The Strategerist

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 WorkshopThe 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 CitiesUniversity 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 Afghanistan2024 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 Center2024 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 Stewpot2024 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:CreamosMi eelo2024 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 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 and Gahl on this episode of The Strategerist, presented by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.Related content: A Conversation with White House Social SecretariesRemember 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.Related content: 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.Related contentForum on Leadership 2024: Protecting Religious Liberties

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.Related content: 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.Related content: How to teach news literacy in polarizing timesElection 2024: Be informed, not misledNews 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.Related content: 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.Related content: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. Related content: The Art of Disagreeing Better with Governor Cox and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

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.Related content: 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.Related content: 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. Related content: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. Related content: 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. Related content: Engage Nexpoint Lecture: Win, Lose, or Draw? Democracy and the Accelerating Pace of Technological Change

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. Related content: The Struggle for Freedom: A Hong Kong businessman's fight for democracyThe 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 LeadershipBonton 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 LeadershipDog 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 pluralismBridgeUSAThe Hopeful Majority

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 LeadershipWorlds

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 on the science of reading, why kids receiving quality reading instruction is essential, and what she’s reading right now on The Strategerist.Related content:Forum on LeadershipSold 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 conferenceThe 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. RelatedThe Concilio2023 Forum on Leadership

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.RelatedSee Mary Badham at the Broadway Dallas production of To Kill a MockingbirdAbout the To Kill a Mockingbird national tourWatch 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.RelatedMasih Alinejad on InstagramWomen's Advancement at the George W. Bush InstituteThe 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.Related2023 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.Related2023 Bush Center Forum on LeadershipThe 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.RelatedEngage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint, featuring Sharon McMahon, David Rubenstein, and Bush Center CEO Ken HershAnd Here's Where It Gets Interesting by Sharon McMahonFreedom 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.RelatedPresidential 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.RelatedSuperpower in Peril by David McCormickFreedom and Democracy at the Bush Center