In this installment of Dennis Prager’s in-depth study of the Torah, Dennis examines Exodus Chapter 7 and the beginning of the ten plagues of Egypt. He explains the three purposes of the plagues: to punish Egypt for its wrongdoing, compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, and teach both the Egyptians and the Israelites fundamental truths about God. At the heart of his discussion is the Torah’s distinction between the God of monotheism and the nature worship central to ancient Egyptian religion.

Dennis explores how the plagues challenged Egypt’s gods and symbols of power, beginning with the Nile turning to blood and the invasion of frogs. He discusses the possible natural explanations for these events while emphasizing the significance of their timing and severity. Along the way, he examines the moral differences between human beings and animals, why nature itself is not a source of morality, and how the Torah calls people to rise above their natural impulses.

The discussion also touches on forgiveness, justice, the dangers of using religious ideals to justify evil, and the importance of approaching biblical study through serious scholarship. Dennis shows how the Exodus story offers lessons that extend far beyond ancient Egypt, raising enduring questions about morality, human nature, and the relationship between God and the world.

Can another person make you happy? On this episode of the Happiness Hour, Dennis Prager explores the relationship between happiness and the people in our lives. He argues that while others can make us unhappy, they cannot make us happy. True happiness begins with us. However, when we are already happy, the people around us can add to that happiness. Dennis explains why we cannot depend on a spouse, friend, or family member to make us happy, and why entering a marriage in the hope that it will solve our unhappiness is a mistake.

Through conversations with callers, Dennis explores the connection between happiness, goodness, and personal responsibility. He discusses the role of therapy in helping people find their own happiness, why he believes good people tend to be happier than bad people, and how we can respond when the actions of others cause us pain. The discussion offers a practical look at what happiness requires and how we can contribute to the happiness of those around us.

Mark Gonsalves spent 1,967 days held hostage in the Colombian jungle after the plane he was traveling in crashed during a counter-narcotics mission. In this interview with Dennis Prager, Gonsalves recounts his capture by FARC guerrillas, the brutal conditions of captivity, and how the group used American hostages as political leverage. He describes the violence and intimidation he witnessed, the ideology used to recruit young guerrillas, and the uncertainty of living for years at the mercy of his captors.

Gonsalves also shares how he turned to God as the plane was going down and how faith and hope sustained him through five and a half years in captivity. He recounts the daring Colombian military operation that finally brought his ordeal to an end, along with the emotional reunion with his daughter, who had grown from a child into a teenager while he was gone.

His story is one of survival, faith, and perseverance in the face of extraordinary hardship, and a sobering look at the human cost of terrorism. Gonsalves also co-authored Out of Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in the Colombian Jungle, documenting his experience alongside two fellow hostages.

What do men do that drives women crazy? In this edition of the Male Female Hour, Dennis Prager turns the tables and asks women to explain the behaviors that frustrate them most about men, particularly when dating or navigating relationships. Dennis argues that understanding male sexual nature is important, but it does not give men a free pass to say or do whatever they want.

Dennis takes calls from women who describe the difference between normal male attraction and behavior that crosses the line. They discuss men who stare rather than make eye contact, openly ogle other women while on a date, or make sexual comments that are more likely to offend than attract. Dennis also addresses the familiar dating line, “If you loved me, you’d sleep with me,” and explains why men who genuinely care about a woman should know better than to use it.

The conversation goes beyond sexual attraction to explore other behaviors that damage relationships, including bragging about intimate details, lying to impress others, treating waiters and service workers rudely, making empty promises, and comparing a woman to an ex. Dennis argues that good relationships require more than understanding the differences between men and women. They also require self-control, consideration, and an awareness of how our words and actions affect the people around us.

What is the moral worth of the unborn? In this edition of the Ultimate Issues Hour, Dennis Prager tackles one of the most passionately debated issues in America, arguing that before we debate the legality of abortion, we must first confront a more fundamental question: Does the unborn have intrinsic value? Dennis explains how the language surrounding abortion can shape our moral understanding, particularly the difference between calling the unborn a “baby” when a pregnancy is wanted and a “fetus” when it is not.

Dennis revisits his own journey toward reexamining abortion, including a conversation with Christian leader Jerry Falwell that challenged him to think differently about the issue. He also plays excerpts from a National Public Radio discussion featuring women who reflect on their past abortions, sharing experiences of guilt, grief, and regret. These stories raise difficult questions about the emotional and moral consequences of abortion and whether society has fully acknowledged the human significance of the unborn.

Throughout the hour, Dennis challenges listeners to examine the assumptions behind familiar arguments about reproductive choice, bodily autonomy, and the value of human life. He also discusses adoption as an alternative for women who do not wish to raise a child. Rather than focusing on legal arguments, Dennis asks listeners to consider the underlying moral question: What value do we place on the life of the unborn, and how does the answer shape our understanding of abortion?

Is obeying God always the right thing to do? Dennis Prager takes on one of the Bible’s most difficult stories, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and explains what he believes the story is really teaching about obedience, faith, and the value of human life. Dennis argues that God’s commands exist within a hierarchy of values, meaning that saving innocent life can take precedence over other moral commands.

Dennis also answers a wide range of listener questions, including whether he procrastinates, whether a person should tell a woman that her husband appears to be on a dating website, and why he believes values matter more than race or ethnicity in determining a person’s future. He also discusses whether reading fiction is worthwhile, why people use verbal fillers such as “um,” and why a well placed pause can make someone a more effective speaker.

The episode also takes a personal turn when Dennis explains how he handles standing ovations and praise. He says he does not view his abilities as something he earned, but as gifts he has a responsibility to use well. Rather than seeking popularity or applause, Dennis says his goal is to do what God wants him to do.

Fireside Chat Ep. 194 — Do You Want to Understand the Middle East? originally aired on July 8th, 2021

How do you make sense of the Israel-Palestinian conflict? This week’s guest, Bassem Eid, is a pro-Israel Palestinian who writes for several Israeli publications—an extremely brave and risky thing to do. Watch this fascinating conversation between two men who value truth over everything.

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In Exodus 6, Dennis Prager examines what happens after Moses angrily confronts God over the suffering of the Israelites. God does not rebuke Moses for questioning Him. Instead, He tells Moses that he will now see what He will do. Dennis uses this powerful passage to explore the difference between believing that God exists and actually trusting God, especially when suffering raises difficult questions about God and His justice.

Dennis then examines the difference between the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the faith required of the Israelites in Egypt. The patriarchs had a deep, personal faith in God, while the Israelites needed concrete evidence of His presence and power. Dennis argues that faith cannot remain purely personal. Questions about suffering, morality, and what God requires of us demand something beyond our own private spiritual experience.

The discussion also leads to Dennis’s argument for the importance of organized religion. Spirituality without an external moral framework can become dangerous when people begin claiming that “God told me” to do something. Sinai provides that framework through God’s commandments, giving people an objective standard for knowing what God actually requires. Dennis explores why genuine faith requires both a personal relationship with God and a moral framework that keeps us from simply hearing what we want to hear.

Should you trust people even though human nature is not always good? Dennis Prager explores the difficult balance between having a sober view of human nature and remaining open to the people around you. Dennis argues that believing everyone is basically good can leave you naive and vulnerable to disappointment, but becoming so guarded that you trust no one can leave you isolated and unhappy.

Dennis takes calls from listeners who share their experiences with trust, including a law enforcement officer who describes the importance of being friendly and courteous while remaining prepared for danger. Dennis also discusses why expectations can lead to resentment, why attractive women may be hesitant to be friendly to strangers, and how our surroundings can influence how much we trust the people around us.

Dennis ultimately argues that happiness requires a willingness to take some risks with other people. You may occasionally be rejected or hurt, but living behind a constant shield can prevent you from forming friendships and experiencing the everyday human connections that make life richer. The challenge is to remain wise about human nature without becoming cynical about humanity.

What kind of America did the Founding Fathers envision? Dennis Prager explores the bitter rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton with historian John Ferling, author of Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation. Though both played crucial roles in the founding of the United States, they had radically different visions for the country’s future.

Dennis and Professor Ferling examine Hamilton’s enormous influence on the new nation, from his role in the Revolutionary War and the Federalist Papers to his work as George Washington’s Secretary of the Treasury, where he helped address the country’s enormous financial problems. They also discuss Hamilton’s infamous duel with Aaron Burr and the political rivalry that preceded it.

The conversation then turns to the fundamental disagreement between Jefferson and Hamilton. Hamilton favored a stronger central government and a more powerful national economy, while Jefferson emphasized individual liberty and the importance of the states. Dennis and Ferling also explore Jefferson’s complicated relationship with the French Revolution and what their competing visions reveal about the political debates that helped shape America.

What happens when men stop looking at women? Dennis Prager takes on a controversial question about male attraction and asks whether women really want men to stop noticing them “that way.” Dennis argues that attraction between men and women is natural and, when expressed respectfully, can be a healthy part of human relationships. At the same time, he draws an important distinction between noticing a woman’s attractiveness and staring, leering, or behaving in a way that makes her uncomfortable.

Dennis takes calls from men and women with very different perspectives. Some women say they enjoy being noticed and would actually miss that attention, while others find prolonged or overt attention uncomfortable. Dennis explores why these reactions differ and why he believes normal attraction should not automatically be treated as something shameful or inappropriate.

The conversation also turns to dating and the mistakes men make when expressing attraction. Dennis explains why there is a difference between letting a woman know you find her attractive and making her feel as though she is being judged solely on her appearance. He argues that understanding male sexual nature, while also developing the character and restraint to handle it appropriately, is essential to healthy relationships between men and women.

When should you seek to be loved—and when can the desire to be loved actually get in the way of doing what is right? Dennis Prager explores the different kinds of relationships in our lives and argues that there is an important distinction between horizontal relationships, such as friendships and marriage, and vertical relationships, such as parent and child, teacher and student, clergy and congregation, and leaders and those they lead.

Dennis explains why seeking love can be healthy and appropriate between equals, but can become destructive when it becomes the primary goal of a parent, teacher, religious leader, or political leader. When leaders become more concerned with being loved than with telling the truth or fulfilling their responsibilities, Dennis argues, they are more likely to compromise.

The discussion also examines what this means for parents, clergy, political leaders, and even our relationship with God. Ultimately, Dennis argues that love is important—but it has to know its proper place in our lives.