In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab discuss Tucker Carlson’s Hunter Biden interview and claims involving Israel, Bashar al-Assad and Syria, the University of Michigan’s new grading pilot program, and merchant cash advances (MCAs) and business debt refinancing.

🔹 Tucker Carlson, Hunter Biden & Israel

Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hunter Biden left some major questions unanswered while introducing claims involving Israel and the Hunter Biden laptop controversy. We discuss media bias, accountability, Israel, and why the stories journalists choose to focus on matter.

🔹 Bashar al-Assad, Syria & War Crimes

A Syrian court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity. We discuss Syria’s civil war, its roughly 500,000 deaths, and whether leaders can truly be held accountable for atrocities committed while in power.

🔹 University of Michigan Tests a Semester Without Traditional Grades

The University of Michigan is testing a program that replaces traditional letter grades with pass or no-credit marks for incoming first-year students during their first semester. Is this a smart way to reduce academic pressure and support mental health, or does it lower accountability?

🔹 What Are MCAs & How Can Businesses Get Out of Them?

Merchant cash advances can provide quick access to capital, but high costs and frequent payments can put serious pressure on cash flow. We break down how businesses can become trapped in expensive MCA debt and how MCA refinancing through Wing Lake Capital Partners can help businesses consolidate that debt and regain control of their cash flow.

🎙️ Back to Business brings together politics, Israel, current events, culture, and business for conversations about the stories making headlines.

New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM.

Subscribe and watch or listen to the Back to Business Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, join your hosts, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab, as they break down three of the week's biggest stories spanning U.S. politics, immigration, media bias, Israel, artificial intelligence, and public policy.

🔹 Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Senate Race & the Democratic Party

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary and will now face Republican Mike Rogers.

🔹 Spain's Illegal Migration Crisis & Europe's Borders

Thousands of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, putting pressure on local infrastructure and intensifying debate over illegal immigration and border security. We discuss Europe's growing immigration challenges, public safety, national sovereignty, humanitarian concerns, and whether governments can balance compassion for migrants with protecting their citizens and enforcing their borders.

🔹 Wikipedia, the "Gang of 40" & Alleged Anti-Israel Bias

Wikipedia is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations that a coordinated group of editors manipulated articles involving Israel, Zionism, antisemitism, and Jewish history. We examine the controversy surrounding the so-called "Gang of 40," concerns about political and anti-Israel bias on Wikipedia, and why the issue matters beyond the website itself as Wikipedia content influences Google search results, schools, media, and artificial intelligence.

🎙️ From the Michigan Senate race and Europe's immigration debate to Wikipedia, Israel, antisemitism, and the growing influence of online information, the Back to Business Podcast takes on the stories shaping politics, culture, and society.

Subscribe to the Back to Business Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, and join us every Wednesday at 10am for a new episode.

In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, join your hosts, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum, and Michael Kassab, as they tackle four of the week's biggest stories, exploring the intersection of patriotism, national security, global diplomacy, taxation, and public policy.

🔹 Patriotism, Respect & The National Anthem

A viral incident at a sporting event has sparked national debate after a man slapped a child who remained seated during the National Anthem. We discuss where the line exists between patriotism and personal freedom, whether violence is ever justified in defense of national symbols, and what respect for the flag and anthem should look like in today's America.

🔹 Saudi Arabia, Nuclear Power & The Abraham Accords

The United States continues negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a potential civilian nuclear agreement that could become part of a broader expansion of the Abraham Accords. We examine what this could mean for Israel, regional stability, the balance of power in the Middle East, and whether the benefits outweigh the potential security risks.

🔹 Terrorism, Radicalization & Public Safety

A series of violent attacks in Paris, Germany, and New York has renewed concerns about Islamist extremism, public safety, and immigration policy. We discuss the growing threat of radicalization, how governments should respond to extremist violence, and whether enough is being done to protect civilians while preserving democratic values.

🔹 New York's Pied-à-Terre Tax & Wealth Flight

Luxury homeowners in New York City are pushing back against unexpectedly large tax bills tied to the state's pied-à-terre tax. We examine whether higher taxes on second homes are a fair way to fund public services or whether policies like these risk driving investment, businesses, and high-income residents out of the state.

Subscribe to the Back to Business Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, and join us every Wednesday for a new episode.