Best humanrights Podcasts (2025)

1
“Somebody wanted me in prison…” Paul Chambers and Tyrell Haberkorn on laws silencing scholars in Thailand 37:08

19h ago37:08

37:08

Dr. Tyrell Haberkorn and Dr. Paul Chambers join Free to Think to discuss the use of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law to intimidate and silence scholars. After three decades living and working in Thailand, Professor Paul Chambers was arrested in April 2025 and charged under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code with lèse-majesté, or insulting the monarch…

1
War and Poetry: Owen Lewis on Being a Jewish Poet in a Time of Crisis 32:49

4d ago32:49

32:49

“The Jewish voice must be heard, not because it's more right or less right, but it's there. The suffering is there, the grief is there, and human grief is human grief.” As Jews around the world mark Tisha B’Av, we’re joined by Columbia University professor and award-winning poet Owen Lewis, whose new collection, “A Prayer of Six Wings,” offers a po…

1
S4E2 - Happy Birthday ADA 20:31

11d ago20:31

20:31

Happy 35th birthday to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Check out my take on an ADA event I attended last week, some federal news impacting people with disabilities, and some disheartening news in New York. I also acknowledge where progress has been made and what we need to do to protect and strengthen our rights. Make sure to subscribe w…

1
An Orange Tie and A Grieving Crowd: Comedian Yohay Sponder on Jewish Resilience 22:04

12d ago22:04

22:04

What do you do when you’re an Israeli comedian set to perform in Paris on the very day the world learns the fate of the Bibas family? Yohay Sponder faced that moment in February 2025—and chose to take the stage. Wearing an orange tie in their honor, he brought laughter to a grieving crowd. Since October 7th, he has used comedy to carry pain, affirm…

1
Vital Voices Live with Andrea Mitchell and Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield 47:20

12d ago47:20

47:20

In this special episode of Vital Voices Live, veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell sits down with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield for a powerful conversation on global leadership, diplomacy, and the role of women driving change on the world stage. From her early days in Louisiana to representing the United States at the …

1
From Broadway to Jewish Advocacy: Jonah Platt on Identity, Antisemitism, and Israel 30:42

19d ago30:42

30:42

Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt—best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway’s Wicked—joins People of the Pod to discuss his journey into Jewish advocacy after October 7. He reflects on his Jewish upbringing, challenges media misrepresentations of Israel, and shares how his podcast fosters inclusive and honest conversations about Jewish identity…

1
Subverting America From Within: How CCP Is Manipulating US Media and Legal System to Target Its Critics 18:34

24d ago18:34

18:34

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is deploying a robust campaign to manipulate American society, media, and government, trying to turn U.S. institutions against CCP critics and even fellow Americans. For decades, the CCP has systematically infiltrated our political systems, businesses, and institutions to subvert America from within. The CCP’s alar…

1
NTD Exclusive: US Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins Sits Down With Steve Lance 18:51

24d ago18:51

18:51

In an NTD Exclusive, Steve Lance sits down with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins. They talk about leading the department through faith and compassion, cutting wait-times for veterans, and the historic parade in Washington celebrating the Army's 250th Anniversary. 💛Support us: https://donorbox.org/ntd 🧶Shop: https://www.ntdgiftshop.c…

1
Trump Meets Texas Flood Victims, Surveys Damage; PBS, NPR Face Funding Uncertainty 55:08

24d ago55:08

55:08

President Donald Trump is in Texas, surveying the damage from last week’s deadly flooding. Officials say the flood and resulting tragedies are unprecedented. As the Senate grapples with the nearly $10 billion in spending cuts, some from rural districts are pushing to save PBS and NPR. We dive in with Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah). It's been a big wee…

1
Rubio: 'High Probability' Trump & Xi Will Meet This Year 21:08

25d ago21:08

21:08

Could a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping be on the horizon? Secretary of State Marco Rubio says it's a "high probability." It follows Rubio's meeting with China’s top diplomat—details on that, coming up. The Trump administration is working to ban ownership of U.S. farmland by Chinese nationals. But that's just one…

1
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Dinah Project’s Quest to Hold Hamas Accountable 23:48

26d ago23:48

23:48

“In so many cases, as is the case of October 7, there are no direct victims who are able to speak – for the very grim reason that Hamas made sure to kill almost each and every one of them. The very few that did survive are too traumatized to speak . . . “ Shortly after the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, witness accounts emerged of women …

1
Leaked Trump Audio: U.S. Warns of Bombing Russia, China Over Ukraine, Taiwan 23:10

26d ago23:10

23:10

Newly released audio from last year has President Trump saying he would bomb Russia if it invaded Ukraine. He gave a similar warning to China over Taiwan. President Trump: “With Putin I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the s*** out of Moscow. I’m telling you I have no choice.’ So he goes like, ‘I don’t believe you.’” A prominent law…

1
US Nat’l Security Crimes: 9 Chinese Nat’ls Arrested, Charged, or Pled Guilty in One Day 23:18

27d ago23:18

23:18

In one day, nine Chinese nationals were arrested, charged, or pleaded guilty in cases tied to U.S. national security. One of them, a Chinese hacker caught in Italy, is accused of stealing critical U.S. COVID-19 research during the pandemic. We have the details on the investigation. Steve Yates, senior fellow of national security policy at the Herit…

1
Journalist Matti Friedman Exposes Media Bias Against Israel 31:52

1M ago31:52

31:52

How has the media distorted Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attacks? In this powerful conversation from AJC Global Forum 2025, award-winning journalist and former AP correspondent Matti Friedman breaks down the media bias, misinformation, and double standards shaping global coverage of Israel. Moderated by AJC Chief Communications and Stra…

1
Vital Voices Live with Ashlyn Harris 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

On this episode of Vital Voices LIVE, two powerhouse voices take the stage: Ashlyn Harris and Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Ashlyn — two-time World Cup champion, advocate, and mom — gets candid about life after soccer, embracing imperfection, and what it means to lead with authenticity as a queer woman. Brittany brings her signature brilliance, gui…

1
“Simultaneously juggling nine processes at once”: Colombia’s “Total Peace” plan and mounting security challenges 1:01:14

1M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Nearly three years into President Gustavo Petro’s term, his flagship “Total Peace” initiative is faltering. On this episode of the WOLA Podcast, Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, WOLA’s Director for the Andes, provides a sweeping overview of Colombia’s peace and security reality.

1
Vital Voices Live with Tourmaline 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

To kick off Global Pride Month in DC, Vital Voices Live welcomed the brilliant Tourmaline for a powerful conversation honoring the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson — the trailblazing Black trans icon who helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement. Tourmaline — filmmaker, activist, and author of the new biography Marsha — joined host Sharita Gruberg, Vice Presiden…

1
S4E1 - Blaisin' Access 1 Catching Up with You 24:45

1M ago24:45

24:45

It's been a very busy couple of months for Blaise. In under 25 minutes he gets you all caught up with the many life happenings. Share your thoughts on Facebook @blaisinshows and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! Support Blaisin' Access Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/blaisin-access-podcast Read tra…

1
Derechos y resistencia LGBTIQ+ en Latinoamérica: seis voces de la región 17:50

1M ago17:50

17:50

A Special Pride Month Episode This special Pride Month episode brings together the voices of six LGBTIQ+ activists from across Latin America—Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, and El Salvador—who share their experiences as leaders in the fight for equality and justice. Through their stories, we explore what Pride means in contexts of resistance…

1
Vital Voices Live with Sophia Bush and Jen Klein 44:46

1M ago44:46

44:46

In this powerful episode of Vital Voices Live, acclaimed actress, activist, and storyteller Sophia Bush sits down with Jen Klein—author, advocate, and longtime champion for women’s rights—for a bold and deeply personal conversation about advocacy, authenticity, and the courage to lean into hard conversations. Together, they explore what it means to…

1
John Spencer’s Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence 31:42

1M ago31:42

31:42

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, joins guest host Casey Kustin, AJC’s Chief Impact and Operations Officer, to break down Israel’s high-stakes strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the U.S. decision to enter the fight. With Iran’s terror proxy network reportedly dismantled and its nuclear program set back by years, S…

1
LGBTIQ+ Rights and Resistance in Latin America: Six Voices from the Region 15:14

1M ago15:14

15:14

This special Pride Month episode brings together the voices of six LGBTIQ+ activists from across Latin America—Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, and El Salvador—who share their experiences as leaders in the fight for equality and justice. Through their stories, we explore what Pride means in contexts of resistance, the state of LGBTIQ+ rights …

1
LGBTQ+ Migrants in the Crosshairs: A Critical Conversation with Brigitte Baltazar Lujano 52:05

2M ago52:05

52:05

In the wake of escalating immigration enforcement targeting vulnerable migrant communities, this Pride Month episode brings essential perspective from the frontlines. We sit down with Brigitte Baltazar Lujano, a trans woman who herself experienced deportation and now leads critical advocacy and service work for LGBTQ+ migrants at the U.S.-Mexico bo…

1
Iran's Secret Nuclear Program and What Comes Next in the Iranian Regime vs. Israel War 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—a precise and defensive military campaign aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons—Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Int…

1
A Conversation with Victoria Zitrin & Alyse Nelson | Global Wellness Day 20:23

2M ago20:23

20:23

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, our CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Victoria Zitrin — artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and Co-Chair of the Vital Voices Bay Area Council. Victoria is the founder of Ventura Vie, a public charity rooted in wellness, creativity, and empowerment. From mentorships to live events and the V Boutique in San Francisco,…

1
Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran’s Nuclear Program 14:37

2M ago14:37

14:37

Why did Israel launch defensive strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites — and what does this mean for regional security? AJC Jerusalem Director Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich joins from IDF reserve duty to explain Operation Rising Lion — Israel’s precision military strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Find out why Is…

1
What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

In 2014, the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood on the AJC Global Forum stage and delivered a powerful call to action: “We have to celebrate our Judaism. We have to have less oy and more joy… We never defined ourselves as victims. We never lost our sense of humor. Our ancestors were sometimes hated by gentiles, but they defined themselves as the …

1
A Conversation with Breeze Liu & Alyse Nelson | Fighting Back Against Deepfake Pornography 22:26

2M ago22:26

22:26

After discovering deepfake pornography featuring her image online, Breeze Liu faced a harrowing journey that exposed the deep failures of our legal and tech systems. But instead of staying silent, she took action. In this powerful episode, Breeze joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson to share how she turned trauma into purpose—founding Alecto AI to h…

1
“They Were Bridge Builders”: Remembering Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

We remember Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky through the voices of those who knew them. Hear about Sarah’s peacebuilding in Morocco and Yaron’s diplomatic efforts to forge stronger ties between Israel and its neighbors. Both were members of the Israeli diplomatic corps and AJC’s extended family. They were tragically murdered after leaving an AJC …

1
A Conversation with Wanjira Mathai & Alyse Nelson | World Environment Day 2025 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

In honor of World Environment Day, Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Wanjira Mathai — renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. Daughter of the late Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Wanjira carries forward a legacy of people-powered climate ac…

1
Vital Voices Live: A conversation with Nazanin Boniadi 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

In this powerful episode of the Vital Voices Podcast, actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi joins Alyse Nelson, President & CEO of Vital Voices, for a candid conversation on courage, advocacy, and the fight for human rights in Iran and beyond. Nazanin shares her journey from Hollywood to human rights activism, the personal cost of raising her voice, a…

1
AJC’s CEO Ted Deutch: Messages That Moved Me After the D.C. Tragedy 15:38

2M ago15:38

15:38

In this episode about the week following the antisemitic murders of Israeli embassy employees Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, AJC CEO Ted Deutch shares how leaders and allies around the globe, as well as hostage families, despite their own state of grief, have reached out to offer comfort and condolences, and what we all must do to shape a new …

1
A Conversation with Mary Robinson & Alyse Nelson | International Biodiversity Day 2025 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

In honor of International Day for Biological Diversity, this episode features a powerful conversation between Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson and Mary Robinson — Ireland’s first female President, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and lifelong advocate for climate justice, gender equality, and ethical leadership. Mary reflects …

1
Modern-Day Miriams: Jewish Women Shaping Global Diplomacy 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

“This has been my favorite session of the three days. Thank you,” said one attendee following a powerful live conversation at AJC Global Forum 2025. This exclusive episode of AJC’s People of the Pod, presented by AJC’s Women’s Global Leadership Network, features a candid discussion on the critical impact of Jewish women leaders in global diplomacy …

1
A United Front: U.S. Colleges and AJC Commit to Fighting Campus Antisemitism 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

This week, groups representing more than 1,600 colleges and universities pledged reforms to fight campus antisemitism—a major breakthrough in the effort to end anti-Jewish hatred and create campuses where Jewish students feel safe. In collaboration with American Jewish Committee (AJC), the groups urged the Trump administration to continue making th…

1
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Karlie Kloss and Osi Imeokparia 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

In this special episode of the Vital Voices Live Podcast, supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Karlie Kloss joins Kode With Klossy CEO Osi Imeokparia to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kode With Klossy—a decade of empowering young women and gender-expansive youth in tech. Together, they reflect on the early days of the initiative, how ment…

1
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Dina Powell McCormick with Guest Host Betsy Fischer Martin 49:07

3M ago49:07

49:07

In this episode of Vital Voices Live, Dina Powell McCormick — former Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Chair at BDT & MSD Partners — joins us to talk about her new book, Who Believed in You?, co-authored with Senator David McCormick. Drawing from her personal journey and insights from leaders like Satya Nadella, Tory Burch, and Condoleezza …

1
Why TikTok is the Place to Talk about Antisemitism: With Holocaust Survivor Tova Friedman 58:15

3M ago58:15

58:15

Tova Friedman was just six years old when she walked out of Auschwitz. Now, 80 years later, Tova is devoted to speaking about her experiences as a child survivor of the Holocaust and being vocal about the threat of antisemitism. She knows how easily a society can transition from burning books to burning people, and she is determined to ensure that …

1
What Is Pope Francis' Legacy With the Jewish Community? 24:23

4M ago24:23

24:23

Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs, reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy—from his deep ties with Argentina’s Jewish community to his historic visit to Israel and strong stance against antisemitism. He also addresses recent tensions over the Pope’s comments on the Israel-Hamas War and highlights the ongoing collaboration between…

1
“People were disappeared, just like the smoke.” Omar Gómez Trejo on seeking truth and justice in the 2014 Ayotzinapa case in Iguala, Mexico 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

Free to Think speaks with Omar Gómez Trejo, a lawyer and human rights advocate from Mexico. Omar gained prominence as the special prosecutor leading the investigation into the disappearance of 43 student teachers from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in the city of Iguala, Mexico. From 2019-2022, Omar’s team secured indictments for over 100 f…

1
Inside the New U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks: What’s at Stake? 24:09

4M ago24:09

24:09

As new negotiations begin to tackle Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and support for terror proxies, tensions are escalating. Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, joins us to unpack the legacy of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and withdrawal in 2018, and Iran’s dangerous stockpiling of uranium, getting the…

1
S3E10 - Blaisin' Access Weekly 10 Julie Farrar and the Healthcare Disaster 36:37

4M ago36:37

36:37

People with disabilities are dealing with all sorts of government healthcare disasters. I spoke with long-time friend and Disability Rights activist Julie Farrar about everything going on. What stood out to you? Share your thoughts on Facebook @blaisinshows! Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Go check out my brand new website at blaisinshows…

1
Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Sara Blakely with Guest Host Norah O'Donnell 49:51

4M ago49:51

49:51

Welcome to the Vital Voices Live Podcast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the game-changers, the rule-breakers, and the fearless women shaping our world! In front of a live studio audience in the Vital Voices Headquarters in Washington DC, this episode is guest hosted by Norah O'Donnell in conversation with Sara Blakely, an entrepreneur, innovat…

1
This Often Forgotten 1929 Massacre is Key to Understanding the Current Israel-Palestinian Conflict 33:51

4M ago33:51

33:51

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, calling it Operation Al Aqsa. For journalist Yardena Schwartz, the massacre was a chilling echo of the 1929 Hebron Massacre—the brutal slaughter of nearly 70 Jews, incited by propaganda that Jews sought to seize the Al Aqsa Mosque. At the time, she was deep into wr…

1
Global Drug Policy: “Countries are being freed up to actually speak their minds” 58:19

4M ago58:19

58:19

For the second year in a row, what had been an uneventful, consensus-driven United Nations meeting on drug policy saw unexpected drama and signs of real change. At the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna in March 2025, governments approved the formation of an independent expert commission to recommend changes to the …

1
A Conversation with Nika Kovač & Alyse Nelson | International Women’s Day 2025 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

A conversation in honor of International Women's Day between Vital Voices CEO and co-Founder Alyse Nelson and Nika Kovač, the founding director of the 8th of March Research Institute, a movement-building organization that uses storytelling and advocacy to confront gender and economic inequalities across Slovenia.…

1
Mujeres contra la corrupción y el autoritarismo: aprendiendo de El Salvador 26:30

4M ago26:30

26:30

**This podcast is in Spanish. Stay tuned for an English summary! Este Mes de la Mujer, en WOLA lanzamos una serie especial de nuestro podcast para amplificar voces feministas que luchan por los derechos humanos en América Latina. En nuestro último episodio, conversamos con Ruth López, directora del programa de anticorrupción en Cristosal, sobre su …

1
S3E293 - Blaisin' Access 293 Show Updates 10:39

4M ago10:39

10:39

# Blaise shares part one of some show news and gets authentic about work and life. What stood out to you? Share your thoughts on Facebook @blaisinshows. Make sure you rate, review, subscribe, and share the show! Read transcript

1
Higher Education in Turmoil: Balancing Academic Freedom and the Fight Against Antisemitism 34:07

4M ago34:07

34:07

Following the Trump administration's decision to revoke $400 million in federal funding over Columbia University's failure to protect Jewish students, the university announced sweeping policy changes. Meanwhile, the U.S. moved to deport former Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, accusing him of concealing his ties to UNRWA…

1
S3E292 - Blaisin' Access 292 Managing Political Uncertainty 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

Let's face it -- the past few weeks have been quite the mental health tornado caused by politicians on both sides. Today's show focuses on how to manage all of this uncertainty with Anice Planar from the Therapy Explained YouTube channel. What stood out to you? Share on Facebook @blaisinshows. Make sure you rate, review, subscribe, and share! Want …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Humanrights Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide