The Actual

Lissy Abrahams
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The Actual is a podcast for the ever-changing times we live in. Since October 7 2023, our devices are constantly flooded with misinformation and disinformation from a multitude of unreliable sources - including social media, mainstream news agencies, as well as targeted and sophisticated propaganda machinery. The result of this is an increase in antisemitism worldwide, the elevation of extremist voices, with once relatively peaceful countries polarising with increasingly hateful divisions. And this is where this podcast, The Actual, comes in. Each episode, host Lissy Abrahams, has discussions with informed and courageous guests to explore the crucial events that reshape our humanitarian and geopolitical landscapes. These conversations are unique, psychologically astute, and necessary for navigating our rapidly changing world by cutting through the tsunami of misinformation, disinformation and noise to focus on what’s actually happening.

  1. Ep 20: The Fight for a Free Iran: What Happens Next? with Australian-Iranian Patriot Ali

    MAR 5

    Ep 20: The Fight for a Free Iran: What Happens Next? with Australian-Iranian Patriot Ali

    In this episode, I’m joined by Australian-Iranian patriot and activist Ali for his third appearance on the The Actual to dissect the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the global implications of the ongoing war. Since our last conversation, there have been significant developments, including the death of Khamenei, military interventions, growing pressure on the Islamic regime, and the critical question of whether these actions will lead to sustainable change. Ali emphasises that the optimal outcome would involve a complete dismantling of the IRGC to create an opportunity for Iranians to move toward a free, democratic, and sovereign state determined by the will of its people. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    56 min
  2. Ep 19: Refinding Hope During Turbulent Times with Dr. Julian Pascal Saadi

    FEB 27

    Ep 19: Refinding Hope During Turbulent Times with Dr. Julian Pascal Saadi

    In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, polarisation, and collective distress, what does it truly mean to hold onto hope? In this deeply reflective episode, psychotherapist and psychologist Dr. Julian Pascal Saadi explores hope not as naïve optimism, but as a psychological force. Drawing on his clinical experience in adult mental health, he unpacks the delicateness between hope and despair, examining when hope guides us, when it shields us, and how it can be consciously re-found in times of personal and collective upheaval. From intimate relationships to the wider global landscape, this conversation considers hope as an essential life force not as fixed destination, but a dynamic capacity that propels growth, resilience, and the possibility of something new. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    1h 14m
  3. Ep 18: My Return to Words with Lee Kofman

    FEB 7

    Ep 18: My Return to Words with Lee Kofman

    In this episode of The Actual, author and editor Lee Kofman reflects on writing, identity, and Jewish life in the aftermath of October 7 2023. She examines the surge of disinformation, antisemitism, and the pressure placed on Jewish voices in public discourse. Lee describes co-editing Ruptured, an anthology documenting Jewish women’s lived experiences post October 7, and felt the urgency of recording history as it was still unfolding. She shares the emotional cost of writing without a sense of distance, whilst also addressing the damaging “good Jew/bad Jew” binary, and the loss of nuance around the term 'Zionism'. This episode is a call to amplify Jewish narratives and to recognise that confronting antisemitism is not solely a Jewish issue, but a societal responsibility requiring collective action. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    47 min
  4. Ep 17: Iranians Under Siege: A Most Important Local and Global War with Ali

    FEB 6

    Ep 17: Iranians Under Siege: A Most Important Local and Global War with Ali

    In this follow-up episode of The Actual with Iranian patriot and activist Ali, he discusses the critical updates on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and its expanding global implications. As disinformation intensifies and extremist rhetoric gains traction worldwide, this episode examines Iran’s prolonged and unprecedented internet blackout, the regime’s escalating violence against civilians, and the increasing risks faced by activists both inside Iran and across the diaspora. This episode serves as a stark update on a crisis still unfolding and a call to pay attention. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    50 min
  5. Ep 16: Bondi Attack: A Mother’s Body, a Survivor’s Mind with Chavi Block-Israel

    JAN 30

    Ep 16: Bondi Attack: A Mother’s Body, a Survivor’s Mind with Chavi Block-Israel

    In this episode of The Actual, we speak with Chavi Block-Israel, an educator, writer, and founder of The Empowered Jew, about surviving the Bondi terror attack whilst shielding her infant son with her body. Chavi takes us inside the moments during and after the attack, how her mind narrowed under threat, how instinct took over, and how motherhood was central to her experience. We explored the psychological protections that emerge in the terror, the lasting impact of collective trauma, and why silence is no longer possible in the face of rising antisemitism and violence. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler.

    1h 24m
  6. Ep 15: Inside the Disinformation Era with Lynda Ben-Menashe

    JAN 23

    Ep 15: Inside the Disinformation Era with Lynda Ben-Menashe

    This fascinating episode features Lynda Ben-Menashe, President of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia and a long-time leader in the Jewish community. She speaks about the concerning tidal wave of misinformation and disinformation shaping people's perspective of the world today. She describes the way antagonistic positions towards Israel are typically one's own expression of a 'morality play', and also why emotional narratives often overpower history and reality. Drawing on decades of leading interfaith initiatives, women’s leadership programs, and anti-racism advocacy, Lynda outlines the patterns forming across Australia - rising antisemitism, manipulated narratives, and communities caught in the middle. She advocates for stronger media literacy, better education around disinformation, and the need to confront the contradictions shaping public discourse and legislation today. Original music in this episode: “Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה),” performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    44 min
  7. Ep 14: Economic Collapse and Public Outrage: Inside Iran’s Revolution with Ali and Amin

    JAN 15

    Ep 14: Economic Collapse and Public Outrage: Inside Iran’s Revolution with Ali and Amin

    Iranian activists Ali and Amin were invited onto The Actual to explain how a series of economic and political pressures in Iran escalated into a nationwide uprising in late December 2025. They break down the factors that have led to a revolution where the Iranians demand the removal of the Islamic regime. The conversation also provides historical context on Iran’s political system since 1979 and how past protest movements and failed reform efforts have shaped the current response. Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.

    1h 9m
  8. Special Episode: Hanukkah Terror Attack at Bondi Beach

    12/23/2025

    Special Episode: Hanukkah Terror Attack at Bondi Beach

    Shortly after the terror attacks at Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, the host of this podcast Lissy Abrahams, and two other courageous members of the Jewish community were interviewed by Dr. Phil. They share their personal experiences and reflections of the massacre on 14 December 2025, where a mass shooting broke out during celebrations of the first night of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of light and community turned into mayhem and terrifying chaos within seconds. 15 innocents were brutally murdered, and many are still fighting for their lives in the hospital. This feature addresses the reality of antisemitism, the importance of awareness and leadership, and why unity across communities is essential in confronting radical violence. Disclaimer: This episode features the full conversation originally aired on Dr. Phil. Special thanks to Dr. Phil and his team for permitting The Actual to publish the entirety of this episode.

    48 min
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About

The Actual is a podcast for the ever-changing times we live in. Since October 7 2023, our devices are constantly flooded with misinformation and disinformation from a multitude of unreliable sources - including social media, mainstream news agencies, as well as targeted and sophisticated propaganda machinery. The result of this is an increase in antisemitism worldwide, the elevation of extremist voices, with once relatively peaceful countries polarising with increasingly hateful divisions. And this is where this podcast, The Actual, comes in. Each episode, host Lissy Abrahams, has discussions with informed and courageous guests to explore the crucial events that reshape our humanitarian and geopolitical landscapes. These conversations are unique, psychologically astute, and necessary for navigating our rapidly changing world by cutting through the tsunami of misinformation, disinformation and noise to focus on what’s actually happening.

Information

  • Creator
    Lissy Abrahams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Actual

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