Podcasts about friday focus

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Since US President Donald Trump's whirlwind visit to the Jewish state on Monday of last week, Israel has welcomed a revolving roster of high-level officials visiting the country. This week saw the arrival of Trump’s senior Middle East advisors Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance — and his wife Usha — and also US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As their visits spur accusations that Israel is becoming a "client" or vassal state of the US, controversial MK Avi Maoz brought a bill that passed in a preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday. The bill would apply Israeli sovereignty to all West Bank settlements despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and most, but not all, of his Likud party. US officials quickly rebuked the annexation efforts in the Knesset, calling them "counterproductive" even as the Trump administration attempts to cement the recent ceasefire into a lasting peace deal. If the US succeeds, it wouldn't be the first time that an Israeli war was ended through US efforts. This week, Berman takes a historical look at other examples and examines the question of whether Israel is, indeed, relying on its "partner" the US to wind down its wars. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Lazar Berman (courtesy)/ From left: Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance sit before President Donald Trump holds a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the State Dining Room of the White House, Sept. 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start the show with the big news stories coming out of Gaza this week: the public executions Hamas is conducting in the Gaza strip in order to terrorize and intimidate civilians, and the Israeli government's growing concern that Hamas is breaking the ceasefire deal by not returning all of the dead hostages as agreed upon. How will rival Gaza clans thwart Hamas's attempt to cling to power? Could Gaza be on the verge of a civil war? How fast can you get a rudimentary police force to make Hamas pull back? And perhaps most importantly, who would want to go in there? Janice is optimistic that this time, at least, the Arab world is taking ownership over this problem in a way they never have before. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to an important phone call that took place this week between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin just ahead of Zelensky's visit today to Washington, where the Ukrainian President intends to make the case for long-range Tomahawk missiles to hit targets deep inside Russia. The transfer of these weapons, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned this week, could lead to nuclear war. Meanwhile, Europeans have never been more scared, interpreting Russia's drone excursions into NATO territory as preparation for a larger war with the continent. Are weak European governments using the bogeyman of Russia to rally their public to distract from domestic problems and rising populism? Everybody is rolling the dice here, and when you do that there is always a chance that someone will miscalculate, and everyone will pay the heavy price. To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Today on Friday Focus, Micah Herbster sits down with Pastor Steve Kindstedt for a conversation centered on the richness of Psalm 119 and the life-changing power of God's Word. Drawing from his recent sermon series, Pastor Steve shares practical insights for personal Bible study—how to trace key themes, connect individual stanzas into a unified whole, guard against monotony in such a long psalm, and apply its truths to daily life. Whether you're a pastor, teacher, or simply longing to go deeper in Scripture, this episode will help you approach Psalm 119 with fresh eyes and renewed love for God's Word.To hear Pastor Steve's full Psalm 119 series, visit Kettle Moraine Baptist Church's website and explore how this treasured psalm can shape your walk with the Lord.

Are you clear on your mission? Lucy McCarraher, CEO/co-founder of Book Magic AI and co-founder of Rethink Press, is passionate about amplifying unheard voices, especially women's, through the power of books and purposeful collaboration. Drawing on her publishing experience, she explores the gender disparities in business book writing and the confidence challenges that often hold women back. Sharing how missions evolve, why writing can transform personal and professional growth and the magic of supportive communities, Lucy reveals the infinite power to be gained from tapping into mission magic. KEY TAKEAWAY 'The book that you're writing at any one time has to be aligned with the purpose of your business and your personal purpose.' BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* A Book of One's Own by Lucy McCarraher - https://amzn.eu/d/88Qy0eO Book Magic AI by Lucy McCarraher - https://amzn.eu/d/b0axQdt ABOUT THE GUEST – LUCY McCARRAHER Lucy McCarraher (pronounced 'McCarra') is the CEO and co-founder of Book Magic AI, the app that helps entrepreneurs to write the book to build their business, co-founder of Rethink Press, author of 14 books, host of the Mission Magic Mastermind for women and 'The Year of Being 70' podcast. CONNECT WITH LUCY Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lucymccarra/ Instagram/Threads - https://www.instagram.com/lucymccarraher/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Website - https://bookmagic.ai ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way. WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

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Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start the show with the big news stories coming out of Gaza this week: the public executions Hamas is conducting in the Gaza strip in order to to terrorize and intimidate civilians, and the Israeli government's growing concern that Hamas is breaking the ceasefire deal by not returning all of the dead hostages as agreed upon. How will rival Gaza clans thwart Hamas's attempt to cling to power? Could Gaza be on the verge of a civil war? How fast can you get a rudimentary police force to make Hamas pull back? And perhaps most importantly, who would want to go in there? Janice is optimistic that this time, at least, the Arab world is taking ownership over this problem in a way they never have before. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to an important phone call that took place this week between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin just ahead of Zelensky's visit today to Washington, where the Ukrainian President intends to make the case for long-range Tomahawk missiles to hit targets deep inside Russia. The transfer of these weapons, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned this week, could lead to nuclear war. Meanwhile, Europeans have never been more scared, interpreting Russia's drone excursions into NATO territory as preparation for a larger war with the continent. Are weak European governments using the bogeyman of Russia to rally their public to distract from domestic problems and rising populism? Everybody is rolling the dice here, and when you do that there is always a chance that someone will miscalculate, and everyone will pay the heavy price. To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Dr. Jeff Redlin grew up in Adrian, Michigan, where he was saved at the age of seventeen. Realizing God was calling him into full-time vocational Christian ministry, he attended Pensacola Christian College, where he studied youth ministries. After receiving his degree (B.A.) from PCC, he became part of the church staff at Campus Church and was our youth pastor for fifteen years. His wife, Julie, grew up in Pensacola. She and Jeff met at Campus Church and were married in 1992.In 2003, Pastor Redlin accepted the call to be Senior Pastor at Front Range Baptist Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the Redlins, with their son Conner, served for nearly 15 years. There the Lord gave Pastor Redlin an active ministry of preaching, counseling, teaching high school Bible, reaching out to the community, and encouraging his church family. Pastor Redlin has also spoken in camps, conferences, and special meetings across the U.S. and around the world.In 2018, Pastor Redlin and his wife had the wonderful privilege of returning to Pensacola to carry on the work the Lord was advancing through the ministry of Campus Church. Campus Church was the place they had called “home” for many years and took it as a special honor to return to serve as the senior pastor. Pastor Redlin serves Campus Church with a background full of diverse experience and with proven faithfulness.//Bio taken from campuschurch.com.

Check out these free downloadable PDF collections of my Friday Focus studies into God's Word. Great for personal study or to share with a friend.

Ever wondered why so many women step back from their careers or feel diminished in midlife? As a wellbeing educator, senior yoga teacher and coach with 18 years of experience specialising in women's health, Linda Stephens unpacks the hidden impact of pelvic floor health, perimenopause and the untold struggles women face below the belt. Drawing from her own extraordinary journey through motherhood, trauma and career as a high-powered television producer, Linda expertly connects the dots between physiology, wellbeing and feminine wisdom. Revealing how a healthy pelvic floor, nervous system regulation and yoga philosophy all combine to empower women to rebuild confidence, overcome challenges and stay resilient, Linda advocates how this is all achievable through the power of little and often.    KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Start. Just start, little and often. Just get yourself moving. Get yourself improving your pelvic floor. It is the beginning of the core of who you truly are as a woman as well. It'll help your whole core being to shine when your pelvic floor is working well.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – LINDA STEPHENS As a wellbeing warrioress, Linda blends ancient yoga tools, modern biomechanics and her own lived experience of menopause to empower midlife women to thrive. She created The Women's Wellbeing Pathway 1-2-3, an online health hub at womenswellbeing.me  which offers bespoke classes, workshops and ‘Quick Fix' sequences to release stress, restore pelvic-core strength and improve posture. Passionate about changing the conversation around menopause, Linda helps women reduce pain, restore energy and reclaim confidence in their bodies at every stage of life. CONNECT WITH GUEST https://www.lindastephenswellbeing.com/  https://www.womenswellbeing.me/  https://www.youtube.com/@lindastephenswellbeing   https://www.facebook.com/lindastephenswellbeing  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindastephenswellbeing/  FREEBIE: https://www.lindastephenswellbeing.com/bootcamp/    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter     CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson     BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu      HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet voted early Friday morning in favor of a Gaza ceasefire deal that will see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian security prisoners and a halt to the fighting, despite vocal objections from the premier’s far-right coalition partners. Magid fills us in on who voted for what. The Israel Defense Forces has begun its withdrawal to new lines inside of the Gaza Strip, 72 hours after which Hamas will release all the hostages. Magid expands on how much territory the IDF will hold under the "Yellow Line" and how it may respond to threats. And we learn about plans for a US military team of 200 people that will be deployed in the Middle East to “oversee” the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Finally, we hear a full episode of the Friday Focus with Lazar Berman, "Is Israel's Hamas problem solved?" Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Gaza ceasefire takes effect as government approves deal to free the hostages From Doha strike to Sharm el-Sheikh breakthrough: How US brokered elusive Gaza deal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip in this October 9, 2025, handout image. (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice dedicate today's show to the monumental Gaza ceasefire deal which includes a commitment by both Hamas and Israel to end the war. Many of the details still need to be worked out which will inform how successful this deal really is. But make no mistake, Netanyahu has accomplished a stunning victory, guaranteeing the return of all the hostages while still occupying over 50% of the Gaza strip and the option to resume fighting if Hamas does not follow through on its commitments. Yet many important questions remain: what will the post-war government in Gaza look like? What is the UN's role in this transition period? How far does Israel pull back? And perhaps, most importantly, is there a political figure who can unite all the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and usher in a new, hopeful future for this beleaguered population? Rudyard and Janice agree that the entire region is being redrawn; Iran's influence is waning and Turkey and Qatar are emerging as power players with different objectives. Can they be trusted as western allies? And finally, Rudyard asks Janice: does Trump deserve his long coveted Nobel Peace Prize for bringing this war to a conclusion? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

In this week's Friday Focus episode, Emily and Emaley sit down with Claudia Barba — Southland's 2025 ladies' retreat speaker. She and her husband started Press On Ministries to encourage and strengthen local churches across the country.Claudia shares practical and heartfelt wisdom for women seeking to grow in their walk with God. She discusses the importance of cultivating a consistent relationship with Christ, identifies some of the most common pitfalls facing wives, moms, and ladies in the church today, and offers biblical weapons for overcoming fear and worry.You'll also hear how God led her to begin writing devotionals for women — and how He continues to use that ministry to inspire others to press on in faith.You can find Claudia Barba's books on Amazon or at www.ipresson.com.

As we conclude our Friday Focus on the word REMEMBER, we will go to Christ's words in Revelation to the church of Sardis.

What does it really mean to be ‘selfish' and could it be the secret to truly effective leadership? Gary Parsons shares his candid journey from building a seven-figure business to stepping away for the sake of his own wellbeing. At the height of his success, he battled depression and the stigma surrounding mental health in business, discovering that prioritising yourself isn't just acceptable, it's essential. Through vulnerability and resilience, Gary shows that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness and wellbeing. If you're ready to challenge convention, redefine success and lead with authenticity, focus on reinventing selfish leadership.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Being selfish isn't about taking from others, it's about having enough of yourself to give to others. When you prioritise your own wellbeing, you become a more effective, compassionate and authentic leader.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – GARY PARSONS Gary Parsons is a keynote speaker, business mentor, creator of Selfish Leadership and the author of forthcoming Why Selfish Leaders Make the Best Leaders. After co-founding a multi-award-winning business, Gary experienced the cost of success built on burnout. Now, he helps growth-driven leaders prioritise their wellbeing through his SELF Framework (Set Boundaries, Elevate Wellbeing, Lead with Intention, Foster Growth). His mission is to break the stigma of mental health in leadership and prove that when leaders thrive, everyone benefits. Gary is also the founder of Leaders in Disguise, a podcast and movement inspiring authentic leadership stories and sustainable success.   CONNECT WITH GARY https://garyparsons.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyparsonsuk https://instagram.com/garyparsonsuk   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice begin today's show with Trump's threat to Hamas to accept the terms of his ceasefire deal by Sunday or risk being "quickly extinguished". What are the sticking points for Hamas and surrounding Arab countries like Egypt and Qatar? Why do the Qataris in particular continue to be included in negotiations when they have been unsuccessful thus far at brokering an agreement? And can the Trump administration reasonably expect Hamas to accept this agreement that is so favourable to Israel? Janice is more optimistic that given all the pressure on Hamas and on the Netanyahu government we could finally see a conclusion to this war within the next few weeks. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to 'AI slop', a new term that has come to define substandard products developed by artificial intelligence. How is this AI generated content, which is being churned out at great speed but without much thought, affecting everything from higher education to critical thinking skills to productivity in the workplace? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

On this week's Friday Focus episode of Walk Talk, we welcome Pastor Earl Sides, Discipleship Pastor at Worth Baptist Church. Since joining the Worth staff in 2016, Pastor Sides has faithfully overseen the church's discipleship ministry and leads the Bridge to Recovery program. With over thirty years of ministry experience in youth, music, and pastoral leadership, he brings both wisdom and compassion to his current role.In this conversation, Pastor Sides shares how biblical counseling is not merely a program but a ministry of applying God's sufficient Word to life's most difficult struggles. He explains the importance of coming alongside people with truth and grace, pointing them to the hope of Christ, and helping them find lasting change through Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

This week on Friday Focus, Penny unpacks the stories that shaped our region, from local service delivery challenges to community initiatives making a difference. Tune in for the full breakdown and stay in the loop. Radio Life & Style on Facebook · The Morning Show Sponsor: Excellerate Security

Ready to turn reflection into purposeful action? In this episode, I, Amy Rowlinson bring together inspiring reflections from episodes 478-482, exploring powerful themes including coaching in the workplace, redefining social engagement, embracing contentment, finding your voice, and creating indelible impact. If you're seeking inspiration to align your actions with your purpose and values, don't miss this deep dive into actionable self-discovery. With wisdom drawn from these five guests, I share practical insights and actions, showing how purposeful living is possible when you apply reflection with action.   Reflections with Actions arising from these five thought-provoking episodes: 478 Think Like a Coach with Jude Sclater 479 Redefining Social Engagement with Alex Clapp 480 Contentment in the Fells with Harrison Ward 481 Giving Everyone a Voice with Fiona Brennan-Scott 482 Indelible Impacts with Nick Gold   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘By pairing meaningful reflection with small, intentional actions, you move from theory to impact. It is in that space—between insight and implementation—that true growth and fulfilment take root.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* The Fertile Void by John Leary-Joyce - https://amzn.eu/d/9Tcf1I2 Think Like a Coach by Jude Sclater - https://amzn.eu/d/fjmNNYo   FOCUS ON WHY EPISODE LINKS: 386 In Your Own Words with Beverley Glick - https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/website/386-in-your-own-words-with-beverley-glick 005 The Art of Social Selling with Sam Rathling - https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/website/category/005-the-art-of-social-selling-with-sam-rathling   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson     BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu     HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. On Sunday, the tally of the 193 UN members who recognize a State of Palestine grew to at least 145 as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally joined their ranks. Several other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta, followed suit during a summit on the future of the two-state solution chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday at United Nations headquarters in New York. We discuss why these states believe that this recognition is an anti-Hamas gesture and may kick off negotiations to end the war in Gaza. Israel, for its part, thinks that the recognition is a prize for terror: On this, Hamas appeared to agree, thanking the UK and Canada and calling their action a “victory.” This week, Berman delves into the knotty issue of Palestinian statehood and potentially unforeseen ripple effects. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Lazar Berman (courtesy) / A sticker on a desk reads 'State of Palestine' at the Palestinian mission to France, one day after France recognized Palestinian statehood, September 23, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start today's show with Trump's address at the UN General Assembly this week where he warned European countries that they are "going to hell" due to mass migration. While citizens rightfully expect their governments to protect their borders, we can't ignore the fact that we in the West need immigrants for economic growth and low skilled labour that is not being filled by native populations. The test for any government is how they manage immigration to benefit their societies instead of destabilizing them. Is Canada better at integrating newcomers than European countries? Rudyard and Janice agree that if we aren't careful about the pace of change in society and manage our ability to welcome large numbers of newcomers we could end up with a hard right populist movement, the kind we are seeing sweep through Europe and parts of the U.S. A sense of shared history, tradition, culture, and community is required to keep people grounded and populist politics at bay. To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

For the past 20 years, Amy Bill and her husband, Cody, have poured their lives into serving full-time at Southland. Along the way, they've gathered stories, wisdom, and a deep love for camp ministry that continues to impact countless lives. In this episode, Emily and Emaley sit down with Amy for a heartfelt conversation about her upbringing, her walk with the Lord, and the journey of faithfulness that's shaped who she is today. You'll laugh, be encouraged, and come away inspired by Amy's story.

Who truly shapes the impact of a professional speaker—the person on stage or the team guiding them behind the scenes? Reflecting on purpose, legacy and kindness, Nick Gold, MD of Speakers Corner, shares his realisation that while he and his team may not be the ones delivering the message on stage, their role in ensuring the right speaker reaches the right audience carries both privilege and responsibility. Nick explores how fun, genuine connection and challenging traditional measures of success inform his approach to business and life. By embracing uncertainty and change with intuition and curiosity, Nick demonstrates his focus on creating meaningful indelible impacts.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Through the business, we have an indelible impact on people's lives and that's a responsibility but also that's the purpose.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – NICK GOLD Being a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader is at the heart of everything Nick does. From founding, scaling and growing multiple successful ventures across the speaking industry, he has established a strong track record and he thrives on challenging the status quo, embracing bold ideas and driving innovation to create impactful businesses that inspire and deliver lasting value. Together with his business partner and brother Tim and his other business partner, Michael, they're building businesses which go beyond the transactional nature of booking a speaker. They believe in forming partnerships with their clients, whether they be companies or speakers, to drive meaningful event experiences and deliver tangible value, learning and return on investment.  As an entrepreneur and a speaker industry pioneer, Nick has built and scaled several successful businesses including; Speakers Corner, Speaking Office and Future Voices.  * Speakers Corner is an award winning international speaker bureau that connects organisations with world class talent.  * Speaking Office innovates speaker representation  * Future Voices is a platform designed to help speakers understand the business of speaking and how to improve their speaking through coaching, bureaux insights, positioning and promotion as well as creating a speaker community so that they can grow together.  Nick has been president of the International Association Speaker Bureaus as well as Chair of the European Association of Speaker Bureaus.  CONNECT WITH NICK https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgold/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/speakers-corner/posts/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-voices-speakers/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (2025 Business Book Awards Finalist) Focus on Why* by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Wednesday this week that ongoing negotiations with Israel to reach a security pact could lead to results “in the coming days.” However, later on Wednesday, an Israeli foreign ministry official told AFP that Syria will seal several security and military agreements with Israel by the end of the year. Despite the discrepancy in timing, it is clear that both countries are interested and invested in completing a security pact in the near future. On this week's Friday Focus, Berman reviews other previous pacts with Syria -- and attempts -- throughout Israel's history. We learn how the civil war in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime have recalibrated how Israel operates inside its neighbor to the north. And we hear about the conflicting Israeli feelings in losing a strong leader who kept the border relatively quiet. Finally, Berman discusses what Israel may demand from Syria -- where it's willing to withdraw and where it decidedly will not. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Lazar Berman (courtesy) / Syria's President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus, September 12, 2025. (SANA/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start today's show with the big news story of the week: the capitulation of ABC to the Trump administration, suspending the Jimmy Kimmel Show indefinitely in response to his somewhat innocuous remarks about Charlie Kirk's assasination. Trump is continuing to attack institutions that are integral to the functioning of democracies, and forcing other, smaller organizations to adopt an attitude of anticipatory compliance. This is no longer a question of the US backsliding into authoritarianism; it is already there. In the second half of the show Janice and Rudyard turn to Canada's upcoming federal budget and rumours of a very large projected deficit, coupled with confused messaging about a commitment to austerity and investment. Is the Carney government up to the task of restructuring our economy - and making bold policy changes - to prepare us for the future? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Join Mike Herbster in remembering the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. As the leader of Turning Point USA, Charlie had opportunity to promote conservative values all around the world. But Charlie was not satisfied to just teach policy, he was bold in declaring the Gospel of Christ. As christians across America mourn his death there should be a thankfulness for his life as well as a response of following in Charlie's gospel boldness.//Clips of Charlie compiled from The George Janko Show, Legacy Church, Daily Does of Wisdom, The Iced Coffee Hour, and Club Random Podcast.

Ever felt your voice wasn't being heard? Voice and speech coach Fiona Brennan-Scott knows the power and the pitfalls of communication. Sharing her journey from speech and drama teacher to founder of Breathtaking Communication Academy, she lifts the lid on how confident expression transforms lives and workplaces. Unpacking issues of equality, overcoming imposter syndrome and why levelling the playing field matters in boardrooms and classrooms alike, Fiona shares her personal insights on engaging audiences, tackling bullying and leaving a powerful legacy by giving everyone a voice.    KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Never underestimate your ability to enhance and influence the lives of others.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* The Woman's Voice by Patsy Rodenburg - https://amzn.eu/d/bDQP30z   ABOUT THE GUEST – FIONA BRENNAN-SCOTT Fiona works globally as a coach, speaker and trainer with subject matter experts and everyday leaders to increase their audience engagement. She published her first book, Breathtaking Communication: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Leaders in 2023 and is currently rolling out Breathtaking Communication - The Online Academy. Her coaching is underpinned by Time to Think methodology and she is a certified coach with the Time to Think Foundation. Her work is CPD accredited.  CONNECT WITH FIONA https://www.timetothink.com/coach/fiona-brennan-scott/  https://www.youtube.com/@bespokenvoicespeech/  https://www.instagram.com/bespokenvoicespeech/  https://www.bespoken.org.uk/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionabrennanscott/  Book a call: https://calendly.com/fiona-bespoken    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu     HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. It’s September 15, 2020, and on the South Lawn of the White House, a group of leaders from the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain assembled to mark a once-unlikely normalization agreement. Berman talks us through why these countries were originally included in the accords and which were on deck before the Hamas massacre of 1,200 on October 7, 2023, that launched the Gaza War. We hear what gains were made through these accords -- and what setbacks there have been since the Gaza War erupted. We also discuss how Israel’s recent attempted assassination of the Hamas leadership this week in Qatar may affect relations with Gulf States moving forward. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, US President Donald Trump, Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan pose for a photo on the Blue Room Balcony after signing the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington, September 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice discuss the social and political fallout from right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk's assassination. What does the country's online reaction reveal about the state of American culture and democracy? We are living in a climate of heated language which is becoming more and more violent. All signs point to a democracy in trouble. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to Israel's strike this week on Hamas officials in Qatar. Janice argues that the attack was a massive misstep damaging the credibility of Trump who had given his word to Qatar that they would be protected. Netanyahu approved this strike against the advice of his senior military team, knowing it would infuriate his last and most supportive ally, Donald Trump. Rudyard disagrees with Janice's take, making the case that Israel had every right to strike Hamas in Doha. Why is Qatar - one of the largest funders of terrorism in the world, including Hamas - not a legitimate target? And finally, how does this week's events affect the plight of the remaining Israeli hostages? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Ron DeGarde serves the local church as a full-time evangelist. He and his family have traveled the world preaching the gospel and strengthening the Lord's people. Ron says on his website, "I am honored to serve the Lord as an evangelist, sharing His word with passion and purpose. Outside of ministry, I have a love for sports, especially football, basketball, and golf. My family and I also enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and discovering new adventures. You can often find me at a local coffee shop, appreciating a great cup of  coffee."Join Malachi Herbster for today's conversation with evangelist Ron DeGarde.//Learn more about Ron's ministry: https://www.rdmin.org

How do you climb from life's lowest valleys to its highest peaks? Harrison Ward, outdoor cooking expert, mental health speaker and author, better known as the Fell Foodie, shares his raw and transformative journey from addiction and despair to purpose and fulfilment in the great outdoors. Reflecting on grief, sobriety and the healing power of nature, Harrison reveals how hiking and cooking outdoors became tools for mindfulness, resilience and connection. Inspiring others to find joy in life's simple moments, he shows step by step, meal by meal how to achieve real contentment in the fells.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Life doesn't come with a plan, does it? You can focus on certain areas. You can push yourself down certain paths and take the opportunities when they come. But sometimes things present themselves either as hurdles or as future opportunities. So, you have to be there to embrace those, sometimes to ride over those hurdles.'   ABOUT THE GUEST - HARRISON WARD Author of the ultimate outdoor adventure cookbook ‘Cook Out', Harrison is also a huge advocate for time outdoors for mental and physical wellbeing as it aided his recovery from alcoholism, obesity and as a management tool for a clinical depression diagnosis. He regularly features in the media, including the BBC on Dame Mary Berry's series ‘Love to Cook', Channel 5 on ‘Winter on the Farm', The Guardian, Countryfile Magazine, Men's Fitness and many more.   CONNECT WITH HARRISON https://www.fellfoodie.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/fellfoodie/ https://www.facebook.com/fellfoodie https://x.com/FellFoodie https://www.youtube.com/FellFoodie https://www.tiktok.com/@fellfoodie https://www.linkedin.com/in/fellfoodie/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, Berman takes up the host role for an in-depth interview with author Yaakov Katz about his new book, "While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East," which he co-wrote with Amir Bohbot. A former military correspondent, Katz served as editor in chief of The Jerusalem Post from 2016-2023, leaving just before the war. Currently a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem, Katz is the author or co-author of four books. Katz talks about the ignored "alarm bells" indicating that Hamas was about to launch a major attack prior to October 7, 2023. He speaks about the uncertainty whether Hamas was conducting a drill and how warning signs were disregarded because they didn't fit the paradigm built by Israel around the capabilities of Hamas. "We were so infatuated, in love with the signal intelligence, the visual intelligence. We knew everything because we had the technology. But while we thought we knew, we did not know what their intentions were, we did not know what they were really planning," said Katz. Katz delves into the goals of Hamas head Yahye Sinwar and how many he achieved, despite the terrorist group's degradation. We hear an assessment of the war, almost two years in, as well as who should be running Gaza in the day after. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Yaakov Katz (courtesy)/ Israeli soldiers walk past houses destroyed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel, October 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's SCO summit in China projected a series of powerful images about the rise of China and the cleaving of the world into two power blocs. Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong Un watching the military parade at Tiananmen Square was a performance of a great power, as was Narendra Modi's public display of friendship with Xi and Putin. Donald Trump's treatment of US allies is turning away in-between countries and offering China a historic opportunity to step up to the plate. The world of the US is becoming a minority compared to the countries circling China's orbit. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to Canada's upcoming federal budget and Mark Carney's bad messaging, as the PM warned of austerity followed by investment. In an economy that is slowing, will Carney wrack up more debt? Will these be investments, or expenditures? And does our Prime Minister have a real plan to get Canada back to a fiscal balance?

Join Micah Herbster in a conversation with Evangelist Rich Tozour. In this week's episode, Rich Tozour challenges the listener with the importance of Bible meditation. According to Joshua 1:8, meditation is part of the key to victorious christian living. Listen now!//Rich Tozour grew up in a small town in Southern New Jersey. He trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior in February of 1977 after his dad explained the Gospel to him. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Bible from Pensacola Christian College in Florida in 1989.Rich met Angela Wessberg at college. She is the daughter of Lars & Phyllis Wessberg and grew up living in a trailer with her family in full-time evangelism. Rich traveled as a college representative for PCC from 1989-1992 (One year was spent among missionary schools all over the globe.). Rich and Angela were married in 1993 and moved to Kansas City where they joined Eagle Heights Baptist Church and taught in the church's Christian school for a year. The couple launched into full-time evangelism in 1994 and have ministered in local churches across America ever since. The Tozours have three daughters, all born in Kansas City, Missouri. Briana, the firstborn, joined the family in May 1996. Heather was born in November 1999, and Lanae [la-NAY] in October 2010. All three girls grew up “on the road,” living in a fifth-wheel trailer, enjoying travel, photography, and sightseeing.//*Bio taken from tozourministries.org.

Is the workplace booze culture holding us back? Alex Clapp shares his remarkable journey from addiction to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His personal challenges inspired the creation of Claritee–a pioneering wellbeing hub championing authentic, alcohol-free connection and inclusive events. Explore the evolution of corporate culture, the realities of overcoming addiction and new ways of redefining fulfilment at work. Alex's candid reflections on mental health, resilience and the power of choice offer a refreshing perspective for anyone seeking positive change. Tune in for inspiration, insight and a new vision of what the future could be through redefining social engagement.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘I think from a business perspective, especially, you have got to be really mindful as to the way that the culture is changing and as to the way that you look after your staff.' ABOUT ALEX Alex Clapp is a seasoned entrepreneur, founder and mental health advocate who leads with integrity and vision. As MD of County Cost Consultants, Alex brings over two decades of expertise in legal cost law, having built a respected and resilient firm known for its commitment to excellence and client care. Simultaneously, he is the founder of Claritee, the UK's trailblazing alcohol-free events organisation, born from his own recovery journey and driven by a passion to create inclusive, wellness minded corporate experiences. Alex's professional and personal experiences have shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, transparency and the motivation to generate real change. Whether delivering industry leading cost training or reimagining workplace culture through alcohol free initiatives, Alex is a voice for progress in both the business and personal sphere. CONNECT WITH ALEX https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexclapp/ https://www.clariteegroup.co.uk/ https://www.theshineawards.co.uk/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Went away this week. Felt anxious about deviating from my routine. I know this to be true: Two things can happen at once. I can be a person who likes to figure it out most of the time, and it's also OK to slow down. Plus: Answering a listener question about being a soloprenuer and if it ever gets lonely (spoiler: yes, it definitely does). SOCIAL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emilyabbate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hurdlepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE TO: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Weekly Hurdle newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ASK ME A QUESTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This Friday, we present a fourth and final installment of our August mini-series centering on the 2005 Disengagement from Gaza. We launched the series with a zoom-out conversation with public intellectual Dr. Micah Goodman, followed by a personal account of life in Gush Katif by former Nezer Hazani resident Anita Tucker and last week, we heard from Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, who shared the perspective of Palestinians within the Gaza Strip and the ripple effect felt after the Disengagement. This week, we speak with author and thinker Yossi Klein Halevi from his Jerusalem home. The Shalom Hartman Institute senior fellow begins by explaining why he and so many other Israelis supported Disengagement. He describes how the promises of security from the right and peace from the left failed, and so many Israelis were eager to try the "centrist" approach of unilateralism. Klein Halevi describes the zeitgeist of the time and compares it with the renewed global interest in a Palestinian state -- despite the Hamas massacre of 1,200 on October 7, 2023, and the continued captivity of another 20 living hostages and 30 dead. In the context of the ongoing war, when asked whether the two-state solution is dead, Klein Halevi's answer may surprise. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Yossi Klein Halevi (courtesy)/ Former prime minister Ariel Sharon speaking to students on the first day of classes in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, Sept. 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start the show with Trump's firing of CDC director Susan Monarez over disputes about vaccine policy, and the attempted dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in his bid to take control of the central bank and lower interest rates. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin brazenly launched a major ballistic and drone attack in Kyiv killing almost two dozen people, only ten days after his summit in Anchorage with the US President. Is it time to call Trump's attempt at a deal a foreign policy failure? In the remaining moments of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to events in the Middle East where Israeli troops are entering Gaza City as the first phase of a planned occupation. Why are both sides so unwilling to accept a ceasefire deal? And why is Trump so focused on ending the war in Ukraine while ignoring the destruction in Gaza? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

What does it really mean to think like a coach at work? Jude Sclater shares how her practical model is transforming managers into empowering leaders, unlocking real team potential. Drawing on her experience with coaching, workshops and her new book, Jude reveals why traditional management training falls short and how simply shifting the way we listen and ask questions can spark growth, autonomy and fulfilment at work and beyond. If you want to empower managers for impact and learn how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, adopt her two step coaching method to think like a coach.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘When you give someone your best quality attention, everything just flows so much more beautifully.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Think Like a Coach by Jude Sclater - https://amzn.eu/d/beFftEH    ABOUT THE GUEST – JUDE SCLATER Jude Sclater is a leadership coach, author of ‘Think Like a Coach' and former internal coach at Deloitte. She helps managers step up from doing the work to leading the team, without burning out or losing their best people. Her work focuses on practical coaching skills that make everyday conversations more impactful, even when time is short.    Through her book, training programs and ‘Think Like a Coach' weekly insights, she supports leaders to ask better questions, build trust, and grow high-performing teams. With deep experience in professional services, she's coached hundreds of managers to lead with empathy and impact.    Originally from New Zealand, she's lived in London for almost 20 years. When she's not coaching, she's working hard on transforming her garden, creating home-made pizzas with her husband and learning the art of wine tasting.   CONNECT WITH JUDE Website: www.thinkwithjude.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/judesclater Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkwithjude Blog Signup: www.thinkwithjude.com/signmeup Booksellers: www.thinkwithjude.com/think-like-a-coach#buy     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This Friday, we present a third installment of our August mini-series centering on the 2005 Disengagement from Gaza, following a zoom-out conversation with public intellectual Dr. Micah Goodman and a personal account of life in Gush Katif by former Nezer Hazani resident Anita Tucker. This week, we hear from Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, who shares the perspective of Palestinians within the Gaza Strip and the ripple effect felt there after the Disengagement. Alkhatib, who left the Strip for the United States as a high school pupil in 2005, leads Realign For Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse. He is an outspoken critic of Hamas, who writes and speaks about Gaza’s political and humanitarian affairs at a variety of international media outlets. We hear about Alkhatib's childhood in Gaza City and the few experiences he had with the Jewish Gush Katif residents. We learn about how, at age 17, Alkhatib became one of the first Palestinians to receive asylum in the US following the rise of Hamas in the Strip. Alkhatib describes the seeds of Hamas and how it became emboldened through the tacit encouragement of Israel. Today, he says, the terror group is so entangled with the civilian population that uprooting it is virtually impossible without any other alternative on the horizon. He looks back at the wasted opportunity of the Disengagement. "This is a thread that we had and could have grabbed onto and done something with," he tells The Times of Israel. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Palestinian police set up Palestinian and Fatah flags on top of a synagogue in the former Jewish settlement of Neve Dekalim in the southern Gaza Strip, September 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice open today's Friday Focus with the fallout from last week's Trump-Putin meeting and Monday's Zelensky visit to Washington. Putin is walking back from almost every concession he offered last week, essentially demanding that Ukraine be demilitarized without a pathway to NATO membership. This is a non-starter for Ukraine. How did we go from the bromance of Alaska back to the stalemate of February 2022 in the span of a week? It is becoming increasingly obvious that President Trump is not able or willing to do the serious work required to get a deal in place. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to trade with the US. Why is Canada being singled out for particularly rough treatment? Carney is trying to reset negotiations by removing retaliatory tariffs because he knows that if CUSMA collapses, Canada will pay a heavy price. The PM pushed an elbows up narrative in order to win the election. He positioned himself as the defender of Canada against Trump's America. Is he able to back away from this narrative and do a deal that might make him look weak but protect Canada's economic interests? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Are you seeking deeper meaning, battling self-doubt or redefining success on your own terms? In this episode, I, Amy Rowlinson, bring together inspiring reflections from episodes 472–476, guiding you through existential clarity, authentic mental health advocacy, the pursuit of prosperity with purpose, the power of relinquishing grievances and the true essence of acceptance. With wisdom drawn from my last five guests, I share practical insights and actions, showing how purposeful living is possible for anyone willing to reflect and act. Sharing my Reflections with Actions from these five thought-provoking episodes: 472 Existential Clarity with Stephen Bruyant-Langer 473 Talking Matters with Brydon Duncan 474 Prosperity Pathways with Joel Salomon 475 Relinquishing Grievances with Louisa Hext 476 Behind the Scenes with Catherine Watkin   Whether you're facing challenges in your career, relationships, health or your sense of purpose, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect and take inspired action one small step at a time.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Are your actions driven by genuine reasons? Identify any limiting beliefs, assumptions, fears or self-doubts holding you back from living a purposeful life.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen illustrated by Helen Oxenbury - https://amzn.eu/d/iLOdELr   RESOURCES Breaking the Circle – The Documentary by Brydon Duncan - https://www.youtube.com/@brydonduncan   Episodes mentioned: https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/474-prosperity-pathways-with-joel-salomon https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/454-breathing-life-into-conversations-with-shelly-starks https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/361-practical-positivity-with-freeman-beals https://focusonwhy.libsyn.com/347-heartfelt-connection-with-gill-tiney   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, as Israel marks the beginning of the Disengagement from Gaza 20 years ago, we speak with former Brooklynite Anita Tucker, 79, who helped settle Nezer Hazani in 1977 and was forcibly removed from her home in 2005 alongside her husband, children and grandchildren. Affectionately called "the celery lady" due to her flourishing Gush Katif farm, Tucker describes how her young children were the deciding factor for staking their tent pegs in the barren land of Nezer Hazani after she viewed them "sledding" down the dunes on garbage bags. This same inert sand allowed the residents to grow their trademark, bug-free Gush Katif vegetables with the newest agricultural technology -- drip irrigation. She talks about warm relationships with her Arab neighbors -- until talk of "peace" came and the empowerment of PLO leader Yasser Arafat. She describes how once Arafat established a foothold in Gaza, he hanged the leadership of Deir al-Balah, who were Tucker’s close personal friends. She speaks about the terror attacks the community absorbed, but the ideological faith that their community was protecting the rest of the Land of Israel. Former prime minister Ariel Sharon's announcement of a unilateral pullout from Gaza came as a betrayal and we hear how the youth protested against this move until the very end. But after the pullout, the former Gush Katif residents experienced a second betrayal in that they had to fight to get compensation and rebuild their lives. Tucker and much of the original settlement refounded Nezer Hazani seven years later inside the State of Israel, but, as she says, these are their "houses," they are not their "homes." Tucker speaks to the community's yearning to resettle the Gaza Strip and how concrete plans have been presented to the Israeli government during what the potential resettlers view as a window of opportunity. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli Jewish settlers celebrate the Jewish festival of Tu Bishvat, marking the new year for trees in the Jewish settlement of Neve Dekalim in the Gush Katif block of settlements in the Gaza Strip, January 25, 2005. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice open today's show reacting to China's 75% tariff on Canada's canola seed, a retaliation against our government's decision to impose duties on Chinese electric vehicles. Is the Trump administration ultimately to blame for the retaliatory tariff climate we now find ourselves in? And as the weakest G7 country, why are we fighting two superpowers at the same time? Is it time to reset our relationship with China? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the controversy from TIFF this week following the removal of a documentary about October 7th from the festival's lineup, which was ultimately reversed after a public outcry. Rudyard and Janice agree that the reasons cited by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey for this decision lacked both merit and conviction. This was a blatant display of a Canadian institution embracing the abandonment of the best principles of free speech, and it is a sobering reminder that we must include an adversity of voices in our cultural spaces. Furthermore, TIFF is a publicly funded institution, and as stakeholders we should demand that its leadership be held accountable for this unfortunate episode. To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

What happens when life throws your plans off course? Returning guest Catherine Watkin opens up about her journey through 18 years of undiagnosed health challenges and the revelations that have followed. Catherine shares how prioritising health, embracing acceptance and letting go of old ambitions led her to redefine success. Discover how business, identity and wellness intertwine and why Catherine believes real success is found in the quality of the everyday moments. For a heartfelt exploration of resilience, authenticity and purpose, join Catherine and head behind the scenes.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Without health, you can't have a business, you can't maintain a good relationship, you can't spend time with friends.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – CATHERINE Catherine Watkin is an expert in Heart-Centred Sales and the antidote to traditional sales approaches based on closing and manipulation. After a 20+ year sales career, she works with business owners who feel called to make a difference yet feel so uncomfortable about sales that they struggle to effectively enrol new clients. She teaches them how to sell in a way that feels authentic and deeply connected so they can grow a great business while still feeling in integrity.  She helps her clients with getting off the starting blocks with their first paying clients right through to £5-£10k revenue months.   CONNECT WITH CATHERINEhttps://catherinewatkin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CatherineWatkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinewatkin/ https://www.instagram.com/catherinewatkin.sales   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, as Israel stands poised to re-occupy the entire Gaza Strip, public intellectual and author Dr. Micah Goodman takes us through the Disengagement from Gaza 20 years ago. Goodman, the author of influential works such as “Catch-67,” returns to the origins of the settlement movement and dissects the motivations driving Israelis from the right and left. We learn how the First and Second Intifadas shifted stalwart settler leaders such as prime minister Ariel Sharon and set the table for the idea of unilateral disengagement from Gaza. Goodman proposes that the trauma from the Disengagement has shaped the face of the Israeli right, with extremist party heads, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir openly supporting the resettlement of Gaza from the halls of the Knesset -- or the Temple Mount. And finally, we turn to the Israeli cabinet's Thursday night decision to push for a reoccupation of Gaza and what this may do to the country. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. Young settlers cry and pray on the roof during the Disengagement in Neve Dekalim on August 17, 2005. (Nati Shohat/ Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start the show talking about developments in the Middle East, where Netanyahu ordered his war cabinet to take over Gaza City temporarily and hand it over to Arab security forces. This would involve evacuation orders for residents of Gaza city, who have already been displaced multiple times over the course of this war. This is an unpopular plan, opposed by both governments abroad and the majority of Israeli citizens, including the chief of defense staff. How does the rescue and recovery of Israel's hostages factor into this plan? Rudyard and Janice agree that this is one of the most egregious examples of a politician putting his own political survival over the long term strategic interests of his country. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the war in Ukraine and Trump's changing attitudes towards Russia. A Trump and Putin deal that excludes Zelensky would infuriate not only Ukraine but all of Europe. The West must understand that Russians have historically viewed the world through a different lens that does not align with Western liberal attitudes. Ultimately, Russia wants the West to recognize its sphere of influence in the region, a view Trump is sympathetic to. In the final moments of the show Rudyard and Janice reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima. The dropping of two Atomic bombs in Japan at the end of World War Two has left a moral stain on all those involved, and should remain a subject of deep reflection. How should this horrible chapter in our history inform our attitudes towards the major geopolitical conflicts unfolding today? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start today's show with Trump's late night tariff announcement which sets a 35% tariff on Canada, but only really affects 10% of goods that fall outside of CUSMA. The punishing tariffs on aluminum, steel, and the auto industry, however, remain. Why did Mark Carney not try to strike a deal before today's deadline? What will happen if CUSMA protections are removed in a future deal? And how should Canada prioritize its sovereignty and self-respect in negotiations that give us privileged access to the US market? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice talk about Canada's announcement that it will join France and the UK in recognizing Palestinian statehood at the UN in September. While it is understandable that western governments want to do something to stop the carnage in Gaza and bring an end to this war, this type of political statement emboldens Hamas and makes the conflict more intractable and less solvable. In the midst of this turmoil, however, came a surprising announcement from surrounding Arab countries: the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and several others called on Hamas to disarm and end its rule over the war torn strip. Is this the start of the end for the terrorist group's reign in Gaza? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The vast majority of the Zionists in the world are Christian. Israel’s closest allies are majority-Christian or officially Christian countries, and the world’s largest Christian denominations have many of their holiest sites in Israel. At the same time, there’s no adviser for Christian Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office, no minister tasked with outreach. On today's Friday Focus, we discuss three recent difficult incidents with the Christian world, which official Israel was diplomatically unprepared for. Berman discusses the need for a point person, an office or even a ministry in the Prime Minister's Office who will be tasked with liaising with the Christian world -- just like what is found in the governments of our Muslim neighbors. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For more on this topic: Causing strategic, moral harm, Netanyahu lets others dictate Israel’s ties with Christians Friday Focus with Lazar Berman: Attacks on Christians in Israel are national stain IMAGE: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, censes during Sunday morning mass at the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City on July 20, 2025. (Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice open today's show talking about starvation in Gaza. How do we find ourselves here, and what can be done about it? While it is true that Hamas steals food to sell on the black market to pay its fighters, there is no justification for using food as a weapon. Can Israel recover from this moral stain? And why is Hamas not subject to international pressure to release the hostages that could end this war? Both Rudyard and Janice agree that the time is over for diplomatic solutions. International security forces need to intervene and put an end to this conflict. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to France's intention to recognize Palestinian Statehood at the UN in September. This might not be welcome news to the Palestinian Authority and its leader Mahmoud Abbas as it comes with expectations of governance and elections. How does a statement or recognition actually change events on the ground? Is it enough to break through the defensive shield Bibi has built around himself? Ultimately, If this declaration does nothing to change Palestinian leadership or Israel's control over the West Bank, then it is nothing more than empty rhetoric with no consequence. To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, as violence between Syria's Druze and Bedouin communities reached a boiling point in the southern city of Sweida, hundreds of Druze rushed across the border from Israel, vowing to protect their community in Syria. Israel joined in as the protector of the Syrian Druze and the IDF said it struck over 160 targets in Syria, mostly in the area of Sweida, including government tanks and machine guns headed there. The military also said it was bolstering forces in the Golan Heights, on the Syrian border, in preparation for days of potential conflict. Likewise, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber issued an open call to Israel and the world to help the Druze in Syria, citing the biblical commandment “not to stand by the blood of your neighbor.” We delve into the origins of the mysterious religion and Israeli ties to the ancient people which came to settle in what is today three nations: Lebanon, Syria and Israel. We discuss what could be Israel's motivations in taking on the mantle of protector of the persecuted minority -- and international backlash to it. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A woman carries a Druze and an Israeli flag near the US Embassy in Jerusalem on July 16, 2025. (AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.