Did you know JFK's iconic words, "Ask not what your country can do for you," actually originated from a Lebanese poet?

In this compelling episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with Lebanese-born scholar and former legislator David Ramadan for an eye-opening exploration of Lebanon’s hidden war on Israel’s northern border. As international headlines focus on Iran and Gaza, this episode spotlights the overlooked conflict between Israel and Hezbollah—the Iranian-backed militia operating within Lebanon.

David Ramadan unpacks the tangled realities of Lebanon’s fragmented sovereignty, reveals the human impact of daily bombings and mass displacement, and explains why the Lebanese government can't—or won’t—rein in Hezbollah. Discover why peace talks may be doomed from the start, how Iran keeps Hezbollah alive, and why some Lebanese now quietly wish for peace with Israel. Candid, insightful, and full of surprising revelations, this episode will change how you see the Middle East's most misunderstood front.

Episode Overview

00:00 Intro and episode setup

00:31 Spotlight on the Israel-Lebanon conflict

02:31 David Ramadan introduction and background

03:12 Lebanon’s geography, history, and people

05:27 Lebanon’s tangled wars and Hezbollah’s rise

10:26 Iran’s influence and Hezbollah as a “state within a state”

13:09 Is it really Israel vs. Lebanon or Israel vs. Hezbollah?

15:12 The challenge of peace negotiations

17:21 Displaced civilians and Lebanon’s warzone reality

22:03 Why now? The October 6th turning point

26:53 Why hasn’t the Lebanese government acted?

30:36 Weapons, Iran’s resupply, and Iranian officers in Lebanon

34:11 The UN’s failed peacekeeping mission

37:24 What would it take for a real solution?

40:53 Regional politics and why Arab countries won’t intervene

41:23 The shifting support for Hezbollah inside Lebanon

44:22 Destruction of homes and emotional impact

47:16 What can Israel do? The challenges for nation-states vs. militias

49:55 Support for Israel vs. support for its current government

51:59 Media narratives, American politics, and final reflections

53:09 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks

What if the biggest hurdle to building a better future for both business and the environment isn’t political gridlock—but the way we write the rules?

In this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, for a revealing conversation from the Environmental Council of the States conference in Savannah, Georgia.

Melanie Loyzim explains why clarity, transparency, and moderation—not deregulation—are what businesses crave most when navigating environmental permitting. Discover how Maine is tackling climate change impacts like rising seas and extreme storms, the state’s plan to streamline housing development without sacrificing environmental standards, and why PFAS contamination may be the most daunting challenge facing state agencies today. Plus, peek behind the curtain at how Maine is looking to harness artificial intelligence to make permitting faster and smarter.

Key highlights:

• The childhood experiences that shaped Melanie Loyzim's environmental mission
• How regulatory certainty attracts business investment
• Maine’s balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection
• Real-world impacts of climate change on Maine’s iconic industries
• Pragmatic, non-partisan government in an era of political swings
• The urgent PFAS crisis—why it’s everywhere, and what Maine is doing about it
• The promise and challenge of bringing AI into environmental regulation

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Unconventional Times intro & guest introduction

[01:06] Why a career in public service and environmental work

[02:09] Childhood roots and early influences

[04:06] Life as an underground storage tank inspector

[06:13] The reality and evidence for climate change in Maine

[08:11] Responding to climate events and smarter infrastructure

[10:09] Impacts on Maine’s economy: lobster and timber

[12:19] Balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility

[15:23] The importance of regulatory certainty for investors

[18:54] Navigating legislative changes and long-term planning

[21:11] Balancing staff advocacy with impartial leadership

[22:28] Managing shifting political priorities and policy ping-pong

[25:31] Streamlining housing development via permit by rule

[28:13] The challenge of environmental agency budgets

[32:38] Artificial intelligence and the future of permitting

[36:38] Digitizing data for smarter, holistic decisions

[37:39] What keeps Melanie up at night: permitting bottlenecks

[39:40] Worst environmental crisis: PFAS contamination

[42:15] Source reduction and remediation strategies for PFAS

[43:47] The value of moderation and transparency in government

[45:16] Episode close

What if the very data that protects your environment was once scattered and nearly unusable—and now, thanks to new technology, it could finally shape smarter decisions for your community?

In this special episode, recorded live from Savannah at the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) meeting, Richard Gordon sits down with leading environmental decision-makers to uncover candid insights into the challenges facing state agencies: shrinking budgets, rapid climate change, and the promise—and pitfalls—of artificial intelligence.

Listen as Director Ed Poolos of Alabama, Secretary Serena McIlwain of Maryland, and Director Myra Reece of South Carolina share compelling stories about resourcefulness in the face of tight funding, the transformative power of AI for permitting and real estate, and why economic growth and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. If you want a rare insider’s view of how critical environmental decisions get made—and what the future holds—this thought-provoking conversation is a must-hear.

00:00 Host introduction and conference overview02:13 The personal motivations behind public service04:28 The difficult reality of federal budget cuts05:32 Alabama’s funding crisis and challenges06:33 The role of AI and technology in government07:25 How AI is reshaping permitting and decision making08:43 Maryland’s real estate AI project and process improvement10:46 Connecting economic development and environmental priorities12:56 Closing remarks and next episode preview

What if the biggest threat to environmental progress isn’t climate change itself, but the way we talk about it—and how we choose to fund its solutions?

In this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon takes you straight to Savannah, Georgia for a front-row seat at the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) conference, where leaders are rethinking the connections between economic growth and environmental health.

Secretary James C. Kenney of New Mexico and Commissioner Melanie Loyzim of Maine share surprising insights on why businesses actually want tough environmental regulations (as long as the rules don’t keep shifting), how Maine is turning shuttered paper mills into high-tech data centers, and how New Mexico leverages transparency and AI to deliver cleaner water and smarter outcomes for citizens.

Discover why state agencies are now key players on the environmental front lines—and why their stories matter more than ever.

Episode Overview

00:00 - Introduction: Unconventional conversations begin

00:29 - Live from Savannah: Setting the scene at the ECOS conference

00:48 - Forest fires, storms, and why data matters

01:22 - Sponsorship and the power of environmental data platforms

02:15 - What is ECOS? Explanation and significance

03:41 - Linking economic development and environmental issues

04:05 - Maine’s economy, lobster, timber, and climate impacts

05:01 - Data centers, brownfields, and economic diversification

05:41 - Business, permits, and balancing regulation

06:10 - Why “environment vs economy” is a false choice

07:45 - Regulatory certainty and attracting new industries

08:29 - What investors want: stability and transparency

11:13 - Future of AI in environmental agencies

12:24 - Maine’s move toward AI-driven licensing

13:44 - Federal EPA budget cuts and ripple effects

15:09 - How to run an agency amid fiscal uncertainty

16:17 - What environmental agencies need to do better

17:35 - Maine’s approach: blunt transparency and supporting decision-makers

18:28 - Closing reflections: frontline leaders shaping your future

19:20 - Thanks for listening and how to find more episodes

What if government decisions that shape our environment—and our future—were being made with decades-old paperwork and disconnected data?

In this episode recorded live in Savannah, Georgia at the 2026 Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) Spring Meeting, Richard Gordon sits down with Alicia J. Keyes, founder of Apaluma and former New Mexico Secretary of Economic Development, to reveal how fractured data and outdated systems have held back progress in government and economic development—and how cutting-edge AI is now transforming the way these crucial decisions are made for the better.

Highlights include unbelievable true tales from Alicia J. Keyes's time convincing Netflix to build its first North American production hub in New Mexico, bringing a $2 billion investment and kickstarting transformative change across the state. Alicia J. Keyes opens up about the emotional impact of creating 10,000 new jobs, the behind-the-scenes efforts in cross-border trade, and how her commitment to collaboration between environment and economic growth is setting a new standard for sustainable development. The episode also reveals the wild story behind the Apaluma name and logo, and how Apaluma is uniting siloed government data to empower faster, smarter decisions for both regulators and the public.

Timestamped Overview:00:00 Opening & introduction; why this Alicia J. Keyes (not the singer)01:04 Apaluma—a company built to improve government decision-making01:45 Alicia J. Keyes's impact as Secretary of Economic Development03:32 From Disney to public service, bringing Netflix to New Mexico06:06 The power of job creation and public service09:20 Supporting communities during COVID, outreach, and information10:27 Cross-border focus & economic development at the border13:08 Spaceport and launching Sir Richard Branson15:12 The intersection of economic development and environment17:27 How collaboration made development and sustainability possible18:44 Global perspective: Travel, trade, and attracting investment to NM20:06 The story behind the name “Apaluma” and its seahorse/elephant logo23:40 Why government needs Apaluma: fractured data, real-world impacts25:47 How Apaluma digitizes, unifies, and powers decisions with AI28:20 What “unification” means and how it prevents regulatory blind spots30:26 Tech, environment, and creating lasting value31:12 Shark tank win, Apaluma's future, and full-circle impact

What if the most important lessons about leadership came not from high-profile successes, but from navigating the unseen, impossible moments?

In part 2 of Richard Gordon’s conversation with former Chattanooga Mayor and U.S. Department of Agriculture official Andy Berke, Andy shares an uplifting look at making tough calls under pressure—and what true service really means.

Andy Berke opens up about being one of the first mayors to declare a COVID state of emergency, leading with transparency through a time of uncertainty, exhaustion, and isolation. They delve into the emotional toll of public service, the challenge of creating racial equity in the South, and how broadband access became a modern civil right thanks to unlikely government action—before and after political winds shifted in Washington.

Key highlights include:

• What it feels like to lead a city during a global crisis—when the only certainty is doubt
• The story behind Chattanooga’s groundbreaking free broadband for low-income families
• Bridging political divides and why real change comes from listening more than talking
• The consequences of making infrastructure and broadband expansion a partisan issue
• How Andy Berke connects local community change to national policy, and why the next generation of leaders needs to put “people first” over party

Don’t miss this inspiring journey from the mayor’s office trenches to the national stage—proving that unconventional times demand real, meaningful action.

Episode Timestamp Overview

00:00 – Introduction & setting the stage

00:36 – Leading during COVID: personal and mayoral challenges

02:07 – Making early emergency decisions with limited information

05:45 – The personal toll of leadership and isolation

08:17 – State vs. local authority, federalism’s limits, and tough policy choices

11:58 – Looking back at pandemic responses and learning for the future

15:12 – Racial equity, history, and bridging divides in Chattanooga

18:26 – The impact and benefits of mayoral term limits

19:56 – Rural Utility Service: bringing power, water, and broadband to rural America

22:00 – Building rural broadband: challenges, progress, and why it matters

27:49 – Internet access as the “new utility”

31:01 – Shifts in national broadband policy and implications

35:03 – Bipartisanship, polarization, and America’s infrastructure future

40:49 – Can Democrats win in rural America? Building bridges by listening

46:30 – Party labels, independents, and what leadership means now

49:34 – Closing thoughts: why politics can—and should—still serve the public good

51:48 – Outro and ways to listen/watch

Would you ever expect a mayor to say, "The best job I'll ever have is running my hometown"?

Andy Berke—former State Senator, Mayor of Chattanooga, and key player in expanding broadband across America—shares the personal journey, surprising decisions, and tough leadership moments that shaped his life in public service. Andy opens up about his unexpected return to Chattanooga, the pivotal moment that drove him from law to politics, and the strategies he used to transform his city’s economy.

He also candidly recounts how he led Chattanooga through one of its darkest days—a mass shooting—and the principles he leaned on to unite the city and honor its heroes. It's an inspiring conversation about the power of community, real leadership, and why making a measurable difference matters.

Timestamped Overview:

[00:00] Unconventional Times podcast introduction

[00:28] Richard Gordon introduces Andy Berke and his accomplishments

[01:03] Andy’s early career, family law firm, and decision to return to Chattanooga

[02:41] Andy explains why he moved back and values of community involvement

[05:30] Transition from law to politics and the influence of Bart Gordon

[09:02] Andy’s drive for public service and scaling impact through elected office

[11:03] Family reaction to Andy running for office

[13:17] Andy’s experience as a State Senator and legislative lessons

[16:32] Voting against guns in bars—a story on values in government

[18:18] Decision to leave the legislature and run for mayor

[22:03] Being mayor of your hometown—responsibilities and emotional impact

[24:04] Strong mayor leadership structure in Chattanooga

[27:54] Transformation of Chattanooga’s economic development strategy

[32:05] Andy’s focus on wage growth, innovation, and worker empowerment

[35:29] Leadership in crisis: Chattanooga mass shooting

[41:13] Building community, communicating safety, and honest leadership

[46:17] Support from fellow mayors during tragedy

[48:58] Reflections on gun violence and challenges facing American cities

[50:40] Outro and teaser for Part 2

Tune in for Andy Berke’s unique perspective on serving—and shaping—his city, and what it truly means to lead with values.

What if everything you thought you knew about the war in Iran—nuclear threats, regime change, and who’s really running the show—was turned on its head?

Host Richard Gordon brings back Middle East expert Ido Aharoni and seasoned State Department negotiator Frank Lowenstein for a candid, unfiltered conversation about the continuing war in Iran that reveals what’s really at stake, what world leaders aren’t telling you, and why the public is more confused than ever.

Key highlights include:

• What’s behind the fluctuating intensity of drone and missile attacks—and why both sides are playing the long game
• The real story on Iran’s nuclear capability (hint: it's not what’s in the headlines) and why “regime change” is a long shot
• The pivotal role of the Strait of Hormuz, how it can—and can’t—be defended, and what that means for skyrocketing oil and food prices
• How political narratives and aspirational promises are shaping, and sometimes distorting, both policy and public perception
• A raw discussion on rising antisemitism, digital disinformation, and the powerful role of technology in shaping global narratives
• Why exit strategies are elusive, the hidden cracks inside political movements, and the sobering reality of a conflict with no clear endgame

If you want to understand what’s really behind today’s headlines and how these events affect everyday life—from gas prices to global stability—this is the conversation you can’t miss.

Episode Timestamp Overview:

[00:00] Show intro & episode setup

[00:28] War in Iran: public confusion and guest introductions

[02:30] Ido Aharoni updates on family & situation in Israel

[03:06] Changing attack patterns and Iranian strategy

[05:22] Depletion of weapons—both sides’ challenges

[06:11] Frank Lowenstein on military realities & economic chaos

[08:13] Economic terrorism & new ground troop scenarios

[10:10] Will Israel or the US deploy troops?

[11:14] What’s the real endgame and what have we achieved?

[12:06] Differing goals: Israel vs. US, mission clarity

[13:40] The myth and reality of “unconditional surrender”

[16:46] The real nuclear threat: facts vs political spin

[18:55] Frank Lowenstein on regime change fantasies

[22:25] Why won’t leaders call it a “war”? Legal & political gymnastics

[24:33] Is there an exit strategy? Republican rifts and domestic costs

[26:25] The Strait of Hormuz: strategic surprise and planning missteps

[29:25] Can the waterway be secured? Adviser leakage and blame

[31:47] Oil markets and rising US prices explained

[33:02] The “long-term gain” question—what’s America really paying for?

[35:46] Aspirational promises vs. reality in foreign policy

[36:31] The rise of antisemitism and the role of technology

[38:44] Netanyahu, pardon politics, and legal turmoil

[42:19] Frank Lowenstein’s take: endless war and political benefits

[43:21] The Houthis as Iran's "insurance policy"

[46:02] Is the US stuck in a multi-year war?

[47:14] Where is the Secretary of State, and why is messaging so messy?

[50:26] Closing thoughts: Leadership accountability and public understanding

[54:00] Outro and where to listen

What if the world woke up to discover the United States and Israel had launched a full-scale attack on Iran—toppling its leaders and altering the balance of power in the Middle East overnight?

In this timely episode of Unconventional Times, host Richard Gordon brings you inside the war room with two rare insiders: Ambassador Ido Aharoni and veteran peace negotiator Frank Lowenstein.

Together, they unpack the motivations, international ramifications, and human costs of an unprecedented military operation—the regime-changing war against Iran. From bomb shelters in Israel to the highest levels of American diplomacy, you’ll hear firsthand accounts, doubts about the Trump administration’s objectives, and the shocking complexities behind attempts at regime change.

Key highlights include:

• Ido Aharoni reveals the emotional reality of Israeli families living through missile attacks.
• Frank Lowenstein questions whether this war can really bring regime change—or just unintended chaos for the Iranian people and the region.
• The legality and morality of targeting Iran’s leaders.
• The double standards facing Israel and the US over tragic civilian casualties—and warnings about reputation versus military might.
• The dangerous rise of the Houthis, shifting alliances, and the very real risks to global oil supplies and American lives abroad.
• What victory could actually mean in a world where “the facts are secondary to the narrative.”

If you want an unflinching, honest assessment of how and why history is being made, and what it means for Israel, the US, and the next generation—this is your must-listen episode.

Episode Overview

• 00:00: Richard Gordon introduces the episode and addresses technical challenges.
• 01:16: Setting the stage: war breaks out as the US and Israel attack Iran.
• 04:12: Ido Aharoni shares updates from Israel and the emotional impact on families.
• 07:16: Domestic and international support for the war within Israel.
• 08:36: Frank Lowenstein analyzes the real objectives—and the risk of regime change efforts.
• 14:25: Intervention motives, strategic timing, and US-Israel alignment.
• 16:07: Can diplomacy succeed, or is this war inevitable?
• 20:19: The legal and moral dimensions of targeting foreign leaders.
• 21:38: Facing difficult truths about civilian casualties and international double standards.
• 25:11: Is regime change achievable or just a dangerous mirage?
• 35:18: Iran’s military structure and shifting regional threats, including the Houthis.
• 41:04: America’s allies, global economic impacts, and what might come next.
• 45:39: Stranded citizens and evacuation challenges.
• 50:27: Leadership vs. regime change—what’s really possible in Iran?
• 56:19: Is the region—and the world—safer after this war?
• 01:00:07: Will the next generation inherit a world closer to peace?
• 01:03:06: Richard Gordon closes with a personal story and final reflections.

Stay unconventional, stay informed. Listen now!

What if we told you the “rural-urban divide” isn't just about geography—but a political and cultural chasm that is shaping America's future in ways most people have never considered?

Host Richard Gordon sits down with Anthony Flaccavento—farmer, author, former congressional candidate, and founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative (RUBI)—to dig deep into the roots and ramifications of America’s most overlooked divide.

We kick things off by unraveling the surprise history behind the pronunciation of “Appalachia,” but quickly dive into why so many rural Americans feel abandoned by both major political parties—and what that means for the state of our democracy. Anthony Flaccavento brings unique firsthand experience, from revitalizing depleted tobacco farmland to running against entrenched political machines, and delivers a frank assessment of the failures of neoliberal economics and what has truly fueled the politics of resentment in rural communities.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• The Real Story Behind RUBI: Why Anthony Flaccavento co-founded the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative and how it’s reframing the conversation between red and blue America.
• Economic Growth vs. Prosperity: The shocking truth that economic growth doesn’t always lift all boats, and how rural communities have borne the brunt of modern policy failures.
• The Democratic Party’s Rural Blind Spot: A candid critique of why Democrats have lost generations of rural voters, despite recent efforts and President Biden’s investments.
• Place-Based Solutions & The Rural New Deal: Why local, bottom-up approaches may be the only way to rebuild trust and genuine progress in forgotten small towns.
• Trump’s Appeal—Explained: How a billionaire New Yorker became the voice for rural, working-class Americans—and why resentment toward “the elites” runs so deep.
• Pragmatic Progressivism vs. Urban Idealism: The crucial difference between urban-centered, top-down solutions and the “community first” values at the heart of rural progressivism.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain an understanding of why rebuilding trust and respect across the rural-urban spectrum is essential—not just for political strategy, but for the future of American democracy itself.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Unconventional Times and the episode’s theme: the rural-urban divide
• 02:02 – "Appalachia" vs "Appalachia"—and why words matter to identity
• 03:00 – Anthony Flaccavento’s journey from tobacco farming to policy activism
• 05:56 – The birth of RUBI: Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative
• 09:51 – How bipartisan economic policy hollowed out rural America
• 15:25 – Defining rural progressivism and the unique values of land and community
• 20:12 – The homogenization of America: How chains and subsidies crushed local business
• 26:31 – Urban vs. rural: Similar economic wounds, different political realities
• 32:00 – The “coal miner’s dilemma” and why policy order matters in winning hearts and minds
• 33:38 – The hidden gap: Economic growth without shared prosperity
• 37:57 – The Democratic Party’s neglect of rural America, and glimmers of hope for renewal
• 49:50 – Trump, Bernie, and the power of anti-elitist messaging in rural politics
• 54:59 – The Rural New Deal: Policy vision, local engagement, and reviving trust
• 57:50 – Comparing pragmatic rural progressivism to urban-focused socialism
• 59:59 – Closing thoughts: What it will take to heal America’s divides

Listen now for a conversation that challenges conventional narratives, bridges forgotten gaps, and puts rural America back where it belongs—at the heart of the story.