Boots on the Ground

SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • POLITICS

Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and Identity.

  1. 1D AGO

    Zionism, Jewish Identity, and Standing up for Israel with Matan Peleg ep29

    In this lively, fast-paced episode, Ari and Matan Peleg, Zionist activist, author, and outspoken Israel advocate, trade questions and challenge assumptions in a dynamic conversation about Zionism and Jewish identity. The conversation moves quickly through their lives as they speak openly about military service, reserve duty, difficult decisions, and the impact on families. They also look ahead to the future of Israel, discussing victory, resilience, and the enduring strength of Zionist identity. They discuss Matan's latest book, a concise pro-Israel handbook full of facts and insights, and explore the challenges of Progressives. Honest, sharp, and human, this episode balances serious reflection with energy and warmth. With thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors, BethereIsrael.com, for making this episode possible.

    28 min

  2. JAN 28

    Reflecting the Life of Josh Boone, the Sheepdog from Idaho: Courage, Conviction, and Cost ep 28

    In this emotional episode, we reflect on the life of Josh Boone, his philosophy of service, his sacrifice, and why he embraced the role of the “sheepdog”: the moral duty to protect others. Ari shares his experience of Josh’s loss, the efforts to have him officially recognized as a fallen soldier, and what that recognition represents. Yet, it was denied, his friends and family still ensured he was laid to rest with the honor and dignity he earned. The episode includes references to our previous interview with Josh, giving listeners a chance to hear his own words. 🎧 Listen to the interview: https://youtu.be/W_puAChCv14?si=kO9CdUQtxdathAWA To support the Joshua Boone Memorial fund, donations can be made here - https://givebutter.com/Help-for-josh With thanks to our partners at Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors bethereisrael.com.

    40 min

  3. JAN 21

    Wading Through History: From Tehran to Baghdad, Islam, Power, and the West’s Blind Spots ep27

    Imagine a man who witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution from inside Iran, spent nearly 28 years advising multiple U.S. Secretaries of Defense, and later waded through chest-deep sewage in a bombed-out Baghdad basement to rescue the most important collection of Iraqi Jewish history in existence. That man is Dr. Harold Rhode . In this extraordinary episode, Ari interviews one of the most unique minds with a deep understanding of the Middle East from inside the system.  Drawing on decades of first-hand experience, Dr. Rhode offers a rare and unfiltered perspective on how Islam, culture, language, and history are consistently misunderstood in Western policymaking, with profound and lasting consequences. The episode opens with Dr. Rhode’s breathtaking, step-by-step account of rescuing the Iraqi Jewish Archive under active war conditions.  From there, he explains why Western concepts of “Peace” fail when applied to Islamic political and strategic culture, and how linguistic and cultural blind spots have distorted decision-making for decades . Dr. Rhode also shares his unique insights into Iran, past, present, and future. Grounded in his first-hand experience during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He assesses how that pivotal moment shaped the regime’s worldview and what it means for Iran, the region, and the West today. Dr. Rhode holds a PhD in Islamic History from Columbia University and is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi), and Turkish. This is an episode not to be missed.

    57 min

  4. JAN 12

    When Faith Demands Action: Moshe Glick’s Battle for Jewish Dignity ep 25

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari speaks with Moshe Glick about the role of deep faith in Hashem during moments of profound challenge, and the antisemitic attack that forced him to step in and defend a fellow Jew. Moshe recounts how that incident escalated into a broader legal battle, shedding light on the ingrained antisemitism he believes exists within the system meant to deliver justice. The conversation explores the tension between moral responsibility and legal consequence, the price of standing up for Jewish dignity, and the strength required to confront hostility—both on the street and within institutions. This episode is a powerful reflection on faith, courage, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism.  Link to the legal defense fund - https://israel365charity.com/drglickfightingforjusticeforalljews/

    57 min

  5. JAN 8

    Maduro Captured: Copying Israeli Success, Iran on Edge, and Israel’s Milk Protests ep25

    In this week's episode: Ari breaks down the critical details of Maduro’s capture and what it reveals about Israel’s strategic value to the U.S. Then we look at Iran. Is it really on a knife-edge? Shaun shares his alternative perspective and explains how to spot early signs of shifting dynamics.  Plus, an update on local Israeli politics and protests: is another internal constitutional crisis on the horizon, and what’s happening with the last holdouts of socialism in Israel?

    37 min

  6. JAN 6

    From Somaliland to New York: Israel’s Politics and Its Place on the World Stage – Ep. 24

    Shaun and Ari debate Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland and what it means for regional politics. They examine the challenges of lawlessness among the Negev Bedouin community and discuss potential solutions. The episode also takes a close look at the Trump–Netanyahu relationship and its impact on Israeli politics. Finally, they confront the harsh realities of a new New York mayor whose policies and rhetoric are openly hostile toward Israel and the Jewish community.

    38 min

  7. 12/27/2025

    When Leadership Fails: Blame, Lack of Responsibility, and Political Games ep - 023

    In this episode, Shaun and Ari discuss the latest political maneuvering in the Knesset, where new proposals increasingly resemble political theatre, focused more on positioning and avoiding blame than on taking responsibility for the failures of October 7. They then discuss the government’s efforts to establish a new commission of inquiry in order to circumvent existing law that requires a court appointed investigation into those failures. The conversation addresses the legal, moral, and institutional consequences of delaying or weakening genuine accountability. Stay tuned for the final minutes of the episode, where Shaun and Ari discuss what real leadership should mean in moments of national failure, and why accepting responsibility is a defining test of those in power.

    50 min
  8. Never Too Late to Serve: Aron Schoenfeld’s Courageous Journey ep 22

    12/11/2025

    Never Too Late to Serve: Aron Schoenfeld’s Courageous Journey ep 22

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the height of COVID with his wife and children. Aron shares the formative experiences and education that shaped his deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and how that foundation ultimately inspired him to create “Smiles for the Kids.” What began as an effort to support the families of reservists quickly expanded: first to helping Jewish refugees at the outbreak of the war, and now to a mission of uplifting and assisting Jews everywhere who need support, strength, and — true to its name — a smile. Aron also opens up about his extraordinary decision to enlist in the IDF at age 44, serving as part of a logistics team and contributing directly to Israel’s war effort with determination and humility. Donate Here to Smiles for The Kids - https://smilesforthekids.com/ Donate here to the helping Israel Fund - https://helpingisraelfund.com/ Together, Ari and Aron explore what the future holds, the challenges ahead, and the unwavering optimism that fuels Aron’s work and outlook.

    42 min
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About

Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and Identity.

Information

  • Creator
    SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Boots on the Ground
  • Show Website
    Boots on the Ground

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