The Strategerist

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 ObamaEngage 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.RelatedBush Institute Policy Recommendation -- Supporting Ukraine: Why It Is Vital to U.S. National Security InterestAll 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. RelatedHadassah Lieberman: An American Story on Amazon

Ukrainian musical artist Ruslana came to prominence in 2004 as an active voice supporting democracy during the Orange Revolution.Today, she is once again using her voice and artistic soul as she fights in every way she can for her country that has been brutally attacked by Russia. An attack that has upended the lives of millions of Ukrainians — and left many wondering if their friends and family are alive. 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.RelatedDigital Citizen FundAfghan Dreamers robotics team on TwitterRoya Mahboob on TwitterSomaya Faruqi on TwitterRoya 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.RelatedThe Bush Institute's Oral History of PEPFARPEPFAR 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 InstituteAnne Wicks, Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education and OpportunityCullum Clark, Director at the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth InitiativeJustine 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.RelatedFreedom 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.Related2022 Forum on LeadershipBush Institute's work in economic growth

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.RelatedOral History of PEPFARGlobal Health at the Bush CenterSilent 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 NexPointBlueprint 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."RelatedBush 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.RelatedUnited Nations World Food ProgrammeBush 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.RelatedPlan 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.ResourcesHow to Support Afghanistan Refugees in North TexasAfghanistan Relief and ResourcesNo 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.RelatedHuman Freedom Initiative at the George W. Bush InstituteJay 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.RelatedNational Alliance for Public Charter SchoolsGeorge 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. RelatedHuman 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.RelatedThe Texas TribunePoint of Order podcast with Evan SmithEngage 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 ResourcesAmerican Idea FoundationThe Catalyst -- State of the American Dream2021 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.RelatedOut of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants by President George W. BushFreedom in North Korea program at the George W. Bush InstituteThe 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.RelatedOut of Many, OneGoldman Sachs sustainability and community engagement10,000 Small Businesses10,000 Women1 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.RelatedNational Democratic InstituteBush Institute Liberty and Leadership programAmbassador 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 seriesFollow Angela Dominguez on TwitterLearn more about the Laura Bush Foundation for America's LibrariesSee 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.RelatedNegro Leagues Baseball MuseumBob Kendrick on TwitterFrom 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.RelatedLearn more about #ThisIsOurShotLearn 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 CenterThe State of the American Dream issue of The CatalystBush Institute Blueprint for OpportunityBush 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 TwitterAya Chebbi on InstagramAbout 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 ContentTeach for AllTeach for America2020 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 ContentRenée DiResta on Twitter: @NoUpsideDemocracy 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 ContentMae Among the Stars: Barnes and Noble / AmazonMrs. Laura Bush Reading List for Kids, 2020The 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 USOThe 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 ChampionLearn more about the Tokyo Paralympic GamesLearn more about the Bush Center's W100KWatch 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 organizationLearn about this episode's co-host, Joseph Kim, who was born in North KoreaExplore 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 coronavirusHow money has (or has not) changed the two -- and why they still get up every morning eager to do businessHow businesses can navigate challenging relationships with ChinaHow manufacturing can return to the U.S.And share some laughs with:Mark and Daymond's competition to be the better dancerDaymond's dad jokesBehind-the-scenes stories from the set of Shark TankBe sure to watch them on stage at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management.

Learn more about the Latino CoalitionLearn more about the Bush Center's work in immigration reform

About Barry-Wehmiller and CEO Bob Chapman

TED Talk with Dr. GarciaThe Future of Texas at Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management

Texas 2036Bush Center Education Reform Initiative

Pastor Bryan Carter and Concord ChurchPastor Dr. Jeff Warren and Park Cities Baptist Church13th on NetflixThe New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

Learn more about Kershaw's ChallengeRead the "America at Its Best" issue of The Catalyst

Subscribe to the Gates Foundation's publication, The OptimistRead 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 InstituteLearn more about the Bush Institute's work in education

Learn more about:Team Rubicon GlobalTeam Rubicon USABush Institute Warrior Wellness AlliancePresidential Leadership Scholars Program

Learn more about Sesame Street's resources:Episodes and Sesame Street contentCaring for Each Other contentSocial impact initiativesLearn more about the Bush Institute's resources:COVID-19 related contentLearn more about the Bush Institute's work:Women's Initiative, promoting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the worldMilitary Service Initiative Veteran Transition program, ensuring post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life

Learn more about the Bush Institute Warrior Wellness Alliance