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The Take

Al Jazeerawww.aljazeera.com

The Take is a daily interview-driven international news podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Malika Bilal. Each episode focuses on conversations with journalists and people directly impacted by the news of the day, offering our listeners the context necessary to understand what's in the headlines.

With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.

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Episodes

Breaking Zionism’s trauma loop with Dr. Gabor Mate

From embracing Zionism as a Holocaust survivor to becoming a vocal critic of Israeli policies, renowned author and doctor Gabor Maté reflects on the evolution in his thinking, on trauma as a driving force behind Zionism and Israel, and on how collective Jewish trauma has been exploited by Israel to justify its war in Gaza. This is a story from the archives. This originally aired on January 17, 2025. None of the dates, titles or other references from that time have been changed. In this episode: ...

Nov 03, 202527 minEp. 1413

Brief: Unexploded bombs in Gaza, Lebanese army told to confront Israel

This week: 23 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 224 Palestinians in Gaza. Unexploded ordinance in Gaza is also claiming lives. Lebanon's President instructed its army to respond to Israeli attacks. Israel has killed more than 68,858 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Kimberly Halkett, ( @KimberlyHalkett ) Al Jazeera White House Correspondent Ibrahim al-Khalili, ( @_ibrahimalkhalili ) Al Jazeera Cor...

Nov 02, 20256 minEp. 1412

Another Take: Will Vladimir Putin go nuclear?

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on October 21, 2022. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. With Vladimir Putin’s warning that Russia will use “all available means” at his disposal to defend his country, there has been increased chatter about the Russian president using nuclear weapons. But just how likely is that, and what does it mean to start a nuclear war in 2022? In this episode: Alex Gatopoulos ( @alexgat...

Nov 01, 202522 minEp. 1411

What does the fall of el-Fasher mean for Sudan?

The war in Sudan took an alarming turn when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized the city of el-Fasher in Darfur this week. Mass killings and torture followed. It’s an emergency many experts have been warning about. Will the international community step in and stop the violence? In this episode: Dallia Abdelmoniem ( @dalliasd ), Sudanese political analyst and commentator Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Sarí el-Khalili, and Tracie Hunte with Phillip Lanos, Spen...

Oct 31, 202524 minEp. 1410

What will be the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica?

It’s being called “the storm of the century". Hurricane Melissa has torn through the Caribbean, ranking among the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. The Category 5 storm hit Jamaica especially hard. How will the island recover? In this episode: Robian Williams ( @robian_williams ), Reporter, Nationwide News Network Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili and Melanie Marich, with Marcos Bartolomé, Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq, Tamara Khandaker and our guest...

Oct 30, 202519 minEp. 1409

What’s behind AIPAC’s partnership with Black US politicians?

Black lawmakers remain a pillar of US support for Israel, accepting millions of dollars from the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC despite growing public outrage over Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Why is the Congressional Black Caucus, founded as “the conscience of Congress”, so vocal in support of Israel? In this episode: Anthony Conwright ( @aeconwright ), Journalist Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Haleema Shah, and Melanie Marich, with Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, Fatima ...

Oct 29, 202521 minEp. 1408

Japan’s Iron Lady meets Trump

Japan’s first female leader, Sanae Takaichi, is facing her first diplomatic test: a meeting with US President Donald Trump. How will the conservative hardliner navigate Japan’s economic crisis, unstable political scene and global tensions? In this episode: Jeffrey J. Hall, ( @mrjeffu ), Lecturer at Kanda University Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Haleema Shah and Melanie Marich, with Amy Walters, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq, Tamara Khandaker and our guest host, Ke...

Oct 28, 202524 minEp. 1407

What the ceasefire feels like for Palestinians inside Israel

Palestinian citizens of Israel are navigating relief, fear and distrust as a fragile ceasefire is tested by continued violence. In this episode, we speak with Haifa-based Palestinian human rights lawyer Sawsan Zaher about the impact of the ceasefire deal in Israel and whether accountability for genocide can ever come from within Israel itself. In this episode: Sawsan Zaher ( @SawsanZaher ), Human Rights Lawyer Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and Tamara K...

Oct 27, 202522 minEp. 1406

Brief: US officials visit Israel, Settlers attack olive harvest

This week: 16 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 93 Palestinians in Gaza. US officials pressured Israel to continue with the ceasefire. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the occupied West Bank. Israel has killed more than 68,519 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @abuoazzum ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nour Odeh, ( @nour_odeh ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Nida Ibrahim, ( @nida_journo )...

Oct 26, 20256 minEp. 1405

Another Take: Nigerians speak out to #EndSARS

A movement to stop police brutality in Nigeria has taken over the streets – and international headlines. #EndSARS, the youth-led movement demanding an end to police violence, and specifically to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has created a moment of reckoning for Nigeria’s government. We spoke to protesters to hear what they have seen over the past two weeks, and where they think the movement will take Nigeria next. In this episode: Demonstrators throughout Nigeria. Episode credits: This...

Oct 25, 202514 minEp. 1404

AWS outage: Are we too dependent on Big Tech?

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage may have started at a data center in Virginia, but its effects were felt by millions worldwide. Apps for banking, e-commerce, smart home devices and social media slowed, glitched or completely shut down. With so much of our lives dependent on cloud services from Amazon, Google and Microsoft, do consumers need more options? In this episode: Belle Lin ( @bellelin_ ), reporter, The Wall Street Journal Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, N...

Oct 24, 202520 minEp. 1403

Pakistan and the Taliban’s uneasy peace

Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire after some of the worst cross-border violence in years. Relations have soured over Islamabad's accusation that Kabul is aiding the Pakistan Taliban in attacks against the Pakistani military - a claim Kabul denies. With deep mistrust and armed groups still active, can the fragile peace between the two countries really hold? In this episode: Ali Latifi, ( @alibomaye ), Asia editor, The New Humanitarian Episode credits: This episode wa...

Oct 23, 202521 minEp. 1402

Why is Trump targeting antifa under terrorism laws?

The US is charging two men allegedly associated with antifa with "terrorism.” The case follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to designate antifa a "domestic terrorist organization,” despite most experts agreeing that antifa is an ideology rather than an organized group. What does the latest move from the Trump administration mean for dissent and free speech in the US? In this episode: Jason Blazakis, professor and director of the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at...

Oct 22, 202525 minEp. 1401

Inside Israel’s war of imprisonment against Palestinians

Thousands of Palestinians have been freed under a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel – but many more remain in Israeli prisons. As arrests continue and families wait for answers, what does “freedom” really mean under occupation? And how does detention shape daily life, resistance, and hope in Palestine? In this episode: Maram Humaid ( @MaramGaza ), Reporter, Al Jazeera Shawan Jabarin ( @SJabaren ), General Director, Al-Haq Episode credits: This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé an...

Oct 21, 202520 minEp. 1400

Why is Israel still restricting aid to Gaza?

A fragile ceasefire is in effect and the living Israeli captives are back home, but Israel is continuing to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza. With decimated medical infrastructure across the strip and famine conditions in the north, what will it take for Gaza to get the aid it needs? In this episode: Hisham Mhanna ( @MhannaHesham ), Spokesperson, International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sarí el-Khalili, Noor Wazwaz, and Haleema Shah, with ...

Oct 20, 202522 minEp. 1399

Brief: Israel violates ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon

This week: nine days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinians and Israelis celebrated the return of family and friends as captives and prisoners were exchanged. Israel continued to violate its ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. In this episode: Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Ibrahim Al Khalili, ( @_ibrahimalkhalili ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @abuoazzum ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Zeina Khodr, ( @ZeinakhodrAlja...

Oct 19, 20256 minEp. 1398

Another Take: What a match in Amsterdam says about Israel’s future in football

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on November 12, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Was the violence surrounding a football match in Amsterdam anti-Semtic or more evidence of impunity from Israelis? In this episode: Tony Karon ( @TonyKaron ), Managing Editor, AJ+ Episode credits: This episode was updated by Tracie Hunte. The original production team was David Enders, Chloe K. Li , Tamara Khandaker, Hag...

Oct 18, 202520 minEp. 1397

Will Madagascar’s coup overshadow its Gen Z revolution?

Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters are declaring victory this week after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country and Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared himself president. This comes after young people led weeks of anti-government protests. But with military leaders taking control and government institutions suspended, is this really the change Madagascar's Gen Z wants for their country? In this episode: Rose Mumanya, political risk analyst Episode credits: This episode was produced by Melanie ...

Oct 17, 202519 minEp. 1396

Why the Nobel Peace Prize sparked fury in Caracas

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is furious after the Nobel Peace Prize went to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She dedicated her award to US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly pushing for regime change in Venezuela. What does the award mean for Maduro’s hold on power and Venezuela’s struggle for democracy? In this episode: Teresa Bo ( @TeresaBo ), Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, Noor Wazwaz, Tamara Khandaker, and Marcos Bar...

Oct 16, 202521 minEp. 1395

What Jared Kushner’s Middle East diplomacy means for Gaza

Jared Kushner, billionaire real estate scion, is shaping Gaza’s future. Why is the US President’s son-in-law at the heart of the Gaza ceasefire deal – and the future of the Middle East? In this episode: Ali Harb ( @harbpeace ), Journalist, Al Jazeera Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tracie Hunte, Sonia Bhagat and Melanie Marich, with Noor Wazwaz, Amy Walters, Tamara Khandaker, Farhan Rafid, Fatima Shafiq and our guest host, Natasha Del Toro. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. Our sound ...

Oct 15, 202525 minEp. 1394

Trump’s deal brought captives home. What’s next for Gaza?

It’s a deal that was long awaited, but will it bring peace? The exchange of Palestinians and Israelis marked the strongest sign yet that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is holding. With world leaders at a summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, the stakes are high – and the path ahead is still uncertain. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take...

Oct 14, 202523 minEp. 1393

As Palestinians return to ruins, will Trump’s ceasefire hold?

After two years of genocide and only days into a new ceasefire, Palestinians are returning to Gaza City to find devastation: no homes, power, or family. Now, days after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to end the war, he is set to arrive in the region. There is optimism, but questions remain. Namely, will this deal hold? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote ...

Oct 13, 202526 minEp. 1392

Brief: Palestinians hope for aid, return home as ceasefire holds

This week: After a ceasefire that began on Friday, many Palestinians in Gaza are going home as both sides wait for an expected release of prisoners and captives. It is day 737 of the war on Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Hind Khoudary, ( @Hind_Gaza ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum, ( @abuoazzum ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Episode credits: This episode was produced and mixed by David Enders. Our sound d...

Oct 12, 20256 minEp. 1391

Another Take: October 7 - Al Jazeera investigates

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 28, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. After a months-long forensic analysis into the events of October 7, Al Jazeera’s investigative team reveals its findings. What happened that day? In this episode: Richard Sanders, Director of ‘October 7’, Al Jazeera Investigative Unit Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production tea...

Oct 11, 202527 minEp. 1390

Amid ceasefire, Omar El Akkad on the politics that betrayed Gaza

Acclaimed author Omar El Akkad writes a powerful reflection of Western hypocrisy over Gaza in his book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. We speak to El Akkad on the immense suffering that has occurred over the past two years of Israel's genocidal war and examine how Western liberals failed the people of Gaza. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote f...

Oct 10, 202525 minEp. 1389

What does life look like for Gaza, two years into a genocide?

Gaza has faced relentless bombs and hunger for two years. Families struggle to live, children grow up in fear and hope feels distant. We speak to Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum to hear what life is really like in Gaza. How do people keep going when the world watches but does little to change the situation on the ground? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote ...

Oct 08, 202522 minEp. 1388

The objects Gaza’s women refused to leave behind

The smallest belongings can become the most powerful relics. As Palestinians are forced to flee again and again within the Gaza Strip and beyond, people carry personal items that hold deep meaning. In this episode, we explore the stories behind those objects in the midst of a war many are calling genocide. The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Dai...

Oct 08, 202522 minEp. 1387

Two years after October 7: Israel’s reckoning

Two years after October 7, talks in Egypt could bring an end to the war in Gaza. Inside Israel, divisions are widening, isolation is deepening, and the cost of war is harder to ignore. What does this moment reveal about the country’s shifting sense of itself? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this episode: Mairav Zonszein ( @...

Oct 07, 202524 minEp. 1386

With Gaza in ruins, will US media name the crime?

Despite a UN inquiry and multiple human rights organizations finding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Western news outlets are still reluctant to use the term. After nearly two years of bombardment and at least 65,000 Palestinians dead, will they change their tune on Israel? The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast. In this e...

Oct 06, 202525 minEp. 1385

Brief: Israeli attacks continue as ceasefire talks start again

This week: Hamas responded positively to Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal as both sides said there were still details that needed to be worked out. Israel detained hundreds of activists aboard boats attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. It is day 730 of the war in Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. In this episode: Hani Mahmoud, Al Jazeera Correspondent Rosiland Jordan, ( @RosJordanAJE ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Mohammed Jamjoom, ( @MIJamjoom ) Al Jazeera Correspondent Epi...

Oct 05, 20256 minEp. 1384
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