Ira’s Everything Bagel | US Arts and Culture Podcasts

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira serves up a thought-provoking conversation with Shane H. Tepper — creative director, content strategist, and a pioneering voice in the emerging world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Tepper is also the author of "Dwelling in a Place of Yes: The Surprising Psychology Behind Fear, Opportunity, and Smarter Choices."

In this fascinating episode, Shane unpacks how GEO is rapidly redefining online discov-ery — not by chasing keywords like traditional SEO, but by aligning with human intent, conceptual language, and the way large language models (LLMs) actually think. He dives into the seismic shift from broad searches to specific, purpose-driven queries, and why GEO is engineered for people, not just algorithms.

Shane also explores how artificial intelligence models self-train on the vast tapestry of in-ternet content, and how this has changed everything from brand discovery to content strategy. He reveals how his own existential crisis led him into the world of AI — what he calls “joining the machines” — and how business owners must approach AI adoption strategically rather than reactively.
From the fast-moving “turnover effect” in AI-driven information, to the clash between knowledge models and commerce models, Shane offers a behind-the-scenes look at the future of digital visibility. He also shares why he wrote his book, how he used AI as a writing partner (without losing his human voice), and what it means to be a “ruthless editor” in the age of machines.

This is an episode for anyone curious about the intersection of technology, psychology, and the future of how we search, discover, and decide.
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Noshing With Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke – July 31, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke, retired military officer and author of "Vital Mission," the latest installment in the gripping "Jake Fortina Series: A Love Story." Drawing on decades of experience in international affairs, counterterrorism, and military leadership, Rick shares what inspired him to leave his high-stakes career behind to tell the untold stories—those of behind-the-scenes missions and the families who serve silently alongside the soldiers.

In this episode, Rick reveals how Jake Fortina, his title character, is two-thirds based on his own life—and one-third pure “Hollywood.” He opens up about how a close friend also helped shape Jake’s identity, and how military discipline gave him the structure to write compelling thrillers grounded in reality.

Rick explains how his novels, vetted for classified content, evolved from a single story into a full-blown series packed with danger, heart, and political intrigue. Vital Mission tackles one of today’s darkest topics—children taken from Ukraine and relocated to Russia—and weaves it into a high-stakes global thriller featuring espionage, betrayal, and a standout subplot involving a Russian female army medic.

Get ready for a conversation about what it means to write fiction with a purpose, create characters who feel like flesh and blood, and channel real-life experience into page-turning storytelling.

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Noshing With Thomas Cullen – July 17, 2025

This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with Thomas Cullen, a federal judge and lifelong writer whose powerful debut novel, "Charlie-Man," has just been published. A seasoned legal mind with a passion for storytelling, Thomas shares how writing has always been his first love—something he returned to with intensity once he became a judge. With an eye toward judicial ethics about writing about issues that might come be-fore him, he crafted a coming-of-age novel set in the deeply evocative world of a Southern prep school in Richmond, Virginia—a place and time etched into his memory.
In this engaging episode, Thomas opens up about the inspiration behind Charlie-Man, the emotional reaction from family and friends, and the surprising moment he revealed the book’s existence at a graduation ceremony. He talks about the discipline it took to carve out writing time, how the story began to pour out after a few chapters, and the invaluable feedback from his wife and son—his first readers. From the careful crafting of the title to the emotional resonance that brought his son to tears, Thomas reflects on resilience, the impact of teachers, and the importance of not bearing burdens alone. It’s a candid conversation about creativity, legacy, and the healing power of storytelling.
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Noshing With Brian Cranley – July 10, 2025

This week on "Ira’s Everything Bagel," Ira dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Brian Cranley, author of "The Call of Wonder." Once aspiring to become a doctor, Brian found himself drawn instead to theology—a path that led him to explore the harmony between faith and science.
In this deeply personal and intellectually engaging episode, Brian shares:
Why he believes science and spirituality aren’t at odds but rather part of the same quest for truth.
How his dual love for scripture and science shaped the book.
What inspired the title The Call of Wonder and what the Big Bang has to do with belief.
How he tackles big questions like evil and suffering without vilifying either atheists or believers.
His take on God as the architect of both reason and reality—and why we shouldn’t fear evolving scientific discovery.
The importance of finding common ground—even with those who don’t share your faith.
How philosophy changed the way he thinks, and why people are craving more depth in the age of shallow scrolling.
With warmth, clarity, and curiosity, Brian invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual and intellectual journeys—and reminds us that wonder itself might be the most powerful bridge between belief and understanding.
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