Podcasts about friday focus

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.

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.

Your weekly Friday Focus on 88FM, what mattered, what moved us, and what made the news. E-hailing shake-up: Uber & Bolt drivers face new rules, panic buttons, and car branding. Airbnb crackdown: KDM ramps up enforcement on unlicensed short-term rentals. Library plea: No new books in a year, can the community step up? Urban beekeeping boom: Why it's growing, and what the bylaws say. Opal's story: Join the fun run to help free a 45-year-old Orangutan from a concrete cage. Listen now Radio Life & Style on Facebook · The Morning Show Sponsor: Excellerate Security

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

As we near the close of our Friday Focus on the importance of remembering, today we see through Moses and the Prophets how God's Word must be imprinted in our hearts and minds.

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.

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn? Louisa Hext shares her decade-long journey through accusation, betrayal and ultimately, self-discovery. Falsely accused and caught in a complex legal battle, Louisa opens up about the emotional toll, the healing power of forgiveness and the importance of personal responsibility. Now in her 60s, she reflects on how curiosity, empathy and self-awareness helped her redefine her story. Louisa's journey is a moving testament to resilience, growth and the transformative act of relinquishing grievances.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Figuring out how to be a human being is difficult. It's a journey and not a destination to live with purpose.'   ABOUT THE GUEST – LOUISA HEXT Louisa is a transformational coach, speaker and mediator with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate forgiveness, healing and personal growth. Drawing from her personal experience, research and nearly 13 years as the curator of a highly regarded traveling photographic exhibition on forgiveness, Louisa has been privileged to guide countless individuals through profound emotional healing. Her coaching practice is built on empathy, deep curiosity and a non-judgmental approach, creating a safe space for her clients to explore their unique stories and unlock their potential for growth and transformation. Whether helping clients release long-held resentments, rebuild relationships or cultivate self-compassion, Louisa is a trusted partner in guiding them toward the peace and freedom that true forgiveness offers.   CONNECT WITH LOUISA https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisahext/ https://www.facebook.com/louisa.j.hext  https://www.facebook.com/ConsultantsHext https://www.instagram.com/your_forgiveness_story/  https://www.instagram.com/louisajayne65/ https://x.com/LouisaJayneUK   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 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.

Ready to break free from financial stress and step into true prosperity? Joel Salomon, former hedge fund manager turned purpose-driven prosperity coach, shares his journey and reveals what it really takes to thrive. He cuts through the noise of conflicting advice to debunk money myths, highlight the power of mindset and shows how aligning passion with career unlocks lasting abundance. Whether you're just starting out or ready to elevate your wealth journey, this conversation will shift how you think about money, success and purpose. Discover the mindset required to flourish financially and how this leads you towards infinite prosperity pathways.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘If you're not prosperous, if you're living pay check to pay check, if you're barely surviving, then you're probably not reaching the numbers of people that you could be helping.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://amzn.eu/d/hGHUhI3 The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko - https://amzn.eu/d/hLK2nUd The Secret by Rhonda Byrne - https://amzn.eu/d/bE0R2VF Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley - https://amzn.eu/d/hakQkyV The 9 Money Rules Millionaires Use by Joel Salomon - https://amzn.eu/d/hCIuAwB Mindful Money Management by Joel Salomon - https://amzn.eu/d/5rip9Bz Infinite Love & Money by Mollie Singh and Joel Salomon - https://amzn.eu/d/hw8jzF2   ABOUT THE GUEST – JOEL SALOMON Joel is a Finance, Mindful Money Expert and Prosperity Coach who helps others overcome obstacles standing in the way of their financial freedom. He's an award-winning TEDx speaker, workshop facilitator and frequent television and podcast guest. As a former manager of a $700 million portfolio, the creator of his own successful hedge fund and the author of three best-selling books, he has learned that the true foundation of wealth is a mindset of gratitude, love and service.   CONNECT WITH JOEL https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-salomon/ https://www.facebook.com/JoelProsperitySalomon https://www.facebook.com/thejoelsalomon https://www.instagram.com/joelprosperitysalomon/ https://www.tiktok.com/@joelprosperitysalomon   Link to Money Miracles Membership - https://www.salaurmor.com/money-miracles-membership/   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 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.

Why are young men struggling with their mental health and how can we break the silence? In this moving episode, mental health advocate Brydon Duncan shares his personal journey through bullying, autism and the challenges of opening up. He discusses the inspiration behind his new documentary Breaking the Circle, which explores the rising suicide rates among young men and the urgent need for early education, safe spaces and honest conversations. A powerful reminder of the impact of vulnerability, connection and purpose because talking matters. KEY TAKEAWAY  ‘I'm highlighting the importance of inner peace, because for me, inner peace is the one wealth that we all can achieve eventually one day.' CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING In this podcast conversation Brydon talks about suicide.    ABOUT THE GUEST – BRYDON Brydon Duncan is an elite track and field athlete and aspiring Olympian training at Brunel University, where he studies Sport, Health and Exercise Science. Balancing the demands of high-performance sport with academic rigor, Brydon channels discipline into every aspect of his life. Off the track, he's a passionate mental health advocate, working to empower young people and spark meaningful conversations. His upcoming documentary, Breaking the Circle, explores the link between sport and mental well-being, aiming to break stigma and inspire change. On his own path, Brydon believes that inner peace is our greatest wealth—and that curiosity is the root of all growth.   CONNECT WITH BRYDON https://www.instagram.com/brydonduncan/   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   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu - FINALIST IN 2025 BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS   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, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

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 with the Epstein Files: how Trump's alleged birthday letter to the convicted pedophile from 2003 - just leaked to the public - has added fuel to the fire of his already enraged base. What is it about the Epstein Files that has his otherwise loyal followers up in arms? and why is it sticking to a Teflon President whose past transgressions have been either forgiven or discounted by MAGA? Trump's base has thrived on this particular story of conspiracy, and to find out their leader is complicit presents a major political problem to the current US administration. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn their attention to trade negotiations with the US on the heels of Trump's latest tariff threats. Will Canada project the type of resolve needed to face down a mafioso style of diplomacy with the US? And is it worth riding out a rise in inflation and economic uncertainty to gain leverage against Trump in future negotiations? 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.

Find out more about Leo Robinson's relations to African and Caribbean cosmologies, and worldbuilding through play, with Stone Portals (Ongoing), now part of ⁠⁠SEEDLINGS: Diasporic Imaginaries⁠⁠, curated by Jelena Sofronijevic with Travelling Gallery in Scotland.The group exhibition, featuring Emii Alrai, Iman Datoo, Radovan Kraguly, Zeljko Kujundzic, Remi Jabłecki, Leo Robinson, and Amba Sayal-Bennett, is touring across Scotland, culminating at Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF) in August 2025. Join Leo Robinson at City Art Centre in Edinburgh on Friday 8 August, where he will guide you through the single-player quest game – also playable collaboratively – which makes a journey through the feeling of longing for a lost home

Ever wondered how self-reflection leads to meaningful action? In this solo episode, I, Amy Rowlinson, share pivotal moments from my journey—like moving house and leading masterminds—while drawing insights from recent guest conversations and my coaching practice. From finding purpose in adversity to designing joy, fostering inclusion, and building purposeful partnerships, I explore themes of courage, intuition, integrity, and personal growth. Sharing my Reflections with Actions from five thought-provoking episodes: 466 Rubies in the Rubble with Jazz Singh 467 The Architecture of Joy with Raquel Aparicio 468 Leading with Integrity with Candice Quartermain 469 Purposeful Partnerships with John Lane and Will Barfield 470 Why Complex Complicated Conversations Matter with Katie Allen   Together, these conversations highlight the power of second chances, the importance of brave dialogue and the impact of aligning life and work with what truly matters.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Have courage to begin. Have courage to continue. Have courage of conviction.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* FINALIST IN 2025 BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan – https://amzn.eu/d/7OnQ1Pm   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   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, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What does it mean to live a truly meaningful life? Stephen Bruyant-Langer brings decades of coaching and leadership expertise to this heartfelt conversation, sharing how he blends business acumen with a deep commitment to giving back and nurturing enduring values within his family and community. From personal reinvention to the power of ‘human baths' and collective belonging, Stephen unpacks practical ways to cultivate happiness, courage and purpose at every life stage. His secret to thriving through life's transitions? Focus on quality relationships and existential clarity.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘As humans, we need to aim for existential clarity. By integrating knowledge from philosophy, psychology, neurology, and strategy, we can uncover our true purpose.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* FINALIST IN 2025 BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   The Existential Playbook by Stephen Bruyant-Langer - https://amzn.eu/d/jjGs7fB The Personal Business Plan by Stephen Bruyant-Langer - https://amzn.eu/d/es5hmDn Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl - https://amzn.eu/d/0EbByDE   ABOUT THE GUEST – STEPHEN Stephen Bruyant-Langer is a renowned executive coach, headhunter, and leadership expert with over 30 years of global experience. He founded The Personal Business Plan, a leading executive coaching platform, and has transformed thousands of leaders through his unique 10-step development system. Formerly with The Coca-Cola Company, L'Oréal, and Korn Ferry, he blends corporate, academic, and entrepreneurial expertise. Stephen is the bestselling author of Your Next Career, The Personal Business Plan, and The Existential Playbook (2024), and has published over 400 articles on leadership. He has also taught at Copenhagen Business School and the University of Cambridge.   CONNECT WITH STEPHEN http://theexistentialplaybook.com https://thepersonalbusinessplan.com/books https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbruyantlanger/ https://x.com/SBruyantLanger https://www.facebook.com/stephen.bruyantlanger.7/ https://www.instagram.com/stephen_bruyantlanger/   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   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, I earn from qualifying purchases.    

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. This Friday, join former hostage Keith Siegel and host Jessica Steinberg for a deep dive into what life is like for Siegel, five months after his release home from captivity in Gaza. Siegel discusses his need to do everything he can for the remaining hostages, including those with whom he was held hostage during periods of his 484 days of captivity, and who are still held captive. He speaks about the depraved terror he experienced and witnessed in captivity, the moments of grace, and his hope and optimism that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House will possibly bring the war to an end. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Aviva and Keith Siegel, after Keith's release home from Hamas captivity on February 1, 2025 (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The full version of today's special Friday Focus is available to all paying and non-paying subscribers. Rudyard and Janice devote today's entire show to one of the biggest news stories of the year that is not being covered by mainstream outlets: an upcoming change in the Google search engine that will have a devastating effect on everything from business profitability to how we consume news. Google's AI Overview provides AI-generated summaries instead of links to websites, which when tested in Britain resulted in a 50% drop in site traffic. 90% of Canadians use Google as their preferred search engine and smaller and medium sized businesses rely on Google to drive traffic to their websites. Even an optimistic 25% drop in web traffic to these businesses could mean the difference between being in, and out, of business. AI summaries are also going to transform the news industry, relying on one or two big media organizations for sources while shutting out independent and diverse voices. What role can the government play in mitigating the devastating effects this AI mode will have on our culture and economy? And what can businesses do to survive this AI avalanche that is just around the corner? 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. 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. 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, we're joined by John Spencer, the chief of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, a research center dedicated to the study of war and warfare. Spencer is a retired Major in the US Army and is a leading expert in military operations in dense and subterranean urban areas. Spencer reached out to us after we released a Friday Focus podcast, "10 truths about the Gaza war, 20 months in," based on Berman's in-depth analysis, "For now, victory is still within reach: 10 truths about the Gaza war, 20 months in." Today's conversation is a meeting of the minds in which Berman and Spencer delve into the nuts and bolts of the war in Gaza so far. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip in this July 3, 2025, handout photo. (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 open the show unpacking the effect America's pause on military shipments will have on Ukraine's war effort. Putin has managed to drive a wedge between the US and Ukraine, thus removing the biggest obstacle to his maximalist ambitions. Has America officially walked away from Ukraine? And does Europe have the will, the weapons, and the finances to fill the void and give Ukraine a fighting chance in a war that they are losing? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice take stock of America on its Independence Day and agree that things do not look good from north of the border: a President who shows contempt for the courts and rule of law, and a country that is now spending more money servicing its debt than its military. Both Rudyard and Janice worry for America's short term future under this administration, but both are optimistic that American Exceptionalism can withstand this current moment and save the country from decline. Thank you to this week’s Munk Curators and Supporters. Your contribution supports our efforts to bring back civil and substantive dialogue to the public square. Curators: Dixi LVincent CFrederic GBill M Supporters: Mary GJames HCynthia SMaria Jose MAshvini DTheodora PTim CJacob KJoslyn BEugene TAlexander PHannah WVictor Nstefan SKevin BKristin ESarah CUlrike HKurt JSeth BDan WChristine BJesse BBen RTilanthi JChris BTrevor WAna RMichael CNeil MJim BJordan GFrances AEric PKaren BJOSE A ALawrence CLuke ANatasha MRobert CGintare MErin FJOSIE WJoe WRick CSuzanne HJay Nflorence MSimon JPaola LSylvia AJonathan WCharles LKatrina LDan BJake SSebastian TJulia NMark ANouri CMadeleine SNathaniel JThomas GMichelle GJohn LRichard CRyan LBraxley LPatrice TAviva RAlexis KCathy GMatt MKevin JJocelyn NBen PMike LDavid LArin KJordan HElena TStephanie HDarren KWilliam KRon BAndy DArvind SJulie PPatrick HJuliane SOmri GJohn MColin HJulie CLinda AMichael H 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. We're still sifting through the facts and figuring out the results of the 12-day Israel-Iran war. But after every earthquake, there are aftershocks. Today, we’ll look at how this war has far-reaching effects on countries such as Russia, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. We begin the program by looking at China, which is hosting a gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a China- and Russia-led regional security grouping. In attendance is Iran’s defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh. The conference is an attempt to build alternative international blocs to those backed by the United States, according to reporting on CNN. So, how does China fit in with the 12-day war? Our next stop is Russia. The world learned again that Russian military tech is no match for a first-class air force like the IDF after it failed to repel the Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Berman weighs in on Russia's nuanced approach to the Israel-Iran war and its cautious moves to not upset the Trump administration. Reports of Iranians fleeing to bordering Turkey during the conflict were unsurprising, said Berman, since the NATO nation is a gateway to Europe. We hear how Turkey responded to the war. Looking towards Saudi Arabia, US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reiterated Wednesday his belief that additional countries will join the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Muslim nations. We learn what would have to happen for this to occur and how there may be a softening on Israel's part following the recent conflict with Iran. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: (L-R) India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defense Minister Dauren Kossanov, China's Defense Minister Dong Jun, Kyrgyzstan's Defense Minister Ruslan Mukambetov, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov gather for a group photo during the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / 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 unpacking the intelligence information that has been released regarding the effectiveness of the US attack on Iran's nuclear sites. While centrifuges at Fordo have been rendered inoperable, a significant amount of enriched uranium has been moved from the site to an unknown location. Both hosts agree that a diplomatic solution is needed to prevent Iran from rebuilding their nuclear program. But will Iran trust the US and move towards non-enrichment, or go the way of North Korea and secretly sprint towards a bomb? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the surprising Democratic mayoral primary in New York where Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani upset former NY governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani's affordability message resonated with voters and showed that Trump and the Right do not have a monopoly on the public's growing frustration with economic inequality. This crushing defeat of an established politician reflects a powerful desire for change that party elites - on both sides of the aisle - ignore at their peril. Thank you to this week's Munk Curators and Supporters. Your contribution supports our efforts to bring back civil and substantive dialogue to the public square. Curators Dixi LVincent CFrederic GBill M SupportersMary GJames HCynthia SMaria Jose MAshvini DTheodora PTim CJacob KJoslyn BEugene TAlexander PHannah WVictor Nstefan SKevin BKristin ESarah CUlrike HKurt JSeth BDan WChristine BJesse BBen RTilanthi JChris BTrevor WAna RMichael CNeil MJim BJordan GFrances AEric PKaren BJOSE A ALawrence CLuke ANatasha MRobert CGintare MErin FJOSIE WJoe WRick CSuzanne HJay Nflorence MSimon JPaola LSylvia AJonathan WCharles LKatrina LDan BJake SSebastian TJulia NMark ANouri CMadeleine SNathaniel JThomas GMichelle GJohn LRichard CRyan LBraxley LPatrice TAviva RAlexis KCathy GMatt MKevin JJocelyn NBen PMike LDavid LArin KJordan HElena TStephanie HDarren KWilliam KRon BAndy DArvind SJulie PPatrick HJuliane SOmri GJohn MColin HJulie CLinda AMichael H 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. Israel has experience in attempting to stop a nuclear weapons program. Twice before striking Iran on June 13, 2025, Israel attempted to thwart two neighboring nations' nascent nuclear programs. This week on the Friday Focus, we’re talking about the covert surprise 1981 Operation Opera in Iraq and the 2007 Israeli airstrike on Syria, called Operation Outside the Box or Operation Orchard. Berman fills us in on the back story of both, and weighs in on how successful they were — of course, with an eye to the current Israel-Iran war and Israel’s goal to stop Iran from reaching a nuclear bomb. We learn how Operation Opera, also known as Operation Babylon, took place under prime minister Menachem Begin on June 7, 1981, at 16:00 when 14 fighter jets departed from Etzion (Efrat) Airport in Israel. At approximately 17:30, they struck and destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq, and within about 90 seconds of bombing, they successfully completed their mission. Berman speaks about the resultant "Begin Doctrine," which, since 1981, guides Israel in how it reacts to imminent threats of weapons of mass destruction. We then turn to the second preemptive strike that Israel carried out to stop the bomb in 2007, under prime minister Ehud Olmert. Ten Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-15 fighter jets, along with F-16 fighters and electronic-warfare aircraft, bombed a Syrian radar site and took over Syrian air defenses, feeding them a false picture of empty skies. We discuss the overriding themes of both operations and compare them with what is currently happening in the Israel-Iran war. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: The IDF pilots who participated in the Operation Opera bombing of Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor at Osirak in 1981. (Israel Defense Force archive)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.