Back to Business Podcast

Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab
  • 4.6 (10)
  • 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. 4d ago

    Back to Business Podcast | FRANCE PROTESTS, ILHAN OMAR & OPENAI

    Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas break down some of the biggest headlines this week, including protests in France, President Donald Trump's warnings about immigration in Paris, allegations and reported investigations involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, an alleged OpenAI corporate espionage scandal with possible Saudi Arabia connections, and the latest NFL Week 6 and Week 7 action. FRANCE PROTESTS & TRUMP'S WARNING ABOUT PARIS France is facing growing unrest as protests over immigration, rising living costs and government policies spark heated debates about the country's future. President Donald Trump has weighed in, warning that Paris is becoming a Muslim city and raising questions about immigration, integration and Europe's changing cultural identity. ILHAN OMAR INVESTIGATION & IMMIGRATION FRAUD ALLEGATIONS Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is at the center of renewed controversy surrounding allegations of immigration fraud, questions about her marriage history and financial disclosures. The episode examines reports of federal scrutiny, the political fallout and Omar's denial of wrongdoing. What would these allegations mean for Congress if proven true? OPENAI ESPIONAGE SCANDAL & SAUDI ARABIA CONNECTION A former OpenAI employee is accused of secretly recording sensitive company discussions, raising concerns about corporate espionage, artificial intelligence and national security. Allegations of connections to Saudi Arabia have added another layer to the controversy. Could foreign governments be targeting America's leading AI companies to gain access to confidential information? NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 6 RECAP & WEEK 7 PREVIEW The crew breaks down the latest NFL headlines, including Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Patrick Mahomes reaching 100 career regular-season wins, the Los Angeles Rams' struggles and the Arizona Cardinals' upset. Plus, a look ahead at the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons. Can the Lions make a statement against their division rivals? New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM. #FranceProtests #FranceNews #DonaldTrump #Paris #Immigration #IlhanOmar #Congress #USPolitics #OpenAI #ArtificialIntelligence #CorporateEspionage #SaudiArabia #AINews #NFL #NFLWeek6 #NFLWeek7 #DetroitLions #PhiladelphiaEagles #PatrickMahomes #GreenBayPackers #CurrentEvents #BreakingNews #NewsPodcast #BackToBusinessPodcast

  2. 6d ago

    Back to Business Podcast with Sarah Annas featuring John Elliott: Building a Trucking Business

    In this special edition of the Back to Business Podcast, host Sarah Annas sits down with John Elliott, Founder and Executive Chairman of Load One and former CEO, to discuss his decades of experience in the trucking and logistics industry, building successful businesses, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. From growing a fleet of trucks to overcoming major financial setbacks following 9/11, John shares firsthand insights into business growth, leadership, risk management, and the realities of running a trucking company. The conversation also explores his longtime business partnerships with Lou Glazier and Shaya Baum, the future of the trucking industry, autonomous vehicles, and the importance of building relationships that last. John also reflects on his experiences traveling to Israel, how those visits challenged his perceptions, and the importance of understanding world events beyond media headlines. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or transportation industry professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on scaling a business, overcoming adversity, building strategic partnerships, and achieving long-term success. Watch and listen to the Back to Business Podcast every Wednesday at 10 AM. #BackToBusinessPodcast #TruckingIndustry #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Logistics

  3. Oct 21

    Back to Business Podcast | HOUTHIS, POLITICS & KELLY CLARKSON

    Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are joined by special guest Alina Istifu to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Brotherhood controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Kelly Clarkson's viral $15,000 bird feud and the latest NFL Week 6 and Week 7 matchups. HOUTHIS LAUNCH DEADLY ATTACKS ON SAUDI ARABIA Iran-backed Houthi rebels have reportedly launched missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about regional security and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Is Iran using the Houthis to fight its battles without taking direct responsibility? MICHIGAN SENATE RACE: MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD CONTROVERSY Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over alleged associations with individuals and organizations connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. As the controversy draws attention to the Islamist movement and its political influence, what exactly is the Muslim Brotherhood, and why is it so controversial? KELLY CLARKSON'S $15,000 BIRD FEUD Kelly Clarkson sparked a viral social media feud after publicly criticizing Brooklyn business Art of Play over a $15,000 mechanical singing bird. Clarkson accused an employee of treating her like she couldn't afford it, comparing the experience to Pretty Woman. The store fired back, defending its employees and claiming the bird wasn't for sale. After the dispute exploded online, the store raised the bird's price to $15 million. Was Clarkson justified in calling out the business, or did her celebrity influence take things too far? NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 5 & WEEK 6 The crew breaks down the latest NFL action, including the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles' struggles, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers, and key matchups featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. BACK TO BUSINESS PODCAST New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM. #Houthis #SaudiArabia #Iran #MiddleEastNews #MuslimBrotherhood #MichiganPolitics #AbdulElSayed #KellyClarkson #KellyClarksonBird #CelebrityNews #SmallBusiness #NFL #NFLWeek6 #NFLWeek7 #DetroitLions #PhiladelphiaEagles #KansasCityChiefs #CurrentEvents #NewsPodcast #BackToBusinessPodcast

  4. Oct 14

    Back to Business Podcast | SHARIA LAW, CORNELL 7 & EXECUTION

    Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including the ongoing Sharia law controversy in Texas, the Cornell 7 sexual assault allegations, new developments in Christa Pike's execution case and the latest NFL Week 4 and Week 5 matchups. SHARIA LAW IN TEXAS Texas Governor Greg Abbott's concerns surrounding the proposed EPIC City Muslim-centered community near Dallas continue to spark debate over Sharia law, religious freedom and American constitutional rights. Could religious communities establish rules that conflict with state and federal laws? CORNELL 7: SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS Cornell University faces renewed scrutiny after seven fraternity members allegedly sexually assaulted a female student. Newly reported messages, recordings and investigative interviews have raised questions about how the allegations were handled, while the viral "I Am Jane Doe" movement has brought additional attention to the case. CHRISTA PIKE: BOTCHED EXECUTION New developments in Christa Pike's reported failed lethal injection have raised questions about Tennessee's death penalty procedures. Following the reported resignation of corrections commissioner Frank Strada and the suspension of remaining executions, should Tennessee be allowed to attempt the execution again? NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 4 & WEEK 5 The crew breaks down the Buffalo Bills' first loss, Joe Burrow's performance, the Philadelphia Eagles' struggles and upcoming matchups featuring the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens. BACK TO BUSINESS PODCAST New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM. #ShariaLaw #TexasNews #GregAbbott #Cornell7 #CornellUniversity #SexualAssaultAllegations #ChristaPike #DeathPenalty #TrueCrime #CurrentEvents #NewsPodcast #NFL #NFLWeek5 #DetroitLions #ChicagoBears #GreenBayPackers #BackToBusinessPodcast

  5. Oct 7

    Back to Business Podcast | OCTOBER 7, HIJACKING & PROTOCOL

    Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest stories making headlines this week, from the three-year anniversary of October 7 in Israel and an Israel-bound Flydubai flight hijacking to the Christa Pike execution case in Tennessee and the latest NFL Week 4 headlines. OCTOBER 7: THREE YEARS LATER October 7, 2026 marks three years since the Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage. Shaya, Mike and Sarah reflect on where they were when they first learned about the October 7 attack, what they remember most and the stories, images and moments that have stayed with them three years later. ISRAEL-BOUND FLYDUBAI FLIGHT HIJACKING A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv descended roughly 17,000 feet in a matter of minutes after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew reportedly helped restrain the co-pilot while other pilots aboard helped regain control before the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The hosts react to the Israel-bound flight hijacking and the actions of the passengers, crew and pilots who stepped in during the emergency. CHRISTA PIKE & THE TENNESSEE EXECUTION Christa Pike was scheduled to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. After Pike was given two syringes of pentobarbital, she remained alive and was eventually transported to a hospital for medical treatment. NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 3 & WEEK 4 The crew closes out the episode with NFL Rapid Fire, including the Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions offense, Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and the NFL’s undefeated teams. BACK TO BUSINESS PODCAST New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM. Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the speakers. References to NAD's potential benefits, including cognitive function, fatigue, pain management, addiction, anti-aging and athletic performance, are for discussion purposes only. These benefits have not all been established through conclusive clinical research, and their mention should not be interpreted as proof of effectiveness or a recommendation for treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions. #October7 #October7Anniversary #Israel #IsraelNews #MiddleEast #MiddleEastNews #Flydubai #FlydubaiFlight #TelAviv #Dubai #ChristaPike #Tennessee #DeathPenalty #CapitalPunishment #TrueCrime #CurrentEvents #BreakingNews #News #NewsPodcast #Podcast #PoliticsPodcast #MichiganPodcast #NFL #NFLNews #NFLWeek4 #DetroitLions #OnePride #ChicagoBears #PhiladelphiaEagles #BaltimoreRavens #DallasCowboys #BuffaloBills #GreenBayPackers #TampaBayBuccaneers

  6. Sep 30

    Back to Business Podcast | SENATE RACE, KRATOM & FAKE IDENTITY

    Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to break down some of the biggest stories getting people talking. Mike Rogers vs. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, the “Palestinian Rachel Dolezal” controversy, growing questions about kratom, two Ole Miss student deaths, and NFL headlines, this week’s Back to Business Podcast covers it all. MIKE ROGERS, ABDUL EL-SAYED & THE MICHIGAN SENATE RACE Mike Kassab shares his experience speaking at a Mike Rogers event before the conversation turns to Michigan’s U.S. Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. THE “PALESTINIAN RACHEL DOLEZAL” CONTROVERSY Philadelphia public school teacher and activist Hannah Gann admitted she falsely claimed Palestinian and Tunisian heritage for years; activist groups she worked with also accused her of falsely claiming Black identity. The story has prompted online comparisons to Rachel Dolezal. How did Gann build credibility around an identity that wasn’t actually hers, and what happens when the truth comes out? OLE MISS, KRATOM & THE QUESTIONS PEOPLE ARE ASKING Two Ole Miss students died in separate incidents on the same day, with kratom found during both investigations. Toxicology results were still pending when we prepared the episode, but the cases raise bigger questions about a substance millions of Americans have tried. What is kratom? Why are more people using it? And why is it so readily available at gas stations, smoke shops and online? NFL RAPID FIRE The crew closes out the episode with NFL rapid fire, including Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams, the Vikings, Falcons, Chargers and Aaron Glenn’s return to Detroit. BACK TO BUSINESS PODCAST New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM. #BackToBusinessPodcast #MikeRogers #AbdulElSayed #MichiganSenate #MichiganSenateRace #HannahGann #RachelDolezal #Kratom #OleMiss #NFL #Michigan #CurrentEvents #NewsPodcast #Podcast

  7. Sep 23

    Back to Business Podcast | MACKLEMORE, SECRET SCHOOLS & MIDDLE EAST

    This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum and Michael Kassab break down major stories making headlines across politics, culture, international affairs and sports. Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour amid renewed controversy over his pro-Palestinian comments and past rhetoric and imagery that critics have condemned as antisemitic. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, said his opposition to Macklemore performing at the venue was not about supporting Palestinians, but about rhetoric he viewed as antisemitic. In Afghanistan, teenage girls are risking arrest simply to receive an education. CBS News recently went inside a secret school in Kabul where girls ages 14 to 16 continue studying despite Taliban restrictions. Before the reporters left, students handed them 21 handwritten “letters to the world,” describing the education and freedoms they have lost and their hopes of studying, working and choosing their own futures. What does it say that in 2026, girls are still forced to risk their safety just to go to school? The hosts also turn to escalating tensions in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a Houthi drone headed toward Mecca. As Saudi Arabia seeks outside help against the Iran-backed Houthis, reports have also raised the possibility of Saudi Arabia turning to Israel for security assistance. The hosts discuss what that could mean for Israel and Saudi Arabia, two countries facing shared regional threats, and whether security cooperation could bring them closer together. Finally, it’s NFL rapid fire. Shaya and Michael break down the biggest storylines from Weeks 1 and 2, including Caleb Williams and the Bears, Green Bay and Dallas, Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City, Lions vs. Bills, Seattle moving forward without Sam Darnold and whether the Giants can build on their early success. Watch or listen to the Back to Business Podcast every Wednesday at 10AM. CBS News Credit: This episode includes a brief video/audio excerpt from CBS News reporting on the secret girls’ school in Afghanistan. All CBS News footage and audio remain the property of CBS News. Topics: Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour, Macklemore controversy, Macklemore antisemitism controversy, Robert Kraft, Gillette Stadium, antisemitism, Israel, Israel news, secret girls school Afghanistan, Afghan girls education, Taliban, women in Afghanistan, CBS News Afghanistan, letters to the world, Saudi Arabia, Mecca, Houthi drone, Houthis, Yemen, Iran, Israel Saudi Arabia relations, Middle East security, NFL Week 1, NFL Week 2, Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, current events, news commentary, Back to Business Podcast.

  8. Sep 16

    Back to Business Podcast | THC, BANS & 9/11

    This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Shaya Baum and Michael Kassab break down four major stories making headlines across politics, culture, sports and history. The UK, France and Canada announce new import restrictions targeting goods from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, prompting a diplomatic response from Israel and renewed debate over how European governments are approaching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Idaho, more than 1,000 new mothers have reportedly been placed on the state’s child-abuse registry following positive THC tests involving themselves or their newborns. But what happens when a positive test comes from accidental exposure or legal CBD and hemp products? The conversation raises questions about drug testing, parental rights and how child-welfare policies should be applied. Plus, Michigan’s controversial win over Western Michigan is under scrutiny after officials put time back on the clock before Michigan’s game-winning Hail Mary. With the NCAA saying it cannot retroactively change the final score, should there be a way to overturn the result of a game after an officiating error? Finally, the hosts reflect on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Twenty-five years after 9/11, how has America changed, what lessons have endured, and how should a generation with no personal memory of September 11 understand its impact? Watch or listen to the Back to Business Podcast every Wednesday at 10 AM on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Topics: Israel import bans, Israeli settlements, Judea and Samaria, UK Israel relations, France Israel relations, Canada Israel relations, THC testing, Idaho mothers, child abuse registry, CBD and THC, Michigan football, Michigan vs Western Michigan, NCAA officiating controversy, 9/11 anniversary, September 11 attacks, 25 years since 9/11, current events, news commentary, Back to Business Podcast.

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4.6
out of 5
10 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
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab

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