The Western Spirit - With Ariel Whitman

Ariel Whitman
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

My name is Ariel Whitman and I live in the heart of Israel. I am the host of a podcast series focusing on the challenges of the West, in the 21st century, from a conservative, classically liberal, and libertarian perspective. We will touch on all current issues while giving emphasis to our lives here in the State of Israel and, more broadly, in the West. Amongst the interviews you will hear from world famous philosophers, intellectuals, government officials, and even ordinary citizens with fascinating stories, from here in Israel and from around the world.

  1. 3h ago

    "I Was Against Israel. Then I Went There" | Claire Fox

    No Israeli should have to face hunger alone. Meir Panim provides meals and essential support to families, Holocaust survivors, and others in need across Israel. Donate and help make a difference: https://meirpanim.org/feeding-israel💥 Help keep The Western Spirit independent: https://buymeacoffee.com/WesternSpirit⁠❤️ Support us on YouTube with Super Thanks — click the Thanks button below the video.📩 Business & advertising: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comWhy has Israel become such an obsession in Britain — and what happened when one of its former critics actually went there?Baroness Claire Fox, member of the House of Lords and one of Britain’s most outspoken defenders of free speech, joins The Western Spirit for a provocative conversation about Israel, antisemitism, identity politics and Britain’s growing crisis of free expression.Fox explains why she was once deeply critical of Israel, why she was initially afraid to visit the country — and what she discovered when she finally went. She also argues that Israel represents something much of the modern West has lost: confidence in national identity, sovereignty and its own civilization.We also discuss the explosion of anti-Israel sentiment after October 7, Islamism, Britain’s hate-speech laws, the policing of controversial opinions, victimhood culture, the transformation of the political left and why Fox believes a dangerous “soft authoritarianism” is taking hold in Britain.Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about Israel, Britain and the future of the West.Chapters00:00Introduction to Claire Fox and her background04:23Israel's unapologetic sovereignty and Western guilt08:36Victimhood politics and victim culture12:24Historical context of societal progress and backwardness20:38The left's shift from class to identity politics23:08The disillusionment with the working class and cultural shifts25:34The Enlightenment and the transcendence of identity26:58The betrayal of universal equality by identity politics28:21The dangers of cancel culture and speech restrictions30:36The absurdity of gender and cultural identity claims33:01The rise of victimhood and false victim claims35:02Institutional bias and the politicization of victimhood36:24The superficial support for Palestine and the real issues37:19Anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories in society38:41Jewish identity, success, and stereotypes40:01Historical persecution and resilience of Jewish communities41:28Mainstreaming prejudice and the danger of stereotypes42:24Diversity within Jewish communities and Israel43:15The complexity of Zionism and Israeli society44:50Free speech challenges and government overreach48:08The impact of accusations and cancel culture50:01Designating organizations as terrorist groups52:21The inconsistency in banning organizations54:28The silence around radical Islam and 9/1155:26The suppression of discussion on terrorism and Islamism56:24Anti-Semitism and Muslim community issues57:19The importance of free speech and open debate58:31The dangers of soft authoritarianism and self-censorship01:00:03Conclusion and final thoughts on free speech and societal issues#ClaireFox #Israel #Britain #Antisemitism #FreeSpeech #UKPolitics

  2. 2d ago

    "China’s War Against Taiwan Has Already Begun" | Taiwan’s Ambassador to Israel Abby Lee

    When will China attack Taiwan? According to Abby Lee, Taiwan’s representative in Israel, the conflict has already begun.Lee joins The Western Spirit to discuss China’s growing pressure on Taiwan, cyberwarfare, disinformation, the threat of invasion and why the “One China” policy could make Taiwan even more vulnerable.We also discuss the remarkable parallels between Taiwan and Israel, Taiwan’s support for Israel since October 7, China’s relationships with Iran and Russia, and why Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is critical to the global economy and the future of AI.What happens if China ultimately decides to take Taiwan by force — and is the West prepared?Subscribe for more conversations on Israel, America and the future of the West.What is happening inside the American Right?In this episode of The Western Spirit, conservative radio host and author Dana Loesch joins Ariel Whitman for a provocative conversation about JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, Israel, antisemitism, Jeffrey Epstein, MAGA, Iran, Qatar and the growing battle over the future of American conservatism.Dana explains why she has concerns about JD Vance, what she thinks happened to Tucker Carlson, and why she calls parts of the new Right the “woke right.” She also argues that phrases like “Epstein class” can function as coded antisemitism, discusses foreign influence and conspiracy theories online, and explains why the fight over Israel may reveal a much deeper divide on the Right.Subscribe for more conversations on America, Israel, politics and the future of the West. 📌 I wish to thank the Ayn Rand Institute in Israel for sponsoring this episode and helping us spread the word! Check out their group meet-ups here 👉🏼 https://www.meetup.com/israeli-students-of-objectivismFor business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00Introduction to the geopolitical context of Taiwan and China01:45Taiwan's support for Israel and shared democratic values04:07China's supply of weapons and support to enemies of Israel and the West06:09Taiwan's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and global supply chains07:54The implications of the One China policy and international recognition09:48The significance of visits by foreign parliament members to Taiwan11:54Public opinion in Taiwan regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict15:02Misinformation, disinformation, and cyber warfare in Taiwan17:00Taiwan's response to disinformation campaigns and cyber threats20:08Israel-Taiwan cooperation on defense and technology21:55Taiwan's efforts to diversify trade and strengthen US relations25:08Taiwan's military modernization and defense spending28:07The importance of indigenous defense industries and self-reliance29:55The role of international support and joint military exercises32:06The threat of Chinese influence and proxies in Taiwan34:01Military reforms and societal resilience in Taiwan35:59The potential consequences of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait38:01The significance of the Taiwan Strait for global trade and security40:13China's regional influence and loss of support in Latin America42:13The strategic ambitions of China beyond Taiwan44:12The importance of deterrence and international cooperation45:55The economic and technological importance of Taiwan48:08The resilience of Taiwan's democracy and economy50:11The cultural and political differences between Taiwan and China52:00The impact of Chinese influence on Taiwan's society54:02The role of proxies and influence campaigns by China55:49The importance of free markets and democratic values57:57Taiwan's strategic response to Chinese threats59:52Conclusion: The importance of international support and resilience#Taiwan #China #Israel #ChinaTaiwan #TaiwanStrait #IsraelTaiwan

  3. 3d ago

    Europe Has Only 5–10 Years Left to Save Itself | Brivael Le Pogam

    No Israeli should have to face hunger alone. Meir Panim provides meals and essential support to families, Holocaust survivors, and others in need across Israel.Donate and help make a difference:https://meirpanim.org/feeding-israelDid France help create the ideology now transforming the Western world — and is Europe running out of time to reverse it?French entrepreneur and political commentator Brivael Le Pogam joins The Western Spirit for a provocative conversation about the intellectual origins of wokeism, mass immigration, Europe’s demographic future, capitalism, technology, Elon Musk and the crisis facing Western civilization.Le Pogam traces modern progressive ideology back in part to French thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida and the intellectual movement often described as “French Theory.” He argues that ideas about truth, power and social constructs escaped academia and helped create a political culture increasingly willing to deconstruct traditional Western institutions and values.The conversation turns to Europe, where Le Pogam warns that the continent may have only 5–10 years to reverse some of its current political and demographic trends. He argues that mass immigration has also become a political tool for parts of the European left, creating constituencies that can help politicians maintain power.Le Pogam also explains why he believes economic stagnation, bureaucracy and regulation are crippling Europe while technological innovation and free-market capitalism offer a radically different future. He discusses Elon Musk, Javier Milei, artificial intelligence, robotics, declining religion and why he remains surprisingly optimistic about what comes next.Can Europe rediscover confidence in Western civilization before it reaches a point of no return?Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about politics, economics, Israel and the future of the West.For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00Introduction and Guest Background01:00French Philosophy and the Roots of Wokeism01:53Connecting French Theory to Western Decline02:51The Impact of Foucault and French Intellectuals03:49The Concept of Truth and Its Erosion04:58Science, Power, and Deconstruction05:56Wokism as a Deconstruction of Reality06:52The Influence of Marxism and Communism07:51Elon Musk and the Fight Against Chaos09:14The Role of Technology and Innovation10:13Demographics, Immigration, and Future Challenges11:02The Future of the West and Rebuilding Strategies12:00The Power of First Principles Thinking12:53The Cultural and Religious Roots of Society13:59The End of Wokeism and Globalist Agendas14:50Optimism for the Future and Technological Progress16:14Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts#BrivaelLePogam #Europe #Wokeism

  4. 4d ago

    Why Does Tucker Carlson Suddenly Love Islam? | Ami Kozak

    No Israeli should have to face hunger alone. Meir Panim provides meals and essential support to families, Holocaust survivors, and others in need across Israel.Donate and help make a difference:https://meirpanim.org/feeding-israelWhy has Tucker Carlson become increasingly sympathetic toward the Islamic world — and why won’t JD Vance distance himself from him?Comedian and political commentator Ami Kozak returns to The Western Spirit for a wide-ranging conversation about Tucker Carlson, JD Vance, the future of the Republican Party, antisemitism on the right and left, Israel, and the political forces reshaping America.Kozak argues that Tucker has become one of the most divisive figures in conservative politics and that his relationship with JD Vance presents a serious problem for the vice president. He explains why he believes Vance may feel a sense of loyalty toward Tucker, why Tucker remains influential among younger conservatives, and why Republicans risk handing political victories to the radical left if they fail to draw clear ideological boundaries.The conversation also turns to Tucker’s increasingly positive rhetoric about countries in the Islamic world. Kozak offers his theory for why Tucker’s economic populism and social conservatism may make certain aspects of those societies attractive to him.Ami and Ariel also discuss antisemitism, Jewish assimilation, Zohran Mamdani, the rise of the DSA, the future of the Democratic Party, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and why some Jews on the progressive left appear willing to sacrifice parts of their Jewish identity in exchange for political acceptance.Finally, they examine a deeper crisis facing Western society: declining religion, collapsing trust, political radicalization and what happens when traditional sources of community and meaning disappear.Subscribe for more conversations on Israel, America and the future of the West.For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00Introduction and Episode Overview03:29Leftist Self-Perception and Jewish Identity04:56Anti-Semitism on the Far Right and Left06:00El Sayyed's Speech and Its Significance07:22Jewish Safety and Political Positions08:08Mamdani's Views and Anti-Western Sentiments09:36Secular and Reform Judaism's Challenges11:55Jewish Assimilation and Identity Loss13:52Orthodox Jews and Political Pragmatism15:42Mamdani's Visits to Brooklyn and Political Signals17:10Pragmatism vs. Principles in Jewish Politics18:11The Role of the Orthodox Community in Politics20:22The Influence of the Ultra-Orthodox in Israel22:28US Jewish Community and Israeli Politics24:34JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, and Political Alliances27:28The Impact of Tucker Carlson on the Right30:37The Future of US Politics and the Midterms33:39Potential Outcomes of the US Midterm Elections37:00The Risks of Infighting and Political Fragmentation40:53The Red Green Alliance and Global Politics43:11The Influence of Tucker Carlson and Media Bias45:07Cultural Shifts and Moral Inversion48:45The Decline of Religious and Social Cohesion51:36Gender Roles and Societal Changes54:45Israeli Politics and Netanyahu's Leadership56:37The Future of Israeli Domestic Politics58:49US and Israeli Political Interference01:00:48The Internal Israeli Political Debate01:02:13Closing Remarks and Future Outlook#AmiKozak #TuckerCarlson #JDVance

  5. Sep 10

    "They Imported Their Future Voters" | Nicholas De Santo

    No Israeli should have to face hunger alone. Meir Panim provides meals and essential support to families, Holocaust survivors, and others in need across Israel.Donate and help make a difference:https://meirpanim.org/feeding-israelWhat is happening to Britain — and can the country reverse course?Italian-born comedian Nicholas De Santo joins The Western Spirit for a provocative conversation about Britain’s changing identity, immigration, Islamism, the political left, Israel, Christianity and free speech.De Santo argues that Britain and other Western countries have been taught to turn against their own history, culture and national identity. He describes what he sees happening in parts of Britain as immigration transforms communities, including reports of people being told they are unwelcome walking their dogs in predominantly Muslim areas.The conversation turns to the relationship between the political left and Muslim voters, with De Santo arguing that left-wing parties increasingly depend on immigrant voting blocs while losing support among their traditional native working-class electorate.De Santo also explains why he believes Israel represents many of the values the modern Western left has rejected — patriotism, family, national identity and confidence in one's own civilization.The conversation also explores Christianity's decline in Britain, demographic change, the culture of victimhood, feminism, the future of Western society and the role of comedy as one of the remaining spaces for challenging political taboos.De Santo also reveals that he lost his BBC job because of his comedy and explains why he believes comedians increasingly have to take risks to say things that other institutions will not.Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about politics, culture, Israel and the future of the West.Subscribe to Nicholas De Santo for more of his comedy and commentary: https://youtube.com/@AngloItalianComedy?si=RoUSEgH8X_x3d95GFor business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comNo Israeli should have to face hunger alone. Meir Panim provides meals and essential support to families, Holocaust survivors, and others in need across Israel.Donate and help make a difference:📌 I wish to thank the Ayn Rand Institute in Israel for sponsoring this episode and helping us spread the word! Check out their group meet-ups here 👉🏼 https://www.meetup.com/israeli-students-of-objectivismFor business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.com#NicholasDeSanto #Britain #ukpolitics Chapters00:00Introduction to the political and cultural landscape04:22Leftist support for immigration and demographic change08:12Cultural self-hatred and indoctrination in the West12:37Alliances between Islamists and secular leftists16:37Food insecurity in Israel and charitable efforts19:38Invasion, grooming gangs, and cultural decline21:06Cultural brainwashing and the decline of family values23:07Extreme support for women who commit crimes24:41Mental health issues and victimhood culture26:05Tribalism and identity politics27:31Decline of marriage and its societal impact29:23Jewish community concerns and political betrayal31:08The omni cause and intersectionality in politics33:21Environmentalism and the West's decline35:43Feminism, victimhood, and cultural shifts37:10The challenges of comedy in a censored society39:06The importance of comedy as free speech44:34The decline of Christianity and community in the West48:18The role of religion and community in society50:24Future societal trends and the importance of faith

  6. Sep 1

    "White, Straight and British? Your Country Has Turned Against You" | Leo Kearse

    What happens when a country becomes embarrassed by its own identity?British comedian and political commentator Leo Kearse joins The Western Spirit for a provocative conversation about Britain’s cultural and political transformation, DEI, immigration, free speech, national identity, Israel and Zionism.Kearse argues that white, straight and traditionally minded Britons increasingly find themselves treated as the problem by their own institutions. He discusses the rise of identity politics and DEI, the changing British right, and why he believes Britain has lost confidence in defending its own culture.The conversation also turns to Israel and Zionism — and a growing argument inside the British right. Kearse challenges conservatives who strongly defend Israel’s right to preserve its Jewish national identity while criticizing British nationalists for wanting Britain to preserve its own identity.Why, he asks, can Israelis be proud of their nation while Britons are increasingly told that nationalism itself is dangerous?A provocative conversation about Britain, Israel, Zionism, immigration, DEI, nationalism, free speech and the battle over Western identity.Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about politics, culture, Israel and the future of the West.For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00Britain's Cultural Shift and Anti-Semitism01:57The Politics of Ethnostates and Zionism03:52The Rise of the British Right and Political Threats07:03Living in a Changing Britain: Immigration and Cultural Tensions09:49The Myth of Universal Humanity and Cultural Differences12:46Jewish Success and Leftist Oppression14:58Israel as a Model of Defense and Internal Management18:12The Role of Nationalism and Cultural Pride21:00The Hypocrisy of Western Cultural Relativism24:08The Decline of Meritocracy in Academia and Media26:48The Influence of Leftist Ideology on Society29:54Comedy as a Tool for Social Critique33:14Censorship and the Limits of Free Speech36:05The Jason R. Day Controversy and Media Bias40:02The Role of Identity and Ethnic Representation44:07The Impact of Social Media and Cultural Shifts47:48The Politics of Diversity and Merit in Entertainment51:52The Fragility of Western Civilization54:48The Future of Family and Society in the West57:56Closing Remarks and Future Discussions#LeoKearse #Britain #Israel #Zionism #UKPolitics

  7. Aug 30

    The West Is Turning Against Israel — But Not for the Reason You Think | Miriam Cates

    Why is Britain turning against Israel?Former British MP and GB News presenter Miriam Cates joins Ariel Whitman to discuss Britain’s changing relationship with Israel, Labour’s appeal to Muslim and progressive voters, rising antisemitism, political Islam, immigration, and the crisis of British national identity.Cates argues that hostility toward Israel is connected to a much deeper struggle over nationalism, Western values and how Britain sees its own history. We also discuss the future of the Conservative Party, Reform UK, Christianity, declining birth rates, and whether Britain can rediscover confidence in its own civilization.Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about Israel, Britain and the future of the West. For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00Introduction and overview of UK political situation01:56Recent changes in UK Prime Minister and political turbulence04:05Impact of social media and technology on political mistakes06:08The evolution of the Conservative Party and ideological shifts07:46Britain's approach to free markets and strategic industries10:53Differences between UK and US conservatism12:50The importance of national sovereignty and control over borders16:02Britain's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights18:10Privatization, foreign ownership, and national industry22:04The rise of anti-Semitism and attitudes towards Israel27:05Cultural identity, heritage, and the meaning of being British34:02The influence of religion and the decline of faith in society43:07The search for meaning and belonging in modern Britain50:01The importance of shared history and national pride55:48The future of British identity and cultural values01:01:54The role of religion and faith in societal cohesion01:04:28Conclusion and upcoming events in Israel and the UK#MiriamCates #Israel #UKPolitics #Britain #Antisemitism #Labour #PoliticalIslam #TheWesternSpirit

  8. Aug 29

    The Establishment Is Losing Control | Toby Young

    Is free speech dying in Britain?Lord Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, joins Ariel Whitman to discuss Britain's growing free-speech crisis, policing of controversial speech, criticism of Islam, the growing political power of the Muslim vote, and why he believes Britain's political establishment is increasingly afraid of populism.We also discuss Labour, Reform UK, Gaza, blasphemy, the Online Safety Act, two-tier policing, censorship, social media, and Toby's warning that British free speech is now “on life support.”Subscribe to The Western Spirit for more conversations about politics, free speech and the future of the West. For business inquiries, including advertising opportunities on our show, please email us at: thewesternspiritpodcast@gmail.com📌 I wish to thank the Ayn Rand Institute in Israel for sponsoring this episode and helping us spread the word! Check out their group meet-ups here 👉🏼 https://www.meetup.com/israeli-students-of-objectivismFollow the Free Speech Union: https://freespeechunion.org/Chapters00:00Introduction and guest background03:08The growth of the Free Speech Union06:53Case studies: Stirring up hatred and religious offenses10:55Leftist dominance and the long march through institutions15:13The role of identity politics and victimhood16:11Speech as violence and the culture war17:20Rise in political violence and its implications18:52Inconsistencies in hate crime and bias enforcement20:16The impact of laws on free speech and political bias22:23Racial and religious double standards in law enforcement23:51The danger of censorship and suppression33:53The consequences of social media regulation40:27The future of free speech and government regulation44:22The political manipulation of media and social platforms46:07The global political class and the war on free speech47:31The boomerang effect of censorship and suppression49:20Historical lessons from Weimar Germany50:01The rise of ethno-nationalist movements51:07The importance of fighting bad ideas with good speech52:50Closing remarks and call to action#TobyYoung #FreeSpeech #UKPolitics #Britain #Censorship #Islam #ReformUK #TheWesternSpirit

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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

My name is Ariel Whitman and I live in the heart of Israel. I am the host of a podcast series focusing on the challenges of the West, in the 21st century, from a conservative, classically liberal, and libertarian perspective. We will touch on all current issues while giving emphasis to our lives here in the State of Israel and, more broadly, in the West. Amongst the interviews you will hear from world famous philosophers, intellectuals, government officials, and even ordinary citizens with fascinating stories, from here in Israel and from around the world.

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