In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee sits down with Johnnie Moore, former U.S. Commissioner for International Religious Freedom and expert in Middle East studies, for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, policy, and education.

They dive into why understanding the Middle East is essential for Christians, how foreign and domestic policy are deeply interconnected, and the challenges facing Middle East studies in American universities. Moore also shares an inside look at Pepperdine University’s new Master of Middle East Policy Studies program, designed to combine practical experience with viewpoint diversity.

Apply to Pepperdine's Master of Middle East Policy Studies

https://publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/master-middle-east-policy-studies/

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

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In this episode, Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee break down one of the most surprising geopolitical moments of the year: back-to-back visits from Syrian President Al Jelani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to Washington D.C.

Why now? What does it mean for U.S. strategy, Israel’s security, military cooperation, and the future of the region?

Sebastian and Josiah dive into the high-stakes chessboard of Middle Eastern politics — from dealing with leaders with controversial histories to the hidden opportunities the U.S. may be positioning itself for.

They wrap with a powerful reminder of the need for prayer, wisdom, and peace as global tensions rise.

Trump told MBS he expects Saudi-Israel normalization with Gaza war over: https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/trump-mbs-israel-normalization-call-saudi

Syria-US rapprochement sees cooperation surge: https://en.majalla.com/node/328256/politics/syria-us-rapprochement-sees-cooperation-surge

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee unpack one of the most surprising political moments of the year — the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s new mayor. How did the most Jewish city in America choose a leader accused of anti-Israel bias?

The hosts dive deep into Mamdani’s background, his political ideology, and the reactions stirring across Jewish and Christian communities alike. From the growing influence of progressive movements to the spiritual questions behind political division, Sebastian and Josiah explore what this moment reveals about our culture — and how believers can respond with wisdom, prayer, and unshakable hope in Jesus.

Exit poll finds one-third of NYC Jews backed anti-Israel Mamdani: https://www.timesofisrael.com/exit-poll-finds-one-third-of-nyc-jews-backed-far-left-mamdani-cuomo-took-jewish-areas/

Jewish leaders begin outreach to incoming Mamdani administration, sensitively: https://jewishinsider.com/2025/11/jewish-leaders-mayor-elect-zohran-mamdani-somos-conference/

Listen to our new season of Discover Your Roots: Tracing the Map of God's Story: https://discover-your-roots.captivate.fm/episode/tracing-the-map-of-gods-story/

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee delve into the controversial interview between Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, a known white supremacist. They discuss the implications of this interview for conservatism, the response from the Heritage Foundation, and the intertwining of anti-Semitism and political discourse. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to reject anti-Semitism and engage in meaningful dialogue while drawing historical parallels to past conservative responses to extremism.

Robert P. George's X Page: https://x.com/McCormickProf

John Coleman's Response: https://x.com/johnwcoleman/status/1984660885722267664

Heritage Foundation President Apologizes: https://freebeacon.com/politics/i-made-a-mistake-heritage-foundation-president-apologizes-to-staff-for-video-refusal-to-cancel-tucker-carlson-and-throws-shade-at-former-chief-of-staff/

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Debate

02:11 Understanding Nick Fuentes and His Influence

06:13 The Heritage Foundation's Response to Cancel Culture

09:50 The Role of Israel in the Conservative Debate

15:00 The Dangers of Anti-Semitism and Extremism

20:47 Christian Responses to Anti-Semitism

34:56 Historical Parallels and Lessons Learned

In this episode of Passages Pulse, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee delve into the complex geopolitical situation in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. They explore the historical context of the West Bank, the implications of Israeli settlements, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding occupation. The conversation also covers the arguments for and against the annexation of the West Bank, the political dynamics involving the U.S. and Israeli government, and the importance of faith and prayer in seeking peace and justice in the region.

Trump says ‘Israel not going to do anything with the West Bank’: https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-israel-not-going-to-do-anything-with-the-west-bank-as-us-fumes-over-annexation-vote/

Micah Goodman: End of Gaza War Heralds a Tectonic Shift in Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wSnz-xsXfA

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passengers Pulse, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee discuss the recent developments in the Gaza Strip following the release of hostages. They analyze Hamas's actions, the implications of the Trump administration's plans, and the ongoing challenges in the region. The conversation emphasizes the need for moral clarity and compassion towards victims on both sides, while also addressing the rise of anti-Semitism and the importance of Christian responses to the situation.

Call Me Back Podcast "Hamas Retakes Gaza"

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5O2SOIZ4FBBseCpL6wydB3?si=8312edcff2f84805

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee discuss the historic return of hostages from Gaza, reflecting on the emotional reunions and the complex nature of the deal that facilitated their release. They explore the military pressure that led to this moment, the ongoing conflict, and the future implications for peace in the region. The conversation highlights the importance of prayer and reflection in the face of the challenges ahead.

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

It’s been two years since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the tragedy of this event continue to be felt in Israel and around the world. In this episode Josiah McGee and Sebastian Parra discuss the events of that day and how it changed Israel forever.

Hadar and Itay Berdichesky, 30: Killed protecting their babies

https://www.timesofisrael.com/hadar-and-itay-berdichevsky-30-killed-protecting-their-10-month-old-twins/

Hersh Goldberg-Polin helped freed hostage Or Levy survive captivity, parents reveal

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-843685

Who Is the Bibas Family from Nir Oz?

https://www.ajc.org/news/who-is-the-bibas-family-from-kibbutz-nir-oz

Mapping the October 7 Massacre

https://oct7map.com/

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages. Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee discuss the recent 20-point plan proposed by President Trump for a permanent end to the war in Gaza. They unpack the details of the plan, its diplomatic implications, and the challenges it faces, particularly regarding Hamas's potential acceptance. The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical context, including the roles of various Arab nations and the Palestinian Authority, as well as the humanitarian concerns and the need for community engagement in promoting peace.

President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict

https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1972726021196562494

Hamas Needs to Answer the Proposed Plan

https://jewishinsider.com/2025/09/netanyahu-trump-gaza-war-peace-plan-hamas-hostages/

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, hosts Sebastian Parra and Josiah McGee discuss the recent recognition of Palestine as a state by several countries, reflecting on its implications for international relations, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel. They explore the historical context of these recognitions, the conditions under which they were made, and the criteria for statehood according to international law. The conversation also delves into the potential responses from Israel and the moral responsibilities of Christians in light of these developments.

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.