Dad, Did We Just Break America?

Ira Kohler, Once A Paratrooper (part one)

This week, we're joined by Ira Kohler. Raised on Long Island, Ira chose to move to Israel, enlist in the IDF, and serve as a paratrooper. In Part One of our conversation, he shares the journey that led him there, what it was really like to serve in the IDF, his firsthand account of October 7, and what it was like spending more than 100 days fighting in Gaza. His memoir, Once a Paratrooper, is an extraordinary account of that journey, written with a rare kind of honesty... often brutal, always thoughtful, and deeply human. This is Part One of a two-part conversation. Join us next week as our conversation with Ira continues. Home | Onceaparatrooper [https://www.irakohler.com/] Once A Paratrooper, available wherever books are sold Find and keep up with Ira: @irakohler Home | Onceaparatrooper [https://www.irakohler.com/] Events/Speaking Engagements: Speaking Engagements | Onceaparatrooper [https://www.irakohler.com/general-5]

America at 250: Never Perfect. Still Worth Celebrating.

After 250 years, how is the American experiment holding up? On the eve of America's 250th birthday, Skylar and Corey take a step back from the headlines to reflect on the country itself. Would the Founding Fathers recognize the nation they created? Why have so many Americans become reluctant to say they're proud of their country? And when did patriotism start feeling like something people have to apologize for? Together, Skylar and Corey explore what it means to be American in 2026, the values that have held the country together for nearly two and a half centuries, and whether those ideals can still unite us today. Along the way, they wrestle with the tensions, contradictions, and challenges that come with loving a country that has never been perfect but has always aspired to be better. As America celebrates 250 years, this conversation isn't just about our past. It's about whether we still believe in the promise that made America worth celebrating in the first place.

When Did This Become Acceptable?: One Controversy. A Much Bigger Question

How much should we expect from the people we elect to lead us? This episode was inspired by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's remarks describing AIPAC and its supporters as "monsters," but the conversation quickly becomes about something much larger. Skylar and Corey ask whether we've crossed a line in American politics; stopping our expectation that elected officials should represent the best of us and instead accepting behavior we would once have considered unacceptable from any public leader. The discussion explores the long history of antisemitism, from medieval blood libels to the ways similar narratives reappear in modern political discourse. They examine why rhetoric matters, why public officials have a heightened responsibility for the words they choose, and whether repeating or legitimizing centuries-old stereotypes, regardless of intent, falls below the minimum standard citizens should expect from those entrusted with public office. But this conversation isn't only about Jews. It's about the precedent we set when a mayor feels comfortable using dehumanizing language about any community. If society accepts rhetoric that portrays one group as inherently sinister or monstrous because they're politically unpopular, what prevents that standard from being applied to others tomorrow? Skylar and Corey explore the difference between passionate political disagreement and language that strips people of their humanity, asking whether we've become so accustomed to inflammatory politics that we've forgotten what responsible leadership looks like. Join the conversation as they examine the role of public officials, the consequences of normalizing dehumanizing rhetoric, and why maintaining standards for those in power matters…not just for one community, but for the health of democracy itself.

The Cost of Convenience: When Easy Becomes Normal

A few hours before recording, Skylar paid extra to have spicy tuna crispy rice delivered. When Corey found out, he reacted the way only a father can: by questioning modern society, convenience culture, and whether he had somehow failed as a parent. That simple decision sparked a much bigger conversation. This week, Skylar and Corey discuss how convenience has become one of the defining features of modern life. From food delivery apps and ride shares to the expectation that almost everything should be available instantly, they explore how technology has transformed our relationship with time, effort, and everyday responsibilities. Why are we so willing to pay more to do less? When did convenience stop being a luxury and become an expectation? And what does that say about the way we live today? Along the way, an old inside joke between Skylar and Corey unexpectedly resurfaces, leading to the mildly unsettling realization that this father-daughter dynamic may have been preparing for a podcast long before either of them realized it. Join Skylar and Corey for a conversation about convenience, technology, family, and the small everyday choices that reveal a lot about the world we've built, how we've changed, and how we have stayed exactly the same.

Has New York Found Itself Again? What the Knicks mean to a City That's Been Waiting Decades

As the NBA Finals captivate the country and the New York Knicks find themselves at the center of the sports world, one thing has become clear: people are hungry for a shared victory. In this episode, Skylar and Corey explore why the Knicks' playoff run has become about more than basketball. As New Yorkers rally behind their team, the city is experiencing something increasingly rare: a moment of collective excitement, hope, and unity. For a few hours, politics, culture wars, and everyday frustrations take a back seat to something everyone can celebrate together. We discuss why sports continue to hold such a unique place in society, serving as one of the last spaces where people from different backgrounds can cheer for the same outcome. We also break down the staggering odds of becoming a professional athlete and what makes these players some of the rarest talents in the world. Most importantly, we examine why moments like these matter. A single game can reconnect us to childhood memories, create a sense of belonging, and remind us that beneath our differences, we often want many of the same things: connection, purpose, community, and hope. Join Skylar and Corey for a conversation about sports, society, and the power of collective joy. Because sometimes a city; and perhaps a country, needs more than a win. It needs a shared sense of hope, a shared sense of purpose, and above all, a shared victory. Especially New Yorkers.