Podcasts about fdd

Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD and retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, joins the show to provide in-depth analysis of the Iran conflict. Mark gives his thoughts on naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz, including their strategic implications for the progress of the war. He also discusses drone warfare, missile defense, and the broader geopolitical context. Mark also explains how Ukraine and Russia are playing growing parts in the war. ▪️ Times 02:30 A constant menace 07:34 Radar and THAAD      11:06 Hormuz 20:26 Real deterrence  31:36 Russian targeting  38:38 Conservation of resources   46:03 Life at sea Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch082026The Maids franchise might be one of the most overlooked “boring businesses” in franchising, but the numbers may surprise you. In this video, I break down the real costs to start a Maids franchise, the franchise fees and royalties owners pay, and the average sales and profits reported in the Franchise Disclosure Document. We'll also look at how the team-based cleaning system works, why this model is often considered recession resistant, and how owners operate the business without doing the cleaning themselves. If you've ever wondered how much money cleaning franchises actually make and whether The Maids franchise could be a good investment, this breakdown walks through the numbers and the business model step by step.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

When the U.S. recently launched strikes on Iran, the world's attention turned to Diego Garcia, a vital military base in the Indian Ocean. Known as the “footprint of freedom,” this isolated atoll allows the U.S. to port Navy ships, resupply nuclear submarines, and launch strategic bombers. However, its future is in serious jeopardy.During the conflict, the UK initially withheld permission for the U.S. to launch strikes from the island. Beyond that, the UK has been pushing a highly controversial deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso are joined by Cleo Paskal, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a leading expert on Chinese political warfare. Cleo unpacks the dangerous implications of the Chagos handover, warning it could allow Chinese maritime assets to operate dangerously close to U.S. forces, threatening American power projection.Cleo unpacks the uncertain prospects for the deal, and then proposes instead giving the Chagossian people a democratic vote in their future, and suggests they may very well prefer the status quo or even a U.S. affiliation to any handover to Mauritius.The conversation then pivots to the Pacific Islands, where China is quietly expanding its influence through political and gray zone warfare. Cleo details how a Chinese state-owned company secured a foothold in Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) by building a remote runway, gaining political leverage and physical presence right next to planned U.S. defense infrastructure.Cleo also sounds the alarm on the U.S. territory of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Located on the Second Island Chain, CNMI currently allows Chinese tourists to arrive without a visa, leading to massive local corruption, intelligence risks, and illegal maritime crossings into the highly secure military hubs of Guam.Tune in to discover why Cleo believes the transfer of Diego Garcia would be a “colossal strategic blunder,” how China is co-opting U.S. funds for its own Belt and Road projects, and why the frontline of Indo-Pacific security is much closer to home than we realize.

THE MILITARY PARTNERSHIPS FUELING EPIC FURY---FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus and Bradley Bowman. They examine the U.S.-Israel military synchronization powering Operation Epic Fury as it unfolds.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

It's day four of Operation Epic Fury. So... what's the strategy?Bill Roggio is joined by FDD military analyst Cameron McMillan to assess the objectives of the campaign, the forces now deployed across the region, and why destroying Iran's weapons before they launch them may be the only way to protect American forces.

What's next for Israel, Iran and the Region? Conricus, Lt Col (R) and IDF past spokesman, Senior Fellow at FDD (Foundation for Defense of Democracies).  For more info visit :  FDD.org PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://yishaifleisher.com/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YishaiFleisherTVSUPPORT & CONNECT:Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/yishaiFight4Israel: https://fight4israel.givecloud.coTwitter: https://twitter.com/YishaiFleisherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yishaifleisherFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/YishaiFleisher  Support the show

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer hosts a special SITREP featuring FDD experts Janatan Sayeh and Cameron McMillan.They provide timely situational updates and analysis on the evolving war with Iran and the military dimensions of Operation Epic Fury.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

Hugh has the experts. He's joined by Senate Intel Chairman Tom Cotton, Rear Adm. Mark C. Montgomery (USN, Ret.), N12 News' Amit Segal, Eli Lake of The Free Press, AEI senior fellow Danielle Pletka, FDD's Richard Goldberg, Bethany Mandel, and Salena Zito.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From franchising fitness empires to developing the next generation of athletes — Pat Rigsby has seen it all, and he's not done yet. In this episode, Pat joins Eric to break down what's actually shifting in the fitness and sports performance industry in 2025, why the gap between "trainer who pays rent" and real business owner has never been wider, and what two decades of franchising experience taught him before launching Athletes Accelerated. Pat pulls no punches on what it really takes to franchise a concept (hint: it's a legal marriage, not a passive income play), why the youth sports market is one of the most recession-resistant businesses you can build, and how he and partners Doug Sperling and Graham Wilkerson spent over a year stress-testing a model before ever filing an FDD. If you're a sports performance gym owner grinding through 14-hour days while missing your own kid's games, this one hits different. Takeaways:  

With Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed following a joint United States–Israel military operation inside Iran, the political and strategic landscape has shifted dramatically. What comes next? Jian sits down with: Shayan Samii - U.S. national security analyst and strategic communications expert. Behnam Ben Taleblu - Senior Director of the Iran Program at FDD and specialist on Iran's security apparatus. They discuss: Whether this is a genuine turning point If celebration is appropriate for long-suffering Iranians based on the death of Khamenei, but despite there being a long way to go Whether Washington and Jerusalem have a real “day after” plan The risk of a clerical power vacuum The role of Prince Reza Pahlavi and the opposition The regime's regional retaliation The episode opens with an essay from Jian outlining 4 reasons a free Iran could transform global security, economics, migration patterns, and the Middle East's long-term trajectory. This episode is supported by: Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com Follow Jian on Instagram @JianGhomeshi Meezoon basheen.

0:30 - Trump announcement on Saturday of combat operations in Iran 39:54 - Iranian FM Abbas Araghachi on This Week goes full Black Knight: merely a flesh wound 01:02:40 - David Daoud, senior fellow at FDD focused on Lebanon and Hezbollah, says there are few causes in recent history as righteous as crippling the regime in Iran. Keep updated with David on X @DavidADaoud 01:20:27 - Steven Bucci of The Heritage Foundation argues that once Operation Epic Fury concludes, the likelihood of the mullahs remaining in power is low. 01:39:11 - Christopher Whalen, chairman of Whalen Global Advisors LLC & editor for The Institutional Risk Analyst, on escaping New York and the commercial real estate crash. Check out Chris’ most recent book Inflated: Money, Debt and the American Dream – 2nd Edition 01:57:32 - Joe Abraham, Angel Dad to Katie Abraham: They Tried to Ignore Us — But We Will Not Be Silent. Follow Joe on substack @angeldadjoeabraham 02:12:53 - Clinton Epstein DepositionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

O Floripa Design Days nasceu com a proposta de descentralizar as grandes conversas sobre design no Brasil e criar um espaço de troca fora do eixo tradicional Rio e São Paulo. Neste episódio, conversei com Rafael Zilli e Alana Durgante, criadores do evento, sobre os bastidores da segunda edição que acontece em 2026. Falamos sobre como surgiu a ideia do FDD, os desafios de estruturar um evento desse porte em Florianópolis, os aprendizados da primeira edição e o propósito que guia essa iniciativa desde o início. Também exploramos o tema deste ano, “Design como força de transformação”, refletindo sobre como o design pode gerar impacto real em produtos, culturas e sistemas. Um papo inspirador para quem acredita no poder da comunidade e na evolução do design no Brasil. Senta o dedo no play e compartilhe pra fortalecer os corres.Cupom de desconto: PAPODEUX10Floripa Design Days 2026 https://www.floripadesigndays.comLinkedIn Rafael Zilli https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelzilliLinkedIn Alana Durgante https://www.linkedin.com/in/adurgante/Mentoria Luan Mateus ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mentoria.papodeux.com.br⁠⁠⁠⁠News do Papo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://papodeux.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/papodeux/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@papodeux⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Earlier this week, President Trump said of Iran's rulers: “I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror — which they are, by far — to have a nuclear weapon." He also noted that the regime massacred “at least 32,000” unarmed civilian protestors in January and has previously “killed and maimed thousands of American service members.” On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told his embassy staff they might want to take a little trip abroad. And the US State Department is advising American citizens that it's best not to visit Israel right now. Host Cliff May asks FDD's Reuel Marc Gerecht and Behnam Ben Taleblu: What happens next?

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of FDD, joins the show to bring us up to speed on the rapidly developing full-scale conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran. ▪️ Times 01:19 Iranian leaders targeted  04:48 10/7 roots  07:39 Ambitious war aims   12:41 Scope 15:59 Regime change 20:11 Iranian response 23:42 Playing with fire 28:13 Partnership Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Earlier this week, President Trump said of Iran's rulers: “I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror — which they are, by far — to have a nuclear weapon." He also noted that the regime massacred “at least 32,000” unarmed civilian protestors in January and has previously “killed and maimed thousands of American service members.” On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told his embassy staff they might want to take a little trip abroad. And the US State Department is advising American citizens that it's best not to visit Israel right now. Host Cliff May asks FDD's Reuel Marc Gerecht and Behnam Ben Taleblu: What happens next?

Last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the President is not authorized to impose tariffs, affirming that Congress alone has the power to tax. Entrepreneur and pastor Mark Franco joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to discuss the future of tariffs. Then, President Trump suggests that he would launch a strike on Iran if they do not back down from their nuclear weapons program. Jonathan Schanzer stops by to share about Iranian protests and possible regime change. Finally, President Trump's annual State of the Union address lasted a record breaking 1 hour and 48 minutes. Mike, Clarissa and Harvest Prude recap the highlights. REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: Trump's SOTU Heralded a Revival. The Data Is Mixed. - Harvest Prude ABOUT THE GUESTS: Mark Franco is the president and CEO at MXD Process, a company that oversees the manufacturing and supply of industrial process equipment, and serves as the managing partner at Soterra Capital. Prior to that, he was the principal at Franconia Enterprises and president at Unified Manufacturing and Design, LLC. Mark is a pastor at Sojourn Community Church. 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. Harvest Prude is Christianity Today's national political correspondent and a congressional reporter based in Washington, DC. She is a former reporter for The Dispatch and World, having served there as political reporter for their Washington bureau. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEMarch012026Buying a franchise isn't something you rush into, and it's definitely not right for everyone. In this episode of the Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast, we break down how our team evaluates whether someone is actually a good fit for franchising before they ever invest. We talk about time commitment, personality, coachability, capital, and motivation, plus the red flags we see when someone is moving for the wrong reasons. If you're considering a franchise in 2026 and want an honest framework to decide whether this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you think clearly before taking the next step.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Buying a franchise is often marketed as the "safe" way to start a business, but most people don't really understand what they're buying, what skills it requires, or whether it's even the right fit. In this episode of the New Jersey Business Podcast, Paul and Vanessa sit down with Risa Giacoppo, franchise owner of the Linden Creek Morristown and Princeton locations, to give you a real-world breakdown of franchising as a first business, the benefits, the limitations, and the mindset you need to actually make it work. Risa shares how she went from 25 years in banking, to short-term rentals, to buying into a franchise, and why it appealed to her as an execution-focused operator who wanted a proven playbook and speed to market. She also explains what you're really buying in a franchise (and what you're not), plus how her staging and interior design business helps homeowners, real estate professionals, investors, and short-term rental operators sell faster and increase perceived value.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Bridget Toomey about the Iraqi militia ecosystem under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) umbrella and the Houthis of Yemen. Toomey assesses their military capabilities and the implications for Israel, US forces, and regional stability. The discussion also examines what Iraqi militias, and the Houthis might do in the event of a direct confrontation with Iran. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Prior to joining FDD, she was a Fulbright Fellow in Israel where she completed an M.A. in security and diplomacy at Tel Aviv University.

Behnam Ben Taleblu is senior director of the Foundation For Defense of Democracy's Iran Program, and a senior fellow specializing in Iranian security and political issues.We ask this noted scholar the burning questions of the day like, “Do you lose weight on Ramadan?” and “What's it like to have a fatwa on your head?”We also discuss the potential for an American (and Israeli?) strike on Iran, the incredible resilience of Iranian society, how Ayatollah Khamenei is playing us all, where Behnam is more hawkish than his Israeli colleagues.Follow Behnam on X and check out his writing at the FDD.Happy Purim, Ramadan and Nowruz to all!Also:* No one has done a better job at secularizing Iranian society than the Islamic republic itself.* What is Iran?* We're all from Malta now.* Is Ramadan intermittent fasting?* I'm sorry I can't come to your event, the Iranianss are after me.* Where is Hezbollah now?* Iranian society deserves a collective Nobel Peace Prize.* Bumbling idiot or 7D chess player?* The knife and the handshake.* The JCPOA created this mess.* This is a war of choice, and Iran chose it.* Khamenei needs to thank Trump, instead he's leaving him on “read”.* Tucker Carlson didn't like the Ben Gurion Airport McDonald's.* No one and everyone has a right to exist.* Benham has a favorite Hamentaschen flavor.* Persian food with a Shmear.* Kebab and Chinese This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

Preview for later today: David Daoud of the FDD joins us to report that the IDF is deploying silent quadcopters along the Israel-Lebanon border to drop stun grenades and issue warnings, targeting suspicious individuals and potentially Hezbollah-linked structures.1836 BEIRUT

Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director (Iran Program) and Senior Fellow at FDD, joins the show to talk about the build-up of American military power in the Middle East and what it might mean for Iran and the Iranian regime. ▪️ Times 02:04 U.S. build-up 05:46 Timing  11:08 “Decisive and different”   24:41 Iranian retaliation 30:03 Targets 35:25 Ideology of the Supreme Leader  41:36 A Trump JCPOA 45:46 Regime change by air Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Want to own a franchise that makes WAY more than this Subway? Grab my breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJjan242026What does owning a Subway franchise really look like? In this video, we break down a real store's full financials, sales, labor, rent, royalties, and profit, during a low-performing month when the owner was out of the country. This is a raw look at what it takes to run a food franchise like Subway and why small numbers can cause big problems.------------------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=TJfeb212026Is owning a tool truck actually a smart business in 2026? In this video, I break down how the Snap-on Tools business model works, how much it costs to start, what franchisees are making, and the real pros and cons of a mobile tool business. This is not your typical franchise. There are no royalties, no marketing fees, and they even offer in-house financing. But there's a catch: when you sell physical products, your margins are very different than service businesses. If you're looking for a mobile business opportunity under $250K-$500K and want to know whether this is a real path to replacing your income, this breakdown will help you think clearly before making a move. Comment below - would you run a tool truck?------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Budget Blinds might sound boring, but this home service franchise is quietly generating serious revenue. In this video, we break down how much it costs to start a Budget Blinds franchise, what franchisees are actually making, how the royalty model is changing in 2026, and whether this is truly a good investment. I've personally looked into buying a resale myself, and I know multiple owners in the system. If you're looking for a low-cost franchise that isn't flashy but has real numbers behind it, this breakdown will help you decide if this “boring” business could actually build wealth. Comment below if you would ever own a business like this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Free Resources to Get You Started!Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJfeb222026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=TJfeb222026

AN ANCIENT CITY'S MODERN DIVIDE HEADLINE 1: Iran and Russia held joint naval exercises in and around the Gulf of Oman.HEADLINE 2: The European Union officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.HEADLINE 3: Israel carried out a large counterterrorism operation in the town of Hebron this week.---FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Yishai Fleisher, who serves as the international spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief---Featured FDD Pieces:"Europe Looks to Israeli Tech to Defend Tanks" - Brad Bowman and Justin Leopold-Cohen, Real Clear Defense"Free Jimmy Lai!" - Cliff May, The Washington Times"Ukraine, four years in" - LinkedIn Newsletter: This Week at FDD

This week on the Franchise Your Business webinar series, we are joined by Meredith and Ken from EntrePartner Law Firm.Meredith founded EntrePartner to provide entrepreneurs with practical, actionable legal advice at predictable costs. She has guided franchise clients through critical growth stages, including serving as General Counsel for Anytime Fitness during its rapid domestic and international expansion.Ken Hall brings experience from big firm law and his own entrepreneurial ventures, including running a franchise. He helps franchisors establish, grow, and operate their systems, offering real-world solutions that go beyond legal advice.In this webinar, they share practical tips for FDD renewal, including how to maximize your FDD season and manage the process efficiently, helping you stay ahead in your franchise growth.This was a live recording on February 19, 2026 at approximately 1 PM Eastern USA.Ready to talk about franchising your business or help with your franchise efforts? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our consultants: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/consultation-routing/#callSubscribe to our other podcast: Multiply Your Success: https://www.multiplyyoursuccesspodcast.com/Subscribe to our other podcast: Franchise Your Business: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ff8rTBR1Oykv4dIOOBdhnLearn more about our guests:https://entrepartnerlaw.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbauer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenhall/https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepartner-law-firm-pllc/This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. Big Sky Franchise Team is consistently recognized as one of the best franchise consulting firms in the United States, helping business owners franchise their businesses through a proven 3-Step franchise process rooted in ethical principles, hands-on guidance, and customized deliverables. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/. The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions. References to external data sources, studies, statistics, or other third-party content are not claimed as our own unless explicitly stated. We do our best to provide proper credit and citation where due. If we unintentionally fail to cite or credit a source, please let us know, and we'll gladly...

Grab my breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJJan102026Everyone thinks Chick-fil-A is the dream franchise… $10K to start, $9M+ in average sales, and people lining up out the door. But here's the truth: Owning a Chick-fil-A is nothing like owning a real business.In this video, I'm breaking down 5 reasons why I wouldn't buy a Chick-fil-A in 2026, even though I eat there 3x a week. This isn't hate. It's just what most people don't realize until it's too late.  If you're serious about building wealth through franchising, you need to understand how this game actually works.

Crunch Fitness went bankrupt in 2009 and today it's valued at over $1.5 billion. So what changed? In this video, I break down the real numbers behind the Crunch Fitness franchise model, including startup costs, royalties, membership data, cash operating profit, and what the FDD actually reveals about how much these gyms make. We'll look at sales by performance tier, rent costs, equipment financing, churn risk, and whether this is truly one of the most profitable gym business models in 2026. If you're thinking about buying a fitness franchise like Crunch or Planet Fitness, this breakdown will help you understand the real risk and real upside before you invest.---------------------------------------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

In its latest report on the state of global jihad, the UN reveals that al-Qaeda is expanding — and one critical fact the report doesn't mention: al-Qaeda's leader is based in Iran.Bill Roggio is joined by his FDD colleague Edmund Fitton-Brown — who previously oversaw the UN's sanctions and monitoring team that produces these assessments — to unpack what the report gets right, what it misses, and why al-Qaeda — not ISIS — remains the most dangerous long-term jihadist threat facing the West.

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA Iranian-targets officer and current FDD resident scholar.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

“God is great. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam.”The Houthi slogan isn't just a chant — it's a worldview. To understand who they are and what they want, Cliff is joined by former British ambassador to Yemen and FDD senior fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown, who gained firsthand experience dealing with senior Houthi leaders while serving as ambassador.

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=FEfeb082026Baskin-Robbins is one of the most recognizable franchise brands in the world, but how much does it actually cost to open one, and do the numbers make sense for franchise owners today? In this video, I break down the Baskin-Robbins franchise startup costs, royalty and marketing fees, and real franchisee sales data so you can see how this brand performs from an investment standpoint. We'll walk through average unit volumes, top and bottom performers, and why food franchises like this often require scale to generate meaningful cash flow. If you're considering buying a franchise in 2026 and want a clear, numbers-driven look at whether Baskin-Robbins is a good investment, this breakdown will help you make a smarter decision.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

“God is great. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam.”The Houthi slogan isn't just a chant — it's a worldview. To understand who they are and what they want, Cliff is joined by former British ambassador to Yemen and FDD senior fellow Edmund Fitton-Brown, who gained firsthand experience dealing with senior Houthi leaders while serving as ambassador.

Today marked the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow: the 'New START' treaty. It was an agreement, signed under President Obama, between the United States and Russia which limited the number of weapons each country could deploy on their missiles, bombers and submarines. In a 'Truth Social' post, President Trump said that the U.S. should pursue a new agreement rather than extend the 15-year-old 'New START' treaty. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies' Nonproliferation Program and a FDD research fellow, who says the key to a new arms deal must include more nuclear armed countries like China. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marked the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow: the 'New START' treaty. It was an agreement, signed under President Obama, between the United States and Russia which limited the number of weapons each country could deploy on their missiles, bombers and submarines. In a 'Truth Social' post, President Trump said that the U.S. should pursue a new agreement rather than extend the 15-year-old 'New START' treaty. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies' Nonproliferation Program and a FDD research fellow, who says the key to a new arms deal must include more nuclear armed countries like China. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marked the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow: the 'New START' treaty. It was an agreement, signed under President Obama, between the United States and Russia which limited the number of weapons each country could deploy on their missiles, bombers and submarines. In a 'Truth Social' post, President Trump said that the U.S. should pursue a new agreement rather than extend the 15-year-old 'New START' treaty. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies' Nonproliferation Program and a FDD research fellow, who says the key to a new arms deal must include more nuclear armed countries like China. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IsraelCast host Steven Shalowitz speaks with Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, about what FDD calls the "axis of aggressors" — China, Russia, and Iran — and how Iran's internal turmoil could reshape the Middle East. Schanzer describes Iran's long-running protest cycle, severe economic collapse, and the regime's vulnerability after major Israeli and U.S. strikes, then outlines three possible U.S. paths: renewed diplomacy, degrading Iran's military capabilities, or pursuing full regime decapitation. They discuss whether Iran's military will fire on its own people, and the regime's reliance on proxy forces. Schanzer explains Iran's global networks, including links through Venezuela and Hezbollah's illicit finance routes, and argues Iran's "axis of resistance" is unusually weakened. The conversation also covers shifting regional power dynamics, Saudi Arabia and the Abraham Accords (including Indonesia), concerns about Egypt and Jordan, and confusion over President Trump's "Board of Peace." They close on the value of history, anti-Semitism's recurring patterns, and Schanzer's book on Gaza as a warning sign.

One month into the uprising in Iran, the regime is still killing.With the internet shut down, foreign militias unleashed on civilians, and reports of more than 30,000 dead, Tehran is waging a war on its own people.FDD's Janatan Sayeh joins Bill to share what he's hearing directly from inside Iran, why this is no longer “just protests,” and what it will take to finally break the Islamic Republic's grip on power.

Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Border Czar Tom Homan issues a blunt warning that escalating anti-ICE rhetoric is fueling real-world violence, insisting threats and obstruction against federal agents must stop before more people get hurt. FOCUS: A mysterious wave of heretical billboards in Los Angeles sparks outrage — and one vigilante response — raising questions about who's behind them and what they believe. MAIN THING: Nearly three-quarters of Christians murdered for their faith last year were killed in one country: Nigeria. Now, the Trump administration says it's stepping in. CBN's Raj Nair breaks down what's changing with FDD analyst Mariam Wahba — and why it matters. LAST THING: “There is none holy like the Lord… there is no rock like our God.” — 1 Samuel 2:2 PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

Ivana Stradner of FDD explains why President Putin abandons his Iran ally, analyzing Russia's shifting calculations as Moscow reassesses the costs and benefits of its partnership with Tehran amid changing circumstances.1866 COTSWOLDS

Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=podcastEveryone wants passive income, but most people have no idea what it really takes to make a semi-absentee franchise work. In this episode, we break down exactly how to set up your franchise to succeed if you can't be full-time from day one. You'll hear real strategies from our own team, the mistakes we've seen others make, and how to think like a top-performing owner.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comWe were fortunate to speak yesterday with Lt. Col. (Res.), senior fellow at FDD and regular on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, Jonathan Conricus- who is catching his breath between speaking tours and consulting abroad. On Monday afternoon, moments after the news came that the remains of Ran Gvili had been identified in the Gaza Strip and were being return…

Much more on Substack!Iran, Lebanon and Syria, Oh My!Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a fellow at the The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), hailing from Beirut via Baghdad and all the way to Washington DC. We talk about how he learned Hebrew by chatting with Israeli soldiers on the lebanese border, why he was wrong about the new leader of Syria, and why peace with Israel can only help the Arab and Muslim world.Follow Hussain on X and keep up with his work at the FDD!Also:* Does everyone in Lebanon hate us? Only 3 out of 4 people.* Seeing Israel beyond the F-16s, through AM radio and pop culture.* The most dangerous thing Hussain ever did - read an Israeli newspaper on the Columbia campus.* Holding our breath for Iran.* But don't hold your breath for Syria.* Some advice for dealing with idiots.* Coming soon - Hussain's book, The Arab Case For Israel!* The are only three Christians left in Baalbek, Lebanon - and that's bad for Muslims.* The uselessness of the UN Peacekeeping Force.* Can Israeli and Saudi Arabia make it work?* Bring in George Clooney!* Our $7,000 aren't a match for Qatari money. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit askajew.substack.com/subscribe

If you want to own a business without wasting years figuring it out, this episode explains why franchising is the fastest on-ramp to ownership in 2026. We break down the economic tailwinds driving franchise growth, why the job market + AI shift is pushing more professionals toward control and asset-building, and why service-based franchises(home services, senior care, essential B2B) are scaling fast.Stay until the end — I share a few brands expanding in 2026 that could fit your goals and budget, plus how to evaluate “fit” the right way.