Back to Business Podcast

Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab

Back to Business is a business podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, featuring in-depth conversations with industry experts navigating growth, regulation, and change in today’s economy. Each episode shares real stories, practical strategies, and actionable insights on how to start, build, scale, and sustain a successful business, covering leadership, finance, operations, innovation, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, Back to Business delivers honest conversations and expert perspectives to help you make smarter decisions and grow with confidence.

  1. 6d ago

    Back To Business Podcast | Middle East, Economic Migration, & Youth Protection

    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

    55 min

  2. May 20

    Back To Business Podcast | Protesting without Facts, Image Rights & Economic Shift

    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.

    59 min

  3. May 13

    Back to Business Podcast | MARKETS, GAMBLING APPS & MISINFORMATION

    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.

    49 min

  4. May 6

    Back to Business Podcast | Cars Tracking You, Music Deals & Global Security

    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.

    41 min

  5. May 1

    Back to Business Podcast | Oil, AI & Billion-Dollar Decisions

    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.

    38 min

  6. Apr 29

    Back to Business Podcast | Meet the New Hosts

    Welcome to the new era of the Back to Business Podcast. In this episode, meet your hosts — Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab — as they introduce the refreshed format of the show and share what’s ahead. From real-world business insights to conversations that matter, this podcast is focused on delivering practical knowledge, honest perspectives, and relevant topics across finance, entrepreneurship, and beyond. This episode is all about getting to know the voices behind the mic — their backgrounds, experiences, and what you can expect each week — including the story behind the creation of the Tent of Two Brothers Coalition and the mission that drives it.

    26 min

  7. Apr 22

    Back To Business with Sarah Annas featuring Todd Flood

    In this episode of Back to Business, we sit down with Todd Flood, Managing Partner of Flood Law, to explore what it takes to build a career at the highest level of law, leadership, and high-stakes litigation. Todd shares his journey from serving as an Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor to leading one of Michigan’s most respected law firms, offering a firsthand look at the discipline and mindset developed through trying hundreds of cases. From homicides to complex fraud and narcotics trafficking, he breaks down how those early courtroom experiences shaped his approach to strategy, decision-making, and advocacy. He also dives into his transition into private practice, where he has led high-profile civil litigation involving wrongful death, civil rights, and whistleblower claims. Todd explains what it really takes to establish credibility in a competitive legal landscape, build a trusted reputation, and consistently operate at a high level under pressure. Listeners will gain insight into navigating complex cases, developing strong leadership skills, and building a career rooted in credibility and results. This conversation offers practical advice for anyone looking to stand out in law or any high-performance profession. 👉 Don’t miss this episode on high-stakes litigation, building credibility, and what it takes to succeed at the top of the legal field.

    25 min

  8. Mar 30

    Back to Business with Sarah Annas featuring Mike Lindell

    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.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Back to Business is a business podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, featuring in-depth conversations with industry experts navigating growth, regulation, and change in today’s economy. Each episode shares real stories, practical strategies, and actionable insights on how to start, build, scale, and sustain a successful business, covering leadership, finance, operations, innovation, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, Back to Business delivers honest conversations and expert perspectives to help you make smarter decisions and grow with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab
  • Show Website
    Back to Business Podcast