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.