Inside The EPICENTER®: A Global Voice for Faith, Geopolitics and Hope
A podcast from The Joshua Fund, with Joel C. Rosenberg, concerning Middle East prophecy and global evangelism
When New York Times best‑selling author Joel C. Rosenberg launched Inside The Epicenter on December 8, 2020, he knew he wanted to offer more than another political commentary show. Now, he and his wife and co‑host, Lynn A. Rosenberg, connect breaking news from the Middle East with Biblical prophecy and prayer.
Broadcasting from their home in Jerusalem, the Rosenbergs draw on private meetings with presidents, prime ministers, and kings to offer listeners a uniquely informed perspective on events shaping Israel and its neighbors.
Four years later, their podcast has become a phenomenon—averaging two episodes a week at around forty minutes each, amassing more than 14 million downloads by January 2025, and ranking in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide with a Listen Score of 43.
A Format That Blends Intimacy and Authority
Each episode of Inside The Epicenter strikes a careful balance between news analysis, theological reflection, and personal storytelling. Episodes typically last about 38–40 minutes and include time for prayer and reflection. The program publishes weekly—and often semi‑weekly during breaking events—ensuring listeners receive timely briefings on crises and opportunities across the Middle East.
This pacing allows the Rosenbergs to unpack complex issues without overwhelming their audience. The show’s affiliation with the Salem Media/LifeAudio network has also boosted its visibility in the faith‑based podcast market.
The hosts’ complementary strengths give the program warmth and gravitas. Joel’s career as a journalist and novelist lends journalistic skepticism and narrative flair, while Lynn—an experienced Bible teacher and co‑founder of The Joshua Fund—grounds discussions in scripture and pastoral care.
Together, they invite listeners into their living room, sharing insights gleaned from military briefings, humanitarian trips, and conversations with heads of state.
All‑Star Guests Across Politics, Religion, Security, and Society
One reason for the show’s broad appeal is its extraordinary roster of guests. The Rosenbergs have convinced world leaders, theologians, soldiers, and humanitarian pioneers to speak candidly on the podcast. Below is an overview of some of the most influential voices to grace Inside The Epicenter since its debut.
Politics and Diplomacy
Guest | Role & Contribution |
|---|---|
Mike Pence | As U.S. vice‑president (2017–2021), Pence joined the podcast to condemn international legal pressure on Israel and urged America and Israel to “finish the job” of countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. |
Mike Pompeo | The former U.S. secretary of state and CIA director discussed threats from radical Islam and the Trump administration’s peace efforts, offering a rare inside look at U.S. foreign‑policy strategy. |
Amb. Mike Huckabee | The former Arkansas governor became U.S. ambassador to Israel in April 2025 and told the podcast there must be “no daylight” between Washington and Jerusalem. |
Isaac Herzog | The eleventh president of Israel appeared soon after a U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites to discuss Iran, Bible prophecy, and prospects for regional peace—a coup for a Christian podcast. |
Yechiel Leiter | In his first interview as Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Leiter shared personal stories of loss and a message aimed at Evangelicals, reinforcing the show’s bridge between Jerusalem and the American church. |
David Friedman | The former U.S. ambassador to Israel analyzed American policy on Iran and the legacy of the Abraham Accords. |
Vivek Ramaswamy | U.S. entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate explained his unapologetic pro‑Israel stance, showing the show’s willingness to engage emerging political figures. |
Religious Leaders and Theologians
Guest | Role & Contribution |
|---|---|
Dr. John MacArthur | The revered pastor of Grace Community Church gave a two‑part interview on God’s promises to Israel and the importance of literal interpretation of prophecy. Following his death in 2025, the podcast aired a moving tribute capturing his lifelong love for Israel. |
Anne Graham Lotz | The evangelist and daughter of Billy Graham unpacked America’s spiritual condition and the urgency of Christ’s return. |
Kay Arthur | The co‑founder of Precept Ministries explored prayer and discerning God’s will, exemplifying the show’s mix of theology and practical spirituality. |
Dr. Hormoz Shariat | Once a Shia Muslim, now known as the “Billy Graham of Iran,” Shariat described the explosive growth of the underground church in Iran and explained prophetic passages about that nation. |
Greg Laurie | The Harvest Crusades pastor discussed signs of the end times and the hope of the Rapture. |
Military and Security Voices
Guest | Role & Contribution |
|---|---|
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani | An Israel Defense Forces officer provided a gripping account of how Israel foiled a major Hezbollah invasion plot on its northern border. |
Mosab Hassan Yousef | The son of a Hamas founder, who defected and became a Christian, shared his dramatic conversion story and insight into Hamas’s “culture of violence”. |
Tass Saada | A former PLO sniper turned Christian peacemaker recounted how he moved from terrorism to reconciliation, showing the transformative power of faith. |
Media and Thought Leaders
Guest | Role & Contribution |
|---|---|
Yaakov Katz | The former editor‑in‑chief of The Jerusalem Post analyzed breaking events such as U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, offering journalistic context. |
Dr. Daniel Pipes | A prominent historian and president of the Middle East Forum advocated for an Israeli victory doctrine during the 2024 conflict with Hamas. |
Chris Mitchell | CBN’s Middle East bureau chief walked listeners through war‑torn Gaza, providing eyewitness reportage that brought headlines to life. |
Ministry and Humanitarian Leaders
Guest | Role & Contribution |
|---|---|
Dr. Johnny Moore | Chair of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Moore spoke about delivering 80 million meals in war‑torn Gaza and called believers to compassionate action. |
Khalil Sayegh | A Palestinian evangelical from Gaza described the “very dire” situation for Gaza’s Christian minority and described losing family and home in the 2023 war, giving voice to an often‑hidden community. |
Saleem Shalash | The Arab Israeli pastor of Nazareth testified to his love for Israel, a perspective that listeners found particularly impactful. |
Albert Veksler | Co‑founder of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, Veksler explained how prayer and diplomacy intersect in Jerusalem, illustrating the podcast’s blending of faith and public life. |
These guests exemplify the podcast’s commitment to hearing from across the spectrum—from heads of state to ex‑terrorists—while consistently filtering events through a biblical lens.
By the Numbers: A Podcast with Global Reach
Despite its niche subject matter, Inside The Epicenter has achieved mainstream success. By January 2025, the show had racked up over 14 million downloads. Rephonic analytics place it in the top 1 % of podcasts worldwide with a Listen Score of 43. By August 2025, over 308 episodes had been released, each averaging around 38–40 minutes.
The podcast enjoys a 4.9 ★ rating from listeners and ranks highly on religion charts in countries like Israel and Singapore. It is part of the LifeAudio network, which helps amplify its message to a broad evangelical audience. The table below summarizes key statistics.
Metric | Value/Notes |
|---|---|
Total episodes (Aug 2025) | ≈ 308 |
Total downloads | 14+ million by Jan 2025 |
Global ranking | Top 1 % of podcasts; Listen Score 43 |
Average episode length | ~38–40 minutes |
Publication frequency | Weekly; semi‑weekly during major events |
Listener rating | ★4.9/5 (200+ reviews) |
Network | LifeAudio/Salem Media |
Shaping Worldviews: Connecting Headlines and Holy Scripture
Beyond its impressive stats, Inside The Epicenter has reshaped how many Christians understand the Middle East. Every episode anchors breaking news—elections, wars, peace deals—back in the Bible.
When rockets fly from Gaza or Saudi Arabia inches toward a peace treaty, the Rosenbergs ask, “Where is God in this?” They explore prophecies in Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah and Revelation and invite theologians to weigh in. This approach encourages listeners to see global turmoil as part of God’s redemptive plan rather than random chaos.
The show also combats disinformation. In a January 2025 episode, Joel and Lynn decried the “relentless wave of disinformation” targeting Israel and stressed the need to educate believers. By correcting false genocide accusations or contextualizing International Criminal Court allegations, they equip listeners to engage in discussions with facts and faith. Real‑time reporting adds credibility: Joel has walked through Hamas tunnels with journalist Chris Mitchell and broadcast during rocket attacks, giving listeners on‑the‑ground insight that mainstream media rarely offers.
A key motif is prayer. Each episode concludes with specific prayers for Israel’s peace, the salvation of Jews and Arabs, and wisdom for leaders. Listeners are urged to respond to crises not with panic but with intercession.
Reviews credit the podcast with replacing fear with faith. The hosts regularly remind audiences of God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel, motivating them to support humanitarian work and to advocate for just policies.
The program also bridges generational and denominational gaps. In episode #300, Joel tackled why younger evangelicals are ambivalent about Israel and spoke at a pastors’ conference to address misconceptions. By engaging voices from different traditions and ages, the podcast fosters a holistic conversation about Israel’s role in God’s plan.
Influencing Policy and Public Discourse
Because of its high‑profile guests and timely analysis, the podcast influences churchgoers, voters, and policymakers. When Pence, Pompeo, or Huckabee speak on the show, their pro‑Israel arguments reach a grassroots audience that is civically engaged. Pence used the platform to slam the International Criminal Court’s treatment of Israel. Pompeo unpacked the reasoning behind the Abraham Accords. Huckabee advocated for a “no daylight” U.S.–Israel alliance. These conversations shape how listeners judge current administrations and encourage them to lobby their representatives.
The podcast also analyzes actions by U.S. presidents. It weighs the prophetic significance of President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem and considers the fallout from President Biden’s 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
In times of crisis—such as when the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities—it offered immediate context through interviews with Israeli leaders like President Herzog. This blend of theology and geopolitics helps listeners form informed opinions and often leads them to participate in pro‑Israel advocacy.
Building Bridges Between Communities
Perhaps the podcast’s most beautiful legacy is its role in fostering empathy across cultural and religious lines. By bringing on both Jewish and Arab Christian voices, the show demonstrates that loving Israel does not mean hating Palestinians.
Episodes with Gazan Christian Khalil Sayegh and Nazareth pastor Saleem Shalash humanize both sides of a bitter conflict. Former terrorists like Tass Saada and Mosab Hassan Yousef testify to the power of the gospel to transform hatred into love, inspiring listeners to pray for their enemies.
The podcast also educates Christians about Jewish history and antisemitism. Former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky’s appearance sparked discussions on Holocaust remembrance and rising antisemitism. Israeli officials often thank Christian audiences for their solidarity, reinforcing mutual respect. By airing these conversations, the Rosenbergs help purge anti‑Jewish attitudes from the church and promote a theology that blesses both Israel and Her Neighbors.
Through its emphasis on prayer, truth‑telling, and cross‑cultural friendship, Inside The Epicenter has become more than just a podcast. It is a global discipleship movement, shaping how millions see the Middle East and their own role in God’s story.
With new episodes dropping weekly and world leaders lining up to join, its influence shows no sign of waning. As one reviewer noted, the show’s mix of “deep biblical insights and current event analysis” makes it “relevant to today’s headlines”—a relevance that has only grown as crises accelerate in the region.
Conclusion
In an era marked by information overload and polarized narratives, Inside The Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg offers a rare blend of journalistic reporting, biblical teaching, and practical activism. Its impressive metrics—millions of downloads, top‑tier rankings, and hundreds of episodes—are the fruit of a consistent focus on truth and hope.
Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. By platforming voices from presidents to pastors, from soldiers to survivors, the podcast has reshaped Christian engagement with the Middle East. It invites listeners not only to understand and learn the times we are living in, but to pray, give and go with purpose.
In doing so, Inside The Epicenter proves that a podcast can be both a media success and a transformative ministry, calling audiences around the world to look beyond politics to the unfolding purposes of God.
Sources:
Listen Notes – Podcast Overview: This page describes Inside The Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg as a powerful podcast hosted by Joel C. Rosenberg and his wife, Lynn. It notes that they draw on private meetings with presidents, prime ministers, and other leaders, exploring current events, End‑Times prophecy, and practical steps for Christians listennotes.com. The exact page lists key metrics: the show publishes semi‑weekly, has an average audio length of 39 minutes, and has released 308 episodes since December 8, 2020, listennotes.com. It also reports a Listen Score of 43 and a global rank within the top 1 % of podcasts listennotes.com.
Rephonic – Listener Reviews and Ratings: Rephonic’s profile for the podcast shows that it has received a 4.9‑star rating (out of 5) based on 207 listener reviews and highlights comments praising its blend of biblical insights with current events rephonic.com.
Apple Podcasts Episode Guide: In the summary of the January 2025 episode “What’s Behind the Most Talked About Speech of 2024,” the show notes mention that the podcast has accumulated over 14 million downloads podcasts.apple.com. This figure provides evidence of the program’s substantial reach.
LifeAudio – Show Page: The LifeAudio show page describes the podcast’s mission, reiterating that Joel and Lynn Rosenberg offer a unique biblical perspective on urgent issues facing Israel and the Middle East, drawing from their meetings with world leaders and inviting listeners to pray, give and go lifeaudio.com.
