Podcast
What's Your Number?
Hosted by Ark Media · EN
Hosted by Yonatan Adiri and Yael Wissner-Levy, What’s Your Number? is a weekly podcast from Ark Media, looking at the Israeli economy through a global lens.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How did Pakistan become The Peacemaker?
1w ago00:32:26Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX had another strong week, rising 5.11% and widening its year-to-date lead over both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Lemonade led the pack with an 11.1% gain, followed by JFrog, SentinelOne, Monday.com, and Check Point, all up more than 5%. But beneath the green, Yonatan and Yael warn that the same forces lifting some stocks, AI efficiency, layoffs, and stronger margins, may be creating real pressure in Israel’s tech labor market. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Yonatan and Yael unpack why Pakistan has suddenly taken center stage in the negotiations to end the war in Iran. They review how Pakistan became the only Muslim-majority state to develop a nuclear bomb, using classified information smuggled by a Pakistani U.N. scientist. With ties to Iran, and Saudi Arabia and China, Pakistan is playing a pivotal peacemaker role, but questions remain if this is a one-off moment, or a sign Pakistan is a new diplomatic player, and also if a new order means Israel can extend its economic and political relevance east beyond the Gulf region. In this episode: - Numbers of the Week - The WYNDEX - Big Short #1: Wix layoffs and the AI pressure on Israeli tech - Big Short #2: Israel’s billion-dollar AI infrastructure bet - Long Play: Why Pakistan suddenly matters to Israel - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Interim Executive Producer - BETH PEARLMAN Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryLast Dance for US Aid to Israel?
2w ago00:35:36Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX jumped 8.93% this week and is now up 16.7% year-to-date, beating both the S&P and NASDAQ. Palo Alto Networks and Nova led the gains, as investors rewarded AI infrastructure and cyber strength. But Wix’s 34% drop showed the other side of the AI trade: Wall Street is punishing companies and software it fears AI could jeopardize. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Yonatan and Yael unpack whether the next U.S. military aid deal with Israel could be the last. Unlike in the 1980s, now the amount of aid is a small share of Israel’s economy and a tiny line item for Washington. The bigger questions are: How can Israel move from an aid-based relationship to a strategic partnership built around defense, technology, infrastructure, and shared security interests? And how do the two countries retain and improve a special relationship through investment, business and cultural ties. In this episode: - Numbers of the Week - The WYNDEX - Big Short #1: AI21 Labs and the brutal AI efficiency wave - Big Short #2: Taiwan’s Silicon Dome and what Israel should learn - Long Play: Is this the last U.S. aid deal for Israel? - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Interim Executive Producer - BETH PEARLMAN Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryIsrael's place in the AI race - with Ariel Sobelman
4w ago00:35:54Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX rose 2.95% this week and is now up more than 10% year-to-date, continuing its strong run and outperforming both the S&P and NASDAQ. Most of the index finished in the green, led by Tower Semiconductor and Fiverr, as investors rewarded AI positioning, semiconductor strength, and renewed confidence in Israeli tech. But Check Point’s sharp drop stood out, raising questions about whether Wall Street is sending a company-specific message or pointing to broader pressure in Israeli cyber. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Dr. Ariel Sobelman, senior advisor to the head of Israel’s National Artificial Intelligence Agency, joins Yonatan and Yael to explain where Israel fits in the global AI race. He argues that AI leadership is no longer just about startups or applications, but about infrastructure: data centers, semiconductors, and energy. For Israel, the opportunity is to become a trusted AI and technology outpost and testing ground for the U.S. and its allies, powered by its dense mix of R&D, chip talent, manufacturing know-how, and security alignment. In this episode: - Numbers of the Week - The WYNDEX - Big Short #1: Israel’s data center real estate rush - Big Short #2: The drone interceptor challenge - Long Play: Israel’s place in the US-China AI race - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Interim Executive Producer - BETH PEARLMAN Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryIsraeli Entrepreneurs: Wired for Pressure - with Rakefet Russak-Aminoach
Apr 2900:40:26Summary readyOur WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNdex rose 1.1%, outperforming the S&P but trailing a strong Nasdaq. Markets are cautious ahead of major tech earnings and geopolitical uncertainty around Iran. Standouts include Mobileye (+10% on strong earnings), SolarEdge (+25% on energy demand tailwinds), and Wix (+5.4%). No major losers; the index is up ~10% year-to-date. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Rakefet Russak-Aminoach, Managing Partner at Team8, a global venture fund and BNY board member, highlights Israeli entrepreneur and tech resilience even during war, driven by military-honed adaptability, technical talent, and a risk-taking mindset. She describes Team8’s hands-on unique investment and build model and her shift from banking to fintech. She gives her perspective on AI as both a threat and opportunity. In this episode: 00:00 – Numbers of the Week 03:50 – The WYNDEX 06:05 – Big Short #1: 10:00 – Big Short #2: 13:00 – Long Play: 36:50 – Words of the Week
SummaryHormuz: Who will Blink First? - with Miad Maleki
Apr 2200:33:49Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX rose 6.76% this week, beating the S&P and just trailing the NASDAQ. Nearly all names finished in the green, led by strong gains in fintech and tech. The move reflects a broader market rally driven by ceasefire momentum and a shift toward “peace optionality,” with capital rotating out of defense and into growth…for now. 🔎 Our Long Play today: For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been viewed as Iran’s ultimate geopolitical weapon. But what if it’s actually its greatest vulnerability? Iran faces a harsh reality: over 90% of its oil exports and critical imports move through Hormuz. With its economy already under strain, the very leverage it threatens to use may accelerate its own collapse. But the biggest question is who will “blink” first under the economic pressure – Iran or the U.S.? In this episode: 00:00 – Numbers of the Week 04:05 – The WYNDEX 05;28 – Big Short #1: The strong shekel and mounting pressure on Israeli exporters 07:25 – Big Short #2: ZIM’s leadership shakeup and geopolitical ownership tensions 09:44 – Long Play: The Strait of Hormuz: strategic weapon or economic vulnerability? 31:35 – Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays
SummaryA Stronger Shekel: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Apr 1500:33:56Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX fell 1.7%, lagging the S&P and NASDAQ, which rose on ceasefire optimism. The split is clear: defense and deep tech names climbed, while SaaS stocks dropped sharply. Wix fell over 20%, with Lemonade and Monday also down—signaling growing pressure from AI disruption. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Israel’s shekel just hit its strongest level against the dollar this century. While a stronger currency lowers inflation and boosts purchasing power, it’s also squeezing exporters, raising labor costs, and adding pressure to an already fragile tech sector in Israel. What looks like strength comes with economic implications that are good, bad and ugly. In this episode: 00:00 - Numbers of the Week 03:54 - The WYNDEX 07:54 - Big Short #1: Wix, AI pressure, and the return of “SaaS-mageddon” 10:36 - Big Short #2: Ceasefire economics, energy flows, and regional normalization signals 12:30 - Long Play: The strong shekel—economic strength or structural risk? 27:27 - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Executive Producer - ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO AND PATRICIO SPADAVECCHIA Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryHormuz: Short Term Win, Long Term Loss
Apr 900:33:33Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX rose 8.69% this period, outperforming both the S&P and NASDAQ and returning to positive territory year-to-date. Yonatan and Yael break down a market rebound driven by ceasefire optimism. Satellite and space-related companies led the gains, while SaaS names like Wix and Lemonade declined, reflecting continued uncertainty around how AI will impact their growth. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Did Iran’s use of the Strait of Hormuz actually work? In the short term, it appears so—disrupting global energy flows and helping force a ceasefire. But Yonatan argues it may eventually prove to be an empty and costly victory for Iran, accelerating global efforts to reduce dependence on Hormuz. From alternative pipelines and ports to increased U.S. energy production and a renewed push toward nuclear power, the world is already adapting—potentially weakening Iran’s leverage in the years ahead. In this episode: 00:00 - Numbers of the Week 04:15 - The WYNDEX 07:42 - Big Short #1: Anthropic says its newest AI model is too dangerous for public release 10:51 - Big Short #2: Israel’s education budget is like “ throwing money into the fire. “ 13:00 - Long Play: Iran’s Hormuz Gamble. Did they win or lose? 29:09 - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Executive Producer - ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO AND PATRICIO SPADAVECCHIA Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryHappy Passover from the What's Your Number family
Apr 100:00:34Summary readyYael and Yonatan are taking the week off to celebrate Passover with their families. Wishing all of our subscribers a safe and happy holiday. Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Executive Producer - ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryBreaking and Rebuilding Iran’s Economy - with Miad Maleki
Mar 2500:41:36Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX returned to the green, outperforming the S&P and NASDAQ by nearly 2% in a weaker market. Gains were led by Lemonade (+16%), Nova hitting new highs, and continued strength in defense names like Elbit. On the downside, losses were limited, with ICL down over 8% as markets weigh supply chain risk. Overall, investors are showing renewed confidence in Israeli tech resilience. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Toppling the Islamic Republic will only be possible by inflicting real harm on the regime’s oppressive economy. Miad Maleki, the architect of the Trump administration’s sanctions strategy against Iran, joins Yonatan and Yael to unpack the state of Iran’s corrupt economy, and its domination by the IRGC. Can economic distress lead to revolution? And will Iran be able to pick up the pieces if the regime collapses? In this episode: 00:00 – Numbers of the Week 05:00 – The WYNDEX 08:18 – Big Short #1: U.S.–Iran talks begin in Islamabad 10:27 – Big Short #2: Qatar’s influence and regional recalibration 13:51 – Long Play: Breaking and rebuilding Iran’s economy 38:48 – Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Executive Producer - ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO AND PATRICIO SPADAVECCHIA Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
SummaryWho’s winning the economic war?
Mar 1800:35:16Summary ready📈 Our WYNDEX (What’s Your Number Index) update for today: The WYNDEX fell 1.99% this week, underperforming both the S&P and NASDAQ in an otherwise quiet market. Yonatan and Yael break down the divergence across sectors: cyber holding steady while AI and SaaS names face pressure. Fiverr dropped over 7%, Via fell sharply and remains far below its IPO, and defense tech cooled after a major run—pointing to a market still sorting winners in the AI shift. 🔎 Our Long Play today: Is Iran’s economic warfare actually working? One week later, markets suggest not—oil remains below $100 thanks to Saudi rerouting and global supply responses. But the real risk may still be ahead. From natural gas disruptions impacting AI infrastructure and chips to fertilizer supply and food systems, pressure points are building. With a 3–4 week window before strain escalates, they explore whether this conflict could still spill into global inflation and growth. In this episode: 00:09 - Numbers of the Week 04:21 - The WYNDEX 07:30 - Big Short #1: Israel’s deficit and market credibility 10:09 - Big Short #2: Tech founders bid for Channel 13 14:27 - Long Play: Is Iran’s economic warfare working? 30:06 - Words of the Week Find us on: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Yael on X Yonatan on X Write to us here New episodes drop on Wednesdays LEGAL DISCLAIMER This podcast offers general business and economic information and is not a comprehensive summary for investment decisions. It does not recommend or solicit any investment strategy or security. CREDITS: Hosts - YONATAN ADIRI & YAEL WISSNER-LEVY Executive Producer - ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY Production Manager - BRITTANY COHEN Community Manager - AVA WEINER Sound and Video editing - MARTIN HUERGO AND PATRICIO SPADAVECCHIA Music - MIDNIGHT GENERATION
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