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

    DEC 11

    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
  2. The sheep dog from Idaho protecting the Jewish people, with Josh Boone - Ep 21

    DEC 3

    The sheep dog from Idaho protecting the Jewish people, with Josh Boone - Ep 21

    In this powerful and personal episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Josh Boone, the “sheep dog from Idaho”  whose journey has taken him from being the only Jewish kid in his high school in Boise to serving as an IDF sniper and dedicating his life to defending the Jewish people. Josh shares how growing up as a minority in rural America forced him to fight for his identity, and how that upbringing shaped his resolve. The transition to Israel brought new challenges, even needing to prove his Jewish heritage. Yet through it all, his unwavering faith in God has guided him. Through his experiences on the front lines, Josh describes his transformation from a kid fighting for respect to a soldier fighting for survival and ultimately to a guardian committed to protecting Jewish lives everywhere. Join us for a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, sacrifice, and the quiet determination that drives a man to defend his people no matter the odds.

    42 min

  3. NOV 27

    Judea and Samaria, Chareadi Draft and the postive side of war with Rabbi Ben Packer Ep 20

    In this episode, Ari sits down with Rabbi Ben Packer for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about the critical role of the farms in Judea and Samaria in strengthening both security and prosperity throughout the region. Together, they explore how agricultural presence shapes strategic realities, the challenges faced on the ground, and the broader national implications. Ari also presses Rabbi Packer on one of the most contentious issues in Israeli society today — the Chareidi draft — pushing for a practical, values-driven solution. The discussion closes with a look at some of the unexpected positive developments emerging from the current war and what they may mean for Israel’s future. An insightful, unfiltered conversation on security, society, and the evolving character of the Jewish state.

    42 min

  4. NOV 19

    Hasbarah Is Not the Answer: Changing the Conversation on Israel- ep 19

    For decades, Israel’s supporters have invested enormous effort into hasbarah, the attempt to “explain” Israel to the world. Yet time and again, this strategy achieves the opposite of what it intends. In this episode, Shaun and Ari explore why the hasbarah approach fails, how it keeps Israel on the defensive, and why true strength begins with refusing to justify one’s existence. They examine the deeper issues behind Israel’s communication, how insecurity and guilt shape the way Israel presents itself, and argue the real question: why does Israel feel the need to explain itself at all? Instead of endless explanation, they call for a confident, values-driven conversation that reflects Israel’s reality, resilience, and moral clarity. A call to speak with pride, purpose, and self-respect.

    38 min

  5. NOV 12

    Political Indecision and Failures of Leadership with Chaim Brenner ep 18

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Haim Brenner for a hard-hitting conversation on the failures of political leadership and the cost of indecision in Israel’s current security crisis. With the Rafiah tunnel standoff and ongoing Israel–U.S. coordination challenges as the backdrop, they unpack how hesitation and lack of clarity at the top can endanger national strategy, weaken deterrence, and erode public trust. Together, they explore what true leadership should look like in times of war — leadership rooted in moral courage, strategic vision, and accountability — and how Israel can begin to reclaim it. To come see us live, sign up here for our event on NOV 18 in Carmei Gat -idsf.org.il/event/from-crisis-to-victory-2/

    22 min

  6. NOV 6

    Law, Morality, and the IDF: A Conversation with Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch Ep 17

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch, former Military Advocate General of Judea and Samaria, for a discussion on the ongoing scandal surrounding Israel’s Military Advocate General. Together, they unpack what this controversy reveals about Israel’s military justice system, how it impacts public trust, and what true honesty and morality should look like within the ranks of the IDF. From the tension between legal oversight and operational necessity to the broader question of how Israel defines ethical leadership in wartime, this is a conversation that goes beyond headlines, exploring the moral backbone of the world’s most scrutinized army.

    1 hr

  7. OCT 27

    Ballots and Battles: Possibilities and Predictions for Israel’s Political Future. ep 16

    In this special episode of Boots on the Ground, recorded from afar with Shaun still on reserve duty and Ari travelling in the U.S., we unpack the growing talk of new elections in Israel. What scenarios could actually trigger them? From the ongoing Haredi draft debate and Ben Gvir’s political threats, to the looming Knesset budget vote and the government’s paralysis on appointing an investigation committee into the failures of October 7th, we explore the pressures shaping Israel’s political future. We also revisit the lingering sense of incompletion around the Trump peace plan and what it means for Israel today. And as always, we end with a message of hope a reminder that despite the challenges, Israel’s continues to inspire us all.

    43 min

  8. OCT 21

    Free Speech, Service, and Israel’s Future with Brig. Gen. Dannny Van Buren (Res.) - ep 015

    Host Ari Kalker sits down with Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Buren, founder of Nikra’im LaDegel (“Called to the Flag”), for a powerful and deeply inspiring conversation on free speech, democracy, and service — and what they mean for Israel’s future. Together, they explore how Israel can rebuild unity, restore integrity in leadership, and shape a shared vision rooted in purpose and responsibility. 👉 Subscribe to Boots on the Ground for real, unfiltered conversations on Israel’s war, politics, and identity — straight from those living it.

    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.

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  • Creator
    SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Boots on the Ground
  • Show Website
    Boots on the Ground