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 takeo...
Jul 25, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 17
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 Co...
Jul 10, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 16
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 ...
Jun 28, 2024•23 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 14
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...
Jun 13, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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 f...
Jun 06, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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 ...
May 30, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 11
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,...
May 23, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Anita McBride, who served as chief of staff to Mrs. Laura Bush during her time as first lady, and Gahl 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 a...
May 16, 2024•25 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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...
May 16, 2024•56 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 fro...
May 03, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 receiv...
Apr 24, 2024•23 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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 o...
Apr 03, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 mor...
Mar 21, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 new...
Mar 13, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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. Related content: The Soul of Civility: Timeless Pri...
Feb 23, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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 civili...
Feb 14, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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...
Feb 01, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 43
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 h...
Dec 21, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 42
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 Ge...
Dec 14, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 41
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 Stratege...
Dec 07, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 40
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 abou...
Dec 01, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 39
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. V...
Nov 14, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 38
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 mag...
Nov 07, 2023•27 min•Season 5Ep. 37
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 experie...
Oct 27, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 36
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 Ukrain...
Oct 20, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 35
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 ...
Oct 12, 2023•30 min•Season 5Ep. 34
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 Johns...
Oct 05, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 33
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 ...
Aug 18, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 32
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 Da...
Jul 28, 2023•26 min•Season 5Ep. 31
