The Story of U.S.

Immigration has always been an important part of our nation’s history, but the value immigrants bring to our country isn’t limited to the immigrants themselves. In the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s new podcast, The Story of U.S., we’ll talk to the children of immigrants, learn more about their families’ stories, and celebrate how the rich diversity of new American families strengthens our communities – across generations.
The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Dec 28, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Ana Rodriguez - SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative.

Ana Rodriguez - SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Ana Rodriguez, Managing Director of the SMU Cox School of Business Latino Leadership Initiative, shares her story as the daughter of Peruvian and Mexican immigrants -- and how she's working to provide opportunities for other first-generation Americans in the Dallas area.

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Dec 6, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Jesse Iwuji -- NASCAR Driver and Lieutenant Commander.

Jesse Iwuji -- NASCAR Driver and Lieutenant Commander

Hosted by: Andrew Kaufmann, Margot Habiby

Jesse Iwuji, NASCAR driver and Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, learned his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit from his Nigerian-born parents. After playing football for the U.S. Naval Academy, Jesse deployed on active duty -- and returned home ready to hustle just as his parents did. 

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Sep 2, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Ali Noorani -- President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.

Ali Noorani -- President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum

Hosted by: Andrew Kaufmann, Margot Habiby

Ali Noorani, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, grew up in California after his parents immigrated from Pakistan. He shares the stories of the moments in his life that made him passionate about immigration and immigration policy and discusses how to build coalitions on polarizing topics.

 

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Sep 2, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Gus Constantellis -- Comedian.

Gus Constantellis -- Comedian

Hosted by: Andrew Kaufmann, Margot Habiby

Comedian Gus Constantellis brings his Greek immigrant heritage to his act on stage and online. The native New Yorker reflects on his upbringing surrounded by Greek culture and family and shares stories from his rock and roll-loving father and Greek-speaking mother.

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Sep 2, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Anita McBride -- Former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush.

Anita McBride -- Former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Anita McBride served three in presidential administrations: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush – and through each of them, she carried her Italian heritage close to her heart.  She shares the stories of her family, including when her father's immigrant journey came full circle visiting his daughter in the White House.

 

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Jun 23, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Alan Smolinisky -- Entrepreneur and Co-Owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Alan Smolinisky -- Entrepreneur and Co-Owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Alan Smolinisky's late father, an immigrant from Argentina, taught Alan to love baseball and taught him that America is the greatest Nation that has ever existed. Alan shares how his father continues to inspire him as he raises his own kids -- and how he honored his father by bringing that love of baseball full circle when he became a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Jun 23, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Daphne Palasi Andreades -- Novelist.

Daphne Palasi Andreades -- Novelist

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Daphne Palasi Andreades, author of the upcoming novel "Brown Girls," explores how her parents' bravery influenced her own path -- and how the large factors like policy can affect individual families for generations.

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Jun 23, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Sara Paxton -- Actress.

Sara Paxton -- Actress

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Sara Paxton shares how her connections to Hollywood began with her Mexican immigrant mother, grandmother, and grandfather -- who worked his way from busboy to maître d at the famed Brown Derby restaurant.

The Story of U.S. podcast logo.
Jun 23, 2021
Listen to the podcast: Fred Ortiz -- Lead Architect of Globe Life Field.

Fred Ortiz -- Lead Architect of Globe Life Field

Hosted by: Margot Habiby, Andrew Kaufmann

Fred Ortiz, Lead Architect of Globe Life Field -- the home of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team-- discusses his family's immigrant journey from Mexico to the United States.  Fred shares how important it was for him to design a place where families can form memories of going to the ballgame together -- and the emotions he felt when he took his own family through the stadium for the first time.

Bush Center Podcasts