Hamidreza Azizi joins the pod for an emergency episode on the current state of Iran amidst escalating tensions with the United States. Azizi examines the potential for conflict between the two and and offers insights into Iran's internal politics, the role of the IRGC, and the possible repercussions of a U.S. attack.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:46) - Iran's Domestic Situation

(02:44) - US-Iran Tensions and Military Movements

(04:08) - Iran's Response and Internal Dynamics

(09:41) - Potential Scenarios and Outcomes

(28:31) - Iran's Military Capabilities and Strategies

(41:16) - Regional Implications and Global Reactions

(54:33) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Referenced in the Show:

Hamidreza’s Substack - https://www.irananalytica.org/

Middle East Council - https://mecouncil.org/experts_members/hamidreza-azizi/

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe

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The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

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Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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Jacob sits down with agricultural economist Dr. David Kohl to unpack what a brutal downturn in farm profitability reveals about globalization, capital concentration, labor shortages, and long-term economic resilience. The two touch on tariffs, debt, and the limits of export-led growth, and then the conversation widens to examine how technology, demographics, and financial fragility are reshaping both rural America and the national economy.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:56) - Discussion on US Ag Economy

(02:17) - Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture

(07:09) - Land Values and Institutional Investments

(12:24) - Generational Transition in Farming

(18:02) - Export Markets vs. Domestic Focus

(23:03) - Future Trends and Strategic Insights

(25:55) - Venture Capital in Agriculture

(28:09) - Economic Outlook for 2026

(29:21) - The K-Shaped Economy Explained

(31:39) - Impact of AI and Job Cuts

(34:55) - Global Economic Concerns

(41:05) - Technological Advancements in Farming

(49:39) - Financial Literacy and Life Skills

(51:32) - Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

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Referenced in the Show:

Dave Kohl: https://www.farmprogress.com/author/david-kohl

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe

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The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

--

Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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Andrey Sizov, a Black Sea agricultural markets, joins the pod to talk about about why the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global grain trade far less than expected - and why that may be changing. Jacob and Sizov examine recent attacks on shipping, the fragile balance keeping Black Sea exports moving, and how escalation could ripple through wheat, corn, energy markets, and global food security. Of course, they also tie in Iran, China’s commodity buying, and what geopolitical risk really means for global agriculture.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:24) - Black Sea Geopolitics and Agricultural Markets

(01:09) - Technical Issues and Podcast Logistics

(01:45) - Start of the Interview with Andre Coff

(03:27) - Black Sea's Importance in Global Trade

(04:32) - Market Reactions and Historical Context

(06:09) - Recent Developments and Speculations

(13:52) - Prospects for a Deal and Future Outlook

(17:07) - Impact on U.S. Agriculture and Market Sentiments

(23:00) - Turkey's Role in the Black Sea Region

(24:29) - Turkey's Role in the Black Sea

(26:22) - Turkey's Wheat Imports and Black Sea Stability

(28:22) - Sunflower Market Insights

(30:06) - Iran's Political and Economic Challenges

(33:07) - US and Israeli Involvement in Iran

(38:55) - China's Agricultural Trade with the US

(43:13) - Global Grains Trade and Self-Sufficiency

(50:02) - Conclusion and Future Outlook

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Referenced in the Show:

Andrey Sizov's Reports: https://sizov.report/

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe

--

The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

--

Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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