Back to Business Podcast

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are joined by special guest Alina Istifu to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Brotherhood controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Kelly Clarkson's viral $15,000 bird feud and the latest NFL Week 6 and Week 7 matchups. HOUTHIS LAUNCH DEADLY ATTACKS ON SAUDI ARABIA...

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including the ongoing Sharia law controversy in Texas, the Cornell 7 sexual assault allegations, new developments in Christa Pike's execution case and the latest NFL Week 4 and Week 5 matchups. SHARIA LAW IN TEXAS Texas Governor Greg Abbott's concerns surrounding the proposed EPIC City Muslim-ce...

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest stories making headlines this week, from the three-year anniversary of October 7 in Israel and an Israel-bound Flydubai flight hijacking to the Christa Pike execution case in Tennessee and the latest NFL Week 4 headlines . OCTOBER 7: THREE YEARS LATER October 7, 2026 marks three years since the Hamas-led attack on I...

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to break down some of the biggest stories getting people talking. Mike Rogers vs. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, the “Palestinian Rachel Dolezal” controversy, growing questions about kratom, two Ole Miss student deaths, and NFL headlines, this week’s Back to Business Podcast covers it all. MIKE ROGERS, ABDUL EL-SAYED & THE MIC...

This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum and Michael Kassab break down major stories making headlines across politics, culture, international affairs and sports. Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour amid renewed controversy over his pro-Palestinian comments and past rhetoric and imagery that critics have condemned as antisemitic. Robert Kraft, owner of Gille...

This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Shaya Baum and Michael Kassab break down four major stories making headlines across politics, culture, sports and history. The UK, France and Canada announce new import restrictions targeting goods from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, prompting a diplomatic response from Israel and renewed debate over how European governments are approaching the...

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast , Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab break down Meta’s $18 billion settlement and what it could mean for kids on social media, the capture of a senior Hamas official as Gazans speak out about alleged abuse under Hamas, and make their picks for who will win each NFL division this season. 🔹 Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement: Kids, Social Media &a...

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast , Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab break down three major stories making headlines: the Lindsay Clancy trial and the difficult conversation surrounding postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility, Qatar’s billions of dollars flowing into American education and questions surrounding foreign influence, and growing privacy concerns o...

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast , Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab break down some of the biggest stories making headlines, including Hunter Biden’s laptop controversy, an Israeli student disqualified after displaying the Israeli flag, Russia’s mounting battlefield casualties in Ukraine, and the arrests surrounding a controversial march in Dearborn. 🔹 Hunter Biden’s Lap...

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast , Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab discuss Tucker Carlson’s Hunter Biden interview and claims involving Israel, Bashar al-Assad and Syria, the University of Michigan’s new grading pilot program, and merchant cash advances (MCAs) and business debt refinancing. 🔹 Tucker Carlson, Hunter Biden & Israel Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hunt...

In this episode of the  Back to Business Podcast , join your hosts,  Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab , as they break down three of the week's biggest stories spanning U.S. politics, immigration, media bias, Israel, artificial intelligence, and public policy. 🔹  Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Senate Race & the Democratic Party Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in Mi...

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 sl...

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 humanitaria...

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...

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 suspens...

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...

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...

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...

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 communiti...

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 Distr...

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 p...

This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Jessica joins Shaya Baum and Mike Kassab as guest host while Sarah is away. Together, they dive into some of the biggest stories impacting business, geopolitics, public policy, culture, and the Middle East. 🔹 UAE Denies Netanyahu Secret Visit During Iran Conflict Could growing cooperation between Israel and Gulf nations represent a path toward greater st...

Welcome back to the Back to Business Podcast — where business, culture, media, politics, and current events collide. In this episode, we dive into the growing influence of social media narratives, viral protest culture, and the rise of misinformation online after a viral video sparked debate over whether people are protesting causes they fully understand. Are facts being replaced by algorithms, ou...

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we discuss the growing challenges businesses and consumers are facing as economic uncertainty, technology, media influence, and public trust continue to collide. The conversation covers record breaking stock markets despite rising operational costs and global instability, the explosive growth of social casino apps and the psychology behind engagemen...

What happens when your car is tracking your behavior, a music contract tied to Taylor Swift reshapes a massive payout, and global security risks unfold in real time? In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we break down the biggest business news, global events, and financial headlines shaping today’s economy. We cover: • AI-powered driver monitoring technology in cars • The Spotify and Un...