Nothing But The Truth

Trudy Stern sits down with Ambassador Jeff Bartos, the U.S. Representative to the UN for Management and Reform, to break down how the United Nations really works, why it’s struggling, and what America is doing to hold it accountable. They explore the UN’s shifting power dynamics, rising authoritarian influence, and Bartos’s mission to restore transparency, efficiency, and shared financial responsibility inside the institution.

On Nothing But the Truth, host Trudy Stern opens with a warning about what she calls a growing ideological war within America’s education system—one she links to long-term infiltration by radical anti-Western movements. She introduces guest Jeffrey Lax, a CUNY department chair who has become a vocal critic of rising antisemitism on campuses. Lax details a controversial job posting at Hunter College seeking an instructor aligned with anti-Israel ideology, arguing it reflects a deeper, systemic rot within CUNY’s leadership and curriculum approval process. He accuses state officials of superficial fixes and describes how academic culture has shifted from education to political indoctrination. Lax recounts alarming incidents from inside CUNY, including discriminatory comments from administrators, to illustrate how far the institution has fallen over the past decade.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern sits down with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to break down the latest developments in the Middle East. They unpack the newly passed 20-point UN Gazan plan, why its origins are so surprising, and what it would actually require from Hamas, Qatar, and Israel. Schanzer explains the significance of the remaining unrecovered hostages, the leverage the U.S. now holds over Qatar, and why Hamas—despite its attempts to stall—has become a militarily depleted force. Together, they cut through the noise to clarify what this moment means for the region, American diplomacy, and the future of the conflict.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes back journalist and analyst Karys Rhea to examine the rise of the “woke right”—a faction on the political right that blends grievance politics, identity ideology, and extreme rhetoric. They review the movement’s origins, key figures, and online networks, exploring how formerly fringe ideas are gaining traction among younger conservatives. Rhea also discusses recent developments, including the evolving roles of prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Steve Bannon, and the Groiper movement, highlighting the ideological shifts and growing influence within mainstream conservative spaces.

On this moving episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern welcomes Congressman Brian Mast — a decorated war hero and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — for a powerful conversation about courage, faith, and service. Mast recounts the harrowing night in Afghanistan when an IED cost him both legs and nearly his life, describing how his team’s bravery saved him and how his “Alive Day” became a reminder of gratitude and resilience. He reflects on recovery, the lessons from his father’s bedside visit, and how purpose and patriotism guided him from the battlefield to the halls of Congress. It’s an inspiring look at perseverance, leadership, and what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern tackles what she calls one of the most consequential political stories of the year — the New York City mayoral race. She’s joined by author and media commentator Samantha Ettus, who discusses the rise of Zoran Mamdani, a candidate critics describe as anti-Israel and anti-police, and why his potential victory has alarmed many New Yorkers. Together, they unpack polling data, media narratives, and the high stakes of voter turnout, arguing that misinformation and apathy could reshape the future of the city if people don’t take action before Election Day.

In this episode of Nothing But the Truth, Trudy Stern speaks first with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman about how his leadership has helped make Nassau one of the safest and most successful counties in the nation—through a focus on law enforcement, fiscal responsibility, and community trust. Then, veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins to break down New York City’s fast-approaching mayoral race, warning that a Zoran Mamdani administration could devastate the city’s economy, public safety, and stability. Together, these conversations explore what true leadership looks like—and what happens when ideology overtakes experience.

After two years of war, the hostages are finally home — and Israel stands at a crossroads. Trudy Stern speaks with Brigadier General Yaron Rosen, former Chief of IDF Cyber Staff, about how this war reshaped modern combat. From AI and drones to cyber warfare and missile defense, they explore how Israel’s technological edge is transforming not just the battlefield, but the very nature of war itself.

Trudy Stern speaks with Middle East expert Dr. Jonathan Schanzer about the historic deal ending the Israel–Hamas war and the long-awaited return of the hostages. They discuss what the agreement means for Israel’s security, Hamas’s future, and America’s role in shaping the postwar Middle East — including how the Trump administration is leveraging new regional alliances and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Trudy Stern continues her conversation with Ambassador Yoram Ettinger, this time tackling one of the most misunderstood issues in the debate over Israel’s future—demographics. Ambassador Ettinger explains why the oft-cited “demographic time bomb” is a myth, and how the real numbers actually strengthen Israel’s position as a thriving Jewish democracy. Along the way, they also discuss breaking news, U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and surprising ways Israeli innovation is saving American lives.