The Strategerist

November 12, 2019

Episode 11: Alexander McCall Smith

November 5, 2019

Episode 10: Congressman Dan Crenshaw

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.

November 5, 2019

Episode 09: Dylan Tête— Building A Community of Resilience

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.

October 29, 2019

Episode 08: General Peter Pace— Lessons in Leadership

What makes a good leader? After a career of leadership that culminated at the highest levels of the U.S. military, General Peter Pace believes that if you think you’re good leader, you’re probably not. He tells us what he learned from the battlefields of Vietnam to his post as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

October 22, 2019

Episode 07: Margaret Spellings— A Life in Education Policy

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.

October 15, 2019

Episode 06: Admiral James Stavridis— The Voyage of Character

What can we learn about ourselves in this era of social media by reading the stories of past admirals and seafarers? We talk leadership with Admiral James Stavridis. He also shares why the U.S. needs to remain a leader on the global stage, and the surprising number of books and fountain pens he has collected over the years.

October 8, 2019

Episode 05: Karen Hughes— Clarity, Conviction, and Compassion

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.

October 1, 2019

Episode 04: Marne Levine— From D.C. to Silicon Valley

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.

September 24, 2019

Episode 03: Justice Neil Gorsuch

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."

September 17, 2019

Episode 02: Ambassador Deborah Birx— Creating an AIDS-free World

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.

September 10, 2019

Episode 01: Dana Perino

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.

August 15, 2019

After Hours: Technology for Good

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.

August 2, 2019

After Hours: Millennials— America’s Bridge Builders

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.

July 5, 2019

Episode 29: Ed Lazear— America's Economy

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. 

June 28, 2019

Episode 28: Byron Sanders— Helping Youth Chart Their Path

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.

June 21, 2019

Episode 27: Ian Bremmer— Around the World

June 14, 2019

Episode 26: Dr. Robert Gates— Former Secretary of Defense

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.

June 6, 2019

Episode 25: Mark Updegrove— LBJ's Legacy

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. 

May 31, 2019

Episode 24: Jan Langbein— CEO of Genesis Women's Shelter and Support

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.

May 24, 2019

Episode 23: Nate Boyer – U.S. Army Green Beret and Former Football Player

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.

May 17, 2019

Episode 22: President George W. Bush

We sat down with President George W. Bush to discuss leadership, humor, and even the arts – specifically, his painting and dancing.

May 13, 2019

Episode 21: Jimmy Walker

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. 

May 10, 2019

Episode 20: Medal of Honor Recipient Sal Giunta

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.

May 3, 2019

Episode 19: Richard Casper

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.

May 3, 2019

Episode 18: Secretary Michael Chertoff

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. 

April 26, 2019

Episode 17: Dan Gilbert

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. 

April 26, 2019

Episode 16: Anne Finucane

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. 

April 19, 2019

Episode 15: Gary Sinise

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.

April 12, 2019

Episode 14: Joshua Bolten

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.

April 5, 2019

Episode 13: #SabotagingDemocracy

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. 

March 29, 2019

Episode 12: Ambassador Roya Rahmani

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. 

March 22, 2019

Episode 11: Congressman Will Hurd

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.

March 15, 2019

Episode 10: A Chat with 41’s Personal Aides

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.

March 8, 2019

Episode 09: Connie Duckworth

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. 

March 1, 2019

Episode 08: Bill Browder

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.

February 22, 2019

Episode 07: Ambassador Antonio Garza

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 an in-depth discussion.

February 15, 2019

Episode 06: Cokie Roberts

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.

February 6, 2019

Episode 05: Henry Cisneros

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.

January 23, 2019

Episode 04: Niloofar Rahmani

As a young girl growing up in Afghanistan, Captain Niloofar Rahmani dreamed of finding her wings. Like all women under Taliban rule, she was forbidden from attending school, working, or showing her face in public. But her story is one of courage and strength, as she became the first female fighter pilot in the Afghan military after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. 

January 23, 2019

Episode 03: James Farmer

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. 

January 23, 2019

Episode 02: Harris Faulkner

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. 

January 23, 2019

Episode 01: Carly Fiorina

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.

January 23, 2019

The Strategerist: Introduction

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.