Foreign Press Podcast

The United States has a complicated relationship with immigration. Or, does it? In this podcast episode, we unpack immigration policies in the US and narratives around immigration with Prof. Hiroshi Motomura and Prof. Cecilia Menjívar from UCLA. This interview was conducted by Ankita M. Kumar, who is an AFPC-USA Professional Excellence awardee.

On our latest episode, economist and journalist Adam Creighton speaks with Naoise McDonagh, a senior lecturer at Edith Cowan University, about the hidden but vital role of rare earth minerals in today’s global economy. McDonagh explains how these minerals power technologies from EVs to military gear, and why their dominance by China poses serious challenges for the West. From "super magnets&q...

Economist Stewart Paterson joins us to explain why the overvaluation of the U.S. dollar—not just tariffs—is at the heart of America’s persistent trade deficits. Based on his recent paper for the Hinrich Foundation titled “Trump, the US Dollar, and American Trade Policy,” this conversation breaks down the real economic consequences of currency misalignment. Why have tariffs failed to solve the trad...

What does it take to drive real-world impact on climate and sustainability? In this episode, we sit down with Karin Sempf, founder of Innova Nation, and Emily Renshaw Smith, executive director of Open Planet, for an in-depth conversation on next-gen leadership, education, and environmental storytelling. From youth-led innovation to democratized access to climate visuals, learn how their work is ac...

 Is China out-innovating the U.S.? Craig Allen, former U.S. ambassador and longtime expert on U.S.-China relations, breaks down the complex dynamics shaping today’s tech rivalry . In this episode, we examine the “four rivers” of Chinese innovation, how Beijing is reshaping industrial policy, and what U.S. policymakers are missing. Allen shares insights from decades in diplomacy and trade—and sound...

Libra Philanthropies CEO Rosanna Mortoglou joins the show to talk innovation, equity, and global impact. We dive into how her foundation is investing in changemakers—from supporting maternal mental health to helping tech talent land their first roles. Hear how Libra is driving systemic change through initiatives like Envolve XL, We Lead, Founder Forward, and the Rising Global Leaders Program. We a...

Brooks McFeely, founder and CEO of MT Newswires, joins the show to share how he built one of the world’s most trusted sources for real-time, unbiased financial news. With over 25 years in the industry, Brooks talks about launching the company in 1999, the importance of staying commentary-free, and how MT Newswires now powers some of the biggest names in global finance. We get into his entrepreneur...

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is making 2025 the year of gender equality in politics. As the global organization of national parliaments, the IPU is driving change to ensure more women in politics and leadership. But what does real empowerment look like? In this episode, we speak with Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, about the organization’s efforts to combat harassment and disinformation,...

How can parliaments drive meaningful climate action? In this episode, we speak with Stephen Twigg, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), about the crucial role of legislators in addressing climate challenges. With over 180 legislatures across the Commonwealth, the CPA fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy development to strengthen parliamentary respo...

China’s economy is slowing, and its stimulus measures aren’t working. In this episode of the Foreign Press Podcast, we sit down with Hinrich Foundation Senior Research Fellow Stewart Paterson, a leading expert on China’s financial landscape, to discuss his latest research as China edges closer to a "lost decade." Are we witnessing the beginning of prolonged stagnation? Why are China’s in...

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening now. With the world recently surpassing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold, the stakes for climate action have never been higher. This year, countries must update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), but how do these commitments translate into real policies and laws? And who’s holding governments accountable? In this ep...

What are the biggest reputational risks corporations face today? How can journalists expand their reach in an evolving media landscape? And how do we tackle the growing threat of disinformation? In this episode, we dive into these pressing questions with two powerhouse guests — Bob Pearson and Ray Kerins. Bob is an author, advisor, and investor with deep expertise in healthcare, technology, and me...

What does it take to be an effective communication officer — and how can corporate leaders use their platform to inspire action and drive lasting social impact? In this episode, we sit down with Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble, the world’s largest consumer goods company. Damon leads a global team shaping the image and reputation of nearly 100 brands, overseeing ev...

Donald Trump’s return to office signals a potential transatlantic trade war, with tariffs of up to 20% on all U.S. imports. Can Europe withstand the economic fallout , or will political instability and slow growth weaken its response? Hinrich Foundation Senior Research Fellow and former WTO spokesperson Keith Rockwell joins us to unpack the risks, the EU’s strategy, and what’s at stake for global...

In our latest episode, we learn more about the transformative potential of emerging energy decarbonization technologies in addressing climate change. Beyond significantly cutting carbon emissions, these innovations bring remarkable social and environmental co-benefits—creating jobs, generating income for local communities, and easing the strain on critical resources like water and land. Joining us...

In our latest episode, we dive into the world of marine conservation with Dr. Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas. Learn about the critical role oceans play in our planet’s health and the fight against climate change. Dr. Sala shares inspiring insights on marine ecosystem recovery, the benefits of no-take reserves, and strategies to protect biodiversi...

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of journalism, science, and policymaking to address climate change's impact on island communities, particularly in the Pacific. These fragile, low-lying islands face rising sea levels, flooding, and coastal erosion, making them critical indicators of our changing climate. Dr. Laura Brewington, co-leader of the Pacific RISA program, joins us to discus...

In this episode, we dive into the rise of industrial policies—how governments use subsidies, tax breaks, and strategic investments to shape industries and address economic and societal challenges. But what happens when these policies clash with global trade rules or spark protectionism? Jia Hui Tee, Senior Trade Policy Analyst at the Hinrich Foundation , joins us to explore how industrial policies...

Last month, the Russian opposition staged its largest anti-war protest since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022. Over a thousand people marched through central Berlin, Germany, carrying signs and chanting slogans criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemning the war, and calling for democracy in Russia. The protest was led by three prominent opposition figures: politicians I...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Bloom, an award-winning journalist and professor of journalism at the University of Iowa, whose career spans long-form nonfiction, oral history, and digital media ethics. Bloom shares insights from his time reporting for the Los Angeles Times and Dallas Morning News and discusses his latest book, The Brazil Chronicles . The book dives into his experiences...

On this episode, we’re exploring how The Rockefeller Foundation is tackling climate change and transforming economies worldwide. Led by Elizabeth Yee, Executive VP of Programs, the Foundation is investing over $1 billion in renewable energy and climate solutions, with a special focus on the Global South. Liz brings years of financial expertise and resilience work to her role, driving impactful, su...

In today’s episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of business crisis management. From financial instability to reputation risks, a corporate crisis can bring operations to a standstill, making swift and strategic communication essential. Guiding us through this topic is Christina Twomey, VP and Head of Communications at S&P Global Ratings and S&P Global Sustainable1. Christina shares...

In this episode, we uncover the vital role of editorial standards in shaping credible journalism today. Editorial guidelines are more than just rules—they’re the cornerstone of trust that helps readers rely on accurate, ethical reporting. Joining us is Eileen Drage O'Reilly, managing editor of standards and training at Axios and former president of the National Press Club. Eileen shares her insigh...

In this episode, journalist Patricia Vasconcellos, AFPC DC Bureau Member and White House Correspondent for SBT talks with  Lew Lukens , Senior Partner at Signum Global Advisors and former US Diplomat.  Lew Lukens served as US Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Deputy Executive Secretary for Secretary Hillary Clinton, Senior Director at the National Security Council working for Dr. Condoleezz...

The United States is currently ranked 55th in the World Press Freedom Index, according to Reporters Without Borders. While the organization reports that "violations of press freedom have dropped significantly after a sharp rise in 2020," it also highlights that "significant structural barriers to press freedom remain." What exactly are these obstacles? Who is responsible for them, and how can we s...