In the Valley of Giants is a podcast for serious conversation in an age of noise—where Torah, philosophy, psychology, art, technology, and modern life meet in deep, long-form dialogue. Hosted by Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman, each episode features conversations with this generation’s giants: thinkers, creators, and leaders exploring meaning, truth, faith, and creativity through the lens of ancient wisdom and contemporary life.
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Is GLP-1 the G-d Drug? | Dr. Brian Fertig | ITVOG #38
Episode 38
Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Duration 01:22:14
Tune in to learn why GLP-1 drugs are being called some of the most important therapies of the 21st century.How GLP-1s Impact Weight, Metabolism, and Addiction with Dr. Brian FertigIn this episode, Dr. Brian Fertig breaks down the science behind GLP-1 drugs and why they’ve become such a major breakthrough in weight management, metabolism, and even addiction treatment. He explains how these medications work beyond appetite suppression — affecting the brain, gut, inflammation, and long-term health.Key topicsWhy leptin therapy failed and how GLP-1s work differentlyHow GLP-1s reduce hunger, cravings, and emotional eatingThe role of gut bacteria and bile acids in metabolismHow these drugs may affect inflammation, neurodegeneration, and agingWhat side effects and safety concerns to understand before useWhy GLP-1s may influence addictive behaviors like smoking and alcohol use
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:36 Leptin and weight regulation
01:52 How GLP-1s work
03:20 Appetite control and food intake
05:16 Muscle mass and metabolism13:09 Gut microbiota and metabolism
Most companies overlook one of the most profound ethical dilemmas in modern warfare—how to fight with integrity while preserving innocent lives. Shalom Lamm, a military historian and founder of Operation Benjamin, reveals groundbreaking stories that challenge the way we view war, sacrifice, and honor.
From transforming military graves to correcting decades-old misidentifications, his work uncovers the unheard stories of Jewish soldiers, lost and forgotten, buried under crosses or concealed by silence.
In this compelling episode, you'll discover how a simple act of replacing crosses with Stars of David honors fallen heroes and restores dignity—one headstone at a time. Shalom shares untold stories from WWII and WWI, highlighting how tragic mistakes and bureaucratic neglect have hidden Jewish sacrifices in history.
You'll hear about the extraordinary efforts to find descendants, rectify graves, and rekindle the memory of heroes whose identities were erased or ignored. These stories demonstrate a profound duty to honor memory, fight anti-Semitism, and uphold moral responsibility—at a time when such integrity is desperately needed.
You’ll also explore the broader issues of international law’s double standards, the ethics of warfare, and how societal ignorance allows hatred to fester.
Shalom delves into the cultural and bureaucratic obstacles hindering Israel’s housing crisis, revealing how entrenched interests, red tape, and corruption keep vital progress out of reach.
His perspective goes beyond policy—this is a call for active citizenship and reform, emphasizing that simple solutions, powered by genuine competition and political will, can transform entire nations.
This episode challenges you to think differently about history, morality, and the power of individual action. Perfect for anyone committed to preserving memory, fighting injustice, or seeking practical ways to strengthen faith and community.
The Soldier in the Devil's Playground | Baruch Baitch | ITVOG Ep. 29
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 01:00:47
In the interview conversation, retired US Army Sergeant First Class Baruch Baitch shares how his modern Orthodox upbringing and early exposure to anti-Semitism in Michigan motivated him to enlist in the US military to combat evil. After shifting from an initial role as a truck driver to a Cavalry Scout, Baitch experienced intense close-quarters combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he surprisingly found that openly embracing his Jewish identity allowed him to form humanizing, perspective-shifting connections with local Iraqis. Ultimately, the conversation explores the heavy psychological toll of facing evil, how a strong cultural identity helps combat PTSD, and the modern West's dangerous tendency to substitute comfortable echo chambers for the hard, face-to-face discussions needed to challenge deeply ingrained hatred.
Baruch (Colton) Baitch is a United States Army combat veteran with over 18 years of active-duty service, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class while leading as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. He initially enlisted as a motor transport operator before transitioning to a Cavalry Scout, where he served in the high-stakes HHC Scout-Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Throughout his highly kinetic military career, he deployed multiple times to conflict zones, spearheading the second siege of Sadr City in Iraq alongside Navy SEALs and enduring intense counter-Taliban operations in Afghanistan's volatile Arghandab River Valley. Driven by a mission to combat human trafficking and online predators, Baitch transitioned his specialized tracking, close-quarters combat, and reconnaissance skills into the humanitarian sector, currently serving as the President and Recon Team Training Officer for the non-profit organization.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: Meeting Sergeant First Class Barokh Beij
2:30 - The Tough Question: Why the US Army and Not the IDF?
4:15 - Growing Up with Anti-Semitism in Michigan
6:20 - Enlisting Out of Anger and Becoming a Truck Driver
Philosophy: Deep Wisdom or Spiritual Poison? | Rabbi Jeremy Kagan | ITVOG Ep. 28
Thursday, May 21, 2026 • Duration 48:24
In this interview, Rabbi Jeremy Kagan shares his personal journey from studying secular philosophy at Yale University to finding his ultimate grounding in Orthodox Judaism and Torah study. He explores the intricate differences between Western and Jewish philosophies, arguing that while secular thought can provide perspective on the cultural context of our thinking, it becomes dangerous if treated as a source of absolute truth. Ultimately, Rabbi Kagan and the host emphasize that developing a deep, meaningful relationship with God requires rigorous self-reflection, a focus on morality, and the guidance of a respected mentor.
Rabbi Jeremy Kagan is a Jewish philosophical thinker, author, and educator who pursued a Bachelor of Philosophy from Yale University before transitioning into intensive, long-term study within the Orthodox Yeshiva system. He has spent decades exploring, lecturing, and writing several books on the foundational differences between the Western philosophical tradition and the Torah approach to understanding the world. Currently, he serves as a rabbinic guide and mentor, using his unique background in both classical and Jewish thought to help students navigate intellectual challenges and build a deeply integrated relationship with God.
Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction of Rabbi Jeremy Kagan
2:00 – Rabbi Kagan’s Journey from Hawaii to Yale
6:00 – Modernism, Postmodernism, and the Crisis of Meaning
8:00 – Foundations at Odds: Torah vs. Aristotelian Philosophy
12:20 – The Mind in Exile (Galus)
17:00 – The True Danger of Philosophy vs. Its Utility
24:20 – The Illusion of the "Intellectual" Standard
26:41 – The Role of a Rebbe and Behavior Transformation
34:00 – The Nature of a Thing vs. What It Does
39:00 – Living as an Eved Hashem and the Mentor's Guide
Chasing Truth: Showing You the Story They Won't | Corey Gil-Shuster | ITVOG Ep. 27
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 59:10
In this week's episode, Rav Yonatan Dorfman talks with Corey Gil-Shuster, creator of the "Ask Project," to share his firsthand experiences conducting unfiltered conversations on the ground in Arab villages, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. He explores complex topics such as the realities of potential genocide, the pervasive nature of dogma across different cultures, and his personal safety while navigating high-tension areas. The discussion offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what everyday people actually think about the conflict and whether a path toward true peace exists.
Corey Gil-Shuster is a Canadian-Israeli conflict researcher who serves as the director of the International MA Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation at Tel Aviv University. He is best known for creating "The Ask Project," a long-running YouTube series started in 2012 that documents unedited, man-on-the-street interviews with Israelis and Palestinians to answer questions submitted by viewers worldwide. With a background in conflict studies and an MA from Saint Paul University, he utilizes the project to bypass media narratives and provide a raw look at the diverse perspectives on the ground in the Middle East. Through over a thousand videos, he has become a prominent figure in peace and conflict studies by documenting the complex and often surprising realities of public opinion in the region.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
3:12 - The Challenge of Viral Content: "Gentiles are not Adam"
6:45 - Navigating Danger: Entering Arab Villages and Area A
10:20 - Misconceptions and Threats from the Jewish
Community
13:55 - Personal Philosophy: Identity, Atheism, and Zionism
17:30 - Global Perspectives: Double Standards and Media Narratives
21:15 - Analyzing Dogma and Critical Thinking Across Cultures
25:40 - Cultural Taboos: LGBTQ+ Topics and Safety Risks
29:10 - The Mechanics of the Project: Equipment and Techniques
Conversing with the Wolf King | Stephen Keech | ITVOG Ep. 26
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 01:13:17
In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman and Stephen Keech, lead singer of the metal band Haste the Day, explore the powerful intersection of heavy metal and spiritual expression. Keech shares his personal journey from a strict religious upbringing toward a life defined by grace, and he discusses the immense pressures artists face within the Christian music industry. The dialogue highlights the unique ability of music to serve as a "controlled violence" and a raw form of worship, ultimately touching on the life-saving impact of lyrics and the profound value of ambiguity in art.
Stephen Keech is a multifaceted musician and producer best known as the lead vocalist for the influential metalcore band Haste the Day. Beyond his work in heavy music, he is a seasoned songwriter and composer who has transitioned into a prominent career in music production and post-production audio for film and digital media. His artistic journey is often characterized by a deep exploration of the intersections between raw creative expression, spirituality, and the evolving landscape of the modern music industry.
Chapters:
0:00 – Intro and Religious Background: Growing Up in a Pastor’s Home
6:34 – The Pressures and Piety of the Christian Music Industry
12:50 – Redefining Art: Moving Beyond Legalism and Burning CDs
18:47 – Controlled Violence: Metal as a Raw and Reverent Form of Worship
21:33 – Musical Evolution: From Traditional Genres to Jewish Rap
25:52 – The Life-Saving Power of Lyrics: One Song’s Incredible Impact
31:06 – Spiritual Maturity: Taking the Pressure Off and Letting God be God
34:10 – The Beauty of Ambiguity: Comparing Parables and the Mona Lisa
45:15 – Finding Common Ground Through Shared Human Connection
1:11:05 – Closing Thoughts: Looking Through the Soul Rather than the Body
The Angel in the Outfield | Ari Kafka | ITVOG Ep. 25
Friday, May 1, 2026 • Duration 59:41
Explore the extraordinary transformation of Ari Kafka, who pivoted from the high-stakes world of professional baseball as a Seattle Mariners draftee to a career of profound service and healing. From his intense experiences working as a therapist within the prison system to his leadership as a director at Amudim, Kafka shares unique insights into resilience, mental performance, and the human capacity for redemption. This episode dives deep into the intersection of sports psychology, religious growth, and the vital role of professional support in navigating life's most challenging crises.
Ari Kafka began his career in professional sports, pitching for Quinnipiac University before being drafted into the Seattle Mariners organization. While playing, he experienced a spiritual awakening influenced by his brother's own journey, eventually leading him to embrace an Orthodox lifestyle and prioritize his religious growth at a yeshiva. He went on to gain extensive experience as a clinician in the prison system and served for six years as a director at Amudim, where he supported individuals and families through various crises.
Chapters:
0:00 – Intro: From the Baseball Diamond to Amudim Leadership
3:00 – Early Life: Growing Up with Sports as a Safe Haven
5:28 – The Roadmap to the Majors: Parental Support and Ambition
7:38 – College Struggles and the Mental Performance Side of Sports
11:30 – Getting Drafted by the Seattle Mariners
14:49 – Spiritual Awakening: A Brother’s Influence and the Path of Chuva
20:10 – The End of a Dream: Being Released and Finding a New Path
24:59 – Pivoting to Therapy: From Professional Ball to Yeshiva
38:28 – Lessons from the Abyss: Working Three Years in the Prison System
48:57 – Identifying Red Flags: Advice for Parents and Educators
58:04 – Navigating Mental Health Referrals and Finding the Right Help
The Bane of the Church: The Ultimate Anti-Missionary | Rabbi Tuvia Singer | ITVOG Ep. 24
Friday, April 24, 2026 • Duration 01:39:36
In this week's episode of In the Valley of Giants, Rav Yonatan Dorfman interviews Rabbi Tuvia Singer, a specialist in counter-missionary education, about the theological origins and historical impact of the New Testament. Rabbi Singer outlines his perspective on the inherent anti-Semitism within Christian scripture, arguing that the storytelling often casts Jewish people as the primary antagonists to Jesus's mission. The conversation explores the historical figure of Jesus through a Jewish lens and critiques the influence of Paul the Apostle, whom Rabbi Singer describes as a polarizing figure who separated Christianity from its ritual Jewish roots. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the fundamental differences between Judaism’s focus on elevating the physical world through commandments and Christianity’s early shift toward a more spiritual, dualistic philosophy.
Rabbi Tuvia Singer is an internationally renowned speaker, author, and counter-missionary specialist who serves as the founder and director of Outreach Judaism. He is widely recognized for his expertise in defending Judaism against the proselytization efforts of groups such as "Messianic Jews" and evangelical Christians by highlighting theological discrepancies between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Through his extensive lectures, media appearances, and his book Let’s Get Biblical, he aims to provide Jewish people and Noahides with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their faith and understand the Jewish perspective on the Messiah.
Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction
2:18 – Why Rabbi Singer Became a "Polemic Warrior"
3:52 – Early Encounters and Researching the New Testament
12:22 – Deconstructing Anti-Semitism within New Testament Storytelling
20:12 – Jewish Perspectives on Repentance vs. Christian Forgiveness
30:52 – The Historical Jesus and the "Lost Soul" Perspective
1:04:56 – Antinomianism: Why Christianity Moved Away from Ritual Law
Making Amends: Answering for a History of Misinterpretations | Archbishop Timothy Costelloe | ITVOG Ep. 23
Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 01:29:56
In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman talks with Archbishop Timothy Costello, exploring the shared moral values between Catholic and Jewish traditions, emphasizing their importance in today's world. Discover how positive relationships and storytelling can effectively pass on these values to the next generation. This episode delves into the role of faith in fostering unity and understanding in multicultural societies. Perfect for anyone interested in deepening their moral and ethical understanding.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB is a Melbourne-born clergyman who joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1977 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1986. After serving in various educational and parochial roles in Melbourne and Perth, including earning a doctorate in theology, he was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne in 2007. In this capacity, he oversaw significant portfolios in education and youth ministry before being appointed the sixth Archbishop of Perth by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to the Salesian mission of serving young and marginalized people while holding key leadership positions within the Australian Catholic Church.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and shared Judeo-Christian ethics
1:08 Personal relationships: The key to passing faith to the next generation
2:15 The fundamental Catholic ethical foundation: The image of God in every human
4:10 Comparing Jewish and Catholic teaching styles: Stories vs. intellect
7:47 Challenges of adult faith development and "childlike" understanding
10:30 Addressing the "superficial society" and the decline of deep thought
12:52 The state of the Church in Australia: Belonging vs. commitment
15:22 Growth through multiculturalism and migration in Australia
17:25 The secret to success: Parishes, youth festivals, and living with integrity
Tanach Uncensored: A Masterclass in Jewish Bible Study | Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein | ITVOG Ep. 22
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 01:01:05
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Whether you're a military enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about how ethical warfare can evolve, Shalom Lamm’s insights will inspire you to take action—no matter how small—to honor those who served and to build a better world.
00:00 Ethical warfare and Israel’s war in Gaza
01:40 Introducing Shalom Lamm and Operation Benjamin
02:12 Proportionality, civilian casualties, and the laws of war
12:02 Antisemitism and the battle for public opinion
17:35 What Operation Benjamin does
18:05 How the mission began in Normandy
28:57 Expanding the work beyond Normandy
31:56 Leaving real estate to lead the mission full time
34:44 Finding forgotten Jewish soldiers and working with families
41:43 World War I, Operation Levy, and overlooked graves
42:29 The search for Lt. Nathan Baskin
49:05 Restoring the identities of German Jewish soldiers
50:46 How people can support Operation Benjamin
53:38 Why housing in Israel is so expensive
58:59 What meaningful housing reform could look like
1:08:04 The response from military and cemetery partners
1:12:00 A closing message: remembering those who came before us
9:40 - Transitioning to Cavalry Scout and Heading to Sadr City
11:15 - "The Zionist of Al Jadidah": Embracing My Jewish Identity in Iraq
16:00 - The Terrifying Reality of Breaching Doors in Close-Quarters Combat
19:10 - A Miracle in the Fatal Funnel & Finding Faith Again
21:15 - Facing Pure Evil on the Battlefield
26:45 - PTSD, Cultural Identity, and the Luxury of Western Echo Chambers
Check out our website here:https://www.itvogpod.com/
To come on the podcast or recommend a guest, contact our manager at: Danimarcus@itvogpod.com
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