Back to Business Podcast

Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Business

Back to Business is a weekly podcast where business, politics, culture, and current events come together in real conversation. Hosted by Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab, each episode explores the stories shaping our world, from global headlines and business trends to social issues, sports, media, and the conversations people are already having behind closed doors. With honest perspectives, thoughtful debate, and a focus on what it all means for business owners, leaders, and everyday listeners, Back to Business brings timely topics back to the table. New episodes drop every Wednesday at 10 AM.

  1. 5d ago

    Back to Business Podcast | Behind the Scenes

    In this special edition of the Back to Business Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes. Instead of breaking down the headlines, we’re giving you a closer look at what happens off camera, the conversations, candid moments, laughs, setup, and behind-the-scenes footage that bring the podcast together each week. From serious discussions to the lighter moments in between, this episode gives you a different side of the Back to Business Podcast and the people behind it. Thank you for watching, listening, and being part of the conversation. 🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

    6 min

  2. Jul 1

    Back to Business Podcast | BANNED, DRONES & EXTREMISM

    In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore three stories shaping conversations around antisemitism, online extremism, public safety, technology, and the way major events are changing in today’s world. 🔹 NYC Coffee Shop Bans Pro-Israel Politician. A New York City coffee shop is facing backlash after saying Congressman Dan Goldman was not welcome because of his pro-Israel views. We discuss where the line is between a business taking a political stance and discriminating against a customer, and what this controversy says about antisemitism showing up in everyday public spaces. 🔹 Montreal Shooting and Online Extremism. A deadly shooting in Montreal is raising new concerns about online radicalization and how hateful ideas can turn into real-world violence. We break down why antisemitism continues to appear in different extremist movements, how online anger can escalate, and what communities, law enforcement, and online platforms can do to recognize warning signs earlier. 🔹 Drones, Public Safety, and the New Security Challenge. U.S. agencies have reportedly seized more than 300 drones near World Cup sites since the tournament began. We discuss what this says about the future of public safety, privacy, law enforcement, and major events, as drones become cheaper, more accessible, and more difficult to control. Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world. 🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

    1h 4m

  3. Jun 24

    Back to Business Podcast | US-IRAN, WORLD CUP, & GUN RIGHTS

    In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around global politics, sports, constitutional rights, and culture in America. 🔹 U.S.-Iran Deal. The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a deal involving the end of military operations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. We discuss whether this is a real step toward peace, a temporary pause, or a deal that raises bigger questions about trust, diplomacy, and the future of the Middle East. 🔹 FIFA World Cup: America Welcomes the World. The 2026 FIFA World Cup puts the United States, Mexico, and Canada on a global stage. We break down why the World Cup is more than just sports, touching on culture, business, tourism, security, and the power of major events to bring people together. 🔹 Gun Rights, Marijuana, and the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court ruling involving marijuana use and gun ownership is raising new questions about constitutional rights, public safety, and federal law. We discuss whether marijuana use alone should be enough to restrict someone’s Second Amendment rights, and where the line should be drawn. 🔹 Cornell Student Rejects Job Interview Because the Founders Are Jewish. A Cornell student reportedly turned down an internship interview after saying he was not interested in working for a Jewish employer. We discuss what this says about antisemitism on college campuses, online reaction, and the responsibility of universities, families, and employers in shaping the next generation. Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world. 🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

    45 min

  4. Jun 17

    Back to Business | KNICKS, MIDDLE EAST & BRIDGES

    In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around sports, culture, the Middle East, and the future of community in America. 🔹 New York Knicks Historic Comeback Win in Game 4. The Knicks delivered a historic comeback win in Game 4, sparking conversations around momentum, resilience, and what makes sports moments so powerful for fans and communities. 🔹 Appreciation Nights in Sports. From cultural appreciation nights to community recognition events, we discuss the pros and cons of teams using their platforms to highlight different communities and causes. Should sports organizations create space for recognition, or stay focused strictly on the game? 🔹 Iran War update and how much is going on behind the scenes between moderate Arab countries and Israel. The headlines only tell part of the story. We discuss the behind-the-scenes conversations, regional interests, and shifting relationships that may be shaping the future of the Middle East. 🔹 Can America Still Build Bridges Across Communities? Civic trust is declining, and political and cultural divisions continue to grow. We explore practical ways leaders, organizations, and communities can bring people together, rebuild trust, and create meaningful dialogue across differences. Join us as we break down today’s headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world. 🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM. #BackToBusinessPodcast

    51 min

  5. Jun 10

    Back to Business | BOYCOTTS, AI & JUSTICE

    In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around culture, technology, justice, and the future of the Middle East. 🔹 Brooklyn Co-op Boycott Sparks National Response A vote by members of New York City's Park Slope Food Coop to boycott Israeli products has ignited controversy and prompted a nationwide response. 🔹 Assyrian Groups Reject Land Distribution Plan in Tel Keppe Assyrian organizations are raising concerns over a proposed land distribution initiative in the historic Christian town of Tel Keppe, Iraq. We discuss what it takes to preserve one of the Middle East's oldest indigenous communities after decades of war, displacement, and demographic change. 🔹 America's AI Boom Faces a Data Center Bottleneck Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented technological growth, but can America's infrastructure keep up? We examine how power shortages, permitting delays, and increasing demand for computing capacity could impact the nation's position in the global race for AI leadership. 🔹 Michigan Exoneree Compensation Reform Michigan lawmakers are considering changes to the state's wrongful imprisonment compensation law. We discuss whether people who have been proven innocent should ever face additional barriers to receiving compensation and what meaningful justice looks like after a wrongful conviction. Join us as we break down today's headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world. 🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. #BackToBusinessPodcast

    52 min

  6. Jun 3

    Back to Business | ABRAHAM ACCORDS, SPACEX & WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS

    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

    58 min

  7. May 27

    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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Back to Business is a weekly podcast where business, politics, culture, and current events come together in real conversation. Hosted by Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab, each episode explores the stories shaping our world, from global headlines and business trends to social issues, sports, media, and the conversations people are already having behind closed doors. With honest perspectives, thoughtful debate, and a focus on what it all means for business owners, leaders, and everyday listeners, Back to Business brings timely topics back to the table. New episodes drop every Wednesday at 10 AM.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab

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