Russia, We Have a Problem

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. 👉 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. Podcast hub — all platforms This week, we start with a reminder that where you begin doesn’t have to determine where you finish — through the remarkable story of Ann-Marie Campbell, who started as a Home Depot cashier and worked her way into the highest levels of the company. Then we move quickly through some of the week’s biggest stories: the Houthis’ dramatic advances in Yemen and what they could mean for the Red Sea and the wider Iran war; the Federal Reserve raising interest rates as inflation remains stubborn; the enormous potential cost of President Trump’s proposed $5,000 dividend checks; and another strange week in Congress. But the main story this week is Russia. Federal prosecutors say a Russian intelligence-linked network was willing to pay someone to assassinate a Russian dissident here in the United States. Meanwhile, new reporting raises questions about Russian intelligence support for Iran, and Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to push dangerously close to NATO. Taken together, these stories deserve far more attention than they’re getting. Then we step away from the ugliness for this week’s Story of Courage: the incredible story of Nicholas Bostic, a 25-year-old pizza delivery driver who saw a burning house, ran inside, rescued four children — and then went back into the flames when he learned a six-year-old girl was still trapped. Finally, we close with Faith & Encouragement — talking about prayer, the danger of becoming too attached to this world, what it means to actually look like Christ, and why opening the Bible for yourself can change everything. ⏱️ Timestamps / main stories covered: * 0:56 — Yes, a lot has changed and it’s tough to make it, but here’s proof anyone can make it. * 5:38 — The Iran War just got way worse. * 8:20 — The Fed raises interest rates for the first time in three years. Here’s what that means for you. * 13:24 — Russia, we’ve got a problem. * 17:59 — Story of courage. * 23:12 — Faith & Encouragement * 31:17 — About the Show and My Mission If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone who would benefit — and consider leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify. That small action helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners. 📌 Sources, articles, and clips: [View the complete episode notes on Substack.] Proof anyone can make it! From cashier to multi-millionaire! Story of Courage Before we get to the faith section, I want to leave you with something good. Because for all the ugliness we talk about on this show, there are still people who step forward when everyone else steps back. People who do the hard thing. The dangerous thing. The right thing. And those stories are worth remembering. This week’s Story of Courage is about Nicholas L. Bostic. Faith notes: Faith reminder: Real peace isn’t found in a country, a party, or an earthly leader. It’s found in God. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Bible resource page here. Or my podcast that focuses solely on faith called The Search for God. Dealing with depression, PTSD, or thoughts of suicide? Please listen to this. Support the show: If you’d like to support the show, you can become a free or paid subscriber here on Substack, or support me on Patreon. You can also send a one-time gift via Venmo or PayPal. My goals are simple: more unity for our country, less anger (and fear) in the news, and a steady reminder that though we live in a noisy world, we all need God in our lives. Questions or Comments: Email me at [email protected]. Include your first name and city if you’d like your message possibly included in a future episode. Short voice memos are welcome (and preferred). To God be the Glory, Stan R. Mitchell Books: I write compelling stories that matter — about courage, faith, and the fight for what’s right. I’ve written twelve fast-paced thrillers, with more than 70,000 copies sold. My military and political thrillers are similar to those written by Vince Flynn and Jack Carr, while my police thrillers are similar to Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series. All these book are available on Amazon. (Paid link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stanrmitchell.substack.com/subscribe