Shows / Boots on the Ground
Boots on the Ground
Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and Identity.
Episodes
- Boots on the Ground
No Clear Path: Israel's Election Deadlock, Unity Government or Round Two? | Shaun & Ari ep 50
The votes are counted, and neither side has a clear way to 61 seats. So what happens now? In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Shaun Sacks is back from…
- Boots on the Ground
Still Undecided: A Reservist's Election Day Dilemma with Haim Brenner ep 49
Election day in Israel, and Haim Brenner still doesn't know who he's voting for. In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with…
- Boots on the Ground
The Cost of Living: An Economist's Plan for Housing, Mortgages & Prices with Ronen Budnero ep 48
Israel's economy looks strong on paper, so why can't young families afford a home? In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Ronen…
- Boots on the Ground
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum: Ofer Winter, Netanyahu & the Future of Israel ep 47
What does Ofer Winter's Amcha Yisrael party actually stand for? What would it do differently on national security, Haredi enlistment, education, the economy…
- Boots on the Ground
Israeli Elections Explained: How Your Vote Becomes a Government ep 46
How does Israel's electoral system actually work? What happens to your vote after you cast it? And how does a country with so many political parties end up…
- Boots on the Ground
Why Your Vote Doesn’t Work the Way You Think — with Tamir Dortal ep 45
Israelis vote. Governments form. Coalitions collapse. But how many of us actually understand the system that turns our votes into 120 seats in the Knesset?…
- Boots on the Ground
Citizen Defenders: A U.S. Army Ranger's Plan to Protect Israel ep 44 with Yoni Zagdanski
What transforms a bullied Jewish teenager from Belgium into a U.S. Army Ranger, a Reserve Colonel, and ultimately one of the leaders building Israel's next…
- Boots on the Ground
The Calm Before Israel's Political Storm ep 43
Israel's election campaign has entered an unusual quiet period. The polls are changing almost daily, new parties are emerging, and political alliances are…
- Boots on the Ground
Coalition Math: Why Every Vote is a Compromise ep 42
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari and Sean break down the four critical issues that will dominate the upcoming Israeli election cycle: Security, the…
- Boots on the Ground
From the Front Lines to the Ballot Box: Israel's Political Reckoning ep 41
After nearly three months on reserve duty, Shaun and Ari return to the studio with fresh perspectives from the front lines and a candid conversation about the…
- Boots on the Ground
Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin: Nature, Torah, and the Battle for Israel’s Identity ep 40
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari sits down with Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin for a wide-ranging conversation on Judaism, science, Zionism, and the…
- Boots on the Ground
From Tehran to the Knesset: War, the Draft, and the Fight for Israel’s Future
In this episode, Shaun and Ari break down the latest developments in Israel's war with Iran, the growing political battle over the Haredi draft, and the…
Boots on the GroundYom HaZikaron Part II: A Father’s Loss, A Nation’s Embrace | The Legacy of Michael Levin ep 38
In Part II of this special Yom HaZikaron episode of Boots on the Ground, we sit down with Mark Levin, the father of lone soldier Michael Levin, who fell in the…
- Boots on the Ground
Yom HaZikaron Part I: The Bridge Between Sacrifice and Nationhood ep 37
How do you remember a war that hasn’t ended yet? In this special Yom HaZikaron episode of Boots on the Ground, we confront that question head-on. Instead of…
- Boots on the Ground
Yom HaShoah Special: My Family’s Story of Survival, Loss, and Legacy ep 36
For Yom HaShoah, we step away from our usual conversations on war, politics, and identity to do something far more personal. In this special episode, I sit…
- Boots on the Ground
Inside the Room: Media Wars, Global Power, and Israel’s Strategic Future with Alex Traiman ep 35
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari sits down with Alex Traiman, CEO of the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), for a behind-the-scenes look at the media…
- Boots on the Ground
Iran War Part 2: What Comes Next for Israel, Iran, and the US? ep34
In this episode of Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel, Shaun and Ari break down the latest developments in the ongoing war with Iran. As Israel and the United States…
- Boots on the Ground
Beyond the Battlefield: The US, China, India and the Global Stakes of the Iran War ep33
In this episode, Shaun and Ari go beyond the battlefield to examine the Iran war from a broader geopolitical perspective. While missiles and airstrikes…
- Boots on the Ground
Purim Special: 🍷Wine, Faith, and the Hills of the Shomron ep 32
This episode was recorded especially for Purim before the outbreak of the current war. As Ari and Shaun are both back on reserve duty, we hope to bring you a…
- Boots on the Ground
Israel’s Political Battlefield: Parties, Personalities, and the Fight for the Next Government ep - 31
In this episode, Ari and Shaun take a structured, look at Israel’s political system, moving beyond the slogans to analyze the realities shaping the country…
- Boots on the Ground
Restoring Order: Lawlessness in Arab Communities, Iran, and the Haredi Conscription Battle ep 30
In this more combative episode, Ari and Shaun take on three of the most volatile issues facing Israel today. First, they clash over the spiralling murder rate…
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Zionism, Jewish Identity, and Standing up for Israel with Matan Peleg ep29
In this lively, fast-paced episode, Ari and Matan Peleg, Zionist activist, author, and outspoken Israel advocate, trade questions and challenge assumptions in…
- Boots on the Ground
Reflecting the Life of Josh Boone, the Sheepdog from Idaho: Courage, Conviction, and Cost ep 28
In this emotional episode, we reflect on the life of Josh Boone, his philosophy of service, his sacrifice, and why he embraced the role of the “sheepdog”: the…
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Wading Through History: From Tehran to Baghdad, Islam, Power, and the West’s Blind Spots ep27
Imagine a man who witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution from inside Iran, spent nearly 28 years advising multiple U.S. Secretaries of Defense, and later waded…
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When Faith Demands Action: Moshe Glick’s Battle for Jewish Dignity ep 25
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari speaks with Moshe Glick about the role of deep faith in Hashem during moments of profound challenge, and the…
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Maduro Captured: Copying Israeli Success, Iran on Edge, and Israel’s Milk Protests ep25
In this week's episode: Ari breaks down the critical details of Maduro’s capture and what it reveals about Israel’s strategic value to the U.S. Then we look at…
- Boots on the Ground
From Somaliland to New York: Israel’s Politics and Its Place on the World Stage – Ep. 24
Shaun and Ari debate Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland and what it means for regional politics. They examine the challenges of lawlessness among the…
- Boots on the Ground
When Leadership Fails: Blame, Lack of Responsibility, and Political Games ep - 023
In this episode, Shaun and Ari discuss the latest political maneuvering in the Knesset, where new proposals increasingly resemble political theatre, focused…
Boots on the GroundNever Too Late to Serve: Aron Schoenfeld’s Courageous Journey ep 22
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the…
Boots on the GroundThe sheep dog from Idaho protecting the Jewish people, with Josh Boone - Ep 21
In this powerful and personal episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Josh Boone, the “sheep dog from Idaho” whose journey has taken him…
- Boots on the Ground
Judea and Samaria, Chareadi Draft and the postive side of war with Rabbi Ben Packer Ep 20
In this episode, Ari sits down with Rabbi Ben Packer for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about the critical role of the farms in Judea and Samaria in…
- Boots on the Ground
Hasbarah Is Not the Answer: Changing the Conversation on Israel- ep 19
For decades, Israel’s supporters have invested enormous effort into hasbarah, the attempt to “explain” Israel to the world. Yet time and again, this strategy…
- Boots on the Ground
Political Indecision and Failures of Leadership with Chaim Brenner ep 18
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Haim Brenner for a hard-hitting conversation on the failures of political leadership and…
- Boots on the Ground
Law, Morality, and the IDF: A Conversation with Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch Ep 17
In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch, former Military Advocate General of Judea and Samaria, for…
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Ballots and Battles: Possibilities and Predictions for Israel’s Political Future. ep 16
In this special episode of Boots on the Ground, recorded from afar with Shaun still on reserve duty and Ari travelling in the U.S., we unpack the growing talk…
- Boots on the Ground
Free Speech, Service, and Israel’s Future with Brig. Gen. Dannny Van Buren (Res.) - ep 015
Host Ari Kalker sits down with Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Buren, founder of Nikra’im LaDegel (“Called to the Flag”), for a powerful and deeply…
- Boots on the Ground
Home at Last: Celebration and Uncertainty - ep 014
Hope fills the air as hostages finally return home and families are reunited in scenes of profound relief and joy. Across Israel, there is a sense of…
- Boots on the Ground
Israel on All Fronts: Borders, Diplomacy, and a Trump-Netanyahu Meeting - 012
In this episode, we break down the latest developments on Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. We also dive into the recent meeting between Prime…
- Boots on the Ground
From Service to Reservist: How Combat Duty Shapes Professional and Personal Life in Israel – ep 011
Ari sits down with Master Sergeant (Res.) Haim Brenner to explore the realities of life as a combat soldier in the IDF and how military service shapes the…
- Boots on the Ground
Aryeh Adventures: Honoring Legacy Through Inclusion and Resilience - ep 010
Ari sits down with Yoni Glatt to share the moving story of Aryeh Adventures, a camp founded in memory of Yoni’s uncle, who was tragically murdered in the 9/11…
- Boots on the Ground
A Commander’s Vision for Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Colonel Hezi Nehama - ep 009
In this powerful episode, Ari sits down with Colonel Hezi Nehama, a legendary IDF commander whose service began in Sayeret Matkal, the army’s most elite unit…
- Boots on the Ground
From Victory to Stalemate: Israel’s Tactical Brilliance, Strategic Failure - ep008
Ari and Shaun pull no punches in dissecting the gap between Israel’s brave soldiers, who continue to dominate tactically on the battlefield in Gaza, and the…
Boots on the GroundBeyond the Beef: Feeding Body, Fueling Spirit - ep007
In this uplifting episode, Ari speaks with Etan and Malkie about a unique and powerful way of supporting Israeli soldiers in the field: Beef jerky!. Far beyond…
- Boots on the Ground
Beyond the Uniform: Duty, Nation, Destiny, and the Journey Within - ep006
In this heartfelt episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari and Shaun reflect on their ongoing reserve duty, moving between borders and battlefronts. They speak…
- Boots on the Ground
War, Faith, and Aliyah: The Choice to Come Home - ep005
Ari sits down with Marc Rosenberg, Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B’Nefesh, for a powerful conversation about Aliyah during one of the most…
- Boots on the Ground
Drafted or Doomed? The Ultra-Orthodox, Israeli Politics, and the Leadership We Need - ep004
Shaun and Ari dive into one of the most contentious debates in Israeli society: the ultra-Orthodox draft. But this isn’t just about military service—it's about…
- Boots on the Ground
Coalition Cracks and Syrian Chaos: Israel’s Balancing Act - ep003
Shaun and Ari discuss the political tremors shaking Israel’s government as the ultra-Orthodox parties exit the coalition, leaving Netanyahu with a fragile grip…
- Boots on the Ground
Deals, Deadlocks, and Draft Cards - ep002
Following Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, Shaun and Ari go head-to-head over the limits of any possible hostage deal. What are the short-term gains—and what…
Boots on the GroundRelaunch as "Boots on the Ground Podcast" - ep001
Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and…
- Boots on the Ground
The Iranian Nuclear Question: Strike, Deal, or Delay? STRIKE......
Ari talks with Or Yissachar (IDSF) about the ticking clock on Iran’s nuclear program. Can diplomacy stop it—or is a strike inevitable? They cover U.S.-Israel…
- Boots on the Ground
Hearts vs. Strategy: Israel's Hostage Dilemma
While the IDF continues battling Hamas in Gaza, there are constant rumblings about an imminent ceasefire and hostage deal. Shaun and Ari tackle ask the issue…
- Boots on the Ground
Ari in America: Conversations That Matter
In this episode: Ari returns from a whirlwind speaking tour across the United States and shares powerful stories from the road. From synagogues to student…
- Boots on the Ground
From Gaza to QatarGate: Netanyahu, Shin Bet, Independence and the Weight of War
As the Gaza war drags on and Netanyahu faces yet another scandal, Shaun and Ari break down a week of reckoning. They dive into the QatarGate controversy…
- Boots on the Ground
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Shaun & Ari on Israeli Politics, Gaza, Protests, and Bold Predictions
In this episode, Shaun and Ari dive into the most pressing political and social issues shaping Israel today. We examine the stability of Netanyahu’s…
- Boots on the Ground
From Socialism to Startups: The Evolution of Israel’s Economy
Shaun and Ari discuss the fascinating transformation of Israel’s economy—from its early socialist foundations, dominated by kibbutzim and government-controlled…
- Boots on the Ground
Follow the Funds: Foreign Influence & Overseas Money in Israeli Protests
Shaun and Ari discuss the hidden players and behind-the-scenes funding that have fueled Israel's most significant protest movements over the past two decades…
- Boots on the Ground
500 Days of War – A New Season Begins
Shaun and Ari kick off the new season with a deep dive into the past 500 days of war. In this episode: We reflect on key events, analyze major developments…
- Boots on the Ground
End of Season 1
As season 1 of our podcast draws to a close, we find ourselves called to new responsibilities: Shaun has been called to reserve duty, and Ari will soon follow…
Boots on the GroundOne Year after October 7th. A Generals Vision for Israel's Future
As we mark one year since the outbreak of the war, we bring you a special interview with Brigadier General Amir Avivi. In this insightful conversation, Ari…
Boots on the GroundExploring the Temple Mount – History, Faith, and Politics
In this episode we discuss the complex and multifaceted issue of the Temple Mount. We explore its profound religious significance in Judaism and provide a…