Episode Details

In Episode 167 of the Agents of Innovation podcast, host Francisco Gonzalez sits down with Roy Altman, a United States District Judge and author of Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law. Judge Altman brings a unique perspective to one of the most complex and emotionally charged geopolitical issues of our time. Drawing from his experience in the courtroom, he explains how the same truth-seeking methodology used by juries—scrutinizing incentives, examining objective evidence, and weighing expert testimony—can help everyday people better evaluate claims about Israel and other global events. The conversation dives into how misinformation spreads in today’s fast-paced media environment, including a detailed case study of the widely reported Gaza hospital explosion. Judge Altman walks through how a legal framework can cut through confusion and uncover the truth—something he argues is more important than ever in the age of social media and AI. Beyond the legal lens, the episode explores Judge Altman’s travels across college campuses, his efforts to promote critical thinking, and his experiences leading bipartisan groups of federal judges to Israel. The discussion also touches on the distinction between legitimate criticism of government policy and broader ideological movements, as well as the cultural and historical connections between Israel and the United States. This episode is a powerful reminder that truth requires discipline, not just information—and that each of us has a role to play in seeking it. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r0wo3jxj_CM Get the book here: https://amzn.to/4t7PeJu Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / / innovationradio X: / https://x.com/agentinnovation Facebook: / / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org and subscribe to our free newsletter at: https://fearlessjourneys.substack.com 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and guest 00:52 – Why Roy Altman wrote Israel on Trial 02:24 – Applying courtroom methodology to public discourse 06:22 – How juries are trained to discern truth 08:18 – Case study: Gaza hospital explosion claim 14:07 – Understanding incentives and misinformation 15:53 – The role of objective evidence 17:28 – Expert analysis and third-party verification 21:26 – Challenges of truth in a fast-paced media world 22:40 – How citizens can apply critical thinking daily 24:13 – Influence of social media and global narratives 27:56 – Why pausing before reacting matters 29:06 – Judges’ trips to Israel and firsthand insights 31:09 – Historical and cultural ties between Israel and the U.S. 34:47 – Story: Druze community and Hezbollah attack 35:58 – Story: Ash Wednesday service in Israel 39:52 – Reflections on visiting Israel and religious history 42:21 – Addressing claims about religious discrimination 44:00 – Legal perspective on recent Holy Week controversy 46:28 – Criticism vs. anti-Zionism explained 52:08 – Rise of antisemitism and its modern context 53:03 – Online extremism and the spread of false narratives