What role does comedy play in a society under constant pressure? Can laughter do more than entertain—can it actually help people heal?

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with Israeli stand-up comedian Yochay Sponder to explore the unique role comedy plays in Israeli life. We discuss how humor helps people process pain, bridge differences, and find moments of connection even during the most difficult times.

From the nuances of Israeli audiences to performing around the world, Yochay shares why comedy is one of Israel's most revealing cultural lenses. Along the way, we talk about the relationship between trauma and laughter, the responsibility of comedians, the universal language of humor, and why sometimes the best way to understand a society is to listen to what makes it laugh.

Whether you're a fan of stand-up or simply curious about Israeli culture, this conversation offers a thoughtful and surprisingly moving look at the healing power of comedy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why humor is essential during times of crisis

• How comedy helps people process trauma and build resilience

• What makes Israeli comedy different

• How comedians read a room and adapt to different audiences

• Why laughter creates connection across cultures

Guest: Yochay Sponder, one of Israel's leading stand-up comedians, known internationally for his sharp observations, quick wit, and ability to find humor in even the most complex realities.

Journalism in Israel doesn’t happen at a distance. It happens up close, in hallways, offices, and crowded Knesset corridors where everyone knows everyone — or at least knows someone who knows someone. Covering Israeli politics means being physically present, making endless cold calls, chasing down statements on tight deadlines, and building relationships that can determine whether a story moves forward or hits a wall.

A reporter covering the Knesset isn’t just observing power; they’re constantly negotiating access to it. That can mean interviewing prime ministers and senior ministers one day, and the next day trying to convince a spokesperson to pick up the phone, answer a WhatsApp, or confirm a quote before a deadline hits. In a small country, relationships matter. Trust matters. Knowing how — and when — to ask for a comment matters.

Today’s guest lives inside that world. Lahav Harkov is a journalist who covers Israeli politics from the Knesset, navigating the pace, proximity, and pressure that define Israeli journalism. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to report from inside Israel’s political system — how stories get made, how access works, and how the job has changed in the age of social media and AI.

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In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Cedar, director of the Oscar-nominated film, Footnote, to explore the world of Israeli cinema. From moral ambiguity to inventive storytelling, Cedar discusses what makes Israeli film uniquely compelling — how it thrives in the gray, turns limitations into creativity, and tells deeply personal yet universal stories. We dive into his filmmaking process, the challenges and surprises of telling Israeli stories, and why ambiguity, nuance, and ingenuity define cinema from Israel.