Best Laurabush Podcasts (2025)

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Jim Hake: The Spirit of America at home and abroad 35:36

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3d ago35:36

35:36

Founder of Spirit of America, Jim Hake, joined Strategerist host Andrew Kauffman and the Bush Institute’s Director of Veterans and Military Families, Jason Galui, to discuss the spirit of the American people that comprises the heart of Spirit of America.By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Strategerist After Hours: Gratitude in a season of gathering 42:26

13d ago42:26

42:26

As we gather, travel home, or pause for a quiet moment, Thanksgiving reminds us to slow down and focus on what matters most.In today’s Strategerist After Hours episode, we’re embracing the spirit of gratitude — not just during the holidays, but as an everyday practice of noticing the good, acknowledging the people who lift us up, and finding meanin…

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Dr. Marc Siegel — The miracles among us 31:11

21d ago31:11

31:11

Fox News senior medical analyst and NYU clinical professor of medicine, Dr. Marc Siegel, joins The Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to share the inspiration behind his latest book, The Miracles Among Us. Dr. Siegel explores the intersection of faith and medicine, reflecting on how true healing engages both body and soul. He introduces the idea of …

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Veterans Day 2025 23:03

28d ago23:03

23:03

Every year, President Bush invites some of the men and women of our armed forces to his ranch in Crawford, Texas to spend Veterans Day in nature and on mountain bikes. The weekend of camaraderie is a celebration of the brave folks who raised their hand to defend our nation. Minutes after they got off their bikes, we sat down with three of those vet…

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Stability and Education for Military Kids — Lisa and Francis Molinari 41:00

1M ago41:00

41:00

On this episode of The Strategerist, Lisa and Francis Molinari joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, director of veterans and military families at the Bush Institute, to discuss how their family’s own journey sparked the idea of Orion Military Scholars. Together, they talk about seeing the difference stability made in their own family, and w…

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How North Korea’s “Zero Covid” Plan Backfired — Katrin Katz 26:14

1M ago26:14

26:14

In this episode of The Strategerist, Katrin Katz, Adjunct Fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies Korea Chair, joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Joseph Kim, the Bush Institute’s program manager of global policy, to unpack the research behind her COVID-19 report on North Korea. Joseph, himself a refugee from North Korea, offers …

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The big impact of Little League: Patrick Wilson and Jim Wilkinson 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, old friends Patrick Wilson, President and CEO of Little League International, and Jim Wilkinson, former White House Deputy Director of Communications and senior advisor at the NSC, State Department, and Treasury sit down with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann. Together, they talk tee ball on the White House lawn and why Little Leag…

1
Joe Buck: Family, Broadcasting, and the Power of Sports 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

From walk-off home runs to game-winning touchdowns, Joe Buck has narrated many of the defining moments in sports — and is a fixture in America’s living rooms. But broadcasting is a family business. Joe Buck is the also the son of the late Jack Buck, another iconic broadcaster. And following in his father’s footsteps wasn’t a coincidence: Joe Buck w…

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Bob Costas: Beyond the broadcast 47:40

2M ago47:40

47:40

Bob Costas is more than a sports broadcaster—he’s a storyteller and trailblazer who shaped how Americans experience sports. Having been voice of the Olympics, the World Series, and countless other events, he defined how we remember these moments --blending history, storytelling, and context, making sports feel bigger than the score. In this episode…

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Vice President Mike Pence 30:47

3M ago30:47

30:47

Vice President Mike Pence surprised guests at the Bush Center and sat down for a special taping of The Strategerist podcast before a live audience. He discussed his views on divisiveness in country, leadership, America’s role as a global leader, and his own new role as a professor.By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Rushan Abbas — A Uyghur’s Fight for Freedom 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

Rushan Abbas is a leading Uyghur human rights activist whose exercise of free speech in the United States led to the imprisonment of her older sister in China, now for seven years. In response, she left her career to become a full-time activist and founded Campaign for Uyghurs — an organization nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice. Through her…

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Monica Paul on Making Dallas a Sports Capital 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

Monica Paul has been a driving force in making sure the world knows Dallas as a premier sports destination. She led the bid strategies and marketing efforts for nearly 600 events in our region. These events generated $4 billion in economic impact.Her leadership was key in securing Dallas as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dallas landed the…

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Texas de Brazil's Salim Aswari -- Living the American Dream 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

Salim Asrawi is President and co-founder of Texas de Brazil and appears on the cover of President George W. Bush’s Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants. Born in Lebanon, Salim immigrated to the United States at the age of 14, fleeing war in his country. He worked his way up at a hotel after getting his master’s degree in restaurant h…

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Shawn VanDiver — Standing Beside Our Afghan Allies 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

Shawn VanDiver, founder and President of the Afghan Evac coalition, which works to build coordination and collaboration between civil society groups and U.S. government agencies in support of Afghan relocation and resettlement, joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Director of Global Policy, Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss the dire situat…

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Jessica Yellin — Independent Journalism 21:56

5M ago21:56

21:56

Jessica Yellin founded News Not Noise to do what the title implies separate the important news from the noise. Her goal is to “give information. Not a panic attack.” With over 193,000 Substack subscribers and 792,000 followers on Instagram, Jessica has become a trusted voice in a chaotic media environment—breaking down what matters, why it matters,…

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Rear Admiral Michael Giorgione, CEC, USN (Ret.) — Camp David and Beyond: From Military to Civilian Leadership 39:25

6M ago39:25

39:25

Michael Giorgione joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Lieutenant Commander, USNR D’Juan Wilcher, Deputy Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, to discuss his time at Camp David and how his 29 years of military service helped him there and continues to inspire his teachings today.…

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Blayne Smith — Perseverance, Endurance, and the Special Forces 34:39

6M ago34:39

34:39

As a young officer in the U.S. special forces, Blayne Smith faced the difficult realities of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And while not everyone will experience war first-hand, the lessons that Blayne learned apply to all of us.Today, he’s helped build the Bush Institute Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Check-In program that helps veterans get connec…

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Bringing Awareness to PEPFAR’s Life-saving Work Featuring Jenny Dyer and Charlie Peacock 35:39

6M ago35:39

35:39

Jenny Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative and artist and music producer Charlie Peacock were part of a coalition of experts, artists, and policymakers such as Bono, Senator Bill Frist, and many others that were instrumental in building the awareness around the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and the consensus needed to keep the President’s Emergency f…

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Data Driven — Dr. Susan Urahn, President and CEO of Pew Charitable Trusts 19:49

6M ago19:49

19:49

Learn about the Bush Center's Forum on Leadership: https://www.bushcenter.org/events-and-exhibits/forum-on-leadership-2025By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Continuing the Legacy of Alexis de Tocqueville — Featuring Stéphanie and Jean–Guillaume de Tocqueville 32:08

6M ago32:08

32:08

To learn more about the work the Tocqueville Foundation does, click here.By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Dr. R. Gerald Turner -- Shaping SMU's Legacy 23:19

6M ago23:19

23:19

Dr. Turner served as SMU’s president for 30 years. During his impressive career, he achieved significant milestones from being a key player in bringing the George W. Bush Presidential Center to SMU’s campus to getting SMU into to the ACC. He has left quite a legacy.Dr. Turner visited the Bush Center for the annual Forum on Leadership and met with S…

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Damon Wilson — National Endowment for Democracy President and CEO 44:50

7M ago44:50

44:50

To learn more about the Bush Center’s work on Advancing Free Societies, visit bushcenter.org/topics/freedom-and-democracy. And learn more bout the National Endowment for Democracy at https://www.ned.org/By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Colonel Edna Cummings & Milauna Jackson — Advocating for “The Six Triple Eight” 43:25

7M ago43:25

43:25

Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Devon Yarbrough, Communications Manager at the George W. Bush Presidential Center sat down with Milauna Jackson who portrays Captain Abby Campbell in the 2024 Netflix film, “The Six Triple Eight” and Retired Army Col. Edna Cummings, a passionate advocate whose work led to two crucial recognitions for the 6888. …

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Veteran Leadership Program’s Dennis Miller — Service and Story: Upholding the 6888 Legacy 34:53

7M ago34:53

34:53

To learn more about the incredible heroes of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion like Dennis' grandmother, Sylvia Armstrong, watch the documentary The SixTriple Eight.By Andrew Kaufmann, D'Juan Wilcher, Dennis Miller

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Robert Edsel -- Remembering Our Fallen Service Members from WWII to Modern Times 49:18

8M ago49:18

49:18

Order a copy of Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II on the Bush Center's website.By George W. Bush Presidential Center

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SMU's Dr. Jeffrey Engel -- Insights into Presidential History 42:55

8M ago42:55

42:55

Dr. Jeffrey Engel is an award-winning presidential historian and the David Gergen Director of the SMU Center for Presidential History. He’s authored or edited thirteen books on American foreign policy and spent a good part of his career at the Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station before coming to SMU.He joins host Andrew …

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Captain Flo Groberg -- Leadership Lessons with a Medal of Honor Recipient 42:17

9M ago42:17

42:17

Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent Groberg is one of 3,528 recipients of the Medal of Honor—the highest military honor awarded to those who serve in the United States armed forces. Flo joins host Andrew Kaufmann and Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of the Leadership Programs at the Bush Institute to discuss his service to our country and what leaders…

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Chuck Todd — Local Journalism and the State of News in 2025 37:37

9M ago37:37

37:37

Chuck Todd is an Emmy award-winning journalist while NBC’s Chief Political Analyst and former moderator for Meet the Press, which he stepped away from in September 2023. Although he stepped away from the moderator’s chair, he still covers politics this his podcast, The Chuck Toddcast.He joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and Senior Editorial …

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Jared Cohen — From Presidential History to Technology 45:54

9M ago45:54

45:54

If you enjoyed this episode, watch Purpose Beyond the White House: A Conversation on the Post-Presidency, an Engage at the Bush Center event presented by NexPoint featuring Jared Cohen.By Andrew Kaufmann, Jared Cohen

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James D. Rodriguez — Former Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service 38:13

9M ago38:13

38:13

The Honorable James D. Rodriguez served as Assistant Secretary within the Biden administration Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service from January 2021 until January 2025 where he served 440,000 veterans annually. He is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years experience across the government and corporate landscap…

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Natalia Arno -- Fighting for a Democratic Russia 26:04

9M ago26:04

26:04

To learn more about Natalia's work at the Free Russia Foundation click here.By Andrew Kaufmann, Natalia Arno

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Larry D. Thompson -- The Quiet Counsel 25:29

9M ago25:29

25:29

Limited signed copies of Larry Thompson’s book ”The Quiet Counsel Looking Back on a Life of Service to the Law” are available for purchase at the Bush Museum here.By Andrew Kaufmann, Larry D. Thompson

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Ambassador Nicole Avant - Think You'll Be Happy 30:38

10M ago30:38

30:38

Ambassador Nicole Avant is a critically acclaimed producer of the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, bestselling author of Think You’ll Be Happy, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas under President Obama. We discuss Ambassador Avant’s contributions and what led her to the Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight”, the influence of her incredible pa…

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Mike Morath -- Texas Commissioner of Education 53:43

11M ago53:43

53:43

Related links Texas Education Agency Education and Opportunity at the Bush InstituteBy George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf -- Africa's Iron Lady 52:20

1y ago52:20

52:20

Madame President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a true trailblazer — she served as the president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and was the first elected female head of state in Africa. And now she’s dedicated to helping other women ascend to leadership roles through her work at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development. Presi…

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Mary Tobin -- Building a More Perfect Union 45:01

1y ago45:01

45:01

Mary Tobin is the Director of Brickyard Chapters and Programs for nonprofit More Perfect Union, which aims to bring people together through social connection, service, and civic engagement events in order to build stronger and more resilient communities. She joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Jason Galui for an impactful conversat…

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Rena Pederson -- A Trailblazer in Journalism 36:41

1y ago36:41

36:41

Rena Pederson is a true trailblazer in journalism. During her storied career, she interviewed five U.S. presidents and countless history makers including Margaret Thatcher and Fidel Castro. Texas Monthly described her as one of the most powerful women in Texas during her time serving as vice president and editorial page editor at The Dallas Morning…

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Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza -- Their Struggle for Freedom and Fight for Democracy in Russia 50:07

1y ago50:07

50:07

Mere months ago, Russian activist and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza thought he would die in Siberia, where he was imprisoned for speaking out against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. This week, he sat with his wife Evgenia and staff at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas as a free man, where he told us about hi…

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Ambassador John J. Sullivan -- Lessons Learned as a U.S. Diplomat in Moscow 49:57

1y ago49:57

49:57

John J. Sullivan is the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, former Deputy Secretary of State, and author of Midnight in Moscow, a memoir of his experiences in Russia. Ambassador Sullivan joined host Andrew Kaufmann and the Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts to discuss what he witnessed ahead of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine while he was…

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John Blake -- Texas Rangers Baseball Executive and Bush Center Docent 37:20

1y ago37:20

37:20

John Blake is not only the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the 2023 world champion Texas Rangers, but he is also a docent at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, where he has volunteered since the museum opened its doors in 2013. John joined host Andrew Kaufmann to talk about his deep-rooted love of presidential history, his feeli…

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How to Support Freedom in North Korea & Advocate for Escapees -- Expert Roundtable 34:46

1y ago34:46

34:46

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…

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Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska -- From the Nuclear Football to Nuclear Submarines 31:54

1+ y ago31:54

31:54

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 …

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Cullum Clark -- Innovation, Opportunity, and Economic Growth 42:32

1+ y ago42:32

42:32

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 …

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Penelope Muse Abernathy -- The State of Local News 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

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 McKe…

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Pashtana Durrani -- Educating Afghan Girls Despite Taliban Rule 24:12

1+ y ago24:12

24:12

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 G…

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Ambassador Mark Green -- The Wilson Center, U.S. Foreign Aid, & Healthy Disagreement 24:08

1+ y ago24:08

24:08

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 In…

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Brenda Ewing Snitzer -- Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation Recipient for The Stewpot 22:46

1+ y ago22:46

22:46

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 fo…

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Hannah Sklar -- Bush Institute Citation Recipient for Creamos 30:43

1+ y ago30:43

30:43

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. E…

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Thom Shanker -- The Role Journalists Play in the U.S. Military 34:39

1+ y ago34:39

34:39

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 P…

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Arthur Brooks -- The Science of Happiness 30:22

1+ y ago30:22

30:22

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 directio…