Israel Story

Israel Story is often compared to This American Life, and the comparison is earned. Hosted by Mishy Harman, the show tells true stories about ordinary Israelis that you will never hear on the evening news. Over 240 episodes, it has built a catalog of deeply human narratives -- a grandmother who runs a pirate radio station, a soldier who became a peace activist, a family that has lived in the same Jerusalem apartment for five generations. The production quality is outstanding. Each episode weaves interviews, ambient sound, and original music into something that feels more like a short film than a traditional podcast. Episodes vary in length from about 15 to 55 minutes, with most landing in the 30- to 40-minute range. The show publishes weekly and is produced in partnership with The Jerusalem Foundation and The Times of Israel. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, Israel Story has clearly struck a chord. It works because it refuses to reduce Israel to a political argument. Instead, you get complicated, surprising, sometimes heartbreaking stories about real people living real lives. There is also a Hebrew-language version for those who want the full experience. If your image of Israel comes mostly from news headlines, this podcast will expand it in the best possible way.