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 of new elections in Israel. What scenarios could actually trigger them? From the ongo...

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 inspiring conversation on free speech, democracy, and service — and what they mean for Israel...

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 celebration, songs, tears, and gratitude after months of anguish. Yet even as the ceasefire br...

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 Minister Netanyahu and President Trump,what it means, the possible outcomes, and how it...

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 professional and personal paths of young Israelis. They dive into the ongoing challenges ...

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 attacks.The camp’s mission is to make inclusion a lived reality by bringing toget...

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. From his early days in Israel’s top special forces to commanding positions across the...

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 failures of senior military brass and political leaders, who squander these victories a...

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 a simple food item, these packages offer true nourishment for both body and soul, pr...

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 openly about the physical and emotional toll, the moments of fear and pride, and the deep...

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 challenging and rapidly changing periods in Israel’s history.They explore the...

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 the deeper fractures shaping the country. What role should the Haredi community play...

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 on power, and what could come next?They also turn their attention to the esc...

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 are the long-term pitfalls?They debate Israel’s red lines, the zero-sum nature of t...

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.In this premiere episode, Shaun and Ari dive into Israel’s most urgent chal...

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 coordination, Gulf state fears, campus protests, and what Iran’s ambitions really m...

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: Should Israel strike a deal with Hamas to bring the hostages home—or press on to tota...

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 centers, he met Jews of all ages and backgrounds—Orthodox and secular, young ...

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, exploring alleged Qatari connections within Netanyahu’s inner circle, and the abr...

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 government, the renewed war in Gaza, and the escalating protests over judicial reform—breaking ...

Shaun and Ari discuss the fascinating transformation of Israel’s economy—from its early socialist foundations, dominated by kibbutzim and government-controlled industries, to becoming the global powerhouse of innovation known as the "Startup Na...

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. From the 2000 campaign to withdraw the IDF from Lebanon the 200...

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, and set the stage for the discussions ahead. We share our...

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. In the wake of the tragedies of October 7, we wanted to finish on a hope...

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 sits down with General Avivi to explore his strategic vision for a secure and prospe...