
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
28 episodes
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 attacks.The camp’s mission is to make inclusion a lived reality by bringing toget...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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30:57

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. From his early days in Israel’s top special forces to commanding positions across the...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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37:47

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 failures of senior military brass and political leaders, who squander these victories a...
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34:03

Beyond 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 a simple food item, these packages offer true nourishment for both body and soul, pr...
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Episode 7
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49:57
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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 openly about the physical and emotional toll, the moments of fear and pride, and the deep...
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35:09

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 challenging and rapidly changing periods in Israel’s history.They explore the...
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49:05

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 the deeper fractures shaping the country. What role should the Haredi community play...
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40:01

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 on power, and what could come next?They also turn their attention to the esc...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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32:59

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 are the long-term pitfalls?They debate Israel’s red lines, the zero-sum nature of t...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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35:14

Relaunch 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 Identity.In this premiere episode, Shaun and Ari dive into Israel’s most urgent chal...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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41:54

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 coordination, Gulf state fears, campus protests, and what Iran’s ambitions really m...
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34:19

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: Should Israel strike a deal with Hamas to bring the hostages home—or press on to tota...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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27:05

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 centers, he met Jews of all ages and backgrounds—Orthodox and secular, young ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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37:40

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, exploring alleged Qatari connections within Netanyahu’s inner circle, and the abr...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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34:42

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 government, the renewed war in Gaza, and the escalating protests over judicial reform—breaking ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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39:58

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 industries, to becoming the global powerhouse of innovation known as the "Startup Na...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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40:02

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. From the 2000 campaign to withdraw the IDF from Lebanon the 200...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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45:29

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, and set the stage for the discussions ahead. We share our...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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42:12

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. In the wake of the tragedies of October 7, we wanted to finish on a hope...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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4:18

One 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 sits down with General Avivi to explore his strategic vision for a secure and prospe...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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54:18

Exploring 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 historical overview of the area. The discussion includes the diverse religious opinions s...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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36:42

Hostage Negotiations: Unveiling the Complexities and Controversies
In this episode, Shaun and Ari delve into the complex dilemmas of hostage negotiations. They discuss the near-impossible balancing act between political, military, and humanitarian considerations, unpacking the multifaceted challenges faced by ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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25:32

Ari Interviews Avi Kahn: Gaza, Fatherhood and Israel’s Emergency Response Teams
In this powerful episode, Ari sits down with Avi Kahn, who made Aliyah from Columbus, Ohio and served as a Lone Soldier in the IDF’s Paratrooper Brigade. Avi has been on the front lines in the current war, bravely fighting in critical ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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35:26

Shaun's Reflections on army service from October 7th and more
Join Shaun and Ari as they delve into Shaun’s intense journey, beginning with the outbreak of war on October 7th, the emergency call-up, and 160 days of reserve duty. They discuss the abrupt transition from civilian life to military se...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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56:32

October 7th and beyond: Ari’s Frontline Reflections from Gaza
In this episode, Ari introduces us to his life in Israel and his journey through army service. We delve into the events of October 7th, from the moment Ari received his emergency call-up to his deployment in Gaza. Ari will...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:04:48
