The Kubik Report

Greg Thomas and I continue in our 250th US Anniversary series about leadership lessons from our Founding Fathers.   This is part two about Alexander Hamilton

What happens when political rivalry, personal ambition, and wounded pride become so powerful that neither side is willing to back down? The tragic story of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr offers a sobering lesson about human nature, leadership, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ego.

In this episode of The Kubik Report, host Victor Kubik welcomes back leadership coach, author, and historian Greg Thomas for the second part of their discussion about Alexander Hamilton and his bitter political rival, Aaron Burr.

As part of our continuing series on leadership lessons from America's Founding Fathers, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, we explore Burr's remarkable rise from a brilliant Princeton prodigy and Revolutionary War officer to vice president of the United States.

Despite his intelligence, charisma, and accomplishments, Burr's political ambitions repeatedly brought him into conflict with Hamilton. Their rivalry intensified through presidential elections, political maneuvering, and personal accusations, ultimately culminating in their infamous duel on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey.

Hamilton died the following day, leaving behind a grieving family and a nation deprived of one of its most gifted founders. Burr's political career was effectively destroyed.

But this story reaches far beyond American history. Victor and Greg reflect on the dangers of pride, resentment, political polarization, and the inability to forgive or compromise.

What can we learn from two brilliant men whose personal hatred ultimately overcame their better judgment? Their tragedy remains a powerful warning for leaders, organizations, and our deeply divided society today.

Today, we're doing something a little different. Instead of my usual role as interviewer, I'm the guest on The Generation Gap, a podcast hosted by my good friend Mike Mansoori.

Mike is an Iranian-American who has spent more than 40 years helping people regain mobility through his work as a prosthetist. He brings a unique perspective to conversations about life, faith, culture, and the challenges facing our world.

Mike and I share something important. He is an American of Iranian descent, while I am an American of Ukrainian descent. Both of us have deep emotional ties to our ancestral homelands, countries that have experienced tremendous political turmoil, conflict, and suffering.

In this conversation, we discuss our personal backgrounds, the struggles of the Iranian and Ukrainian people, the dangers of religious extremism, and the difference between genuine faith and religion used to justify violence and oppression.

We also explore what people from different cultures and generations can learn from one another.

I'm grateful to Mike for this thoughtful conversation and for allowing me to share it with you.

Here's Mike Mansoori on The Generation Gap.

Mike Mansoori email

Wars, political upheaval, religious uncertainty, and growing anxiety are reshaping our world. How should Christians respond? What does biblical prophecy tell us about these turbulent times, and how can we remain spiritually grounded without falling into fear or speculation?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik joins fellow ministers Darris McNeely and Robin Webber for a candid discussion drawing on more than 150 years of combined pastoral experience.

Together, they examine the growing instability of Western civilization, the war in Ukraine, renewed religious interest in secular Europe, and developments in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords. Are these events significant in the unfolding of biblical prophecy?

The conversation challenges Christians to move beyond sensational predictions and date-setting toward a deeper understanding of God's promises and purposes. Biblical prophecy is not intended merely to predict future events but to strengthen faith, encourage repentance, and inspire holy living.

Drawing from 2 Peter 3 and the book of Revelation, the three ministers emphasize that Jesus Christ—not frightening headlines—must remain at the center of our prophetic understanding.

They also address an important pastoral responsibility: helping people overcome anxiety, recognize historical patterns, exercise sound judgment, and maintain hope in an increasingly troubled world.

The central message is both timely and reassuring: We cannot control world events, but we can control our spiritual response.

Rather than surrendering to fear, Christians are called to remain watchful, faithful, and confident in God's ultimate plan for humanity.

Alexander Hamilton never served as President of the United States, yet his portrait appears on the ten-dollar bill—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary influence on the founding of our nation. What made this remarkable man so important to America's early history?

From his humble beginnings in the Caribbean to becoming one of George Washington's most trusted advisers, Hamilton played a pivotal role in shaping the new republic. As the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, he helped establish America's financial system, strengthen the federal government, and lay the foundation for its economic future. He was also a major contributor to The Federalist Papers, which helped secure ratification of the Constitution.

In this episode of The Kubik Report, Greg Thomas explores Hamilton's fascinating life, his remarkable accomplishments, his controversies, and his enduring legacy. Discover how one man's vision and determination helped shape the United States into the nation it would become.

Today, I'm doing something a little different. Instead of presenting one of my own interviews, I'm sharing a fascinating conversation from another podcast, The Generation Gap, hosted by my friend and fellow podcaster, Mike Mansoori, right here in Indianapolis.

Mike has graciously given me permission to share his interview with Dr. Alta Skelton, who brings a fascinating perspective to health, wellness, and the way we approach illness.

But first, let me tell you a little about Mike.

Mike and I have something special in common. He is an American of Iranian descent, while I am an American of Ukrainian descent. We both have deep connections to our ancestral homelands, and we share a particular concern for the conflicts and suffering affecting Iran and Ukraine.

But Mike's story goes well beyond his heritage.

For more than 40 years, he has worked as a certified prosthetist, helping people who have lost limbs regain their mobility, independence, and dignity.

His work has included helping children with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, fitting prosthetic limbs for amputees, and creating specialized braces for professional athletes and race car drivers.

But what has brought him the greatest joy?

Helping children who were born without limbs, or who lost them, stand up, take their first steps, and even run.

Mike and I have also had the pleasure of interviewing each other on our respective podcasts. Through those conversations, I've come to appreciate his compassion, his curiosity, and his genuine interest in people and their stories.

Now, let me tell you about today's guest.

Dr. Alta Skelton is the owner of Fully Armored Family Health and Fitness in Carmel, Indiana. She is board-certified and fellowship-trained in functional medicine, an approach to healthcare that emphasizes identifying and addressing the underlying causes of illness rather than simply treating symptoms.

And that's what makes today's conversation particularly interesting.

When we're dealing with health problems, are we merely managing symptoms, or are we asking the deeper question: What's causing the problem in the first place?

Dr. Skelton explores this question and explains how looking at the root causes of illness can change the way we think about our health.

I believe you'll find this conversation both informative and thought-provoking.

Interview with Jacob Chipempele, a remarkable leader in the Lusaka, Zambia UCG congregation. He is a deacon, treasurer, and servant.  He speaks about his life coming from a large family and losing his father at young age and then his mother at age 16 and then caring for siblings at home.  His life changed when he received a LifeNets scholarship and became a chartered accountant.  A very inspiring story.  

Interviewed on September 30, 2026 at Verino, Zambia.

On location outside Lusaka, Zambia Silvestor Njovu and I have a candid talk about his life full of miracles and blessings.  Silvestor and I first met in a Mumbwa settlement called Nalubanda when he was 18.  He received a LifeNets scholarship and has now been successfully working as a procurment officer in a Lusaka corporation  He has been invaluable to us in the functioning of UCG in Lusaka District.  His is a success story that I am happy to share!

Date of interview September 28, 2026

What can psychotherapy teach us about truth, human nature, and our relationship with God?

In this episode of The Kubik Report, I talk with therapist Justin Kovanis about the fascinating intersection between Christian faith and secular psychotherapy. Their conversation explores how the process of understanding the human mind can uncover truths about ourselves—and provide valuable “raw material” for spiritual growth and transformation.

Justin explains the distinction between explicitly practicing “Christian counseling” and being a Christian who works faithfully and ethically as a therapist. Rather than imposing religious values on clients, the Christian therapist can bring compassion, respect, careful listening, and a deep concern for the individual into the therapeutic relationship.

The discussion examines four universal human concerns frequently encountered in psychotherapy: death, loneliness, freedom, and meaning. These struggles are hardly foreign to Scripture. David’s Psalms reveal periods of fear, despair, and emotional turmoil, while Jeremiah openly expresses grief and anguish. Their experiences challenge the idea that strong faith somehow makes Christians immune to psychological distress.

We also discuss healthy versus destructive shame, the importance of humility, and therapy as a process of “truth discovery”—helping people understand themselves without condemnation while accepting responsibility for change.

Drawing on ideas from C.S. Lewis, Scripture, and clinical experience, this thoughtful conversation asks an important question: Can greater psychological self-understanding help prepare us for deeper spiritual transformation?

The episode concludes by opening the door to future conversations about the Dark Tetrad, human malevolence, and the extraordinary biblical concept of agape love.

In this episode of The Kubik Report, I present a message originally delivered in Cincinnati on September 28, 2020, examining the deeper meaning of the Day of Atonement and its powerful message of reconciliation.

The biblical Holy Days reveal God’s plan in a remarkable progression. Passover begins with the individual and Christ’s sacrifice for sin. The Day of Atonement expands that picture from personal forgiveness to the restoration of relationships—with God and with one another.

I explore the important difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness can begin with one person, but reconciliation requires both parties to participate in repairing a broken relationship. Restoring trust may require time, patience, humility, and repeated positive actions. This work of reconciliation, I explain, provides a glimpse into the enormous work that will be necessary in the coming Kingdom of God as Christ brings healing to a fractured world.

The episode also examines Jesus Christ’s role as High Priest. A prophet carries God’s message to humanity; a priest represents human needs before God. Because Christ experienced human life and understands our weaknesses, Christians can approach God with confidence, knowing they have a compassionate High Priest.

I also reflect on fasting and repentance. Biblical fasting is not merely going without food or attempting to persuade God to grant our requests. Drawing from Isaiah 58, I emphasize that genuine fasting should change us—loosening the bonds of wickedness and making us more compassionate, generous, and willing to serve others.

Finally, I consider the need for both personal and national repentance, reflecting on my attendance at The Return gathering in Washington, D.C., in 2020.

The Day of Atonement ultimately points beyond forgiveness to something greater: reconciliation, restored relationships, and humanity becoming at one with God.