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

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 stability and peace in the Middle East? We discuss the Abraham Accords, regional security, diplomacy, and shifting alliances amid tensions with Iran.

🔹 First Palestinian ICC Filing Against Hamas
A historic legal filing asks the International Criminal Court to investigate Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes against Palestinians. We explore accountability, international law, human rights, and what this could mean for the future of the region.

🔹 Howard Schultz Warns About Seattle’s Direction
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz raises concerns about crime, economic competitiveness, political extremism, and the challenges businesses face in major American cities. Are companies beginning to rethink where they invest and grow?

🔹 Chaldean Christians and Jewish Communities in Iraq
We examine the history and contributions of two of Iraq’s oldest communities, the challenges that led to their displacement, and why preserving the stories of the Middle East’s diverse populations remains critical to fostering understanding and long-term peace.

🔹 DOJ Pushes to Revive Obscenity Prosecution Task Force
As concerns grow over explicit online content and its accessibility, we discuss free speech, government regulation, internet culture, and where the line should be drawn in the digital age.

The Back to Business Podcast brings together thoughtful conversations on business, finance, entrepreneurship, current events, geopolitics, public policy, and the stories shaping our world.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday at 10:00 AM

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, outrage, and echo chambers?
We also break down Dua Lipa’s $15 million lawsuit against Samsung and the larger conversation around celebrity image rights, branding, influencer marketing, intellectual property, and the future of digital advertising in an AI-driven world.
Plus, we discuss the rise in antisemitic incidents in New York City, the impact of online radicalization, and how social media continues to shape public perception and political division.
Finally, we examine billionaire investor Ken Griffin’s reported decision to scale back New York hiring plans amid growing concerns over taxes, business regulations, and the future economic climate of major cities like NYC. Are high-tax cities losing businesses, wealth, and economic power to states like Florida and Texas?
Topics in this episode include:
• Social media influence
• Viral protests and misinformation
• Echo chambers and online narratives
• Dua Lipa vs Samsung lawsuit
• Celebrity image rights
• Branding and influencer marketing
• Antisemitism and online extremism
• NYC business climate
• Ken Griffin and Citadel
• Tax policy and economic migration
• The future of New York City
• Business news and current events
🎙️ New episodes of Back to Business air every Wednesday at 10AM.

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 engagement driven business models, the overturned conviction of Harry Ruiz after 25 years in prison, and the increasing impact misinformation and selective narratives have on public perception.

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

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 Universal Music Group deal influenced by a Taylor Swift contract clause
• Israel and UAE defense cooperation
• The security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

More importantly, we go deeper into what these stories actually mean:
• Who controls your data in an AI-driven world
• How contracts can reshape major financial outcomes
• What global alliances signal for the future of geopolitics
• How organizations manage risk at the highest levels

If you want to stay ahead of business trends, economic shifts, AI technology, and global news, this episode gives you the context behind the headlines.

In this episode of Back to Business, we sit down with Mike Kassab, CEO of M & R Home Assistance, to discuss what it takes to grow a successful home care business inside a highly regulated industry.

Mike shares his journey building M & R Home Assistance, a Michigan-based in-home care provider serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and clients with complex daily-living needs. He offers practical insights on navigating healthcare compliance, building strong operational systems, recruiting and retaining caregivers, and delivering high-quality care while expanding responsibly.

Listeners will also hear how access to growth capital and choosing the right financial partner can support long-term stability in service-based businesses. This candid conversation is packed with real-world lessons for business owners operating in healthcare services, regulated industries, and other mission-driven businesses looking to grow the right way.

👉 Don’t miss this episode on business growth, compliance, leadership, and building a company that lasts.

In this episode of Back to Business, we sit down with Mike Lindell, Founder and CEO of MyPillow, to explore what it truly takes to build a nationally recognized consumer brand from the ground up.

Mike shares how he transformed a simple product idea into a household name, breaking down the key moments that drove real traction and long-term growth. He offers an inside look at how brand identity, customer connection, and clear messaging play a critical role in standing out in a competitive market, along with the strategies that helped scale distribution and drive consistent sales.

He also dives into the realities of expanding a product line while protecting the strength of a core brand, and the discipline required to grow without losing focus. From early breakthrough moments to long-term positioning, this conversation highlights what actually moves a brand from idea to recognition.

Listeners will gain insight into building a memorable brand, understanding what drives consumer behavior, and making strategic decisions that support sustainable growth. This candid conversation is packed with practical lessons on scaling a business, strengthening brand identity, and creating lasting customer connection.

👉 Don’t miss this episode on brand building, scaling a consumer business, and turning a simple idea into a household name.

This week on Back to Business, we break down the decisions shaping global markets and what they mean for businesses right now.

From rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the potential impact on oil prices, fuel costs, and global supply chains, to the growing risks of AI in the legal system, this episode explores how high stakes decisions are influencing the economy in real time.

We also examine the recent AI legal controversy involving false citations and what it reveals about the risks of relying on artificial intelligence in professional environments. In addition, we discuss the potential Spirit Airlines bailout and what it says about corporate bailouts, market intervention, and competition.

Finally, we look at the NFL Draft as a real world example of high pressure decision making, where billion dollar choices are made with incomplete information and uncertain outcomes.

Topics include:
• Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil supply and gas prices
• AI in law, legal risk, and AI hallucinations
• Spirit Airlines bailout and corporate bailout economics
• NFL Draft strategy and high stakes decision making

This episode connects global events, business strategy, and financial risk to show how decisions at the highest levels impact markets, companies, and consumers.