Politics, military, and world events — explained clearly, without the outrage.

Independent analysis, honest conversation, and Biblical encouragement for difficult times. Learn more about the show here.

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This week, I take a closer look at the rapidly escalating war with Iran — and why President Trump’s description of it as “small potatoes” may come back to haunt him. With 18 Americans dead, nearly 800 wounded, Iranian missiles targeting U.S. forces, American strikes on Iran’s oil fleet, and enormous numbers of Patriot interceptors being expended, this conflict is looking increasingly difficult to dismiss as minor. The bigger question may be one nobody can answer yet: Which side can withstand the pressure longer?

Then we turn to Ukraine, where some important developments have been largely buried beneath the Iran headlines. Ukraine has made gains on the battlefield and continued striking Russia’s shadow fleet and other strategically important targets, even as Russia continues brutal missile attacks against Ukrainian cities. I also look at the Trump administration’s latest attempt at diplomacy, the troubling idea of helping Vladimir Putin achieve his “aspirations,” and signs that Putin may not be getting an honest picture of how the war is actually going.

For this week’s Story of Courage, I tell the remarkable story of Rick Rescorla, the Morgan Stanley security chief who prepared thousands of people for an attack on the World Trade Center long before September 11. When that terrible morning finally came, his preparation helped save nearly everyone under his care. Rescorla could have escaped himself. Instead, he went back into the South Tower looking for others and never returned. It’s a reminder that courage isn’t always spontaneous — sometimes it’s built through years of preparation, responsibility, and doing the right thing when nobody else understands why it matters.

Finally, we step away from politics for some Faith & Encouragement. This week, I talk about our need for God, what Christianity actually teaches about salvation, and why being a Christian ultimately isn’t about choosing the right denominational label or somehow becoming good enough. It’s about recognizing our need for forgiveness and putting our faith in what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.

⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered:

* 0:51 — Iran

* 18:04 — Ukraine

* 26:27 — Story of Courage

* 32:04 — Faith & Encouragement

* 38:28 — About the Show and My Mission

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📌 Sources, articles, and clips: [View the complete episode notes on Substack.]

To God be the Glory,

Stan R. Mitchell