Beyond the Matrix

Beyond the Matrix with Ira Michaelson and Rod Bryant tackles the tough issues of the day in a no holds barred style. Your mother told you to never discuss religion or politics, but those are two of Ira & Rod’s favorite subjects. Each week they are joined by a diverse group of guests each bringing information and insights relevant to Israel and the Nations.
A hard hitting, no holds barred Radio Show dealing with Jewish Answers to the Nations and beyond.

Beyond The Matrix - Mini Show

There has been a recent firestorm on Social Media related to the comments of Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi related to the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust. As a result we have seen people taking sides both for and against, and the use of very inflammatory language. Ira & Rod discuss the concept of Lashon Hara (Evil Speech) and how we deal with it related to the Rabbi Mizrachi incident, as well as when it is permissible to speak, and rebuke for constructive purposes.


First aired: 11 January 2016

Beyond the Matrix - Dealing with the Firestorm of Evil Speech on Social Media

A new BDS driven curriculum titled “Reframing Israel,” has been introduced and implemented in at least ten K-12 Hebrew Schools in America. At the forefront of this initiative is an advisory board member of Jewish Voice for Peace, a group known for its minimizing Jewish connection to Israel, and showing unbridled support for the plight of the Arabs in the Middle East. In a world where academia in our colleges and universities are already molding young minds with an anti Israel mindset, Ira and Rod discuss the ramifications of introducing such curriculum to Jewish school children who should instead be learning about the incredible heritage and connection they have to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.

Beyond The Matrix 23Jan2016


Beyond the Matrix - Anti Israel Curriculum Creeps into Jewish Schools

Ira & Rod discuss the oxymoron that is “Islamaphobia.” A term used not to protect Muslims from persecution, but to silence the critics of a group of fanatics that want to see the world’s opposition to Sharia law removed. The guys are joined by well known blogger, Leslie Ann Stoffel whose latest article for Israel News Talk Radio, “Romancing the Stoning Age,” discusses such things as Death by Political Correctness. Join us for this discussion on the Global Islamic Jihad movement, and why many world leaders turn a blind eye.

First aired: 18 January 2016

Beyond the Matrix - Another Annoying Catch Phrase: Can You say “Islamaphobia?”

When the average person today hears the word “Kabbalah,” they either identify it with the latest Hollywood Celebrity and a spiritual journey, or they label it as Mysticism and Witchcraft. 

On this episode of Beyond the Matrix, Ira and Rod seek to de-mystify the concept of Kabbalah. They are joined by Rabbi David Katz of Tzfat, Israel to discuss the contrast between what is known as mysticism, witchcraft and Kabbalah. In addition,  they seek to answer the question that so many of the misinformed ask today, “Is there such as thing as Kosher Kabbalah?"

First aired: 19 January 2016

Beyond the Matrix - Mysticism, Witchcraft and Kabbalah: A Contrast

How did two guys who grow up in Democratic homes end up like Ira and Rod?

Today the guys speak about how they grew up in the Democratic party of their parents and grandparents, and yet how this same party no longer resembles or represents the values that were instilled in them growing up. 

From the insane comments of a State Department spokesman in the U.S. Administration, to an Anti-Gun Democratic Councilman in Mississippi, there seems to be no end to the lengths politicians will go to misinform the public.

First aired: 20 January 2016

Beyond the Matrix - Where’s the Party: The Insanity of Liberal Politics

We hear a lot of rhetoric from both the pro Israel side and the anti Israel side, however is anybody really addressing the "Core Issue?" 
The truth is that the Land of Israel has always had a Jewish presence and is  the national homeland of the Jewish people. 

The guys are joined by Yosef Rabin an activist who is launching the "International Land of Israel Committee." The Committee's goals is to bring Pro Israel government resolutions, as well as changing media coverage, support of Temple Mount activism, and twinning cities from around the world with cities in Judea and Samaria.

Beyond the Matrix 25Jan2016

Beyond the Matrix - The Core Issue:  Whose Land Is It?

How does a person born in a Communist country, take a spiritual journey from Catholicism to exploring Judaism and Torah. Ira and Rod are joined by Ludovit Kulscar, who shares how he grew up, and what questions he asked that caused the cracks in his faith that eventually brought him to learn what Judaism actually teaches about a connection with G-d.

First aired: January 26, 2016

Beyond The Matrix -  What is Happening in the Nations?

Ira and Rod discuss the untimely death of Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon OBM. Rod shares the impact that Rav Gordon had on his own journey, and the discussion continues on how the death of a Tzadik should inspire and challenge us. We conclude the show with a discussion of the differences  related to the Jewish and Christian concepts of atonement.

First aired: February 9, 2016

Beyond the Matrix - The Death of the Righteous and Atonement

Do you ever wonder why we suffer, why we have trials, and why the world seems to be out of control? 

Rod and Ira are joined by Rav Dror Moshe Cassoutu of the Emunah Project. Learn how faith and G-d's private supervision of the world hold all things together.

Show first aired: March 7, 2016

Beyond The Matrix - How Faith and Private Supervision of the Universe are Connected

Ira and Rod are joined by Ira's former Rabbi from Florida, Jack Engel. Rabbi Engel is passionate about seeing Orthodox Judaism return to a focus of the Torah's core values. The topics discussed might ruffle some feathers, but it is time for Judaism to fulfill its role as a "Light to the Nations."

Show first aired: March 2, 2016

Beyond The Matrix - Refocusing Orthodox Judaism

There has been a recent rise in the use of Public Relations pieces put out by Christian organizations, featuring what seems like endorsements from well known Jewish leaders. 

Ira and Rod are joined by Shannon Nuszen of Jewish Israel to discuss the agenda of these organizations, and the contrast between transparency and deception.

Show first aired: February 29, 2016

Beyond The Matrix - Transparency or Deception?

Ira has a fascinating conversation with Emunah Channel's Obi Fink about his journey and experiences.

Beyond The Matrix - Going Down Life's Path

With Rod still away, Ira is joined by his wife Lori (Leah) Michaelson, and they share a little bit about their return to Judaism, and how they are moving forward in their journey.

Beyond The Matrix - One Couple’s Journey

Rod is back from New York and the guys get into a discussion on beard oil, coffee and the Orthodox Jewish response to hearing about non-Jews coming to Torah.

Beyond The Matrix - Beard Oil, Coffee, and the Non-Jew

Ira & Rod discuss the merit of living in Israel, and Ira's move to the holy city of Jerusalem.

Beyond The Matrix - Movin On Up!

Ira and Rod are joined by Rav Dror, fresh off his North American visit to Toronto, New York and Miami. He shares with us the importance of being who you are if you really want to understand your purpose in life.

Beyond The Matrix - Finding Your Purpose in Life

Ira and Rod discuss the death of Muhammad Ali and how this relates to our need for a change of perspective. 

Beyond The Matrix - Can Muhammad Ali Change Your Perspective?

Ira and Rod discuss the slanted definition of what a hero is today, and how the unraveling of the fabric of society has contributed to this phenomenon.

Beyond The Matrix - We Don't Need Another Hero!

Ira and Rod speak about the terror attack in Orlando from a different perspective. So many are talking as if they know why this happened, and attribute this to a punishment or judgement from G-d. The guys discuss what the Torah really teaches on this subject.

Beyond The Matrix - The Truth About Orlando

Israel News Talk Radio is Israel’s premier online radio station for News & Talk programming in English.  

We provide a reliable, inside voice on what is happening on the ground in Israel and are committed to candid and straightforward reporting of Israeli news, events and current affairs. 