In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, join your hosts, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab, as they tackle four of the week's biggest stories, exploring the intersection of patriotism, national security, global diplomacy, taxation, and public policy.

🔹 Patriotism, Respect & The National Anthem

A viral incident at a sporting event has sparked national debate after a man slapped a child who remained seated during the National Anthem. We discuss where the line exists between patriotism and personal freedom, whether violence is ever justified in defense of national symbols, and what respect for the flag and anthem should look like in today's America.

🔹 Saudi Arabia, Nuclear Power & The Abraham Accords

The United States continues negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a potential civilian nuclear agreement that could become part of a broader expansion of the Abraham Accords. We examine what this could mean for Israel, regional stability, the balance of power in the Middle East, and whether the benefits outweigh the potential security risks.

🔹 Terrorism, Radicalization & Public Safety

A series of violent attacks in Paris, Germany, and New York has renewed concerns about Islamist extremism, public safety, and immigration policy. We discuss the growing threat of radicalization, how governments should respond to extremist violence, and whether enough is being done to protect civilians while preserving democratic values.

🔹 New York's Pied-à-Terre Tax & Wealth Flight

Luxury homeowners in New York City are pushing back against unexpectedly large tax bills tied to the state's pied-à-terre tax. We examine whether higher taxes on second homes are a fair way to fund public services or whether policies like these risk driving investment, businesses, and high-income residents out of the state.

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In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we examine three stories raising difficult questions about terrorism, humanitarian aid, reproductive rights, international trade, and government policy.

🔹 U.N. Report, Hamas & Humanitarian Aid

A new United Nations report found that Hamas forces interfered with humanitarian aid distribution at a Gaza aid site, renewing concerns that humanitarian assistance intended for civilians has been manipulated during the ongoing conflict. We discuss what the findings mean, how aid can be protected from terrorist organizations, and whether enough attention is being paid to Hamas's role in the humanitarian crisis.

🔹 Surrogacy, Disability & Reproductive Rights

A legal dispute involving a surrogate pregnancy is raising complex ethical and legal questions after a couple sued their surrogate, alleging she refused to terminate the pregnancy following the discovery of what doctors described as a minor birth defect. We examine who ultimately has decision-making authority during a surrogate pregnancy, where contractual obligations begin and end, and how reproductive rights intersect with deeply personal medical decisions.

🔹 Trump, Canada, Tariffs & Wildfire Accountability

President Trump has announced a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, citing what his administration describes as unfair Canadian trade policies affecting American industries. At the same time, Trump has argued that Canada should bear greater responsibility for the wildfire smoke impacting air quality across parts of the United States, suggesting those costs should also factor into trade policy. We discuss the potential impact on businesses, consumers, U.S.-Canada relations, and the broader debate over trade, environmental responsibility, and economic leverage.

Join us as we break down today's headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the stories shaping politics, business, justice, and global affairs.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we examine four stories raising difficult questions about leadership, accountability, justice, global conflict, and the systems that shape our world.

🔹 Ro Khanna, Israel & the Hostage Meeting Controversy

Congressman Ro Khanna is facing criticism after reports claimed he declined opportunities to meet with former Israeli hostages and survivors of the October 7 Hamas attacks during a recent trip connected to Israel and the West Bank. We discuss why hearing directly from victims matters, the responsibilities of elected officials when speaking on international conflicts, and the broader conversation surrounding leadership.

🔹 The $9.6 Billion Seahawks Sale

The Seattle Seahawks are being sold in a record-breaking $9.6 billion deal led by billionaire Vinod Khosla. Because Khosla already owns a minority stake in the rival San Francisco 49ers, the sale has sparked discussion about conflicts of interest, NFL ownership rules, and why professional sports franchises have become some of the most valuable and exclusive investments in the world. We explore what this historic sale means for the future of the league.

🔹 Sudan's Civil War & the Fight for the Country's Future

As Sudan's devastating civil war continues, millions remain caught in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. We discuss the growing debate over U.S.-backed peace proposals, the role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), concerns surrounding Islamist extremism, and why some global conflicts receive widespread international attention while others are largely overlooked.

🔹 Chicago's Wrongful Conviction Case

After spending 17 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, Alberto Ochoa may receive a $9 million settlement from the City of Chicago. Ochoa says he was pressured into signing a confession written in English despite only speaking Spanish at the time of his arrest. We examine wrongful convictions, language barriers in the justice system, and what protections should exist before a confession can permanently alter someone's life.

Join us as we break down today's headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the stories shaping politics, business, justice, and global affairs.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we examine four stories driving conversations about political influence, free speech, city enforcement, religious law, human rights, and the power of social media.

🔹 Trump, FIFA & the Red Card Controversy

President Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino after U.S. player Folarin Balogun received a red card. When the suspension was later reversed, the controversy became about much more than soccer. We discuss whether political leaders should influence decisions in professional sports and what this situation could mean for FIFA’s credibility and independence.

🔹 Sneako’s Viral New York Comments

A video of controversial streamer Sneako went viral after he made comments about Islam and the future of New York City. We discuss free speech, influencer culture, online extremism, and the responsibility public figures have when their content reaches millions of people. At what point does provocative commentary become something more dangerous?

🔹 San Diego Street Vendors & City Enforcement

San Diego is facing a growing debate over street vendors operating without the same permits and regulations required of restaurants and licensed businesses. After a court ruling made enforcement more difficult, some business owners argued that the system creates unfair competition. We examine how cities balance compassion, immigration concerns, public safety, and fairness for businesses that follow the law.

🔹 Indonesia’s TikTok Caning Case

A young couple in Indonesia’s Aceh province was publicly caned after a Sharia court convicted them of kissing during a TikTok livestream. We discuss religious law, government control, personal freedom, and how the international community should respond when local laws and cultural practices conflict with modern human-rights standards.

Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

CLIPS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
• “Deport Him” — Sneako Declares New York an Islamic State, via Valuetainment on YouTube
• Additional footage via Brut America on TikTok

Clips are included for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and discussion. All rights remain with their respective owners.

In this special edition of the Back to Business Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes.

Instead of breaking down the headlines, we’re giving you a closer look at what happens off camera, the conversations, candid moments, laughs, setup, and behind-the-scenes footage that bring the podcast together each week.

From serious discussions to the lighter moments in between, this episode gives you a different side of the Back to Business Podcast and the people behind it.

Thank you for watching, listening, and being part of the conversation.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore three stories shaping conversations around antisemitism, online extremism, public safety, technology, and the way major events are changing in today’s world.

🔹 NYC Coffee Shop Bans Pro-Israel Politician.

A New York City coffee shop is facing backlash after saying Congressman Dan Goldman was not welcome because of his pro-Israel views. We discuss where the line is between a business taking a political stance and discriminating against a customer, and what this controversy says about antisemitism showing up in everyday public spaces.

🔹 Montreal Shooting and Online Extremism.

A deadly shooting in Montreal is raising new concerns about online radicalization and how hateful ideas can turn into real-world violence. We break down why antisemitism continues to appear in different extremist movements, how online anger can escalate, and what communities, law enforcement, and online platforms can do to recognize warning signs earlier.

🔹 Drones, Public Safety, and the New Security Challenge.

U.S. agencies have reportedly seized more than 300 drones near World Cup sites since the tournament began. We discuss what this says about the future of public safety, privacy, law enforcement, and major events, as drones become cheaper, more accessible, and more difficult to control.

Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around global politics, sports, constitutional rights, and culture in America.

🔹 U.S.-Iran Deal.

The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a deal involving the end of military operations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss whether this is a real step toward peace, a temporary pause, or a deal that raises bigger questions about trust, diplomacy, and the future of the Middle East.

🔹 FIFA World Cup: America Welcomes the World.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup puts the United States, Mexico, and Canada on a global stage. We break down why the World Cup is more than just sports, touching on culture, business, tourism, security, and the power of major events to bring people together.

🔹 Gun Rights, Marijuana, and the Supreme Court.

A Supreme Court ruling involving marijuana use and gun ownership is raising new questions about constitutional rights, public safety, and federal law. We discuss whether marijuana use alone should be enough to restrict someone’s Second Amendment rights, and where the line should be drawn.

🔹 Cornell Student Rejects Job Interview Because the Founders Are Jewish.

A Cornell student reportedly turned down an internship interview after saying he was not interested in working for a Jewish employer. We discuss what this says about antisemitism on college campuses, online reaction, and the responsibility of universities, families, and employers in shaping the next generation.

Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around sports, culture, the Middle East, and the future of community in America.

🔹 New York Knicks Historic Comeback Win in Game 4.

The Knicks delivered a historic comeback win in Game 4, sparking conversations around momentum, resilience, and what makes sports moments so powerful for fans and communities.

🔹 Appreciation Nights in Sports.

From cultural appreciation nights to community recognition events, we discuss the pros and cons of teams using their platforms to highlight different communities and causes. Should sports organizations create space for recognition, or stay focused strictly on the game?

🔹 Iran War update and how much is going on behind the scenes between moderate Arab countries and Israel.

The headlines only tell part of the story. We discuss the behind-the-scenes conversations, regional interests, and shifting relationships that may be shaping the future of the Middle East.

🔹 Can America Still Build Bridges Across Communities?

Civic trust is declining, and political and cultural divisions continue to grow. We explore practical ways leaders, organizations, and communities can bring people together, rebuild trust, and create meaningful dialogue across differences.

Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

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In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around culture, technology, justice, and the future of the Middle East.

🔹 Brooklyn Co-op Boycott Sparks National Response

A vote by members of New York City's Park Slope Food Coop to boycott Israeli products has ignited controversy and prompted a nationwide response.

🔹 Assyrian Groups Reject Land Distribution Plan in Tel Keppe

Assyrian organizations are raising concerns over a proposed land distribution initiative in the historic Christian town of Tel Keppe, Iraq. We discuss what it takes to preserve one of the Middle East's oldest indigenous communities after decades of war, displacement, and demographic change.

🔹 America's AI Boom Faces a Data Center Bottleneck

Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented technological growth, but can America's infrastructure keep up? We examine how power shortages, permitting delays, and increasing demand for computing capacity could impact the nation's position in the global race for AI leadership.

🔹 Michigan Exoneree Compensation Reform

Michigan lawmakers are considering changes to the state's wrongful imprisonment compensation law. We discuss whether people who have been proven innocent should ever face additional barriers to receiving compensation and what meaningful justice looks like after a wrongful conviction.

Join us as we break down today's headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Jessica joins Shaya Baum and Mike Kassab as guest host while Sarah is away. Together, they discuss some of the biggest stories shaping politics, international relations, business, technology, and criminal justice.

🔹 Texas Candidate Faces Backlash Over Extreme Online Comments
A Texas congressional candidate is under fire after controversial social media posts sparked accusations of antisemitism and political extremism. We discuss the rise of inflammatory online rhetoric, the role social media plays in amplifying outrage, and whether extreme political messaging is becoming too normalized in American discourse.

🔹 Trump Pushes Additional Muslim Nations to Join the Abraham Accords
Reports indicate President Trump is encouraging several Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords as part of broader Middle East negotiations. We explore the history of the accords, their impact on regional diplomacy, and whether expanding them could reshape relationships between Israel and the Arab world.

🔹 SpaceX Plans What Could Become the Largest IPO in History
With reports valuing SpaceX at approximately $1.4 trillion, Elon Musk's company could soon become one of the most valuable publicly traded companies in the world. We discuss the future of commercial space exploration, satellite communications, defense technology, and the growing competition for influence beyond Earth.

🔹 Wrongful Convictions Act Returns to New York Lawmakers
New York lawmakers are once again considering legislation that would make it easier for individuals to challenge convictions when new evidence emerges. We examine the debate over wrongful convictions, plea deals, criminal justice reform, and whether the legal system should place greater emphasis on finality or innocence.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday at 10:00 AM