The Stan R. Mitchell Show

Stan R. Mitchell

A place for balanced takes on politics and world news — without the anger or hype. I believe we can stay informed and stay hopeful. Plus, a few mins of Biblical encouragement to remind us that faith, peace, and perspective still matter. stanrmitchell.substack.com

  1. 14h ago

    Iran, Ukraine, Courage, and Faith

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Independent analysis, honest conversation, and Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Podcast hub — all platforms This week, I take a closer look at the rapidly escalating war with Iran — and why President Trump’s description of it as “small potatoes” may come back to haunt him. With 18 Americans dead, nearly 800 wounded, Iranian missiles targeting U.S. forces, American strikes on Iran’s oil fleet, and enormous numbers of Patriot interceptors being expended, this conflict is looking increasingly difficult to dismiss as minor. The bigger question may be one nobody can answer yet: Which side can withstand the pressure longer? Then we turn to Ukraine, where some important developments have been largely buried beneath the Iran headlines. Ukraine has made gains on the battlefield and continued striking Russia’s shadow fleet and other strategically important targets, even as Russia continues brutal missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. I also look at the Trump administration’s latest attempt at diplomacy, the troubling idea of helping Vladimir Putin achieve his “aspirations,” and signs that Putin may not be getting an honest picture of how the war is actually going. For this week’s Story of Courage, I tell the remarkable story of Rick Rescorla, the Morgan Stanley security chief who prepared thousands of people for an attack on the World Trade Center long before September 11. When that terrible morning finally came, his preparation helped save nearly everyone under his care. Rescorla could have escaped himself. Instead, he went back into the South Tower looking for others and never returned. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t always spontaneous — sometimes it’s built through years of preparation, responsibility, and doing the right thing when nobody else understands why it matters. Finally, we step away from politics for some Faith & Encouragement. This week, I talk about our need for God, what Christianity actually teaches about salvation, and why being a Christian ultimately isn’t about choosing the right denominational label or somehow becoming good enough. It’s about recognizing our need for forgiveness and putting our faith in what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: * 0:51 — Iran * 18:04 — Ukraine * 26:27 — Story of Courage * 32:04 — Faith & Encouragement * 38:28 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips: [View the complete episode notes on Substack.] To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Sep 3

    Trump’s old tricks aren’t working — and the stakes are getting higher

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Independent analysis, honest conversation, and Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Podcast hub — all platforms Trump’s familiar playbook appears to be losing its power — and some of his most loyal former supporters are turning against him. This week, I look at his increasingly unserious behavior, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s blistering criticism, Gregory Bovino’s disturbing claims, and the lesson Trump allies keep learning about loyalty. I also examine the serious questions surrounding Trump’s Venezuela oil deal, renewed fighting with Iran, Pete Hegseth’s increasingly precarious position, and Russia’s latest provocation against NATO. Then, in this week’s Story of Courage, I share the extraordinary story of Hugh Thompson Jr., the American helicopter pilot who placed himself between innocent Vietnamese civilians and fellow American soldiers during the My Lai massacre. I close with Faith & Encouragement — and a challenge to stop the spiritual drift and fill your mind with Scripture. ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: * 0:00 — The President is starting to look silly * 1:34 — Trump renames Lake Ontario * 8:26 — MTG decimates Trump for betraying MAGA * 11:54 — Greg Bovino, border patrol commander, says Trump Administration wants him dead; Bovino isn’t the first supporter of the President to be harshly betrayed * 19:59 — Trump’s big oil deal in Venezuela * 26:02 — The Iran War turns hot again * 30:34 — Pete Hegseth shoots his shot * 35:32 — Russia again shoves NATO, while the President does nothing * 40:41 — Story of courage * 46:09 — Faith & Encouragement * 58:42 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode: [View the complete episode notes on Substack.] Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. Or my podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide? Please listen to this. Support the show: If you’d like to support the show, you can become a free or paid subscriber here on Substack, or support me on Patreon. You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments: Email me at stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com. Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. My military and political thrillers are similar to those written by Vince Flynn and Jack Carr, while my police thrillers are similar to Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series. All these book are available on Amazon. (Paid link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Aug 27

    From trade wars to real wars: Are we lurching toward World War III?

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Independent analysis, honest conversation, and Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. This week: Trump’s poll numbers are getting worse — and several of the week’s biggest stories may only add to his problems. I look at the escalating immigration crackdown, the new trade fight with Canada, anger among American ranchers, the $40 trillion national debt, and the continuing war with Iran. Then I step back and ask the bigger question: with Russia probing NATO, the Iran war dragging on, and America increasingly stretched, are we lurching toward World War III? 👉 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 1:04 — Dolly 5:40 — Trump’s poll numbers 9:26 — Immigration enforcement ramps up 15:19 — Trade war with Canada 18:27 — Beef moves infuriate 27:08 — Debt hits $40 trillion 33:26 — Culture wars 37:14 — Iran 43:54 — The lurch toward World War III 54:04 — Hakeem Jeffries steps in it 59:42 — Ukraine 1:02:54 — Faith & Encouragement 1:11:49 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode: [View the complete episode notes on Substack.] Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. Or my podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide? Please listen to this. Support the show: If you’d like to support the show, you can become a free or paid subscriber here on Substack, or support me on Patreon. You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments: Email me at stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com. Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Aug 20

    A new warrior emerges for the Democrats. Is the political landscape changing?

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Finding common ground, lowering the temperature, and offering Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 1:01 — A new warrior emerges for the Dems 10:08 — USS Abraham Lincoln 18:58 — Politics 26:59 — South Korea 31:11 — Iran 37:01 — Marine released 38:51 — Ukraine 43:02 — Winners and losers 50:55 — Faith & Encouragement 1:13:39 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode can be found on my Substack page. Notes from this episode: USS Abraham Lincoln Politics South Korea Iran Marine released Ukraine Winners and losers for the week: Faith notes: From the book: Mission Possible: A Daily Devotional: 365 Days of Inspiration for Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose. (Paid link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. Or my podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide? Please listen to this. Want more faith content? Here are a few faith episodes you don’t want to miss: * For the vets out there... Dealing with paranoia, PTSD, and the emotional scars you earned from serving. * How it all started: my painful origin story. * I stand on the shoulders of a giant — my eulogy to my Dad. And here’s what I consider: The greatest threat to America — and how we fix it. The Stan R. Mitchell Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, please consider helping me grow the show. To help, please consider subscribing on Substack (or Patreon). You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments 📩 stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com. Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. My military and political thrillers are similar to those written by Vince Flynn and Jack Carr, while my police thrillers are similar to Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series. All these book are available on Amazon. To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Amazon link to my books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Aug 13

    Iran, oil, troops, and politics: Is the price going up for Trump?

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Finding common ground, lowering the temperature, and offering Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 0:29 — Audience feedback from last’s weeks Islam section 8:37 — Iran 16:44 — The price of oil/gas 24:26 — Troops 32:21 — Politics 36:29 — Israel 39:28 — Ukraine 42:17 — Story of courage for the week 49:13 — Faith & Encouragement 1:08:37 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode can be found on my Substack page. This week, I take a hard look at the continuing war with Iran — and the growing question of how long the United States and the world economy can absorb its costs. With the Strait of Hormuz still largely shut down, emergency reserves and alternative pipelines have helped prevent an oil-price catastrophe so far. But how long can that last? And is Iran betting that it can simply outlast President Trump? I also look at another cost of the war: the strain being placed on American troops. Reports from the USS Abraham Lincoln describe an extraordinarily difficult deployment, and I share some memories from my own time aboard ship as a young Marine. As more stories emerge about exhausted troops, damaged bases and depleted weapons stockpiles, the political price of the Iran conflict may continue to rise. Then we turn to politics at home and wars abroad: growing divisions inside both political parties, Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, and the latest developments in Ukraine — including the strange reversal of Washington now asking Ukraine to ease attacks on Russian tankers because of concerns about the oil market. And I’m introducing a new weekly feature: Story of Courage. We begin with Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who went ashore at Utah Beach on D-Day at age 56, walking with a cane, and helped steady frightened young soldiers under fire. Omar Bradley later called Roosevelt’s actions the most heroic thing he witnessed during World War II. Then, in Faith & Encouragement, we look at what Jesus taught about persistent, courageous faith — and why Christians should pray, serve and refuse to give up. ================================= Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. By the way, if you’re a vet dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide, please listen to this. I also have a podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Here are a few faith episodes you don’t want to miss: * For the vets out there... Dealing with paranoia, PTSD, and the emotional scars you earned from serving. * How it all started: my painful origin story. * I stand on the shoulders of a giant — my eulogy to my Dad. And here’s what I consider: The greatest threat to America — and how we fix it. The Stan R. Mitchell Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, please consider helping me grow the show. To help, please consider subscribing on Substack (or Patreon). You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments 📩 stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. They’re available on Amazon. To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Amazon link to my books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Aug 6

    From Michigan to Madrid: why the debate over Islam is growing

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Finding common ground, lowering the temperature, and offering Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 0:27 — Rain in Texas 2:21 — Islam 16:08 — Trump’s poll numbers 31:46 — Trump loses a lawyer, and a big talking point 38:54— Iran 42:30 — Rapid round of news 45:30 — Faith & Encouragement 53:27 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode can be found on my Substack page. Faith notes: Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. By the way, if you’re a vet dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide, please listen to this. I also have a podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Here are a few faith episodes you don’t want to miss: * For the vets out there... Dealing with paranoia, PTSD, and the emotional scars you earned from serving. * How it all started: my painful origin story. * I stand on the shoulders of a giant — my eulogy to my Dad. And here’s what I consider: The greatest threat to America — and how we fix it. The Stan R. Mitchell Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, please consider helping me grow the show. To help, please consider subscribing on Substack (or Patreon). You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments 📩 stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. They’re available on Amazon. To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Amazon link to my books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Jul 30

    Is America Losing the World? Iran, Ukraine, China & Saudi Arabia

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Finding common ground, lowering the temperature, and offering Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 0:00 — Opening 3:04 — Listener feedback 7:35 — Saudi nuclear deal 16:09 — Iran 28:42 — Ukraine 35:15 — China more popular than America?! 46:12 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode can be found on my Substack page. Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. By the way, if you’re a vet dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide, please listen to this. I also have a podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Here are a few faith episodes you don’t want to miss: * For the vets out there... Dealing with paranoia, PTSD, and the emotional scars you earned from serving. * How it all started: my painful origin story. * I stand on the shoulders of a giant — my eulogy to my Dad. And here’s what I consider: The greatest threat to America — and how we fix it. The Stan R. Mitchell Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, please consider helping me grow the show. To help, please consider subscribing on Substack (or Patreon). You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments 📩 stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. They’re available on Amazon. To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Amazon link to my books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Jul 23

    The Stan R. Mitchell Show — Iran, Ukraine, and political headwinds | July 23, 2026

    Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage. Finding common ground, lowering the temperature, and offering Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here. 👉 Podcast hub — all platforms ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: 1:57 — The mood sours on the Iran War 23:54 — Ukraine changes its military leadership, and gains a new (unexpected) cheerleader 41:54 — Trump’s big address to the nation bombs, and I don’t like having old people in the House or Senate. (I know that’s mean, but it’s the truth. And you know I’m correct.) 54:42 — Faith & encouragement 1:14:29 — About the show and my mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips referenced in this episode can be found on my Substack page. Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. By the way, if you’re a vet dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide, please listen to this. I also have a podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Here are a few faith episodes you don’t want to miss: * For the vets out there... Dealing with paranoia, PTSD, and the emotional scars you earned from serving. * How it all started: my painful origin story. * I stand on the shoulders of a giant — my eulogy to my Dad. And here’s what I consider: The greatest threat to America — and how we fix it. The Stan R. Mitchell Show is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Also, please consider helping me grow the show. To help, please consider subscribing on Substack (or Patreon). You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments 📩 stanrmitchell2012@gmail.com Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. They’re available on Amazon. To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Amazon link to my books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

A place for balanced takes on politics and world news — without the anger or hype. I believe we can stay informed and stay hopeful. Plus, a few mins of Biblical encouragement to remind us that faith, peace, and perspective still matter. stanrmitchell.substack.com