The question I wanted to explore was why?

How did this powerhouse of the arts become such a staunch and courageous voice for Palestine and social justice?

I wanted to uncover the story of Louise Adler – her past, the tragedy that befell her family during the Holocaust and how it shaped who Louise is today.

What I learned in the almost hour-long interview (which at one point brought tears) is Louise’s story offers a Jewish narrative we rarely hear. A narrative of resistance during Nazi occupation, of defiance against tyranny and of enduring solidarity with the oppressed.

It’s the Jewish narrative that exists outside of Zionism, and one that is emerging from New York to London. And so, I posed Louise a question – are we seeing the revival of a Jewish left?

Listen to the interview and wherever you do, please give us a hand with a follow, a thumbs up or a five-star rating. It helps in this algorithmic world.

Where to watch/listen

• Spotify

• Apple

• YouTube

• Audible

• Deezer

• Or your preferred platform with this RSS feed

Antoun’s book, Rebirth: A Love Story from the Depths of War, is available online and in your nearest bookstore.

Antoun and Louise will also both be at the Byron Writers’ Festival this weekend. If you’re in the area, pop along. See the events listing here.

And the conversation met expectations.

We weaved through our personal journeys, explored the contest between queer and cultural identities and discussed why he believes the Palestinian struggle is feminist.

Tareq shares how the trauma of ethnic cleansing manifested differently within his household. We question whether Israel is succeeding in its decades-long quest to colonise the Levant.

We close the discussion by revisiting faith, and appreciating the role it has played in sustaining the Palestinian and Lebanese people as they endure unimaginable suffering.

His memoir, Fire in Every Direction, is available online and in bookstores.

Where to watch/listen

• Spotify

• Apple

• YouTube

• Audible

• Deezer

• Or your preferred platform with this RSS feed

The book traces my mother’s experiences living on the frontlines of the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s. I’ve written it, however, like a novel: painting vivid scenes with language, giving glimpses of the simple beauty that existed before the war, and the pain that has lingered ever since.

Books allow a visceral connection to human experiences that news articles do not.

They also serve as a springboard into deeper introspection, to pursue new paths revealed by new questions, in a quest to place our own stories within the timeline of history.

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This conversation with the Readings Podcast was just that: a wide-ranging discussion that veered from Beirut’s history, to Arab resistance, to interpreting Kahlil Gibran and the purpose of life.

I know you’ll find this episode rewarding, because if you’ve followed Deepcut and my work thus far, you know I like to swim in the pond of inquisitive thought.

Many thanks to Readings Books for allowing us to republish this episode – and to the interviewer, Nico, for such a profound, thoughtful discussion.

You can listen to more of Nico’s interviews with authors, including our dear friend Antoinette Lattouf, here.

And the book, Rebirth, is available for purchase here.

Where to watch/listen

• Spotify

• Apple

• YouTube

• Audible

• Deezer

• Or your preferred platform with this RSS feed

A fragile ceasefire is barely holding in Lebanon. Israel has declared a “yellow line” of occupation inside Lebanese territory – as it did in Gaza. Israeli forces continue to demolish historic Lebanese villages and religious shrines within the zone it controls, while Hezbollah vows to respond to Israeli violations.

Internally in Lebanon, the divisions run deep. The Lebanese government defied Hezbollah’s objections and protests to hold direct talks with Israel – the first in four decades.

The Beirut government has taken an antagonistic stance toward Hezbollah, and it’s pushing the country to the brink. Even if the ceasefire holds, is civil strife still a possibility? And why is Lebanon perpetually divided?

I discuss this and more with journalist Rania Khalek, who shares insights from Lebanon.

Where to watch/listen

• Video: right here on Substack or YouTube

• Audio: all platforms via Acast (Spotify, Apple, RSS)

Thank you to our paid subscribers for the questions submitted – shared in the last chapter of the episode.

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We’ve made it here because of our community’s support. Thank you to all who have shared, liked, commented or sent a few dollars our way – it has all helped us get to this point.

We’re still two guys doing this part-time as living costs soar, but with your help, we’ll continue to nudge ahead.

If you can, please support our work by becoming a paid subscriber or donating.

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Why we started Deepthink

The idea for Deepthink came soon after we launched Deepcut. I found my interviews for stories often stretching to 40 minutes and more – riveting conversations crammed into two or three quotes. Deepthink allows these conversations breathe.

What to expect

Smart minds on the major issues shaping Australia and the world. Critical thinking, not rage-bait. Walk away understanding more.

Where to listen

• Video: (right here on Substack or on YouTube)

• Audio: all platforms via Acast (Spotify, Apple, Deezer)

How often will you publish?

Every fortnight.

Paid subscriber perk.

Paid subscribers are invited to submit questions to our interview guests from which we will select one or two. If you would like to upgrade to a paid subscription, click the below button.

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Enjoy the first episode!