Podcasts about fdd

Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director (Iran Program) and Senior Fellow at FDD, joins the show to talk about how Iran has worked to reconstitute its missile program since the summer, and what the U.S. and Israel might do to stop it. ▪️ Times 01:43 Vessel Seizure  05:45 Making a Ballistic Missile  13:06 What Modern War Looks Like 17:19 Iran's Missile Program 21:42 Evolving Assessment 26:24 Relevance for U.S. Defense Planning 30:00 Disconnected Victories   35:04 Lessons from the 10/07 War 39:31 Bad Choices for Iran Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Make sure to grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=TJDec272025Join my list to receive Top Resale Franchises every week: https://www.franchiseempire.com/resalelist?utm_source=TJDec272025

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJJan032025If you liked this video, but want to learn about franchises with higher profit margins check out this video next: https://youtu.be/voDIBiM58awThinking about investing in a Culver's franchise? In this breakdown, I cover startup costs, royalty fees, average sales, and why it might not be as profitable as it looks. We'll also talk about scalability, margins, and whether it's a smart move going into 2026. You'll also learn more about the brand's history and how it has grown so quickly in some parts of the US. Make sure you watch before you invest!------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

In this bonus “fireside chat” episode, Voda Cleaning & Restoration founder and CEO Dan Claps pulls back the curtain on the realities of franchise ownership—and why “franchising takes out the guesswork, not the work.” Dan walks listeners through what you're actually buying when you buy a franchise: the systems, the brand, and most importantly, the people and culture behind it. He shares how to evaluate a franchisor's leadership team, what to look for in a discovery process, and the five core questions every serious buyer needs answered—how you'll get customers, how you'll get employees, what makes the brand stand out, what the numbers look like, and what the day-to-day life of an owner really is.Dan is joined by key members of the Voda team, including Chief Development Officer Steve Miller and CMO Christian Betancourt,, who break down how to read the FDD (especially Item 7 and Item 19), why validation calls with franchisees matter, and what “good support” should look like after you sign. The conversation goes deep on operations, onboarding, training, tech, and marketing infrastructure—down to dashboards, CRMs, call centers, and ROI tracking—plus Dan's simple framework for growth (the only four ways to generate leads and the only four ways to grow a business). They also field live questions about what differentiates Voda, the dual cleaning + restoration model, and how the brand keeps franchise owners connected through cohort-style onboarding, Microsoft Teams community, weekly huddles, advisory councils, and conferences, ending with a candid reminder: not everyone is cut out for franchising, and that's okay.

Make sure to grab & understand the 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEAnd if you enjoyed this episode make sure to check out If you're serious about buying a franchise, this video will walk you through the exact due diligence steps, from reviewing the FDD to asking the right questions on discovery day. Learn what most buyers overlook, how to handle fear and indecision, and what franchisors expect before awarding a territory. Whether you're just starting your franchise journey or preparing to sign, this is a must-watch.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab my breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJDec202025If you liked this video and want to find out the real revenue some of these low-cost franchises are making, then check out this video next: https://youtu.be/voDIBiM58awThinking about investing in a Kumon franchise? In this video, we break down the real startup costs, royalty model, and one major red flag buried in their Franchise Disclosure Document. We'll cover what you're really getting for the thousand-dollar investment and why their decades-long success doesn't mean it's the right fit for everyone. Whether you're exploring franchise opportunities or want to learn how to avoid costly mistakes, watch this before you invest.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Make sure to grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEdec212025If you liked this video and want to find out which businesses might actually be worth the investment, make sure to check out this video: https://youtu.be/G9Ka84_6NZMBefore you invest in a franchise, there are two conversations you have to get right: the one with your spouse and the one with yourself. In this episode, we talk openly about what most people avoid: How to get your spouse on board (and what happens if they're not), what profit potential really means (and what it doesn't), and how to evaluate if franchising is right for your family and your future. Whether you're just starting to explore franchises or you're already deep in research, this conversation will give you clarity, strategy, and a real-world gut check.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Make sure you don't miss out on my Most Incredible Franchise Gift Ever: https://www.franchiseempire.com/mifge?utm_source=TJdec132025If you liked this video, but want to find out about franchises with lower start up costs, check out this video: https://youtu.be/voDIBiM58awArby's is one of the most recognizable fast food franchises, but is it actually a good investment? In this video, we break down the full numbers behind owning an Arby's in 2025, including startup costs, royalty fees, average unit sales, and top vs. bottom-performing locations. You'll learn how much franchisees are really making, how Inspire Brands plays a role, and whether the economics make sense for today's buyer. If you're researching fast food or sandwich franchises, this video will give you the clarity you need before making a move.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEdec142025Most people think they can buy a franchise, hire a GM, and the business will just run itself, but that's rarely how it works. In this episode, we break down the truth about passive and semi-absentee franchise ownership, when it actually works, and why most brands don't allow it out of the gate. You'll learn what franchisors expect from new owners and the mindset shift required if you want real freedom down the line. If you're thinking about investing in a franchise with minimal involvement, this conversation will save you time, money, and frustration.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

SHOULD ISRAEL PARDON BIBI? HEADLINE 1: The United States seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.HEADLINE 2: Israeli and Taiwanese officials recently conducted a series of secret meetings. HEADLINE 3: The U.S. and Israel wrapped up joint naval exercises yesterday.-- FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Aviva Klompas, co-founder and CEO of Boundless.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces: "Trojan Horse: China's Auto Threat to America" - Elaine Dezenski, Congressional Testimony "Fight To Keep China Out of U.S. K-12 Classrooms Comes to Congress" - Jennifer Richmond, FDD "A Free Venezuela Elevates U.S. Energy Security" - Saeed Ghasseminejad, RealClearWorld

HEADLINE 1: After taking a beating during the 12-day war, Iran is back to building up its ballistic missile arsenal.HEADLINE 2: Israeli authorities raided a vacant United Nations Relief and Works Agency facility in East Jerusalem.HEADLINE 3: The IDF discovered three crude rockets in the West Bank city of Tulkarem.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with activist, actress, and New York Times bestselling author Noa Tishby.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"The Widening Gulf Between Iran and the Gulf" - Behnam Ben Taleblu and Norman T. Roule, FDD's Foreign Podicy"Al Jazeera's Academic Arm Platforms Hamas Denialism and Anti-Israel Propaganda" - Toby Dershowitz, FDD Insight"Anti-Israeli Countries' Attempt To Ban Israel From Eurovision Song Contest Falls Flat — With Help From Germany, Austria" - David May, New York Sun

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEdec072025If you liked this video, make sure to check out our full playlist of franchise 500 breakdowns: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVT5EmknU3t5Nb5FtfowMdkNTLN1Hre9A&si=NHSb4Yvs6Gb7f_lsEver wonder how much a 7-Eleven franchise really makes? In this video, we break down the startup costs, royalty structure, earnings, and whether owning a 7-Eleven is worth the investment. Plus: Learn about its wild history, who really owns it, and how much profit these stores are pulling in.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

In a seismic policy shift after decades of Western indifference, the Trump administration has moved to designate key chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations.Bill is joined by FDD's Edmund Fitton-Brown, who explains why this first round of designations is just the opening salvo — and how pulling this initial thread could eventually unravel the Brotherhood's sprawling global network from Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon to Turkey, Qatar, and beyond.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENov302025Also, if you liked this video, but don't think the food industry is for you, check out this tool shop business breakdown: https://youtu.be/5jqCWyUq8ccIf you liked this video, but think a food franchise is too expensive, check out this video to find a better opportunity for you: Ever wondered how much money McDonald's franchise owners actually make? In this video, we reveal what it really costs to open a McDonald's, how much franchisees are paying in royalties and rent, and the surprising way McDonald's makes most of its money (hint: it's not burgers). We'll also break down how their average $4M revenue stacks up against other fast food giants and whether owning one is worth the $2 million+ investment.If you're considering investing in a fast food franchise or exploring business opportunities with big potential, this one's a must-watch.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Dana Stroul, who serves as Director of Research and Shelly and Michael Kassen Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJnov252025If you like this video and want to learn how to fund your business, check out this video: https://youtu.be/VQhnGLuHDTsThinking about buying a franchise in 2025? Wondering if you can keep your job and still make passive income from a semi-absentee franchise? In this video, we reveal the hard truth about passive franchise ownership and break down the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a franchise business model. You'll also learn the pros and cons of brick & mortar vs. service-based franchise opportunities and what works best for first-time buyers. Whether you're researching the best franchises to own or comparing business ideas that make real money, this episode will help you avoid costly errors and choose the right path.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

A precision strike in southern Beirut wiped out Haitham al-Tabataba'i, Hezbollah's chief of staff, longtime military leader, and architect of its elite Radwan force. He was also the man overseeing Hezbollah's post-ceasefire rearmament. Bill is joined by FDD's David Daoud and Joe Truzman to unpack who Tabataba'i was, why the Israelis chose to strike now and what it means for Hezbollah's failed regeneration, Beirut politics, and Israel's next moves. 

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJnov252025If you like this video and want to learn how to fund your business, check out this video: https://youtu.be/VQhnGLuHDTsServPro might not be the first franchise that comes to mind, but with over 2,300 locations and a 22-year streak as the top restoration brand, it should be. In this video, I break down the real startup costs, franchise fees, and the surprising lack of sales data. You'll also learn how the brand grew from a small painting business into a national leader and what that means for you as an investor. We'll talk about why ServPro's recession-resistant model stands out and why getting a territory now might be nearly impossible. If you're considering service-based franchises or want a business backed by insurance demand, this is one to watch closely.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJnov222025Pizza Hut might bring back memories, but does it still deliver when it comes to making money? In this breakdown, I cover the startup costs, royalties, and average sales for each type of Pizza Hut location. I also unpack whether the investment makes sense based on real numbers from their latest FDD, and throw in a few wild facts (like what topping went to space). If you're thinking about owning a franchise or just want to understand the business behind iconic brands, this is one worth watching.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Is opening a KFC franchise still a smart move in 2025? In this video, we break down the numbers behind one of the most iconic fast-food brands in the world. You'll learn the startup costs, average sales per unit, royalty fees, and whether it's worth the $1.8M+ investment. We also dive into the untold story behind Colonel Sanders' rise and explore why KFC has 3X more stores in China than in the U.S. If you're even thinking about food franchising, don't skip this.Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEnov202025Anyone can Google a franchise. But what you don't get from a search is the real strategy, emotional support, and industry respect that comes with going through the process with a broker. Franchise buyers don't always realize how much strategy and support go into making the right choice. In this episode, we talk about what really happens behind the scenes, from how brands treat broker-vetted candidates to the emotional rollercoaster most buyers face. If you're exploring franchise ownership, this will help you see the full picture.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Ceasefire on paper. Chaos on the ground. Trump's 20-point plan promises “peace” in Gaza — but Hamas is already violating the ceasefire, gaming hostage returns, killing rivals, and rearming in tunnels.Bill is joined by his FDD colleagues Samuel Ben-Ur and Aaron Goren to discuss why disarming Hamas is a fantasy, why an international force risks becoming UNIFIL 2.0, and why Israel may be forced to finish the war.

Grab my breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJnov152025And if you're interested in franchising but don't know which ones are worth the cost, make sure to check out my 5 Franchises that Make Big Money: https://youtu.be/MPks09QnNcUEver thought about owning a hotel franchise? In this video, I break down one of the most well-known names in hospitality, Hampton by Hilton. From the startup costs to earnings… this one might surprise you. We'll also look at what makes this brand different, and whether it's even realistic for most buyers. If hotel ownership has ever crossed your mind, watch this before making any moves.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Thinking about buying a Dunkin' franchise? In this video, we break down everything you need to know from their 2024 FDD. You'll learn how much it actually costs to open a Dunkin' in different formats, what regions perform best, and whether this high-traffic brand still delivers strong margins. If you're considering investing in food or coffee franchises, this breakdown will give you key numbers and questions to think about before moving forward.The video with a Dunkin' franchisee who owned 40+ locations:  https://youtu.be/iIVCfrGpXrs?si=z-PwcLv2eFOzDiuc------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MBS COMES TO TOWN?HEADLINE 1: The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on over two dozen targets that support Iran's ballistic missile and drone production networks.HEADLINE 2: U.S. Central Command provided an update on operational activity in Syria.HEADLINE 3: Israeli forces dismantled a Hamas network in the West Bank.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow, filling in for Jonathan Schanzer, provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Sarah Zaaimi.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces: "Previewing the Trump-MBS Meeting" - Jonathan Schanzer, Edmund Fitton-Brown, and Bradley Bowman, FDD"With voting in Iraq complete, government formation begins" - Bridget Toomey, FDD's Long War Journal "The war against Christians" - Clifford D. May, The Washington Times

In this episode, recorded live in London, Richard Pater speaks with Andrea Stricker and Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) about Iran's nuclear, missile, and regional threat landscape five months after the Twelve-Day War and the snapback sanctions. Together, they discuss the whereabouts and condition of Iran's highly enriched uranium stock, as well as Iran's use of proxies across the region. Andrea Stricker is Deputy Director of FDD's Non-proliferation and Biodefense Program, and Behnam Ben Taleblu is Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FENov132025Buying a franchise is a life investment, but most people never ask the questions that actually protect them. In this episode, we break down the critical questions you must ask a franchisor before signing, how to spot red flags early, and what separates smart franchise buyers from those who regret it later. You'll also learn how to keep your “why” front and center, avoid emotional burnout, and approach the process like a true entrepreneur.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEnov092025In this episode of The Franchise Empire Show, I sit down with Mark, a former Five Guys franchise owner who built and sold 13 locations before exiting for life-changing money. We break down exactly how he and his partners reverse-engineered their success, from starting with the end in mind to crafting a clear exit strategy before they even opened their first store.We also dive into the hidden side of franchise resales: why top brands like Five Guys almost never hit the open market, how existing franchisees scoop up neighboring locations, and what that means for you if you're thinking about buying or selling a franchise. Mark shares the biggest lessons learned from his multi-unit journey, what to watch for in partnerships, and how to decide whether franchising is really for you.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Guest host and Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program Behnam Ben Taleblu sits down with historian Ali Ansari to explore why the Islamic Republic is rewriting Iran's past to justify its present, how Iranians are reclaiming their identity from the regime, and what the nation's search for identity reveals about the Islamic Republic's fading future.

Ever seen a Snap-On Tools truck and wondered how that business actually works? In this video, we break down the Snap-On Tools franchise model in detail, from its 100-year history and unique mobile store concept to startup costs, in-house financing options, and what franchisees are really earning. You'll learn how Snap-On makes money without traditional royalties, what the startup investment looks like, and the real sales data revealed in their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).----------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

WHAT HISTORICAL LESSONS MUST SHAPE GAZA'S FUTURE? HEADLINE 1: Israel is at its wit's end with the porous Egyptian border.HEADLINE 2: Israel and Greece wrapped up joint military exercises this week. HEADLINE 3: Turkey held a terrorist summit in Istanbul on Wednesday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Hebrew University Professor Netta Barak-Corren.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Pieces:"Learning the Right Lessons From ‘A House of Dynamite'" - Bradley Bowman and David Adesnik, Real Clear Defense"Iranians Challenge the Regime by Celebrating Cyrus the Great" - Janatan Sayeh and Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD"The US must not endorse Russia and China's vision for cybersecurity" - John Yoo and Ivana Stradner, The Hill

Guest host and Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program Behnam Ben Taleblu sits down with historian Ali Ansari to explore why the Islamic Republic is rewriting Iran's past to justify its present, how Iranians are reclaiming their identity from the regime, and what the nation's search for identity reveals about the Islamic Republic's fading future.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=nov062025This episode breaks down how we narrow 4,000+ franchise brands down to 4-6 best-fit options for each buyer. It dives into questions buyers should be asking themselves, how to filter by business type, how personal preferences and finances shape the options, and how Franchise Empire coaches candidates through the due diligence funnel, all the way from idea to signature.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Dr. Sinan Ciddi, director of the Turkey program at FDD, joined "Forbes Newsroom" to break down the relationship between the United States and Turkey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natalie Ecanow, a senior research analyst at FDD, joined "Forbes Newsroom" to break down the relationship between the United States and Qatar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=TJnov12025Thinking about investing in a UPS Store franchise? In this video, I break down everything you need to know before making a decision, including startup costs, royalties, real franchisee sales numbers, and why the margins might not be as strong as they seem. I also cover surprising facts about the brand's history and size, so you can decide if this 100+ year-old franchise still makes sense in today's market. If you're serious about buying a franchise, this is the kind of insight you can't afford to skip.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

President Trump just returned from a whirlwind week in Asia closing trade and investment deals and strengthening security alliances. Host Cliff May sits down with FDD's Craig Singleton to discuss what Trump accomplished, as well as the challenges – and threats – that remain.

Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEoct302025Thinking about buying a franchise? Before you write a check or jump on a discovery call, there's one question that could make or break your success: Can you actually follow the system? In this episode, we break down why some candidates get rejected, how franchisors quietly test you before awarding a territory, and the #1 trait that separates the top-performing franchisees from everyone else. If you think franchising is just plug-and-play… watch this first.

President Trump just returned from a whirlwind week in Asia closing trade and investment deals and strengthening security alliances. Host Cliff May sits down with FDD's Craig Singleton to discuss what Trump accomplished, as well as the challenges – and threats – that remain.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEoct262025What does it really cost to open a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel? In this breakdown, I reveal the startup costs, franchise fees, and royalties for one of Hilton's most well-known hotel brands and why some investors might want to think twice. You'll learn the true cost to open a 250-room hotel, how much DoubleTree charges in royalties, and why their FDD hides the most important number: how much money franchisees actually make. If you've ever dreamed about owning a hotel or just want to understand how these big-money deals work, don't miss this one.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Franchise business coach Giuseppe Grammatico and his industry experts deliver the ultimate semi absentee franchise ownership masterclass! Learn the proven strategies to transition from the corporate grind to financial freedom. This episode covers high-profit models like Cost Intelligence, scaling with needs-based home services, the future of AI in franchising, and the non-negotiable due diligence checklist (FDD & Item 19) every serious candidate must use. Choose the right path at https://ggthefranchiseguide.comDISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only. Franchising involves risk and careful consideration should be given before making any decisions.01:30 The Cost Intelligence Model: A Hidden Franchise Gem13:59 Scaling with Purpose: Emergency & Home Services Franchises20:15 The Responsible Franchisor: Communication & Support27:25 AI & Technology in Franchising: The Future is Now36:07 The Non-Negotiable Due Diligence Checklist (FDD & Validation)Connect with Franchise Freedom on:Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GGTheFranchiseGuide X: https://x.com/ggfranchguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggthefranchiseguide/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ggthefranchiseguide Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franchise-freedom/id1499864638 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13LTN5UzA57w2dTB4iV0fm TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ggthefranchiseguide The Franchise Freedom: Discover Your New Path to Freedom Through Franchise Ownership, Book by Giuseppe Grammatico https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/book or purchase directly on ...

Watch this episode on YouTube here.For two years, Israel has been fighting a war on multiple fronts. And although it has delivered blows to Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas on the ground, it's losing another fight: the information war, a campaign of slander and blood libels fueled by a media empire built by the Muslim Brotherhood. To expose where — from Al Jazeera's studios in Doha to Turkish satellite channels and newsrooms in London — and how this empire works — amplifying Hamas, laundering Islamist ideology through “journalism,” and reshaping the narrative from Cairo to Washington — host Cliff May is joined by FDD's Mariam Wahba. Mentioned in the episodeRead Mariam's piece for The Free Press, "How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire," here.Watch Mariam's appearance on Haviv Rettig Gur's podcast, Ask Haviv Anything, here. 

I interviewed Ryan Pineda before most people knew him. He shares his business insight and how he has overcome his failed business decisions to build his net worth. He shares key mindsets to be successful in business, no matter what industry you're in. He has a broad background, but will show you how going deeper is harder but lucrative.Considering Investing In A Franchise? Discover Available Franchise Opportunities in Your Area:

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEoct232025Most people think they can buy a franchise and sit back while the money rolls in. But that mindset is exactly what leads to failure. In this episode, we reveal the biggest misconception about franchise ownership and why it's costing people everything. If you're not willing to work the business, you shouldn't buy one. This short breakdown could save you years of frustration.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Wil hosts Tyler Kotch, founder of PIE.ZAA (Asheville & Charlotte), for a candid chat about spotting late-night demand, building a hyper-focused high-margin pizza concept (five-item menu, 28" pies or 12" slices), surviving COVID, navigating a painful partner split, and scaling methodically toward franchising. Tyler shares lessons on location strategy, simplifying operations to reduce waste, ditching phones in favor of in-person/email and AI ordering, fixing third-party delivery headaches via Takeout Central, and the bigger mission: build a people-centric company, communicate face-to-face, and leave a legacy—possibly across 30–100 locations—using a mountains/city/beach testbed with the FDD in motion.10 takeaways:Simple wins: Five-item menu; whole 28" pies or 12" slices—less waste, faster training.Late-night niche: PIE.ZAA launched to serve post-10pm demand; pizza delivers the margins.Go big on product & packaging: 28" pies + distinctive black boxes = walking billboards.Location is leverage: Foot traffic/tourism/density; first 60–90 days set the trajectory.Market fit varies: Asheville skews to whole pies/families; Charlotte South End to slices/young pros.Phone-free by design: No live phone lines; AI ordering + in-person/email encourage real communication.Control the last mile: Shift to Takeout Central drivers reduced delivery damage/complaints.Choose partners wisely: Misalignment is costly; Tyler rebuilt post-split in 2022.Franchise runway: FDD/approval pending; “mountains/city/beach” proof points precede scale.Culture over control: People-centric leadership, low micromanagement, purpose beyond money.

Guest host Behnam Ben Taleblu and FDD's Janatan Sayeh delve into the complexities of Iran's internal politics, implications of the recent 12-day war, and ongoing discussions surrounding the truth about the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions. They unpack the regime's strategies, the impact of social media on public perception, and the challenges faced by regime leadership in maintaining “legitimacy” and control. 

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEoct192025In this episode, I break down the Snap-on Tools franchise, one of the most overlooked mobile businesses in America. I cover how the business model works, what it costs to start, how franchisees make money without traditional royalties, and what the real sales numbers reveal. If you've ever wondered whether a Snap-on truck is a smart investment, this deep dive lays out the full picture.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Host Cliff May is joined by retired Ukrainian Admiral Ihor Voronchenko, the former inspector general of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and former commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine; along with retired U.S. Marine Colonel Andy Bain, executive director and co-founder of the Ukrainian Freedom Fund; and FDD's retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery to assess the state of Russia's war on Ukraine — what Kyiv needs from the West and where the fight goes next. 

This week, Hamas increased violence against Palestinians in response to the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. Jonathan Schanzer from Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins to discuss the feasibility of Hamas disarming according to the peace plan. Then, Kevin Stansbury, CEO of a rural hospital in Colorado, stops by to talk about how the government shutdown is exposing the challenges to and importance of healthcare in rural America. Finally, Jen Wilkin joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to talk about a New York Times piece that links American wedding traditions to unhealthy Christian purity culture.  REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: -What Medicaid Cuts Would Do To My Rural Hospital - Kevin Stansbury -How Purity Culture Still Haunts the Bridal Aisle - Gina Ryder GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.    ABOUT THE GUESTS:   Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president for research at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and he is also on the leadership team of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power. He previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the US Department of the Treasury. Schanzer has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Al-Arabiya, and Al-Jazeera. Kevin Stansbury serves as the CEO at Lincoln Health in Hugo, Colorado. With more than 35 years in healthcare, primarily in community hospitals, Kevin's work has taken him across the globe in a variety of roles. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Colorado Hospital Association Board of Trustees as immediate past-chair. He has also served on a variety of state and national task forces supporting the cause of rural health. Mr. Stansbury is a founding member of the Eastern Plains Health Consortium.  Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God. ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper   Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices