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"What we take for granted is opportunity. Opportunity is just the door being open. Once it's open, you're going to have challenges. But the door is open." Meet Norman Randolph, from Randolph's Shoe Care Service in Hightstown, New Jersey, the man who sees your soul through your shoes. From repairing a diabetic woman's shoes in an emergency to navigating racial perceptions in corporate offices, this episode explores the life of a man who built a legacy with his hands. In this episode: Why the condition of your heels reveals your personality. How he turned a 70/30 split with dry cleaners into a passive income empire. The incredible story of the "Gumball Machine" that proved humanity transcends class. Why "Old School" responsibility is the only marketing strategy you need. An episode for anyone who wants to know what it takes to walk through the door when it finally opens. 

Recorded live in New York City, this Back in America conversation goes straight at a taboo: employment protection for highly paid engineers. Tech entrepreneur and author Oliver Coste argues that strict dismissal rules in countries like France and Germany make it slow and costly to stop failing projects, which blocks the pivots that fuel disruptive innovation. Coste contrasts Meta’s rapid post–ChatGPT restructuring with SAP’s constraints, explains why Europe dominates incremental industries but lags in high-failure-rate tech, and lays out a flexicurity fix modeled on Denmark and Switzerland. We dig into profit dynamics, brain drain myths, and what happens to Europe’s economy by 2030 if nothing changes. If you care about Europe’s next decade, this one is blunt, data-driven, and hard to ignore.

Dr. Jon Edwards, ICCF Grandmaster and the 32nd World Correspondence Chess Champion, lays out how elite players win by working alongside AI. He explains why openings run on massive databases, how seven piece tablebases end many debates, and where humans still outplay engines in long, fixed pawn structures. Edwards walks through a months long plan to shift a single pawn, the kind of patient maneuvering neural nets miss. He shares the tech behind his home server, training custom neural nets on top correspondence games, and using ChessBase with open databases. We talk Princeton, Bell Labs, and a Sicilian idea that jumped from correspondence boards to classical prep. Edwards closes with fast learning tactics, why a broad liberal arts education still matters in the AI era, and a clear stance on truth in a noisy world. Wikipedia Teach Yourself Visually Chess 

In 1944, a young Black GI shot a white lieutenant on the Ledo Road—and vanished. Months later, Herman Perry reappeared deep in the Indo-Burma jungle, living with a Naga headhunter village, married to the chief’s daughter, speaking the language, and rumored as the “jungle king.” Journalist Brendan I. Koerner, author of Now the Hell Will Start, retraces the greatest manhunt of World War II and the system that pushed Perry to the brink: segregated units, brutal stockades, disease, drugs, and a boondoggle road project that washed away within a year. We dig into how a footnote sent Koerner across archives and mountains—FOIA files, an MP’s long-lost booklet, and a journey along the remains of the Ledo Road. He explains Perry’s mental collapse, his improbable reinvention among the Naga, the Army’s relentless pursuit, and the execution that followed. We also talk about Spike Lee’s option of the book, the missing child Perry fathered in the hills, and what this story reveals about America—race, authority, and who pays for decisions made far from the ground. If you’re into WWII true crime, untold Black military history, and field reporting that smells of mud, opium, and monsoon, this one pulls you upriver. Follow, rate, and share with anyone who thinks they’ve already heard every WWII story. They haven’t.

Is our education system ready for AI—or still grading with yesterday’s rules? In this episode of Back in America, Stan talks with Shahid, an award-winning fractional CTO and CISO with 35+ years in regulated industries, from medical devices to federal health tech. He argues that AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a colleague, a co-student, and a force multiplier—if teachers and teams learn context engineering and treat AI as a companion. We dig into: AI in education: hyper-personalized learning, teacher workflows, and why schools must let students “pair program” with AI.Hiring in the AI era: why entry-level jobs are shrinking, how juniors can win by mastering prompts and fundamentals, and the risk of skipping a generation of talent.Safety and ethics: lessons from life-or-death medical device software, where reliability, empathy, and human oversight matter.Parents & teachers: practical ways to co-work with AI without abdicating judgment. Clear take: AI can elevate learning and work—if humans stay in the loop and standards stay high.

In this episode of Back in America, I sit down with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, to talk about the state of press freedom in America and beyond. From the decline of local journalism to the rise of AI in newsrooms, we explore the paradox of living in an age of information abundance while losing access to trustworthy reporting. Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape. The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power. World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zoneshttps://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/ Revitalizing America’s News Desertshttps://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/

“Leave all your hope, family, and dreams behind.” That’s the banner Darryl Burton saw when he first walked into Missouri State Penitentiary—infamously known as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.” He was 22. He was innocent. In this episode of Back in America, Darryl shares his extraordinary story: how a false accusation, coached jailhouse informants, and prosecutorial misconduct stole nearly 25 years of his life. With no DNA, no weapon, no motive—and no justice—Darryl was sentenced to life without parole for a crime he didn’t commit. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Princeton, NJ, based Centurion, the pioneering innocence organization, Darryl was finally exonerated. But his story didn’t end there. He founded Miracle of Innocence, a nonprofit helping other wrongfully convicted individuals reclaim their lives—legally, emotionally, and spiritually. As Darryl says, “It’s a miracle to get out of prison. Now, we work to create more miracles.” Contact & Support Learn more or donate: www.miracleofinnocence.org  / Centurion  Personal site: www.darrylburton.org Books that Inspired Darryl in Prison Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklThe Autobiography of Malcolm XLong Walk to Freedom by Nelson MandelaStride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.The Bible — especially Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

In this episode, Stan speaks with Prof. Maurice Wallace of Rutgers University about the enduring impact of James Baldwin, the evolution of Black American vernacular, and the complex relationship America has with its history of slavery and race. Prof. Wallace explores Baldwin’s profound influence on his own academic journey, how language and sound shape Black cultural identity, and why America continues to struggle with the legacy of emancipation, mass incarceration, and systemic inequality. Through insights into literature, photography, and the “Black modernist soundscape,” this conversation reveals deeper truths about America’s culture, values, and identity. Recommended reading from Prof. Wallace: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Listen and subscribe to explore what makes America, America

For over a century, a small group of dedicated cowboys has upheld a fading American tradition: the Highwood Mountains cattle roundup. In this episode of Back in America, we explore Only Roundup Remains, a documentary capturing the grit, camaraderie, and deep generational ties that keep this way of life alive. Filmmakers Brian Liu and Andrew Labens, alongside the cowboys themselves, share their journey of documenting this historic event, the challenges they faced, and the profound reflections on a changing America. From saddle sores to late-night campfire discussions, this is a rare glimpse into a vanishing world where pride, skill, and endurance define the men who refuse to let their heritage slip away. Tune in to hear their stories, their struggles, and why, for these cowboys, the roundup is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. Watch the documentary trailer on YouTube. Follow Only Roundup Remains on Facebook & Instagram for updates. And don’t forget to subscribe to Back in America for more thought-provoking stories. Only Roundup Remains Watch on Amazon Prime  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyroundupremainsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyroundupremains/

A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America. Key Topics Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration. In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge. Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.

What does the First Amendment mean in a modern, diverse America? In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot speaks with Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author with over 20 years of experience across U.S. administrations. Thames, who served as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, unpacks the historical roots and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in the United States. From the First Amendment’s foundational promise of freedom of religion to the complexities of pluralism in a globalized world, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of protecting the rights of all religious minorities. Thames also reflects on his book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, offering insights into how the U.S. can lead by example in a world grappling with religious intolerance. #ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities,  #HumanRightsAbroad

Host Stan Berteloot welcomes Coco Kee, entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast. Coco shares her journey from studying literature and theater at Peking University to becoming a leading figure in cryptocurrency. Coco discusses on the 2024 U.S. elections and offers a unique perspectives on theChinese-American voters.Exploration of the surprising connections between politics and cryptocurrency.Coco opens up about her experiences as an immigrant and how her arts background shaped her approach to technology and business.Insights on how regulatory changes under different U.S. administrations have impacted the cryptocurrency industry.Explanation of Bitcoin's resurgence linked to political shifts and China's stance on crypto, addressing capital control vs. decentralization.Discussion on the convergence of AI and blockchain and how it could decentralize computing power and data ownership, counteracting big tech monopolies.Practical advice for crypto beginners, including ETFs as a safe entry point into digital currencies.Reflection on Coco’s political awakening after the 2016 election and her views on opportunities and freedoms in the U.S.An eye-opening discussion bridging global perspectives, emerging technologies, and a decentralized future.About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.

In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot sits down with David Reaboi, a national security expert, media analyst, and Claremont Institute Fellow, known for his incisive takes on political warfare and influence operations. Dubbed a “right-wing Twitter pugilist” by Politico, David shares his unique perspective on some of the most contentious issues shaping the United States today. We discuss his views on Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and the evolving dynamics of federalism. David offers his candid take on January 6, the role of political violence, and how America’s fractured unity might lead to a breaking point. Our conversation also explores Hungary’s role as a beacon for some conservatives, the influence of figures like Elon Musk, and whether America needs to reconcile its history of slavery and Native American displacement. David provides a window into his worldview, shaped by his upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and career at the intersection of national security and political commentary.

Cia analyst interview with Host Stan Berteloot welcomes David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling author. They discuss David's career in intelligence, focusing on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. David shares insights on current conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.The role of intelligence services in global crises is explored.They delve into the challenges of understanding the world through both personal and professional experiences.David's transition from CIA officer to writing thrillers like The 7th Floor and Damascus Station is examined.The conversation explores how David's experiences shaped his novels and how writing became a form of healing and discovery.Topics include politics, intelligence work, and the American perspective on global issues.David shares how he crafts his books, stressing the importance of connecting with experts and real-life experiences for authenticity.He reveals his goals as a writer, focusing on keeping readers engaged and offering a deeper understanding of the CIA’s culture and operations.On a personal note, David reflects on the idea of America as a dynamic, open society that welcomes all to contribute, regardless of background.The episode is a compelling conversation about storytelling, global geopolitics, and the American ideal.About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront. His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found here To learn more about David visit his website

In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot explores the extraordinary life of Tom Peine, who left a corporate career in Germany to become a deputy sheriff in the deserts of Arizona. At 40, Tom stepped into an entirely new world, navigating America’s complex gun culture, immigration, and race dynamics from the front lines of law enforcement. His story challenges assumptions about identity, resilience, and belonging in America. Join us for a conversation on the twists and tensions of Tom’s unique journey—and what it really means to protect and serve as an outsider on the inside. Tom's book: Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona