Put Simply

Two weeks into the Israel-U.S. led war on Iran, the consequences are spreading far beyond the battlefield. Oil prices have surged, markets are rattled, and fears are growing over what happens next in the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil. As the death toll rises, Iran continues its attacks across the region, and political leaders offer little clarity on the endgame, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune ask the question on everyone’s mind: is this conflict heading toward de-escalation, or are we only at the beginning of something much bigger?

The US and Israel has launched its largest Middle East operation in two decades but what exactly is the objective? Nuclear deterrence? Regime collapse? Strategic pre-emption? On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune break down Trump’s shifting rhetoric, the risks of escalation, and whether America is drifting toward another prolonged conflict.

Are tensions between Washington and Tehran about to boil over? This week, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune unpack whether conflict with Iran is truly imminent, what Trump’s newly assembled “Board of Peace” signals about US foreign policy, the return of political dynasty politics in Bangladesh, the fate of a former South Korean president, and why Trump’s approval ratings are trailing Biden’s at the same stage of his presidency.

The Jeffrey Epstein files could shake the foundations of European politics and may even cost UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer his job. But across the Atlantic, the scandal has barely caused a ripple. Why? Meanwhile, voters in Japan and Thailand re-elect their incumbents.On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim discuss the global ripple effects of the Epstein revelations, the silence in Washington, and what the latest Asian elections say about the mood of the region.

Donald Trump removes Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, sending shockwaves through Latin America and beyond. Is this the start of a Trump-led global reset? On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack the stunning power shift in Venezuela, explore how Trump pulled it off, and ask what this could mean for the global order moving forward.

Last Sunday, Sydney’s Bondi Beach—one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks—was the scene of unthinkable violence. Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens more. Among the victims: a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor.On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim speak with David Imber—a communications professional and member of Australia’s Jewish community—about the rise of antisemitism, the failures of prevention, and what comes next for a nation in mourning.

In this penultimate episode, we peel back the layers of the legal fallout surrounding the X-Press Pearl disaster. From jurisdictional battles to compensation claims, our hosts Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim trace the intricate web of lawsuits, investigations, and political pressure that followed in the wake of the spill.

In the second episode of our four-part special on the X-Press Pearl incident, Sri Lanka’s maritime disaster, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim take a hard look at the official reports that followed the spill, as well as the environmental toll taken by a leaking toxic cargo.

Five hours of high-stakes diplomacy in Moscow end with no deal on Ukraine, as Vladimir Putin rejects parts of a US-backed peace plan. Back in Washington, President Trump launches a xenophobic tirade against immigrants, shocking even longtime observers of his rhetoric. Meanwhile, Republicans narrowly hold onto a key congressional seat in Tennessee, and mass protests force Bulgaria’s government to scrap a controversial budget plan. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack a week of failed peace, political firestorms, and public fury.

In the first of a four-part special series, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim deep dive into one of the worst maritime disasters in Sri Lanka’s history: a catastrophe that, at every stage, could have been prevented. From the first sparks on board to the fallout still unfolding today, this series breaks down what happened, why it happened, and what it reveals about the systems meant to keep our oceans safe.

A US-brokered peace deal in Ukraine looks closer than ever – but will it hold? Meanwhile, Donald Trump faces mounting legal and political trouble at home, and Myanmar claims it’s ready for elections next month. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack the headlines shaping the global stage.

On this week’s Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune dive into the political firestorm over the Epstein files—why Congress is suddenly united, how Trump’s name keeps popping up, and what it all means for his MAGA base. They also break down MBS’s $1 trillion power play in Washington, Trump’s billion-dollar war with the BBC, and the brewing storm between China and Japan over Taiwan.

Is the trade war between the US and China finally coming to an end? On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack Trump’s surprisingly smooth Asia tour and the signals it sends to Beijing. Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani is on track to become New York City’s next mayor—what does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party? And in Europe, Dutch voters swing toward the center-left in a result that’s reshaping political expectations across the continent.

Prince Andrew’s past returns to haunt him, Trump faces dissent on the streets, and Gaza’s fragile peace shatters once more. On Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune explore how personal legacies, public anger, and political missteps are shaping global headlines.

A fragile ceasefire is holding in Gaza — but is a lasting peace even possible? Meanwhile, Donald Trump faces political troubles at home. And in Japan, politics is in flux. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack the week’s geopolitical turns.

Donald Trump claims he’s secured a peace deal in the Middle East, but can it hold? James Comey reappears as National Guard troops hit the streets in a politically charged America. Japan edges closer to a historic moment with the possibility of its first female Prime Minister. And in the Czech Republic, a billionaire businessman sweeps to victory. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack the week’s major global stories.

America’s government grinds to a halt, raising the question: who caves first? Trump and Netanyahu pitch a plan for Gaza peace, Keir Starmer fights to hold onto power in the UK, and Moldova delivers an election shocker. All while the Czech Republic gears up for a vote. On this week’s Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim analyze it all.

On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune discuss the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination and Trump’s rally-style memorial speech, the growing wave of international recognition for Palestine as a sovereign state, and Trump’s latest controversial claim linking autism to paracetamol.Joining the podcast this week is special guest Hamzah Zaid, a former member of the Prime Minister's Office in Singapore and Berkeley scholar.

On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune are joined by CT Group's Mark Domitrak to unpack the global reaction to the killing of Charlie Kirk and what it says about the fractured state of politics today. They turn to the UK, where Elon Musk warns a rally that “violence is coming,” and ask whether Keir Starmer’s government is unraveling over Lord Peter Mandelson.

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack the shocking assassination of American political figure Charlie Kirk, Poland’s unprecedented decision to shoot down Russian drones with NATO support, Israel’s deadly strikes in Doha that have rattled Qatar’s mediation role, and the growing wave of protests shaking Nepal.

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the eruption of deadly protests in Indonesia, where anger over corruption and austerity has spiralled into nationwide unrest. They turn to Beijing, where Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are showcasing an unprecedented alliance on the sidelines of the SCO meeting. In the US, Rudy Giuliani survives a car crash just before receiving a presidential medal, while Donald Trump signals plans to deploy troops in Chicago. And lawmakers in California and Texas are at the heart of a fierce political showdown that could reshape Washington’s balance of power.

Can Donald Trump escape the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein? This week, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack Trump’s lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over claims he penned a letter for Epstein’s 50th birthday. They also break down results from Japan’s national elections and debate whether the UK should lower the voting age to 16.

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack the latest Jeffrey Epstein revelations shaking the Trump orbit and the growing divide within the MAGA movement. They also ask: is the long-running bromance between Trump and Putin finally over? Plus, new tariffs are in the pipeline, and Cameroon's 92-year-old president seeks another term.

On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack the ethical dilemmas surrounding the proposed “Gaza Riviera” project linked to the Tony Blair Institute and BCG. They examine Donald Trump’s return to tariff threats as he’s nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Israel’s leader, and they ask: what should we make of Elon Musk launching his own political party?

Did Donald Trump once again make a global crisis about himself? Could Zohran Mamdani be the fresh voice the Democrats desperately need? And what’s really behind Elon Musk’s latest political move? This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the drama around Trump and the Israel-Iran conflict, explore Mamdani’s growing influence, and ask whether Musk’s rumored new party is serious politics or just another disruption.

US President Donald Trump inserted his country into the conflict between Israel and Iran, and after 12 days of intense military action on both sides, claims that a ceasefire has now being achieved. On this week's episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim unpack the momentous events of the last two weeks.

Israel and Iran exchange missile fire in the most dangerous escalation in years. A chilling manhunt in Minnesota ends with the arrest of a suspect in the killing of two Democratic lawmakers. Trump celebrates his birthday with a military parade. And G7 leaders meet in Canada as war and political division continue to dominate global headlines. This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack the chaos.

Donald Trump sends troops into Los Angeles, but was it a smart political move? His high-profile friendship with Elon Musk comes to a dramatic end. And on the global stage, the war between Russia and Ukraine takes a dangerous new turn. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune break down the power plays and provocations shaping the world.

Joe Biden is diagnosed with cancer, but that’s not the real scandal. A bombshell new book accuses top Democrats of orchestrating a broad cover-up about the President’s declining mental fitness — and keeping the public in the dark. Meanwhile, Donald Trump returns from a high-stakes Middle East tour looking more like a statesman than a showman. And elections in Portugal, Poland, and Romania point to a shifting political map in Europe. This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the cover-up claims, Trump’s international reset, and the ballots reshaping the continent.

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack a global mix of politics and power plays: elections in the Philippines and Romania, the Catholic Church welcomes a new pope, the U.S. and China move closer to resolving their tariff war, and Donald Trump faces scrutiny over a luxury jet gift from Qatar’s royal family.

Australia’s Labor Party scores a defining and historic win in a landmark election. But it’s a far bleaker picture for Labour in the UK, suffering heavy losses in local councils as Reform UK surges back into relevance. Meanwhile, Singapore and Romania head to the polls with crucial votes of their own. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack what these elections reveal about shifting political tides across continents, with special guest David Imber from Australia.

Canada rejects Trump-style politics as the Liberals return to power on an anti-Trump platform. Australia braces for its own high-stakes election. Singapore heads to the polls, and the panel dissects Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune, as well as special guest Gavin Ryan, break down the political shifts playing out across the globe.

On this week's episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim discuss why the likes of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are obsessed with being in politics. Also: Trump says he's looking forward to the Pope's funeral, backs down on China tariffs, Canada heads to the polls and the UK's highest court rules on the definition of a woman.

On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack a blistering week in global politics. Harvard pushes back against White House demands—and loses $2.2 billion in funding. President Trump and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele stage a surreal Oval Office performance amid defiance of a Supreme Court ruling. Trump blames Zelensky for starting the Ukraine war just after a deadly Russian missile strike. Plus, we break down the chaos around US tariffs and the UK government’s last-ditch effort to save British steel.

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune unpack a tense moment in global politics. With Trump’s tariffs set to hit and markets on edge, the US president digs in — even as allies urge caution. Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran are set for high-level nuclear talks. And in France, far-right figure Marine Le Pen rails against a court ruling banning her from office. Is it justice — or a political takedown? All that and more, broken down simply.

On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim unpack the chaos inside Donald Trump’s national security team after a Signal group chat leaked sensitive military strike plans on Yemen...to a journalist. JD Vance heads to Greenland amid outrage over U.S. intentions toward the island, reigniting questions about American ambitions in the Arctic. Plus, Canada and Australia gear up for elections, but how much sway will Trump’s second presidency have on allies abroad?

This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim break down Conor McGregor’s headline-grabbing visit to the White House, where he met with Donald Trump—fueling speculation about his political future. Meanwhile, Trump prepares to speak with Putin about a Ukraine ceasefire, even as Israel’s assault on Gaza shatters peace efforts in the Middle East. And Canada’s new prime minister embarks on a global tour—what’s the strategy behind his first major diplomatic move?

A 30-day ceasefire brings a rare moment of calm to Ukraine, but will it last? Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs are back, the U.S. economy shows signs of a possible recession, and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is headed to The Hague to face trial. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the biggest global stories.

This week on Put Simply, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day with a special guest, Singapore Rugby 7s national athlete Jayne Chan. From breaking stereotypes on the field to pushing for greater representation in sports, Jayne shares her journey, challenges, and the future of women’s rugby. She joins Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim for this special episode of Put Simply.

A meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States is being called a historic turning point—but in which direction? Meanwhile, US tariffs spark fresh economic tensions, and Germany’s elections come to a close. This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the biggest global stories.

Ukraine is left out of peace negotiations—can real progress be made without them? Donald Trump has been in power for four weeks—what’s changed, and what’s next? And as Germany heads toward elections, who stands the best chance of winning? On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim break it all down.

Is the U.S. heading for a constitutional crisis? Political tensions in Washington reach new heights, while the Philippines faces fresh turmoil with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment. Meanwhile, Romania’s president resigns just before an impeachment vote. This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the biggest stories shaking global politics.

Is Trump’s tariff war a smart political move or just economic self-sabotage? This week on Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the latest in global politics: Germany heads to the polls in a crucial election, JD Vance sparks debate over what constitutes a “low” IQ, and Brexit uncertainty rears its head once again in the UK.

China is making bold moves in AI with the launch of DeepSeek, a homegrown rival to OpenAI. What does that mean for the U.S. under Donald Trump? On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune break down the biggest stories shaping global politics and technology.

Donald Trump is back in the White House, and the world is buzzing with questions about what his second term will bring. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune dive into what Trump’s return means for the U.S. and the globe. From domestic policy shifts to international diplomacy, we unpack the strategies, challenges, and surprises ahead.

What made 2024 such a strange and unforgettable year? Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim, and Rodney McCune dive into the $600 million weddings that made headlines, the LinkedIn cringe that bored us all, and the fiery emotions that flared up along the way. No U.S. election mentions here, just the best (and weirdest) of the year that was.

On this week's episode, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune discuss the fall of the al-Assad regime in Syria, the latest in South Korea and Romania, and whether Joe Biden was right to pardon his son Hunter.

More than 2 million people demand a re-run of the UK election. Netanyahu faces a warrant for war crimes. Ireland heads to the polls. Trump begins assembling his team. And a tragic case of alcohol poisoning shocks Laos. On this week’s episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune, and Ozan Ibrisim break down the week’s biggest global stories.

Is Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election the greatest political comeback ever? On this week's episode of Put Simply, Erdem Koch, Rodney McCune and Ozan Ibrisim discuss the incredible Republican win that not even the President-elect expected.

Donald Trump could be Kamala Harris's vice-president, if the electoral college is tied in the US election next week.Sounds ridiculous to even contemplate, right? Well it's one conclusion our hosts got to on Put Simply this week, after trying to predict the outcome of the race to the White House. This week, Erdem Koch, Ozan Ibrisim and Rodney McCune are also joined by Alex Tarascio from Cyngal, a polling firm in Washington D.C. that was named as the most accurate pollster in the country by the New York Times.