Straight To It Charlie Zeitlin

In this episode, I interview Nicole Sorger. Nicole is head of the History Department at Crystal Springs Uplands School. An expert in the Israel-Palestine Conflict, Nicole teaches Middle Eastern History.

As we explore the past and present of the Israel-Palestine conflict, we go through Israel's founding, previous wars, and the lead-up to the current conflict.

We also discuss the current Israeli government as well as how the conflict is affecting Jews around the world.

In this episode I interview Dr. Bruno Verdini, who has taught leadership, diplomacy, and communication techniques for stakeholders from over 80 countries. He created, then earned a unique Ph.D. at MIT, and then designed two MIT courses, The Art and Science of Negotiation and Leadership in Negotiation: Advanced Applications. Both courses have been in the top 1% of MIT’s most popular courses for 8 years running. Dr. Verdini also wrote Winning Together, an award-wining book on how to approach natural resource negotiations, including in-depth examples between the U.S and Mexico. In a special, longer than usual interview, Dr. Verdini and I cover many topics, including negotiation and how it relates to empathy, the importance of vulnerability, and the collaborative nature that must take shape for an impactful outcome. We also cover leadership, moral compass, what Dr. Verdini thinks makes a great leader as well as the mentors and leaders he admires. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from Dr. Verdini, and I hope you enjoy the interview!

In this episode, I interview Nani Jansen-Reventlow, a human rights lawyer who formerly argued free speech cases with Media Defense, a non-profit defending journalism around the globe. Now, Nani works on Systemic Justice, a non-profit she founded with the purpose of making change through litigation. We discuss some of her biggest cases, the importance of journalism, and why she wanted to become a lawyer. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I interview Yoav Saarony, a tennis coach who has coached players at all 4 grand slams, over a 30-year career. Yoav grew up in Israel and immigrated into the US at eight years old. When not on the court, Yoav is also an amazing DJ! As we dig into his tennis journey, we focus a good bit on mental toughness and how he helps players develop it. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, I interview Laker Newhouse, an AI and Mathematics Major at MIT. This past summer, Laker taught at a program in Barcelona to teach Ukrainian high school students about AI. We discuss how AI works, its potential and risks, and his experience at MIT. Enjoy the episode!

I am very excited to announce, the changing of Explain It To Me Like I'm a Ten Year Old to Straight To It with Charlie Zeitlin. Listen to learn more! Also, look forward to new episodes coming out this month with an MIT AI student, a psychiatrist, and more!