews by birth and Jews by choice, are all destined for the same story.” Similarly, Rabbi Noa Kushner writes that “it is possible that to be chosen is not only a designation at birt…

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S18E1: Is Israel the Chosen Nation? with Michael Oren 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

“For many of its secular pioneers,” writes former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren in his most recent SAPIR essay, “Zionism was a revolt against chosenness. It was an attempt to become a nation like every other.” Today, especially after October 7, many Israelis are reevaluating this very notion and wondering: is the Jewish state chosen, and if so, f…

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Michael Schenker: Don't Sell Your Soul | Ep. 532 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker returns to discuss "Don't Sell Your Soul," the second part of an album trilogy that began with 2024's "My Years With UFO." We talk the new record, Axl Rose's contribution to the previous one, and more! More info:https://michaelschenkerhimself.com/https://schenker.lnk.to/DSYSALBUMIDhttps://youtu.be/k1DzRfMvANI?si…

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Fine, I'll talk about Axl's voice: Part II | Ep. 531 58:08

1M ago58:08

58:08

Exactly what the title says. Didn't want to talk about a first time, so why not a second? I'm still tired of people trying to drag down legends. We'll be honest with each other, with the right perspective. Let's talk about Axl Rose's voice and those who criticize him. This time, we're joined by musician/vocal coach, Tony Noyes. More info:https://ww…

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Welcome Rabbi David Wolpe! Our New Podcast Host 31:34

1M ago31:34

31:34

Today marks a new chapter as we re-launch the podcast, SAPIR Conversations, with even more discussions and double the hosting power. Moving forward, Rabbi David Wolpe - scholar-in-residence at the Maimonides Fund, Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple, prolific author, writer, and longtime SAPIR contributor - will join Bret Stephens as co-host of…

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Moonlight Express: Monisha Rajesh on the Magic of Night Trains 58:35

2M ago58:35

58:35

In this conversation recorded live at Shakespeare and Company, travel writer Monisha Rajesh talks about her new book Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train. From Paris to Istanbul, Scotland to India, the United States to Lapland, Rajesh explores the romance and realities of sleeper trains—where the carriages, the landscapes, and above a…

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Derek Shulman, Gentle Giant: Talkin' Black Sabbath, Bon Jovi, AC/DC and more! | Ep. 530 36:47

2M ago36:47

36:47

Derek Shulman, of progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant and legendary A&R man, chronicles a remarkable life and career surrounded by music in his new memoir. Derek talks about opening for Black Sabbath, signing Bon Jovi, resurrecting AC/DC, and much more! More info about "Giant Steps: My Improbable Journey from Stage Lights to Executive Heights: h…

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Our Political Moment with Bret Stephens and Mijal Bitton 57:57

2M ago57:57

57:57

Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, was murdered at a campus event in Utah on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 10th, 2025. As Americans reckon with this horrific act of political violence, many are alarmed at the grim message it offers about the state of our politics and where our democracy is headed. In a special SAPIR conversati…

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Max Cavalera, SOULFLY: Chama, Ozzy, and Axl | Ep. 529 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

Extreme metal trailblazers SOULFLY deliver their 13th album "CHAMA" on October 24th. Max Cavalera returns to talk the new record, making music with his sons, Christmas dinner at Ozzy's house, defense of an aging Axl Rose, and more!More info:https://soulfly.bfan.link/chamahttps://soulfly.bfan.link/storm-the-gateshttps://www.instagram.com/thesoulflyt…

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Raine Maida, Our Lady Peace: Talks 30 Years of OLP, Chris Benoit, and Axl Rose | Ep. 528 24:36

2M ago24:36

24:36

Our Lady Peace lead vocalist Raine Maida joins. We celebrate 30 years of OLP, reclaiming the song "Whatever" from the Chris Benoit tragedy, Axl Rose watching the Mayweather-McGregor fight through his tour bus window, and more!More info:https://www.ourladypeace.com/https://www.instagram.com/ourladypeacehttps://lnk.to/OLPwhateverOur website:www.afdpo…

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Twenty Writers, One Bookshop: The Shakespeare and Company Book of Interviews, now in paperback 1:18:21

2M ago1:18:21

1:18:21

In this special episode of the Shakespeare and Company Interview Podcast, we celebrate the paperback release of The Shakespeare and Company Book of Interviews (Canongate), a compelling collection of literary conversations recorded live at our bookshop in Paris. Capturing a decade of rich, revealing discussions, the episode revisits unforgettable mo…

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Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden: More Balls to Picasso (and less cell phones) | Ep. 527 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson has unleashed a re-worked version of his classic 1994 album, now titled "More Balls To Picasso." As I switch from radio producer to interviewer, Bruce joins us to talk about the rerelease, fatherhood, his solo tour, and more!More info:https://www.ironmaiden.com/bruce-dickinson-more-balls-to-picasso/https://www.instagra…

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Glenn Hughes talks new album "Chosen" and Guns N' Roses | Ep. 526 16:36

2M ago16:36

16:36

Rock legend Glenn Hughes returns with his new studio album “Chosen," set for release on September 5th. Glenn chats with us about what may be his last rock record, how to stay "in the moment," and thoughts on Guns N' Roses.More info:https://www.glennhughes.com/https://www.instagram.com/glennhughesonline/Our website:www.afdpod.com…

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Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles): The Rock & Roll Retreat | Ep. 525 15:26

2M ago15:26

15:26

Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, joins to talk his “The Rock & Roll Retreat” Sweepstakes to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can win the "Ultimate Nashville Rock Experience," including a private guitar lesson with Don. Plus, we talk about his relationship with Guns N' Roses guitarist, Slash. More info: https://www.donfelder…

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Small Girl, Big Ideas: Getting to know Mafalda, with Samanta Schweblin and Frank Wynne 55:10

2M ago55:10

55:10

In this episode Adam speaks with translator Frank Wynne and Argentinian writer Samanta Schweblin about the first-ever English edition of Mafalda, the beloved Argentine comic strip by Quino (Archipelago Books). Together, they explore how this precocious, principled six-year-old girl—who challenged everything from soup to capitalism—shaped generation…

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Helloween's Michael Kiske talks Giants & Monsters and Guns N' Roses | Ep. 524 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

Michael Kiske, co-lead vocalist for the iconic Helloween joins to discuss their new album "Giants & Monsters." Plus, Michael reflects on 40 years of Helloween, memories of the infamous 1988 "Monsters of Rock" Festival, and his Guns N' Roses fandom.More info:https://www.helloween.org/https://www.facebook.com/helloweenofficial/Our website:www.afdpod.…

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Kelly Shaefer of Atheist: My Velvet Revolver Audition | Ep. 523 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

Before Scott Weiland officially became the lead singer of Velvet Revolver, Slash and company went through hundreds of audition tapes. How close was Kelly Shaefer (vocalist of Atheist / Neurotica) to landing that gig first? Join us for his epic VR tale, parenting tips, and much more!More info:https://www.facebook.com/AtheistBand/https://www.instagra…

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Fine, I'll talk about Axl's voice | Ep. 522 52:30

3M ago52:30

52:30

Exactly what the title says. I'm so very tired of people trying to drag down legends. We'll be honest with each other...with the right perspective. Didn't want to do this, but let's talk about Axl Rose's voice and those who criticize him.afdpod.comBy Appetite for Distortion

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Calls May Be Recorded: Lipstick, Loneliness, and Late Capitalism with Katharina Volckmer 41:54

3M ago41:54

41:54

Katharina Volckmer joins Adam Biles to discuss her biting, bleakly funny second novel, Calls May Be Recorded for Training and Monitoring Purposes. Set in a London call centre, the book follows Jimmie, a disillusioned former actor trapped in a soul-crushing job, a suffocating home life with his immigrant mother, and an alienating body. Volckmer disc…

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WWE's Karrion Kross talks Memoir and Guns N' Roses | Ep. 521 19:15

3M ago19:15

19:15

"Life is Fighting" is the debut memoir from Kevin Kesar (aka Karrion Kross of the WWE). Karrion talks about becoming an author, obstacles on the path to achieving his dreams, and love for "You Could Be Mine" from Guns N' Roses.More info:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Fighting-Kevin-Robert-Kesar/dp/1770418490https://www.instagram.com/realkillerkrossWEB…

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The Shape of Survival: Eimear McBride on Love, Art, and the City 1:02:49

3M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

In this textured conversation, author Eimear McBride joins Adam Biles at Shakespeare and Company to discuss her latest novel The City Changes Its Face. Set in Camden Town in the 1990s, the book revisits characters from The Lesser Bohemians as they navigate the complexities of love, art, aging, trauma, and parenthood. McBride explores the enduring i…

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Katie Kitamura on Fiction’s Shifting Realities 55:22

3M ago55:22

55:22

Katie Kitamura joins Adam Biles to discuss her remarkable novel Audition. Centred on a middle-aged actress whose settled life is upended by a young man claiming to be her son, Audition blurs the lines between performance, identity, and narrative certainty. Kitamura reflects on the novel’s dual structure—a “rabbit-duck” ambiguity—and her fascination…

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Carla Harvey, The Violent Hour: Black Sabbath's Farewell and Defending Axl | Ep. 520 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

"The Violent Hour" is the debut EP from Carla Harvey and Charlie Benante. Carla talks about making this new project with her boyfriend Charlie (aka the Anthrax/Pantera drummer), their experience at Black Sabbath's "Back to the Beginning," and a staunch defense of Axl Rose at 63.More info:https://www.instagram.com/carlaharvey/https://www.instagram.c…

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Naser Mestarihi, Winterburn: First All-Arab Band to Open for Guns N' Roses | Ep. 519 1:43:24

4M ago1:43:24

1:43:24

Becoming the first all-Arab band to open for Guns N' Roses was a long and difficult road for Nas and Winterburn. Naser Mestarihi from Saudi Arabia joins to share his incredible tale of triumph, including an ongoing battle with MS and direct praise from Duff McKagan.More info:https://www.instagram.com/nasmestarihi/https://www.instagram.com/winterbur…