Between the Presets

New Year for Trees, Fighting Scammers and Saving Democracy

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Between the Presets" with Rudy Stettner. This week, dive into the significance of Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for trees, and explore how it plays a role in daily customs and traditions. Enjoy Rudy's amusing encounters with exotic fruits, including the notoriously pungent "Mournthal", and learn how to navigate the pitfalls of modern scams, from fraudulent phone calls to online fraud.Rudy also takes a deep dive into the realm of dubious ideologies, discussing the perils of Marxism, spiritual scams, and the importance of maintaining faith in a complex world. Explore Rudy's thoughts on the civic landscape, as he advocates for voter ID laws and discusses the pressing need for true freedom of the press amidst judicial activism. Be well informed, vigilant, and ready to protect your rights.

Lessons From the Former Yugoslavia and President Teump's Path Ahead

Join Rudy Stettner as he delves into the complex and rich heritage of his Eastern European ancestors, reflecting on the impact of the Yugoslav Wars on his family and outlook. With a personal narrative that intertwines family history with broader cultural and political insights, Rudy discusses the profound lessons that history teaches us.
The episode also explores the unique perspective brought to the White House by Melania Trump, hailing from the former Yugoslavia, and how her background influences American conservatism.
Discover the power of music in bridging divides and igniting conversations about shared humanity amidst adversity. Listen as Rudy shares his heartfelt connection to ex-Yugoslav music and its role in uniting cultures beyond political and historical rifts.

Gaza and Speaking the Truth in an Age of Lies

In this episode of 'Between the Presets,' Rudy Stetner delves into the intertwining complexities of faith, politics, and media in today's world. As we navigate these turbulent times, Rudy explores the recurring themes of unity and resilience found in the weekly Parsha and how they offer guidance and hope.
Drawing parallels between historical events and current global dynamics, Rudy discusses the need for a cohesive educational system that teaches respect, lawfulness, and civic duty while fostering peace among different faiths and communities. He emphasizes the critical role of media in shaping public opinion and the importance of truth in a landscape often marred by misinformation.
Join Rudy as he reflects on the challenges we face, the potential for peace within and beyond one's community, and the timeless wisdom found in scripture that continues to offer solace and direction. With a call to stay strong in faith and actively engage in creating a harmonious society, Rudy inspires listeners to consider the impact of their personal choices and actions.

Donald Trump, Apprentice. Season 2 Episode 1

In this week's episode of Between the Presets, host Rudy Stetner takes listeners through a thorough reflection on the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. With a focus on returning to common sense politics, Stetner discusses key aspects of Trump's inaugural address, including border security, law enforcement, energy independence, and gender issues, asserting these as a response to American moral and civic frameworks.
As Stetner delves deeper, he raises concerns about the international implications of American policies, particularly in the context of the Middle East peace process. The discussion touches on the release of political prisoners in different geopolitical scenarios and emphasizes the need for a consistent moral standard both within America and in its foreign dealings, especially noting the complexities surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to ponder the juxtaposition of America's internal shifts towards traditional values and the challenges it faces in exporting these ideals globally. Stetner concludes with a call for wisdom and divine guidance for global leaders, hoping for a shared bedrock of decency across nations. Join the conversation on the future of justice and morality in a continually evolving political landscape.

Lessons from a Geriatric Car

In this week's episode of Between the Presets, host Rudy Stetner shares the challenges of maintaining an 'elderly car' and the life lessons learned along the way. Through humorous anecdotes, Rudy delves into how the state of your car can reflect personal health and the importance of listening to those around you.Moving beyond automotive metaphors, Rudy explores the delightful anticipation of Thursday evenings leading into Shabbat, highlighting the distinct energy celebrated within Jewish communities in Israel and America. He paints a vibrant picture of weekly peace and reflection, encouraging listeners to unplug and cherish these moments.The conversation takes a more serious turn as Rudy offers insights into the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, comparing it to historical parallels and analyzing its impact on cultural and civic growth. He emphasizes the importance of education focused on life and peace, while stressing the vital right of self-defense and the quest for resolving conflict with dignity and hope.

Treading Softly and Wisely on Our Troubled Planet

In this week’s episode of Between the Presets, host Rudy Stetner delves into a captivating blend of history, culture, and environmental reflection. Rudy begins with the significance of the fast of the Tenth of Tevet, exploring Jewish historical events and the broader themes of introspection and community.
He then transitions into a compelling story about the balance of nature and human interference, illustrated by a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of controlling coyote populations. Rudy also reflects on the ecological challenges in California, discussing wildfire management and the innovative measures humans can take to harmonize with nature.
The narrative elegantly shifts to Rudy’s personal heritage, blending stories from his Croatian and Bosnian ancestry with musings on cultural traditions, familial bonds, and historical migrations. Rudy shares insights into how his family history intersects with wider historical currents, painting a vivid picture of diverse cultural influences.
This episode is a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of personal lineage and the collective human experience, encouraging listeners to consider their own roots and how they shape their understanding of the world today.

New Year 2025 Thoughtful Steps Forward

Welcome to another episode of "Between the Presets" with Rudy Stettner, where we delve into the intersection of calendars, cultures, and personal growth. Rudy discusses the significance of the Jewish calendar, reflections on the past year, and the opportunity for reinvention with the turning of the New Year. This episode also explores intriguing calendrical facts, such as the correlations between Turkish and Hebrew month names, and different cultural traditions marking the passage of time.
Join us as we uncover the nuances of New Year celebrations across the globe, including a deeper look at Haitian Independence Day and its linguistic heritage. Rudy also shares thought-provoking insights on attempts to reshape time and society, such as the French Revolutionary calendar and Soviet experiments. Tune in for a rich discussion on the importance of remembering history and cultivating a better future, no matter the calendar you follow.

Thank You Candace Owens: Lessons from the Enemy

Welcome to a reflective episode of "Between the Presets" with Rudy Stettner, exploring the festive spirit of the holiday season juxtaposed with deeper insights into personal and national identity.
With the commencement of Hanukkah, Rudy delves into the rededication of Jewish values, urging a return to scriptural roots as a compass for life in a diverse society. He discusses how the ever-evolving political lexicon affects our understanding and how political beliefs should complement religious principles rather than overshadow them.
The episode further explores the concept of faith in politics, touching on issues like freedom of religion, civic rights, and the responsibilities of citizens to draw from their religious traditions. A thought-provoking analysis of political commenter Candace Owens leads to a broader discussion on being critical of political opinions through the lens of faith.
Join Rudy as he navigates the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and politics, imparting wisdom on how to maintain one's identity and beliefs in today's world.