# 145: Israel is MAH WIFE, with Briahna Joy Gray

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI33TJSnsP0
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/UI33TJSnsP0
Generated: 2025-09-24T22:30:42.479+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Briahna Joy Gray discusses her firing from "Rising" due to pressure to present a "balanced" view on Israel, her belief that media outlets are ideologically driven in their coverage of the conflict, and critiques the shifting stances of media figures like Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss regarding criticism of Israel and censorship, contrasting them with consistent voices like Glenn Greenwald.

**Key Points:**
- Briahna Joy Gray was fired from "Rising" after facing pressure to adopt a "balanced" view on Israel, despite her segments on Gaza performing well with the audience.
- She asserts that "NextStar Media" applied pressure for ideological balance, suggesting a directive that "You can't both hate Israel. One of you has to love it."
- Katie Halper was previously fired for calling Israel an apartheid state, a statement supported by Israeli human rights organizations.
- Gray critiques Matt Taibbi for his perceived shift in stance on censorship and criticism of Israel, particularly his focus on right-wing censorship while downplaying or ignoring pressure on pro-Palestine voices, and his claims of factual errors against her.
- She highlights Glenn Greenwald as an example of consistency, who, despite facing criticism, has never claimed the preponderance of censorship is against the right and consistently points out the foundational role of pro-Palestine voices in testing censorship methods.
- The discussion touches on Bari Weiss's role in the Twitter Files project and her subsequent ousting, noting that Matt Taibbi did not stand in solidarity with her.
- Gray reflects on the nature of "wokeness" as being hip to the tricks of backstabbers and aware of who is deceiving you, rather than simply having virtuous politics.

**Context:** This episode of the "Bad Hasbara" podcast features host Daniel Mate and Matt Leeb interviewing Briahna Joy Gray, host of the "Bad Faith" podcast. The conversation centers on Gray's experience being fired from the news program "Rising" following the October 7th events, the pressures faced by media figures to conform to specific narratives, particularly concerning Israel and Palestine, and the perceived ideological inconsistencies of other media personalities like Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss.

## Detailed Analysis

Briahna Joy Gray recounts her experience at "Rising," explaining that pressure from "NextStar Media" to present a "balanced" view on the Israel-Palestine conflict led to her dismissal. She notes that her co-host, Robbie, attempted to manage the situation, but the ideological demands were too high, especially after Katie Halper was fired for calling Israel an apartheid state. Gray criticizes figures like Matt Taibbi for what she perceives as a shift in focus, prioritizing criticism of right-wing censorship while downplaying or becoming bitter about demands to address censorship of pro-Palestine voices and the ongoing conflict. She contrasts this with Glenn Greenwald's consistent stance on censorship and free speech, highlighting his acknowledgment of pro-Palestine voices being early targets. The discussion also delves into the nature of "wokeness" as a critical awareness of deception and the dynamics of media funding and ideological alignment, touching on figures like Bari Weiss and the complexities of navigating media landscapes that claim to support free speech but exhibit selective censorship.

### Interview Introduction

- Briahna Joy Gray joins "Bad Hasbara" hosts Matt Leeb and Daniel Mate
- Discussion of "Bad Faith" podcast and Gray's "favorite intro"
- Mention of Anita Baker's "You Bring Me Joy" and musical interludes

### Experience at "Rising"

- Firing due to pressure for "balanced" Israel coverage after October 7th
- Katie Halper's prior firing for calling Israel an apartheid state
- "NextStar Media" demanding ideological conformity
- Audience interest in Gaza segments performing well despite pressure

### Critique of Media Figures

- Matt Taibbi's perceived shift on censorship and Israel criticism
- Taibbi's reaction to Gray's comments about his relationship with Elon Musk and access to Twitter files
- Comparison with Glenn Greenwald's consistent principles on censorship
- Bari Weiss's ousting from the Twitter Files project and Taibbi's lack of solidarity

### Nature of Wokeness and Media Dynamics

- "Wokeness" defined as awareness of deception and backstabbers
- Discussion of media funding shifts and ideological influences
- Critique of "scrappy" populist takes that mask elitism
- Personal reflections on extending grace to individuals with differing views

### Guest's Politics and Background

- Gray's leftist stance as a co-host on "Rising"
- Libertarian co-host's general dislike of foreign spending
- Audience alignment with Gray on anti-war sentiment

### Podcast Logistics and Sponsorships

- Promotion of "Bad Hasbara" merchandise, Patreon, and YouTube channel
- Sponsorship mention of "Pal Humanity" charity
- Call for listener questions via email and voicemail