The Backstory

The Backstory

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The Backstory episodes

  • Iran's Massive Attack on Israel Sounds War Drums in Netanyahu's Cabinet

    Rachel kicked off the new week by hosting attorney Steve Gill on the topic of Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York, which has gained considerable coverage around the United States.

    Following a discussion on Trump's legal drama, Rachel was joined by political scientist and host of The Critical Hour on Radio Sputnik Dr. Wilmer Leon, who provided in-depth analysis on the latest election polls that showed incumbent Joe Biden inching closer to his GOP rival.

    In the final hour of the show, Rachel spoke to professor, journalist and TV host Dr. Marwa Osman about the Iranian strikes that targeted several parts of Israel; this unprecedented attack captured the attention of the world, as hundreds of drones and missiles were fired toward Israel on Saturday evening.

    Lastly, Rachel was joined by international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda, who discussed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plea for Israel-like air defense support and billions in funding.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 54 min
  • Ukraine Passes Controversial Military Draft Law as Manpower Woes Continue

    The Backstory's Rachel Blevins began Friday's show by hosting journalist Angie Wong on the topic of Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles.

    Rachel then spoke to ex-Ukrainian diplomat and whistleblower Andrii Telizhenko about the Kiev regime's new draft law that seeks to exponentially grow the manpower of the depleted Ukrainian military.

    In the final hour of the show, Rachel spoke to veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier about the potential Iranian retaliatory response to Israel's attack on their consulate in Damascus, Syria.

    Lastly, Rachel spoke to CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou about the Abu Ghraib Prison detainees who will get their day in court against their alleged torturers.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 55 min
  • Bidenomics: A Massive Failure Unleashing Soaring Inflation

    Rachel began Thursday's show by hosting lawyer and political commentator Steve Gill on the latest from the court cases against former US President Donald Trump.

    Following the conversation on Trump, Rachel turned her attention to the economy, where finance expert Aquiles Larrea broke down the most recent inflation figures and the shortcomings of Bidenomics.

    To begin the final hour, Rachel spoke to political commentator Misty Winston about the GOP civil war in the House of Representatives over the FISA bill.

    In the final segment, geopolitical analyst KJ Noh spoke to Rachel about the tripartite meeting between the Philippine, Japanese, and US leaders, as they look to counter China in the South China Sea region.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 54 min
  • Trump's Push to Kill US Surveillance Bill Succeeds in Latest Blow to Speaker Johnson

    Rachel kicked off the show on Wednesday by hosting independent journalist Dan Lazare on the topic of the US House voting down the FISA bill and its impact on Speaker Mike Johnson.

    Following a discussion on FISA, Rachel spoke to author and journalist Peter Coffin about accusations that publicly funded NPR has purposely chosen to restrict stories that hurt the Democratic Party and favor former US President Donald Trump.

    To begin the final hour of the show, international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda spoke to Rachel about the Kremlin's accusations against Ukraine's Burisma, which they said was funding terrorist attacks against Russia.

    Rachel would conclude the show by hosting professor of international law at the University of Illinois Francis Anthony Boyle, who spoke about the ICJ case against Germany.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 55 min
  • Nord Stream Irony: European Nations Form Pact to 'Protect' North Sea's Infrastructure

    Rachel began the show by hosting political commentator Misty Winston on the topic of the Norfolk Southern's $600 million settlement with the city of East Palestine.

    Nebojsa Malic, journalist at RT, would then join the show to discuss the latest allegations that Russia was interfering in the US presidential elections, especially as US President Joe Biden trails rival Donald Trump.

    Geopolitical analyst George Szamuely spoke to Rachel about the European six nation security pact to protect the North Sea's infrastructure.

    Lastly, Rachel discussed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement about the set date for the Rafah invasion. Author and managing ditor of CoverAction Magazine Jeremy Kuzmarov would break down the upcoming operation, while also discussing Nicarauga's case against Germany at the ICJ.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 54 min
  • Russian Military Presses Forward in the Donbass; Israel Awaits Iran's Retaliatory Response

    In the first hour, Rachel spoke to journalist and co-host of the Final Countdown Angie Wong about Donald Trump's record setting fundraiser, which saw him raise over $50 million over the weekend.

    Then, international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda spoke to Rachel about the Russian military's advance in the Donbass region.

    To open the final hour of the show, Rachel was joined by journalist and professor at the American University Said Arikat, who spoke about the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza and the regional tensions caused by the latter's war with Hamas.

    In the final segment, Rachel spoke to journalist and Editor at The Cradle Esteban Carrillo about the diplomatic spat between Mexico and Ecuador.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 55 min
  • Israel on Edge: Fears Grow Over Iran's Vow of Retribution

    Garland Nixon: Political Analyst and Co-Host of The Critical Hour.

    Nebojsa Malic: Journalist.

    Andrii Telizhenko: Former Ukrainian Diplomat and Whistleblower.

    Francis Anthony Boyle: Professor of International Law at the University of Illinois.

    In the first hour, Garland Nixon discussed the ongoing power outages in the US northeast and highlighted the issue of outdated infrastructure.

    Then, Nebojsa Malic provided insights into Joe Biden's visit to Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.

    Andrii Telizhenko opened the final hour with a discussion on Ukraine's desire to join NATO, despite objections from some member nations.

    Lastly, Francis Anthony Boyle analyzed the results of the Biden-Netanyahu call, as the White House takes a more aggressive approach to Israel's war in Gaza.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 55 min
  • Blinken Rattles Cages with Support for Ukraine NATO Bid; Israel on Edge Amid Iranian Threat

    Syndicated cartoonist and co-host of The Final Countdown Ted Rall discussed the Biden administration's preparation for a potential return to a Trump presidency, analyzing the political dynamics and policy implications.

    Radio Host and political commentator Misty Winston examined the legal fate of Julian Assange, exploring the legal proceedings and broader implications for press freedom and government accountability.

    Independent journalist Julia Kassem analyzed the tense situation in Israel as the nation awaits Iran's response, examining the regional dynamics and potential escalation of conflict.

    Geopolitical analyst George Szamuely provided commentary on the outcome of the NATO meeting, which saw member states prepare for a Trump presidency.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 54 min
  • NATO's Bold Move: Preparing Ukraine for Trump Era with Massive Aid Package

    In the first hour, Rachel spoke to journalist Angie Wong about the recent primary results that revealed voter discontent with President Joe Biden, as several people voted "uninstructed".

    Rachel would then speak to international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda about the NATO foreign ministers meeting amid fears that a Trump presidency could restrict funding to Ukraine.

    Independent journalist Kevork Almassian helped Rachel kick off the final hour of the show, as he provided analysis on the Israeli airstrikes that hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.

    In the final segment of the show, lawyer and political commentator Tyler Nixon spoke to Rachel about the alleged Antifa members who are facing charges in San Diego, California, for a 2021 crime.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 55 min
  • Iran Vows Retaliation: Israel's Strikes on Consulate Sparks Threats

    In the first hour, lawyer Steve Gill dives into the extension of the gag order against Donald Trump, as the judge attempts to silence the former president from targeting his daughter.

    Then, independent journalist Daniel Lazare discusses RFK Jr's interviews with CNN and Fox News and his potential to be an election spoiler.

    To open the final hour, veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier provides insights into the Israeli airstrikes on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.

    Lastly, journalist, and geopolitical analyst KJ Noh discusses the phone call between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, highlighting escalating tensions between the U.S. and China.

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

    We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected]

    Catch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

    1 hr 54 min

About The Backstory

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The Backstory brings you in-depth reporting, updates on the latest headlines and great guests in a high energy show that's both informative and entertaining.