The Strategerist: Recent Episodes
George W. Bush Presidential Center
What happens when you cross the 43rd President, late night sketch comedy, and interesting conversation? The inspiration behind The Strategerist– a podcast series highlighting the American spirit of leadership and compassion.
Sara Armstrong has spent nearly 30 years operating at the highest levels of American government and leadership, from the East Wing to the boardroom. She began her career in the George W. Bush Administration, serving as a special assistant to the President and deputy chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush, and later as director of the White House Visitors Office.Today, Armstrong is vice president and managing director of Federation Relations and Coalition Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Host Andrew Kaufmann sat down with Armstrong last year to discuss what she's learned behind the scenes in building coalitions across politics, business, and government.
The Strategerist recently hosted the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, JoAnne Bass. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the highest-ranking enlisted leader in our military. She joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss her career in service and service beyond the uniform.
On this episode of The Strategerist our guest is Rear Admiral John Kirby. He is currently the director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics after a long career in the military and then our government as a spokesperson and communications professional. He served in both the Obama and Biden administrations, as White House National Security Communications advisor, leading Pentagon communications, as well as serving in the Department of Defense and Department of State.
On this episode of The Strategerist, Walter Isaacson, known as one of America’s pre-eminent biographies joins host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss some of the world's greatest innovators: Steve Jobs. Elon Musk. Benjamin Franklin. Jennifer Doudna. Albert Einstein. Even Leonardo DaVinci. His most recent work takes a look not at a person, but at a turning point in history: The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, a small but inspiring book that analyzes the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence.
New Strategerist podcast episode featuring father-daughter duo Governor George Pataki and New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki discuss public service, family, and the leadership.
Eboo Patel is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s best leaders as the founder of Interfaith America. At the Bush Center’s 2026 Forum on Leadership, Eboo has just received the George W. Bush Institute Citation, which reads: Eboo Patel understands the power of pluralism. Through his leadership and writing, he encourages others to find the dignity in their fellow man regardless of religion or practice. His commitment to mutual respect strengthens our country by demonstrating how profound differences can coexist with shared democratic values.
Bestselling author, Fox News host and former White House press secretary Dana Perino stopped by the Bush Center for a Live recording of The Strategerist to discuss her new novel, Purple State.
The U.S. economy is driven largely by businesses — from new entrepreneurs to the largest companies in the world. And each of these businesses is affected by the policy choices government makes. The Business Roundtable, an association made up of more than 200 CEOs, follows these policies closely. President and COO Kristen Silverberg sat with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss business and the U.S. economy.
Dr. Jessica Gomez is the Executive Director of the Momentous Institute, established in partnership with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. They've been an important part of this community for 106 years -- evolving with the times and focusing on two topics that touch everyone: education and mental health.
The Bush Center welcomed Joni Carswell, the newest recipient of the George W. Bush Institute’s Trailblazer Citation award at our 2026 Forum on Leadership to The Strategerist. She is the president and CEO of Texan by Nature, a nonprofit founded by Mrs. Laura Bush with a goal of uniting conversation leaders and business leaders who believe that Texas’ prosperity depends on our natural resources.
Jeff Reinbold is the president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, leading the non-profit arm that helps care for one of America’s greatest resources: our national parks and historic sites. Our national parks are a treasure but would not be able to operate without the support of Americans everywhere. And with more than 30 years' experience in our parks, Jeff Reinbold has also served as superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks in DC, and oversaw the creation of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, which commemorates the lives lost stopping the flight from reaching the Pentagon on 9/11.
Host Andrew Kaufmann and Manu Meel, CEO of BridgeUSA, joined Bush Institute experts Chris Walsh and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca for a Strategerist After Hours roundtable on pluralism: what it is, how it can be applied in daily life, and their hopes for our great nation.
Bush Institute Senior fellow of Freedom and Democracy Dr. Victor Cha joins Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to unpack China's growing economic grip on the world, the chaos rippling through global supply chains, and why the West needs a united front to push back against their coercion.
Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer prize-winning historian and author of The Revolution Trilogy and The Liberation Trilogy, sat down with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to reflect on the idea of perspective and history; how to make judgment calls with 250-year-old material; and how to approach the cliff hanger when the story has already been told many times before.
The Bush Center welcomed Dallas Mavericks legend and NBA Hall of Fame inductee, Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk joined us for a live recording of The Strategerist podcast to share with us memorable stories from the court, his new role as an NBA analyst, and his foundation’s work to provide positive experiences for children around the world.
Dr. Jenner joined the Bush Institute’s Robin Berkley, the Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education, and Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss Indiana’s innovative leadership in education reform. The state’s record gains in reading and college credit achievement showcase how community collaboration and bold policies are driving significant improvements in student outcomes.
From state dinners with the Queen of England or the Pope, to regular meetings with our nation’s leaders, to special events inviting hundreds of guests like the Easter Egg Roll, and to memorable moments for presidential pets like Barney Bush, the White House is always abuzz with activity. This week, The Strategerist meets with a couple of people who quietly kept the People’s House working: Dori Thornton Waller, former Deputy Social Secretary, and Susan Whitson, former Press Secretary to Mrs. Bush, for a behind-the-scenes look inside the East Wing during the Bush Administration.
Founder of Spirit of America, Jim Hake, joined Strategerist host Andrew Kauffman and the Bush Institute’s Director of Veterans and Military Families, Jason Galui, to discuss the spirit of the American people that comprises the heart of Spirit of America.
As we gather, travel home, or pause for a quiet moment, Thanksgiving reminds us to slow down and focus on what matters most.In today’s Strategerist After Hours episode, we’re embracing the spirit of gratitude — not just during the holidays, but as an everyday practice of noticing the good, acknowledging the people who lift us up, and finding meaning even in challenging times.
Fox News senior medical analyst and NYU clinical professor of medicine, Dr. Marc Siegel, joins The Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to share the inspiration behind his latest book, The Miracles Among Us. Dr. Siegel explores the intersection of faith and medicine, reflecting on how true healing engages both body and soul. He introduces the idea of “soft miracles” — the small, interconnected moments of grace, coincidence, and human connection that together create extraordinary outcomes — and shares moving stories from his book that bring this concept to life.
Every year, President Bush invites some of the men and women of our armed forces to his ranch in Crawford, Texas to spend Veterans Day in nature and on mountain bikes. The weekend of camaraderie is a celebration of the brave folks who raised their hand to defend our nation.
Minutes after they got off their bikes, we sat down with three of those veterans -- Leslie Zimmerman, Brian Flom, and Josh Stanwitz -- to hear about their experience on the trail and as they transitioned from military to civilian life.
Related:
- Veteran Check-In -- high-quality care for the invisible wounds of war
On this episode of The Strategerist, Lisa and Francis Molinari joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, director of veterans and military families at the Bush Institute, to discuss how their family’s own journey sparked the idea of Orion Military Scholars. Together, they talk about seeing the difference stability made in their own family, and wanting to make that a possibility for other families.
In this episode of The Strategerist, Katrin Katz, Adjunct Fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies Korea Chair, joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Joseph Kim, the Bush Institute’s program manager of global policy, to unpack the research behind her COVID-19 report on North Korea. Joseph, himself a refugee from North Korea, offers personal insight into life under the regime and the ongoing oppression faced by its people.
In this episode, old friends Patrick Wilson, President and CEO of Little League International, and Jim Wilkinson, former White House Deputy Director of Communications and senior advisor at the NSC, State Department, and Treasury sit down with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann. Together, they talk tee ball on the White House lawn and why Little League matters — not just for kids, but for their parents, too.
From walk-off home runs to game-winning touchdowns, Joe Buck has narrated many of the defining moments in sports — and is a fixture in America’s living rooms. But broadcasting is a family business. Joe Buck is the also the son of the late Jack Buck, another iconic broadcaster. And following in his father’s footsteps wasn’t a coincidence: Joe Buck was raised in broadcast booths and locker rooms.In this episode, Buck joins Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Bush Center President and CEO Shilo Brooks to explore what makes “greatness”, how competition brings people together, and how sports can teach us life lessons along the way.
Bob Costas is more than a sports broadcaster—he’s a storyteller and trailblazer who shaped how Americans experience sports. Having been voice of the Olympics, the World Series, and countless other events, he defined how we remember these moments --blending history, storytelling, and context, making sports feel bigger than the score. In this episode, Costas joins Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Kevin “Sully” Sullivan, senior advisor at the Bush Center, to discuss what went on behind the scenes of those broadcast moments. He reflects on the art of the introduction and explains why sports continue to bring us together.
Vice President Mike Pence surprised guests at the Bush Center and sat down for a special taping of The Strategerist podcast before a live audience. He discussed his views on divisiveness in country, leadership, America’s role as a global leader, and his own new role as a professor.
Rushan Abbas is a leading Uyghur human rights activist whose exercise of free speech in the United States led to the imprisonment of her older sister in China, now for seven years. In response, she left her career to become a full-time activist and founded Campaign for Uyghurs — an organization nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice. Through her work, Abbas shines a light on the Uyghur genocide and the repression of the Chinese government.
Monica Paul has been a driving force in making sure the world knows Dallas as a premier sports destination. She led the bid strategies and marketing efforts for nearly 600 events in our region. These events generated $4 billion in economic impact.Her leadership was key in securing Dallas as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dallas landed the most games—nine—of any host city. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Kevin “Sully” Sullivan, Senior Advisor at the Bush Center and former White House Communications Director. Together, they recorded a special live taping at the Bush Center. They discussed the countdown to the 2026 World Cup, the beginnings of her sports career, and her hopes for the metroplex region.
Salim Asrawi is President and co-founder of Texas de Brazil and appears on the cover of President George W. Bush’s Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants. Born in Lebanon, Salim immigrated to the United States at the age of 14, fleeing war in his country. He worked his way up at a hotel after getting his master’s degree in restaurant hotel management and later, with his family, invested in opening Texas de Brazil, now the largest steakhouse chain in the world.Salim joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and U.S. Navy Reserve Lieutenant Commander D’Juan Wilcher, Deputy Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, to discuss his journey from immigrant to successful entrepreneur, his dedication to community service and helping others, and his hope for the future.
Shawn VanDiver, founder and President of the Afghan Evac coalition, which works to build coordination and collaboration between civil society groups and U.S. government agencies in support of Afghan relocation and resettlement, joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Director of Global Policy, Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss the dire situation in country for at-risk Afghans, the expiration of TPS and other immigration challenges, and why all Americans should care about what is happening in Afghanistan today.
Jessica Yellin founded News Not Noise to do what the title implies separate the important news from the noise. Her goal is to “give information. Not a panic attack.” With over 193,000 Substack subscribers and 792,000 followers on Instagram, Jessica has become a trusted voice in a chaotic media environment—breaking down what matters, why it matters, and what you can safely scroll past. She’s part of a new movement of independent journalists that are taking advantage of platforms that allow individuals to build an audience of their own, without having to rely on traditional news networks.At the Bush Institute’s 2025 Forum on Leadership, she joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to unpack the evolving media landscape—and how to stay informed without getting overwhelmed.
Michael Giorgione joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Lieutenant Commander, USNR D’Juan Wilcher, Deputy Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, to discuss his time at Camp David and how his 29 years of military service helped him there and continues to inspire his teachings today.
As a young officer in the U.S. special forces, Blayne Smith faced the difficult realities of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And while not everyone will experience war first-hand, the lessons that Blayne learned apply to all of us.Today, he’s helped build the Bush Institute Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Check-In program that helps veterans get connected to mental health care. He joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and military Families at the Bush Institute to discuss the lessons he’s shared in his new book, Perseverance > Resilience, as well as why Check-In is such an important program.
Jenny Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative and artist and music producer Charlie Peacock were part of a coalition of experts, artists, and policymakers such as Bono, Senator Bill Frist, and many others that were instrumental in building the awareness around the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and the consensus needed to keep the President’s Emergency for AIDS Relief Plan or PEPFAR, which has saved over 26 millions lives from HIV/AIDS since its inception in 2003 moving forward.Dr. Dyer and Charlie joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss PEPFAR’s success and how art can truly help change the world.
Learn about the Bush Center's Forum on Leadership: https://www.bushcenter.org/events-and-exhibits/forum-on-leadership-2025
Dr. Turner served as SMU’s president for 30 years. During his impressive career, he achieved significant milestones from being a key player in bringing the George W. Bush Presidential Center to SMU’s campus to getting SMU into to the ACC. He has left quite a legacy.Dr. Turner visited the Bush Center for the annual Forum on Leadership and met with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss his thirty years at SMU along with the story of bringing the Bush Center to SMU’s campus — which had some fierce competition!
To learn more about the Bush Center’s work on Advancing Free Societies, visit bushcenter.org/topics/freedom-and-democracy. And learn more bout the National Endowment for Democracy at https://www.ned.org/
Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Devon Yarbrough, Communications Manager at the George W. Bush Presidential Center sat down with Milauna Jackson who portrays Captain Abby Campbell in the 2024 Netflix film, “The Six Triple Eight” and Retired Army Col. Edna Cummings, a passionate advocate whose work led to two crucial recognitions for the 6888. Milauna discusses what it was like working on the Netflix film while Col. Cummings shares the behind-the-scenes bipartisan advocacy for the battalion who played a critical role in World War II.
To learn more about the incredible heroes of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion like Dennis' grandmother, Sylvia Armstrong, watch the documentary The SixTriple Eight.
Order a copy of Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II on the Bush Center's website.
Dr. Jeffrey Engel is an award-winning presidential historian and the David Gergen Director of the SMU Center for Presidential History. He’s authored or edited thirteen books on American foreign policy and spent a good part of his career at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station before coming to SMU.He joins host Andrew Kaufmann and Kevin “Sully” Sullivan, former White House Communications Director under President Bush and Senior Advisor to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, to discuss his passion for presidential history, the shift in legacies post-presidency, and why we need to continue learning about our past to build our future.
Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent Groberg is one of 3,528 recipients of the Medal of Honor—the highest military honor awarded to those who serve in the United States armed forces. Flo joins host Andrew Kaufmann and Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of the Leadership Programs at the Bush Institute to discuss his service to our country and what leadership means both in the uniform and as a civilian.
Chuck Todd is an Emmy award-winning journalist while NBC’s Chief Political Analyst and former moderator for Meet the Press, which he stepped away from in September 2023. Although he stepped away from the moderator’s chair, he still covers politics this his podcast, The Chuck Toddcast.He joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Senior Editorial Advisor at the Bush Institute Bill McKenzie to discuss how the journalism ecosystem has changed and evolved and how local news should be driving national news (not the other way around).
If you enjoyed this episode, watch Purpose Beyond the White House: A Conversation on the Post-Presidency, an Engage at the Bush Center event presented by NexPoint featuring Jared Cohen.
The Honorable James D. Rodriguez served as Assistant Secretary within the Biden administration Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service from January 2021 until January 2025 where he served 440,000 veterans annually. He is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years experience across the government and corporate landscapes and over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps in numerous leadership and management positions.Last year, he joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Casey Rodriguez, the Senior Program Manager of Leadership Programs. But not only is Casey managing the operations of the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, she’s the daughter of Secretary Rodriguez.
Limited signed copies of Larry Thompson’s book ”The Quiet Counsel Looking Back on a Life of Service to the Law” are available for purchase at the Bush Museum here.
Ambassador Nicole Avant is a critically acclaimed producer of the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, bestselling author of Think You’ll Be Happy, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas under President Obama. We discuss Ambassador Avant’s contributions and what led her to the Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight”, the influence of her incredible parents — which inspired her book “Think You’ll Be Happy” — and how to live out our freedom every single day.
Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a true trailblazer — she served as the president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and was the first elected female head of state in Africa. And now she’s dedicated to helping other women ascend to leadership roles through her work at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development.
President Sirleaf joined the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts and host Andrew Kaufmann for a conversation with our staff about leading her country after years of division, the need for gender equity, and why young Africans give her hope about the future of the continent and the world.
Hear more from Madame President Sirleaf on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Mary Tobin is the Director of Brickyard Chapters and Programs for nonprofit More Perfect Union, which aims to bring people together through social connection, service, and civic engagement events in order to build stronger and more resilient communities.
She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Jason Galui for an impactful conversation on More Perfect Union’s mission, how her experiences in the military helped her grow, and the importance of human connection.
Hear more from Mary on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- More Perfect Union
- Learn more about the Bush Institute's work to support veterans and their families
Rena Pederson is a true trailblazer in journalism. During her storied career, she interviewed five U.S. presidents and countless history makers including Margaret Thatcher and Fidel Castro. Texas Monthly described her as one of the most powerful women in Texas during her time serving as vice president and editorial page editor at The Dallas Morning News.
Rena has left the newsroom, but her love of words continues in her next chapter. She recently released The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief, a book about the infamous thief who stole millions of dollars in jewels from some of Dallas’ wealthiest residents in the 1960s.
She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Bill McKenzie to discuss her time in the newsroom, what inspired her new book, and how to consume news in the age of growing disinformation.
Hear more from Rena on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- The King of Diamonds
Mere months ago, Russian activist and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza thought he would die in Siberia, where he was imprisoned for speaking out against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.
This week, he sat with his wife Evgenia and staff at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas as a free man, where he told us about his experiences in prison, his joy when released, and his fight for democracy in Russia — a country he loves and refuses to give up on.
His wife Evgenia bravely advocated for Vladimir’s release during his more than two years in prison, and her efforts undoubtedly played a pivotal role in her husband’s release from prison in the August 2024 prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia.
Hear more from Vladimir and Evgenia on his struggle for freedom and their fight for democracy in Russia on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
John J. Sullivan is the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, former Deputy Secretary of State, and author of Midnight in Moscow, a memoir of his experiences in Russia.
Ambassador Sullivan joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss what he witnessed ahead of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine while he was stationed in Moscow, what he experienced as Putin’s army began its catastrophic war in the country, and how his time working as a diplomat in authoritarian Russia shaped his unique worldview.
Hear more from Ambassador Sullivan on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Engage Nexpoint Lecture: The Russia-China Challenge
- Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West
John Blake is not only the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the 2023 world champion Texas Rangers, but he is also a docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, where he has volunteered since the museum opened its doors in 2013.
John joined host Andrew Kaufmann to talk about his deep-rooted love of presidential history, his feelings when the Texas Rangers finally took home a World Series trophy last year, and why he loves spending his Saturdays volunteering at the Bush Museum.
Hear more from John on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Volunteer at the Bush Museum
The North Korean regime is one of the most brutal on Earth. Executions, torture, and arbitrary detention are commonplace. Many lose their lives attempting to escape. For those who do make it out of the hermit kingdom, many difficulties remain.
But how can we help the people of North Korea?
The answer is that the issues on the Korean Peninsula won’t be easily solved. But many are working hard to help North Koreans.
Ambassador Julie Turner, the U.S. Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, is working diplomatically through her role in the U.S. government.
Hannah Song, CEO of non-profit Liberty in North Korea, brings boots-on-the-ground support through LiNK’s modern-day underground railroad.
And Joseph Kim, Research Fellow at the Bush Institute and North Korean escapee himself, is telling his story of survival and supporting his people through his powerful words.
The three experts joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an important conversation about how the U.S. can support North Koreans still in the country, the state of human rights in North Korea, and the work they do to advocate for North Koreans living in the U.S.
That’s on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Escapees develop leadership skills at the Bush Institute's North Korean Human Rights Workshop
- The Bush Institute's work supporting freedom in North Korea
During Dr. Robert Roncska’s impressive 28-year career in the Navy, he commanded a nuclear-powered submarine, led the largest submarine squadron in the U.S. fleet, and even carried the nuclear football for President George W. Bush, who affectionately named him “Navy Bob.”
Recently, he authored his debut book — Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare — in which he offers insights from his career and shares his own unique outlook, which blends military precision and execution with compassionate understanding.
Navy Bob joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Center’s Robert Favela to discuss his book, his experience carrying the nuclear codes, and his insights on how to lead with love.
Hear more from Navy Bob on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love from the Nuclear Navy to the White House and Healthcare
Cullum Clark serves as Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative and is an Adjunct Professor of Economics at SMU. He leads the Bush Institute’s work on domestic economic policy and economic growth and recently released a report on how education and medical institutions can become more powerful drivers of prosperity in America’s cities.
Cullum joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an engaging conversation about his report, the importance of economic growth in all areas of Dallas, the impact his mother and Dallas legend Lee Cullum has had on his work, and why he’s hopeful about the future of our country.
Hear more from Cullum on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- How Eds and Meds Institutions Can Become More Powerful Drivers of Prosperity in America's Cities
- University research delivers surprising real-world benefits
Penelope Muse Abernathy is a visiting professor at Northwestern University and a former senior executive at The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. She specializes in researching local journalism and is the author of two books and five reports, including The State of Local News.
She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Bill McKenzie to discuss news deserts, the importance of quality journalism, and why local reporting is essential to our democracy.
Hear more from Penny on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
The State of Local News
Pashtana Durrani is an Afghan feminist, activist, and educator. She founded Afghanistan’s first-ever digital school network, LEARN Afghanistan, and is still providing education for hundreds of girls in the country today despite being exiled after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Pashtana joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts at the 2024 Forum on Leadership to discuss her work educating Afghan girls, her experience escaping the country after the Taliban takeover, and her hope for the future of Afghanistan.
Hear more from Pashtana on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
LEARN Afghanistan
2024 Forum on Leadership
Ambassador Mark Green serves as President, Director, and CEO of the Wilson Center — a nonpartisan organization that provides research, analysis, and independent scholarship on global affairs.
Before leading the Wilson Center, his distinguished career in public policy included key roles at USAID, the International Republican Institute, the McCain Institute, and four terms as a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 8th District. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during both the Obama and Trump Administrations.
Ambassador Green joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Center’s Bill McKenzie at the Forum on Leadership to discuss the mission of the Wilson Center, the positive impact of U.S. foreign aid both at home and abroad, and the importance of healthy disagreement.
Hear more from Ambassador Green on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Wilson Center
- 2024 Forum on Leadership
The Stewpot is a ministry that serves those in poverty or experiencing homelessness in Dallas. The organization was founded nearly 50 years ago and provides resources for basic survival needs as well as opportunities for the people they serve to start a new life.
The organization was awarded the 2024 George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation for its work to inspire change and enrich the quality of life in North Texas.
Executive Director of The Stewpot Brenda Ewing Snitzer joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Bill McKenzie at the Forum on Leadership to discuss the organization’s unique enrichment opportunities — including its art program and writing workshop — and the important impact The Stewpot is making in the Dallas community.
Hear more from Brenda on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- The Stewpot
- 2024 Forum on Leadership
Creamos is a non-profit organization working to support the community surrounding Guatemala City’s garbage dump in achieving economic self-determination.
The organization was awarded the 2024 George W. Bush Institute Citation for its impactful work in its community and for inspiring others to take action to solve today’s most pressing challenges.
Executive Director of Creamos Hannah Sklar joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Laura Collins at the 2024 Forum on Leadership where she discussed the impacts of gender-based violence, the importance of mental health, and the work of Creamos.
Hear more from Hannah on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
Creamos
Mi eelo
2024 Forum on Leadership
Active duty military service members make up less than one percent of the U.S. adult population. For the other 99% of us, the actions and complexities of our nation’s Armed Forces can be hard to understand, which is why quality journalism on the military is essential.
Thom Shanker’s decades-long career with The New York Times included 13 years as Pentagon correspondent, where he covered the Department of Defense, combat operations, and national security policy. His extensive reporting helped the American people understand the actions and policies of the U.S. military.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Jason Galui to discuss his remarkable career as a journalist, his book Age of Danger, the importance of fighting climate change, and why the U.S. must continue to support Ukraine.
Hear more from Thom on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
Age of Danger: Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats
We all seek happiness, but few of us know the science behind it. Author, Harvard professor, and philosopher of happiness Arthur Brooks is changing that through his insights, teachings, and best-selling books on how we can all build happy lives.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Anne Wicks to discuss why happiness is a direction, not a destination; how healthy regret can be productive; why love is so important in our lives; and how to put happiness into practice.
Hear more from Arthur on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
2024 marks 20 years since the Millennium Challenge Corporation was signed into law by President George W. Bush. Since its inception, MCC has partnered with and invested in countries around the world that are committed to democracy and economic freedom.
CEO of MCC Alice Albright joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Hannah Johnson to discuss the immense impact MCC has made over the past two decades.
Hear more from Alice on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
When Heather Morris sat down with Holocaust survivor Lale Sokolov, she didn’t know what to expect. As she listened to his story, she knew that the world needed to hear his experiences of love and hope set in the midst of one of humankind’s worst moments.
Heather traveled to Dallas for the sixth Laura Bush Book Club edition of Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint and supported by H-E-B. Before the event, she joined host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss her novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the importance of remembering the lives lost in the Holocaust and the stories of those who did survive, and the lessons she learned from Lale Sokolov.
Heather takes us through her journey of getting to know Lale — and reminds us why we can’t waste a moment in capturing the stories from generations before us.
Related content:
Laura Bush Book Club with "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" author Heather Morris
Anita McBride, who served as chief of staff to Mrs. Laura Bush during her time as first lady, and Gail Hodges Burt, who served as social secretary for President and Mrs. Reagan, recently visited Dallas for an Engage at the Bush Center event presented by Nexpoint.
They joined host Andrew Kaufmann beforehand to discuss the responsibilities of their roles, their memories working in the Reagan and Bush administrations, and the significance and importance of White House events.
Hear more from Anita and Gail on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
A Conversation with White House Social Secretaries
Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women
Thomas Jefferson made a lasting impact on our country as the third president of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He recently visited Texas and joined host Andrew Kaufmann, the Bush Institute’s Jason Galui, and students from Walnut Grove High School to discuss the birth of our nation, the lessons we can learn from our Founding Fathers, and his thoughts on the future of the United States.
Later in the conversation, Kurt Smith, who portrays Jefferson as a nation builder at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses his experiences researching and embodying such an iconic historical figure.
Hear more from President Jefferson and Mr. Smith on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
When Steve Ballmer retired from Microsoft after a long and storied career, he realized that he didn’t know exactly how and where U.S. tax dollars got spent. And it wasn’t as easy to find as he had hoped. So he set out to solve the problem — and founded USA Facts, which consolidates available data and makes it accessible to citizens.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss why having that data easily accessible is so important to our democracy.
Hear more from Steve about USA Facts, pluralism, and even the Mavericks-Clippers playoff match-up on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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USA Facts
David French is a writer and columnist for The New York Times – informed by a career that began as a litigator, turned to the Army as a JAG officer and then Bronze Star awardee after volunteering to deploy to Iraq as part of the Surge, and finally to journalism.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh at the 2024 Forum on Leadership to discuss the “exhausted majority” of Americans today who are tired of toxic polarization, the sometimes dangerous reactions he’s received from his writing, and why instilling a sense of purpose in citizens is essential.
Hear more from David on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Former White House Social Secretaries from multiple administrations recently traveled to Dallas for a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint event.
Amy Zantzinger, social secretary for President and Mrs. Bush, and Jeremy Bernard, social secretary for President and Mrs. Obama, joined host Andrew Kaufmann beforehand to discuss the responsibilities of their job, their favorite White House events, and the lessons they learned in this important role.
Hear more from Amy and Jeremy on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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- A Conversation with White House Social Secretaries
Chuck Salter is the president and CEO of the News Literacy Project, an organization that’s on a mission to create better informed, more engaged, and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Bill McKenzie to discuss the organization’s work to help students become news literate, what makes him optimistic about the future, and how news consumers can determine fact from opinion as disinformation is on the rise.
Hear more from Chuck on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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- How to teach news literacy in polarizing times
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- News Literacy Project's Checkology
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, joined Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David J. Kramer and host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss the collaboration between the Bush Center, the Obama Foundation, and 11 other presidential centers to affirm the principles of democracy.
Hear more about the progress of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the importance of principled leadership, and how to stay optimistic when the news of the day always seems tough on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Presidential Centers Affirm That 'Democracy Holds Us Together'
Alexandra Hudson is the author of new book The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss the difference between civility and politeness, why civility is a duty of citizenship, and how we can flourish across deep differences.
Hear more from Alexandra on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves
Governor Spencer Cox currently serves as the 18th governor of Utah and as chair of the National Governor’s Association, where he launched the Disagree Better initiative.
Governor Cox joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh for a conversation about listening, tough discussions, and, yes, disagreeing – and why disagreeing is actually a good thing when done thoughtfully and respectfully.
Hear more from Governor Cox on his time as governor, the importance of civility, and hot sports opinions on the NBA on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Three George W. Bush Institute experts gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on the state of democracy – both here at home and abroad.
Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow and Executive Vice President for Strategy and Programs at Freedom House Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy Igor Khrestin, and Director of Global Policy Chris Walsh joined host Andrew Kaufmann for an after hours conversation on the rise of authoritarianism and how to instill trust in U.S. democracy.
Hear more from our experts on democracy, foreign affairs, and even a few Christmas movies on this episode of The Strategerist After Hours, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Ambassador Michael Froman served as United States trade representative under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. Today, he’s the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan organization and think tank that aims to help leaders and citizens better understand the world and the foreign policy decisions facing the U.S. and other countries.
Ambassador Froman joined host Andrew Kaufmann and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center Ken Hersh for an insightful discussion on his experiences as a member of President Obama’s cabinet, the benefits of trade, and the dangers of isolationism.
Hear more from Ambassador Froman on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the Bush Center.
General David Petraeus rose the ranks to four-star general in the U.S. Army and led the CIA during his four-decade career in public service.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the George W. Bush Institute’s Jason Galui to discuss his new book, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.” He talked about his time serving our country and protecting our nation’s secrets as well as the lessons he’s learned as a leader during some of our country’s most crucial moments.
Hear more from General Petraeus on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Tim Strong is the head of agriculture finance for Opportunity International, a global nonprofit organization that uses financial services, training, and support to address some of the most pressing challenges facing those living in poverty around the world.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss Opportunity International’s mission and the incredible impact they are making in sub-Saharan Africa.
Hear more from Tim on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Opportunity International
David Rubenstein is a philanthropist, lawyer, businessman, and avid historian. Items from his rare collection of U.S. artifacts — including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Federalist Papers, and original works from abolitionists — are on display in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum’s special exhibit, Freedom Matters.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Bush Museum Director Teresa Lenling to discuss the importance of public access to these key artifacts in order for citizens to learn about our country’s past and create a better future for the next generation of Americans.
Hear more from Mr. Rubenstein on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Buy tickets to visit the Bush Museum's special exhibit, Freedom Matters
Society has long had a fascination with spies. Michael G. Vickers is as close to this world as anyone, having served as a Green Beret, an operator in the CIA, and a national security policy maker during some of the most pivotal moments in recent U.S. history.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann for a live recording in the George W. Bush Presidential Museum Store to discuss his book, By All Means Available, a vivid account of his life in intelligence, special operations, and strategy.
Listen as Dr. Vickers discusses his remarkable career and the lessons he’s learned along the way on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy
Daniel Lubetzky, founder and executive chairman of KIND Snacks, envisions a world with more kindness and empathy. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Daniel strives to channel business and citizenry toward building bridges rather than conflict.
Daniel joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh to discuss his civic movements OneVoice and Starts With Us, as well as his family’s journey, the current situation in Israel and Gaza, the importance of pluralism, and his love of magic on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Presidential Leadership Scholars
The George W. Bush Presidential Center recently welcomed a very special guest: the first first lady of the United States, Martha Washington.
Mrs. Washington shaped our country and the role of the first lady in the 18th century. The Nation Builders at Colonial Williamsburg, like Katharine Pittman – who was actually here portraying Mrs. Washington – work to ensure her impact and those of other key historical figures live on today through engaging, well-researched, and historically accurate experiences.
Host Andrew Kaufmann spoke with Katharine who, as Mrs. Washington, talked about her experience as the first lady in a newly formed country, the hardships and joys that come with public service, and her important role in post-Revolutionary War politics.
We also discuss Katharine’s passion for history and her journey to becoming a Nation Builder at Colonial Williamsburg on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Garry Kasparov is a democracy activist and Russian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. He is the founder and chair of the Renew Democracy Initiative, a nonprofit with the goal of uniting Americans across the political spectrum in defense of democratic ideals.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David J. Kramer for a live recording to discuss the importance of teaching young people chess, his work to defend democracy, and why Ukraine has prevailed against Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
Hear more from Garry about the state of worldwide democracy and how life imitates chess on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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Sebastien Lai is a democracy advocate and son of jailed Hong Kong businessman and publisher Jimmy Lai. He and Jonathan Price, a member of Jimmy’s international legal team, joined the George W. Bush Institute while in Dallas raising awareness about why Jimmy is jailed.
They spoke with host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Igor Khrestin about Jimmy’s upcoming trial, Sebastien’s advocacy, and why the case matters across the globe.
Hear more from Sebastien and Jonathan about the devastating effects of the National Security Law on freedom in Hong Kong on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
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The Struggle for Freedom UPDATE: Jimmy Lai's national security trial postponed again
Problems and pessimism tend to overwhelm the daily news cycle. What gets less attention are the incredible solutions governments and organizations have devised to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.
That’s why Senior Fellow and Editor-in-Chief of The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute Jonathan Tepperman set out to release an issue dedicated entirely to exploring solutions to problems around the globe called The Fix.
The Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh and Hannah Johnson authored pieces for the issue, and they joined Jonathan and host Andrew Kaufmann to discuss success stories and the lessons we can all learn on working across divisions — and even what we can learn from the Barbie movie on this episode of The Strategerist After Hours presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute -- The Fix
Hector Rodriguez, known online as H3CZ, is the founder and CEO of OpTic Gaming, an organization that maintains some of the most competitive esports teams in the world. Through video games, Hector became part of an online community and built something unique — and is now living the American Dream.
Hector joined host Andrew Kaufmann for a live conversation in the Bush Museum’s Freedom Hall, where he discussed gaming, content creation, his journey as an entrepreneur, and even a few of his favorite eateries on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Daron Babcock is the CEO of Bonton Farms, an organization that started as a small garden serving the food deserts in South Dallas that has grown into a movement working alongside residents to transform the community.
Daron joined the Bush Center for the Forum on Leadership, where he received the Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation for his impactful work at Bonton Farms. He spoke with host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Anne Wicks about the mission of the organization.
Hear more from Daron about the innovative and meaningful work of Bonton Farms on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- 2022 Forum on Leadership
- Bonton Farms
Dan Bartlett is the executive vice president of corporate affairs at Walmart and longtime key advisor to President George W. Bush.
He joined former White House colleague and current Bush Center senior advisor Kevin Sullivan, and host Andrew Kaufmann, to share advice for up-and-coming leaders and their lessons from D.C.
Hear from Dan about his career progression from Austin to the White House to one of the biggest corporations in the world on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- Presidential Leadership Scholars
Meghan Ogilvie is the CEO of Dog Tag Inc., a non-profit with the goal of empowering veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, and caregivers to find renewed purpose and community through an unexpected combination: a bakery and a classroom.
Meghan joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute's Eva Chiang at the 2022 Forum on Leadership to discuss Dog Tag Bakery's mission and her experience as a Presidential Leadership Scholar.
Hear from Meghan about her growth as a leader, the importance of a good network, and Dog Tag's famous baked goods on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Related content:
- 2022 Forum on Leadership
- Dog Tag Inc.
Manu Meel is the CEO of BridgeUSA, a nonprofit organization that creates spaces on high school and college campuses where students can have open discussions about political issues.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh in April to discuss BridgeUSA’s mission, how to disagree, and the importance of diversity of thought and opinion.
Listen as Manu discusses how to build bridges with people of differing viewpoints and provides a sneak peek of his podcast The Hopeful Majority – which has launched since the recording of this episode – on The Strategerist.
Related content:
- The George W. Bush Institute's work on pluralism
- BridgeUSA
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Dave Copps is the CEO and co-founder of Dallas-based technology company Worlds, where they’ve created an artificial intelligence platform for building the industrial metaverse. He joined the George W. Bush Institute in April at the Forum on Leadership, where he participated in a conversation on the co-evolution of humans and machines.
He joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Cullum Clark to discuss Worlds, how technology is changing education, and the future of AI.
Hear more from Dave about his experience in the technology sector, AI Chatbot ChatGPT, and his collection of rare electric guitars on The Strategerist.
Related content:
- Forum on Leadership
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Ambassador Shin-wha Lee serves as South Korea’s ambassador for international cooperation on North Korean human rights. In her role, she coordinates international efforts to improve human rights conditions in North Korea and raise global awareness about the inhumane conditions faced by North Koreans.
She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Dr. Victor Cha to discuss how denuclearization and human rights are connected and what she predicts for the future relationship between North and South Korea.
Hear from the ambassador about the history of the North Korean Human Rights Act in South Korea and the U.S. and opportunities for the international community to make progress on North Korean human rights.
Related Content:
- The Bush Institute's work on freedom in North Korea
Emily Hanford is a senior correspondent and producer for American Public Media and the 2023 George W. Bush Institute Citation recipient for her coverage of our Nation’s reading crisis. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Justine Taylor-Raymond at the Forum on Leadership to discuss her reporting, how she started in journalism, and what she’s uncovered about how kids learn to read.
Hear more from Emily about the importance of phonics, why kids receiving quality reading instruction is essential, and what she’s reading right now on The Strategerist.
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Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong
Scott Carpenter is the managing director of Jigsaw, a unit within Google that explores threats to open societies, and builds technology that inspires scalable solutions to these threats.
He discusses how authoritarian regimes use the internet to their advantage, promising new developments in technology, and why internet access is essential to freedom and democracy.
Scott joined the George W. Bush Institute in November of 2022 for The Struggle for Freedom conference, where leaders, activists, and experts gathered to assess threats to freedom. He speaks with host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh about Jigsaw, deep fakes, and his experience as a leader in the technology sector.
Related content:
- The Struggle for Freedom conference
- The Struggle for Freedom series
Secretary Elaine Chao immigrated to the U.S. when she was just eight years old without knowing any English -- and with hard work and determination, went on to lead a distinguished career in public service.
As Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush, she was the first woman of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage to ever serve in a presidential cabinet. She also served as Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump and as Director of the Peace Corps under President George H.W. Bush. She shares some of the defining moments of her life, how technology is changing the transportation sector, and her own immigration story.
Related content:
- Forum on Leadership 2022
Florencia Velasco Fortner is the CEO of Dallas-based nonprofit The Concilio, an organization that helps North Texas families striving to create strong futures for themselves and future generations. Florencia is the 2023 recipient of the George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation Award, an honor given annually to an innovator who has inspired changed and enriched the quality of life in North Texas.
Related
- The Concilio
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In 1962, Mary Badham made her big-screen debut in the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird as the beloved Scout Finch, opposite Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.
Today, she has returned to Harper Lee's iconic story in the touring Broadway production by playing Mrs. Dubose -- the racist neighbor who represents the antithesis of Scout’s innocence and acceptance. And she believes that To Kill a Mockingbird is as important today as it was in 1962.
Related
- See Mary Badham at the Broadway Dallas production of To Kill a Mockingbird
- About the To Kill a Mockingbird national tour
- Watch Mary Badham and Thomas DiPiero, the Elisabeth Martin Armstrong Dean of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences at SMU at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint and supported by HEB
Although Masih Alinejad was exiled from Iran in 2009, she continues to fight for the people of her country — and was named one of Time Magazine’s 2023 Women of the Year. And even though she has to use her voice from afar, she has amassed 9 million social media followers that hear her message of equality and freedom for the women of Iran — and the world.
Related
- Masih Alinejad on Instagram
- Women's Advancement at the George W. Bush Institute
- The Wind in My Hair: My Fight for Freedom in Modern Iran
As a legislator, Senator Portman believed in working across the aisle — and believes Americans want just that. He offers advice to young people who are frustrated by politics today, talks about the new Portman Center for Policy Solutions in his home city, offers his thoughts on the war in Ukraine and on policy with China, and tells us about his historic — and supposedly haunted -- Ohio hotel, which, incidentally, serves fantastic fried chicken.
Related
- 2023 Forum on Leadership
Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, has never shied away from raising his hand and taking on new opportunities. From launching his career by picking up the phone and calling directory assistance so he could get in the door with a noted investor, to becoming the CEO of the Bush Center, Ken has never been afraid to take a leap.
Related
- 2023 Bush Center Forum on Leadership
- The Fastest Tortoise at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum Store
Sharon McMahon -- @SharonSaysSo -- is a teacher to her core. From podcasts to Instagram feeds, she's dedicated to bringing more fact-based content into the American experiment. In this episode, Sharon explains her origin story and shares how she approaches the art of teaching -- and how everyone has a role to play in our democracy.
Related
- Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint, featuring Sharon McMahon, David Rubenstein, and Bush Center CEO Ken Hersh
- And Here's Where It Gets Interesting by Sharon McMahon
- Freedom Matters exhibit at the Bush Center
Fran Townsend was a pubic servant for decades, from the courtroom, to the Justice Department, and eventually to the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. In 2004, she was appointed Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor, where she briefed President Bush on a daily basis. She discusses those briefings — but also reflects on how her family has gotten to live the American dream.
She also shares her insights on national security issues past and present, from terrorism to TikTok — and shares some of her favorite stories from her time in the White House.
Related
- Presidential Leadership Scholars
When David McCormick ran for Senator of Pennsylvania last year, he brought with him the lessons he had learned as an Army Ranger, as a private sector CEO, and on the international policy stage in the Bush Administration -- and shares those lessons with us.
David also reminds us that we have to have be able to have fervent debate and disagreement as a Nation, while remembering that whoever sits on the other side isn’t our enemy, but simply someone with different ideas from us. We bounce around policy areas and ideas that he discusses in his new book, Superpower in Peril.
Related
- Superpower in Peril by David McCormick
- Freedom and Democracy at the Bush Center
Stephen J. Hadley, assistant to the president for National Security Affairs, joins White House communications director Kevin Sullivan in taking us behind the scenes of the Bush/Obama presidential transition and inside presidential briefings. Hadley discusses the compiled the declassified foreign policy memos in Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama.
- Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama
- Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint: Stephen Hadley joins Insiders on How the Intelligence Community Protects Our Democracy
Executive Director of the Bush Institute David J. Kramer is one of the world’s foremost experts on the region. We catch up with him to get his take on the largest war in Europe since World War II, on Vladimir Putin, and why it’s so important for the United States to continue to support the Ukrainian people.
Related
- Bush Institute Policy Recommendation -- Supporting Ukraine: Why It Is Vital to U.S. National Security Interest
- All Bush Institute 2023 Policy Briefs
While the children of the survivors of the Holocaust might not have experienced it in the same was as their parents, they’re uniquely able to see a world that is simultaneously capable of unspeakable evil yet also kindness and respect. Hadassah Lieberman was born in Prague, the daughter of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the U.S. when she was a young girl. She shares the perspectives she’s learned through her life as a successful businessswoman, the wife of a U.S. Senator, and immigrant.
Mrs. Lieberman also reflects on the 2000 presidential campaign and disputed election, when Al Gore and her husband Joe Lieberman were on the opposite ticket as George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
Related
- Hadassah Lieberman: An American Story on Amazon
Ruslana wrote the song used in the introduction for the people of Ukraine. It is titled “I’m Alive” and is available on YouTube.
- I'm Alive by Ruslana
In the years after the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, women made tremendous gains in the country. In particular, they were able to be educated and become leaders in fields like engineering, as Somaya Faruqi and Roya Mahboob did. The Afghan Girls Robotics Team, founded by Roya and captained by Somaya, even stepped up during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to make low-cost ventilators out of car parts to help fill a desperate need in their country.
Roya and Somaya were able to escape Afghanistan before the Taliban returned to power and once again took rights away from women in the country. This Human Rights Day, we celebrate the brave women who show the world their courage, heart, and brilliant minds despite the obstacles placed in their way.
Related
- Digital Citizen Fund
- Afghan Dreamers robotics team on Twitter
- Roya Mahboob on Twitter
- Somaya Faruqi on Twitter
Roya Mahboob is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar -- learn more about the program.
PEPFAR, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has been credited with saving millions of lives in Africa. But as the new head of PEPFAR, Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong, explains, the impact of PEPFAR extends even further beyond those who received lifesaving treatment.
Related
- The Bush Institute's Oral History of PEPFAR
- PEPFAR at the U.S. State Department
Education is the foundation of the American dream and the pathway to economic mobility. And higher education is the culmination of that dream. For many families, that dream comes at enormous cost and sacrifice. We go behind-the-scenes of a Bush Institute policy discussion as four of our experts tackle college affordability, public policy, and the topic that's the subject of water-cooler talk everywhere: college debt forgiveness.
Featuring:
- Holly Kuzmich, Executive Director of the Bush Institute
- Anne Wicks, Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education and Opportunity
- Cullum Clark, Director at the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative
- Justine Taylor-Raymond, Deputy Director, Education
Creating a culture of trust is critical at any company, especially one focused on innovation. Alex Gorsky, April and Jay Graham Fellow at the Bush Institute and Johnson & Johnson Executive Chairman, discusses how J&J's COVID vaccine came to be, why asking for forgiveness not permission is critical to innovation, and how his parents shaped him into the leader he is today.
America is a diverse country. Diverse in many senses of the word -- from race, to regionality, to religion, to political views, and all points in between. Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at AEI, explains that from the inception of our government to today, this diversity has been both the fundamental challenge to solve as well as its fundamental strength.
Related
- Freedom and Democracy at the Bush Institute
Gary Cohn, the 11th Director of the National Economic Council, former president and chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs, and current Vice-Chairman at IBM, struggled as a student because of dyslexia. But he tells us how the challenges he faced helped him learn about risk -- and how to not fear failure.
Related
- 2022 Forum on Leadership
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In 2019, as Dr. Deborah Birx was preparing PEPFAR budgets, she was looking at rich county-by-county infectious disease data in sub-Saharan Africa when word began circulating of a novel virus that could threaten the globe. A few months later, as she moved into her role as White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, she was able to take the lessons she learned from years of experience in global health and brought them to the U.S. pandemic response.
Related
- Oral History of PEPFAR
- Global Health at the Bush Center
- Silent Invasion, published by Harper Collins
In America, your zip code can be a predictor of life expectancy. Gyasi Chisley, a 25-year health care executive, discusses health and equity-- and how we can work together to build better care in underserved zip codes.
- The Continual Struggle: Reflections on the Civil Rights Movement -- Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint
- Blueprint for Opportunity at the Bush Institute
As Americans, we're passionate about our country and its policies. We all want this to be the best place to live. And we might feel strongly that our solution or idea is the best one, leading to frustration when others don't see things the same way. Bill Haslam, the Sammons Enterprises Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute, often had to make difficult decisions and tackle complex problems as Governor of Tennessee -- and reminds us that "sometimes, the other fella might be right."
Related
- Bush Institute Education and Workforce Pipeline data tool
As the Nobel Peace Prize recipient for 2020, the United Nations World Food Programme provides desperately needed rations to every corner of the globe, no matter how dangerous the situation. Executive Director David Beasley leads the organization and shares what he has seen on the ground, why he won't give up the hope of eradicating hunger, and why we should all be united in joining him on the mission.
Related
- United Nations World Food Programme
- Bush Institute's work supporting Afghan women and girls
One of celebrated traditions in the White House is the annual transformation that takes place to celebrate the holiday season. Suzy Fields, an interior designer who volunteered at the White House, and Andi Ball, Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush in the White House, sat down with us to talk about the hard work -- and beauty -- that is Christmas at the White House.
Related
- Plan Your Visit to the Bush Center
While Major Matt Zeller was deployed to Afghanistan, an Afghan interpreter named Janis saved his life in combat. Years later, Matt is still committed to the Afghan people, working to help as many people like Janis and his family as he can.
Resources
- How to Support Afghanistan Refugees in North Texas
- Afghanistan Relief and Resources
- No One Left Behind
As senior editor for the National Review, Jay Nordlinger writers on politics, foreign affairs, and a variety of other topics on his mind. We discuss one of his biggest passions: hearing -- and sharing -- the stories of the people around the world fighting for freedom and human rights in their countries. We also dive into a number of other topics, including the state of conservatism, space travel, and more.
Related
- Human Freedom Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute
- Jay Nordlinger at the National Review
Nina Rees and her family immigrated to the United States from Iran in large part because of the American education system. Now the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Nina discusses charter schools and the power of choice for parents in determining their children's educational path.
Related
- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- George W. Bush Institute Education Reform Initiative
Amy Webb's life changed in unexpected ways when her daughter was born with disabilities. Like every mother, she wants her child to grow up experiencing all the things a child should: playing on a playground with friends, exploring a museum, going on a family vacation. She learned, though, that not every experience is created with accessibility in mind, and that even interactions with friends can be a challenge -- so she wrote "When Charley Met Emma" and "Awesomely Emma" to help parents approach their kids.
20 years ago, then-Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans watched the terrorist attacks of 9/11 unfold alongside the rest of a shocked Nation. He shares his recollections from that day, and the ensuing the days, of a government mobilized against an active threat -- including his experience as the "designated survivor" in the presidential line of succession. He also reflects on the strength he drew from his faith during that time, while also sharing on what it was like watching his longtime friend, President George W. Bush, lead a grieving Nation.
In 2008, President George W. Bush traveled to Beijing, China to support the athletes representing the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games. Spence Geissinger headed up the operations and logistics planning for that trip. Spence takes us behind the scenes of the extensive planning, negotiating, and improvising that goes into essentially picking up the White House and placing it in a foreign country -- and shares memories from that remarkable trip.
Related
- Human Freedom Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute
Evan Smith, founder and CEO of the non-profit Texas Tribune, believes strongly that providing information to voters is critical to a healthy democracy. We discuss the constantly evolving media landscape and how the Texas Tribune has adapted as a newsroom and a business.
Related
- The Texas Tribune
- Point of Order podcast with Evan Smith
- Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management -- Understanding the Border: A Conversation on Life, Culture, and Commerce
Paul Ryan, the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, takes us behind the scenes of Capitol Hill and into the Speaker's Chair -- discussing leadership lessons, legislative accomplishments and disappointments, and finding common ground.
Related Resources
- American Idea Foundation
- The Catalyst -- State of the American Dream
- 2021 Forum on Leadership
Joseph Kim -- painted by President Bush in Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants -- was born in North Korea, one of the least free places on earth. But unlike so many of his fellow North Koreans, he was able to escape the brutal dictatorship. Joseph shares with us the incredible hardships of life in North Korea, how he was able to escape to the U.S., and how he stays optimistic through it all.
Related
- Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants by President George W. Bush
- Freedom in North Korea program at the George W. Bush Institute
- The Strategerist with Hannah Song, CEO of Liberty in North Korea
Dina Powell McCormick's immigrant journey began when her parents moved their family from Cairo, Egypt, to the United States when Dina was a child, hoping to ensure that their daughter would have opportunities that weren’t possible in their native country. The sacrifices that came with moving to a new land paid off: Dina's journey took her to the White House, where she was a trusted advisor to President George W. Bush – who painted her for his latest project, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants.
Related
- Out of Many, One
- Goldman Sachs sustainability and community engagement
- 10,000 Small Businesses
- 10,000 Women
- 1 Million Black Women
For the past several years, Burma had been transitioning toward a democratically elected, civilian-run government. That progress came to a sudden halt in February when the military enacted a coup. Derek Mitchell, President of the National Democratic Institute and former Ambassador to Burma, joins us to talk about this inflection point in Burma’s history.
Related
- National Democratic Institute
- Bush Institute Liberty and Leadership program
- Ambassador Derek Mitchell on Twitter
Children’s brook author Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City but grew up in the United States. Her childhood was in many ways shaped by that blending of cultures. In Stella Diaz Has Something to Say, she created a story that shares the immigrant experience in a way that children can relate to.
- Shop the Stella Diaz series
- Follow Angela Dominguez on Twitter
- Learn more about the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries
- See Mrs. Bush's 2020 reading list for kids
The history of our nation is often reflected in the history baseball. In the 1920s, racism and segregation meant that elite black and Latin athletes couldn’t play Major League Baseball — despite their unquestionable skill and talent. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, explains that even though that ugly chapter of American history forced the formation of the league, the story is ultimately one of triumph. And the lessons we can learn from those baseball players are very much applicable today.
Related
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Bob Kendrick on Twitter
- From the Bush Institute: Why Baseball Matters -- Still
Doctors Sunny Jha, Loren Robinson, and Jay Bhatt are on the front lines in their communities in the fight against COVID-19 -- but thanks to vaccines that are now available, see a light at the end of the tunnel. They've witnessed first hand the pain caused by COVID-19, the progress we’ve made in a short amount of time, and the fear in patients as vaccine distribution ramps up. But, the science is clear: the vaccines are safe, and #ThisIsOurShot to bring the pandemic under control.
Related
- Learn more about #ThisIsOurShot
- Learn more about the Presidential Leadership Scholars program
Where you’re born often plays a significant role in the path your life takes. This is true on an international level as well as a local level. In Dallas, I30 marks a barrier between North Dallas and communities like Jubilee Park in South Dallas. Nonprofits like the Jubilee Park and Community Center are using innovative, cohesive methods to try to gain equal opportunity for South Dallas residents.
Related:
- Jubilee Park and Community Center
- The State of the American Dream issue of The Catalyst
- Bush Institute Blueprint for Opportunity
- Bush Institute Education and Workforce Pipeline
As a 22-year old, Aya Chebbi’s voice was at the heart of the democratic revolution in Tunisia in Northern Africa. Now, 10 years later, she is still committed to fighting for human rights — including gender equity here on International Women’s Day.
Related:
- Aya Chebbi on Twitter
- Aya Chebbi on Instagram
- About the Bush Institute's Women's Initiative
The Constitution opens, “we the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union”. It doesn’t say that we will always be perfect, but rather we’ll will strive to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessing of liberty for generations to come.
Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Bush Institute Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow, discusses the principles of our democracy and how we can all work to ensure its health.
- Read the Choose Freedom report from the Bush Institute
Wendy Kopp had an idea. She wanted to borrow a tactic from other industries: if she could convince students fresh out of college to commit to teaching for two years in communities that desperately needed teachers, she could really make an impact in education and broaden the perspectives of the young adults before they move into their planned careers. Thus, Teach for America was born. Today, Wendy has broadened her goals, and co-founded Teach for All to impact education worldwide.
Wendy shares how her parents’ commitment to her education impacted her, and how local communities — not necessary federal governments — are at the core of driving change.
Related Content
- Teach for All
- Teach for America
- 2020 Bush Center Forum on Leadership
When you’re browsing for something to read or watch online , algorithms usually decide what content will be put in front of you. Whether that’s what search result shows first, or what news stories are in your social media feed, somewhere a computer is following a complex but predefined set of rules to decide what content you’ll see first. Renée DiResta, Research Manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, explains how these algorithms try to deliver content that you’ll find interesting and relevant — and how that leads to your online world looking very different from your neighbor’s online world.
We sat down before the recent elections to talk about how information spreads online — whether true, false, or somewhere in between — and how we can all be better consumers of information.
Related Content
- Renée DiResta on Twitter: @NoUpside
- Democracy Talks from the Bush Institute
Roda Ahmed is the author of Mae Among the Stars, the critically acclaimed children’s storybook which is a selection on Mrs. Bush’s 2020 reading list for kids.
Born in Somalia and raised in Norway, Roda speaks five languages — and has now founded her own publishing company. We talked to her on Zoom from her home in Oslo this summer about about why she wrote Mae Among the Stars, and how important representation is in children’s literature. We also discuss challenges she herself has had to overcome, and how she felt when she finally met Mae Jemison.
Related Content
- Mae Among the Stars: Barnes and Noble / Amazon
- Mrs. Laura Bush Reading List for Kids, 2020
- The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries -- grant applications now open
Thanksgiving always looks different for men and women deployed through our armed services. And this year, even more so. For 80 years, the USO has worked to connect service members to family and home. CEO J.D. Crouch discusses the ongoing work of serving our nation's warriors -- and how the organization with a global footprint is adapting to a global pandemic.
Dr. Crouch also discusses his optimistic style of leadership, as well as what he learned during his time as Deputy National Security Advisor in the George W. Bush administration. And shares his memories of the late Alex Trebek — a longtime USO supporter.
Related:
- The USO
- The Bush Institute's resources for veterans and the nonprofits who serve them
In this Veteran's Day episode, we talk to U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell -- the U.S. first female to lose a limb in combat and now Paralympic Games medalist -- about her journey representing America both before and after active duty.
- Purchase Melisssa's book, The Power of Choice: From Wounded Warrior to World Champion
- Learn more about the Tokyo Paralympic Games
- Learn more about the Bush Center's W100K
- Watch the George W. Bush Presidential Center Dedication Ceremony, including Melissa reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as five U.S. presidents look on
Hannah Song, CEO of Liberty in North Korea, envisions a world where North Korea isn’t the worst place on earth. LiNK supports the people of North Korea in their attempts to escape, helps them resettle in free countries, and is working to change the narrative around the country that is known as the worst place in the world to live.
- Learn more about the Liberty in North Korea organization
- Learn about this episode's co-host, Joseph Kim, who was born in North Korea
- Explore the Bush Institute's work in supporting freedom in North Korea
Two stars from the ABC hit show Shark Tank -- Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, and Daymond John, founder and CEO of apparel company FUBU -- aren't just successful on the balance sheet. They're inspirational figures for American entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
We cover serious topics such as:
- How businesses can adapt to disruptive events like the coronavirus
- How money has (or has not) changed the two -- and why they still get up every morning eager to do business
- How businesses can navigate challenging relationships with China
- How manufacturing can return to the U.S.
And share some laughs with:
- Mark and Daymond's competition to be the better dancer
- Daymond's dad jokes
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the set of Shark Tank
Be sure to watch them on stage at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management.
- Learn more about the Latino Coalition
- Learn more about the Bush Center's work in immigration reform
- TED Talk with Dr. Garcia
- The Future of Texas at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management
- Pastor Bryan Carter and Concord Church
- Pastor Dr. Jeff Warren and Park Cities Baptist Church
- 13th on Netflix
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
- Learn more about Kershaw's Challenge
- Read the "America at Its Best" issue of The Catalyst
- Subscribe to the Gates Foundation's publication, The Optimist
- Read the "America at Its Best" issue of The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute
- Subscribe to The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute
- Learn more about the Bush Institute's work in education
Learn more about:
- Team Rubicon Global
- Team Rubicon USA
- Bush Institute Warrior Wellness Alliance
- Presidential Leadership Scholars Program
Learn more about Sesame Street's resources:
- Episodes and Sesame Street content
- Caring for Each Other content
- Social impact initiatives
Learn more about the Bush Institute's resources:
- COVID-19 related content
Learn more about the Bush Institute's work:
- Women's Initiative, promoting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world
- Military Service Initiative Veteran Transition program, ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life
Learn more about:
- Get Shift Done: www.getshiftdone.org
- The North Texas Food bank: www.ntfb.org
- Shiftsmart: www.shiftsmart.com
- Donate to Genesis Shelter and Support or find resources for women in abusive homes
- Support North Texas Giving Day
Bill McKenzie’s career in journalism has taken him from the backroads of Texas covering George W. Bush’s governatorial campaign to a Puliter Prize-winning series of editorials on economic disparity in Dallas. Now a senior fellow at the Bush Institute, Bill was in the newsroom on 9/11 — and shares that experience as we face another national emergency.
Keith Hennessey was director of the U.S. National Economic Council and a key advisor to the president as the financial crisis hit the U.S. economy in 2008. He’s been inside the White House during a major crisis — and has seen a recovery.
We talk about how our government is structured to solve problems and how leaders can make the most of the information in front of them — while also making the best use of their voice.
Today, Mr. Hennessey teaches at Stanford and is a Fellow at the Bush Institute, instructing its leadership programs.
Related topics:
- The Bush Institute's COVID-19 related articles
- Presidential Leadership Scholars program
- Liberty and Leadership program
- Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
Learn more about the Bush Institute's First Ladies Initiative: http://www.bushcenter.org/firstladies
Watch Mrs. Barbara Bush's Wellesley College Commencement:
Related Resources:
- Portraits of Courage, by President George W. Bush: www.bushcenter.org/portraitsofcourage
- Learn more about the Military Service Initiative at the Bush Institute: www.bushcenter.org/msi
- Learn more about the W100K: www.bushcenter.org/w100k
- Learn more about the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/
Related content
- Photos from Mrs. Bush's trip to Jordan, and an account from Ruba Rihani.
- About the WE Lead program
- Plan Your Visit to the Bush Center to see the 2019 Christmas exhibit
Related content:
- The Bush Institute's Freedom and Democracy program
- The Democracy Project polling data
The transition from military to civilian life is challenging for many of our veterans. In a New Orleans neighborhood, Dylan Tête is building the Bastion Community of Resilience, a community for families who need assistance can find the support they need along side veterans and civilians.
Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s life has taken him from Houston to Venezuela as a kid, to the Middle East and Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL, and to Saturday Night Live and Washington, D.C. as a Congressman representing the Texas second congressional district. We talk about the importance of Central America in U.S. policy and his transition from military to civilian life.
- Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is developing the skills of those who serve our Nation's veterans and helps increase their impact
A citizenry that has high quality education is the foundation of a thriving society. Former Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has dedicated her career to ensuring generations of students receive that high quality of education. She shares how important it is we equip our children for the workforce and college, what she would focus on if she was running for president, and the nickname she got saddled with in the 90’s.
- Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is developing the skills of those who serve our Nation's veterans and helps increase their impact
- At the Bush Institute, we’re firm believers that women are the critical ingredient to peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. Learn how the United States can continue supporting Afghan women .
Karen Hughes was a key counselor to President George W. Bush during his campaign and presidency. She was born in France, lived in Panama, grew up in Dallas, and has traveled the world representing the United States. Karen has had an incredible career, but she is most proud of the titles wife, mother, and grandmother. She shares how she balances it all and finds unique ways to put family first.
Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. are two different worlds. Marne Levine, an executive at Facebook, made the transition in 2010 and had to learn to put her love of paper and memos aside. But her D.C. experience has helped her excel in the tech-driven world. She shares details about this transition, how she finds work/life balance, and Facebook and Instagram’s duty to empower women globally.
Justice Neil Gorsuch takes us behind the scenes of the Supreme Court and discusses his New York Times bestselling book, A Republic, If You Can Keep it.
Deborah Birx is Ambassador-at-large and serves as the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy. She chats about creating a 180 PowerPoint slide to convince the White House the Army needed to be part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief. She also shares how U.S. dollars have helped save millions of lives in Africa.
After spending seven years in the White House and two of those years as Press Secretary, Dana Perino became comfortable speaking on behalf of others – including the 43rd president. But as she transitioned into roles on Fox News after the White House, Dana had to develop her own voice.
Has technology revolutionized our education system and job market for the good? Inspired by season 1 of The Strategerist podcast, The Strategerist After Hours brings together Bush Institute experts to discuss technology’s influential role in our everyday lives.
- The Fast and Slow Worlds are Colliding- and We Need Leaders
- Lifelong Learning is the Way to Overcome Disruptive Economic Forces
- America's Urban Challenge
Inspired by dialogues during season one of The Strategerist, The Strategerist After Hours brings together George W. Bush Institute experts to discuss hot topics and news of the day. In this episode, we talk with millennials about TV’s Lost, how this generation wants to be bridge builders during a tumultuous time, and avocado toast.
- Millennials Reinvent Localism in Their Search for Community
- Pew Poll: The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wides
We go in-depth on economic policy with Stanford economist Ed Lazear who worked on the 2017 tax reform bill. He explains how changes to the legislation have helped put the country on a faster growth track. Ed also chats about becoming the head of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Bush Administration, and how immigration is still a positive economic factor.
The Presidential Leadership Scholar program gives rising leaders the edge they need to make a difference in the world. After participating in the program, Byron Sanders became President and CEO of Big Thought– a Dallas educational nonprofit. Byron is leading an organization that is breaking a tragic cycle seen in too many communities. He tells us about President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton’s visit to one of Big Thoughts safe spaces and how the Presidential Leadership Scholar program changed his life journey.
Ian Bremmer’s story began on a college trip to Russia as a 16-year-old. There, he learned the world is a complicated global community. We chatted with Ian about that life changing trip, foreign affairs, and how puppets can help us understand what is happening around the globe.
Dr. Robert Gates made history when he was asked to stay on as Secretary of Defense when President Barack Obama was elected into office. He shares details about the transition from serving President George W. Bush to President Obama, what he learned about leadership serving under eight presidents, and how his many governmental roles impacted his children.
Lyndon B. Johnson suddenly became 36th president at a pivotal moment in American history. President John F. Kennedy had just been assassinated, and the country was embroiled in divisive rhetoric surrounding race relations. We explore LBJ’s leadership with president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation Mark Updegrove.
CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support Jan Langbein transformed Genesis from a seven-room emergency shelter to a full-service response center for victims of domestic violence. Jan shares how she first learned about Genesis as a volunteer and how she later became CEO.
Before Nate Boyer penned a letter to former San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick about his decision to sit in protest during the national anthem, Boyer tried acting, joined the military, walked on to the University of Texas’ football team, and became a professional athlete. We chatted with Boyer about his life journey and taking risks.
We sat down with President George W. Bush to discuss leadership, humor, and the arts – specifically, his painting and dancing.
Six-time PGA Tour winner Jimmy Walker gave back to our nation’s veterans last year by playing in the Bush Institute’s Warrior Open at the AT&T Byron Nelson, presented by AT&T. We reminisce about his time playing with our warriors, his passion photographing the night sky, and some of his favorite barbecue.
During Warrior Open week, we sat down on location with Medal of Honor recipient and Team 43 golfer Sal Giunta to talk about his experience at the Warrior Open and the unique healing properties of golf.
Marine Richard Casper battles post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. When he returned home from Iraq he got in touch with his creative side as a way to begin healing. Today, he is the co-founder Creativets where helps veterans with their transition. We also couldn't let Richard leave without singing for us.
- Learn more about the Bush Institute's Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which develops the skills of those who serve our nation's veterans and helping increase their impact.
- Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.
Do you ever think about what companies do with the information they collect from you? Former United States Secretary Michael Chertoff answered our questions, including why businesses are interested in your grocery shopping and fitness habits.
Detroit native Dan Gilbert was forced to watch his hometown go through some hard times that left the city a shell of its former self. But as his businesses saw enormous success, Dan became a central figure in the revitalization of downtown Detroit.
- Learn how the Bush Institute is making America's economy thrive by identifying ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more inclusive growth.
- Read how we can avoid housing becoming a limiting factor in economic mobility.
The Bush Institute firmly believes that societies around the world are stronger when women have access to the tools and resources they need. Women build stronger communities and drive us toward a more peaceful world. Bank of America's Anne Finucane is a leader that is helping move the world toward that goal.
- The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders.
- The Bush Institute Women's Initiative promotes education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world
- Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope
Award-winning actor and director Gary Sinise tells the story of how he found his calling: To see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten. He shares insights into life before the famous Lt. Dan Taylor character from Forrest Gump, his new book Grateful American, and how he became interested in acting in high school.
- If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Gary, check out Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management, Grateful American: A Conversation with Gary Sinise.
- Learn more about the Bush Institute's Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which develops the skills of those who serve our nation's veterans and helping increase their impact.
- Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.
Joshua Bolten served in the White House under President George W. Bush as Chief of Staff from 2006 to 2009. We chat with Josh about his most frightening time in DC, why laughter was key to making the job feel less heavy, and how he decompressed after the White House.
Foreign authoritarian powers like Russia and China are attacking our democracy. They have interfered in our elections and have used social media as a weapon. We chatted with Laura Rosenberger and Jamie Fly who have done extensive research on why America and other countries are under attack. Tune in and learn what signs you should be looking for as your scroll through your social feeds.
Roya Rahmani is the first female ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States of America. We chatted with her about her childhood prior to Taliban rule, her optimism for Afghanistan's peaceful future, and how she is grateful to the United States for their engagement.
- Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope
- The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders.
- The Bush Institute Women's Initiative promotes education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world
We chatted with Congressman Will Hurd about immigration, the CIA, and why he decided to Facebook Live a 36 hour road trip with Democrat Beto O’Rourke.
- Learn how smart, skills-based immigration reform accelerates economic growth
- Read stories from immigrants and debunk common immigration myths at A Nation of Immigrants
- Read the Bush Institute's 2019 policy recommendations to modernize immigration for today 's realities
As personal aides to President George H.W. Bush, Tim McBride, and Tom Frechette spent long hours with — and came to personally know — our 41st president. They share behind-the-scenes stories from their time as presidential aides, illustrating the man they knew and that so many loved.
- Watch a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Managementpaying tribute to President George H.W. Bush’s life of service
- Listen to the Ladies, First podcast episode Service Above Self – The Leadership of Barbara Bush
In 2004, former Goldman Sachs executive Connie Duckworth founded ARZU Studio Hope, an organization empowering women in Afghanistan by providing them jobs, education, and healthcare. We chatted with Connie about her organization, the women of Afghanistan, and her remarkable 20-year business career.
- Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is investing in women and girls
- Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope
- The Bush Institute WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders
Bill Browder is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s number one enemy. In 2005, Russian government officials committed and attempted to pin a $230 million fraud on Bill. His Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky uncovered the fraud, and ended up in jail, where he was tortured to death. We chatted with Bill about his campaign to expose Putin and Russian government officials for their corruption and human rights abuses.
The George W. Bush Institute advances freedom globally by developing leaders in emerging democracies, standing with those who still live under tyranny, and fostering U.S. leadership through policy and action.
Former Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza joined us to discuss trade and immigration with our southern neighbor. Having grown up along the Texas-Mexico border and the grandson of Mexican immigrants, Ambassador Garza brought passion and knowledge to the in-depth discussion.
Learn more about trade and investment with Mexico and Canada increasing prosperity, growth, and job creation in the United States
Learn how smart, skills-based immigration reform accelerates economic growth
We sat down with award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts to chat about the transformation of Washington and journalism – for the better and for the worse. We also cover what studying the early women of American history can teach us, and how she ended up in Tanzania interviewing First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama on very little notice.
Watch the interview with Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Obama
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros discusses what makes San Antonio special, how its welcoming culture can be a model for the nation, and why this generation will be better off than the last. He also shares a personal story about how and why he helped a Dreamer.
The George W. Bush Institute believes that immigrants play an important role in America's economy. Learn more by visiting www.bushcenter.org/immigration.
James Farmer is an expert conservationist, interior designer and best-selling author who is saving the world one plant at a time. We chat about robotic bees, the beauty of native plants, and life as a business owner. And he also throws in some gardening tips.
Interested in hearing more from James? Check out a conversation on conservation conducted at the George W. Bush Center’s Forum on Leadership in April 2018.
Interested in visiting the Bush Center’s Native Texas Park? The park is open from sunup to sundown 365 days a year, and pets are welcome.
Host of Fox News Outnumbered Overtime and co-anchor of Outnumbered, Harris Faulkner is a proud military brat. We chat about her father’s time serving in the Army, which included three tours in Vietnam, and how her mom was a pillar of support and strength as the family moved from one posting to another. Harris reminds us that when one person serves in the military the whole family serves.
If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Harris, check out a panel she hosted at the George W. Bush Center in November 2018.
Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life.
We sat down with Carly Fiorina, the woman who rose from secretary to CEO of a Fortune 50 company and whose career spans a wide variety of public and private sector roles. She told us about her childhood and how living in Ghana influenced her perception of democracy. We also chatted about the importance of empowering women at home and globally.
If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Carly, check out a Q&A she did at the George W. Bush Center in late 2018.
Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is promoting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world.
Inspired by "strategery," a term coined by SNL and embraced by the George W. Bush Administration, The Strategerist podcast series highlights leadership and compassion through thought-provoking discussions.