The Optimistic American

Join Paul Johnson and Professor Henry Thompson as they delve into a compelling discussion with Colonel Mark Cancian about the potential of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Through over 24 war games conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), we gain unparalleled insights into military strategies, readiness, and the implications of such a conflict on global power dynamics....

Join us in this compelling episode of New Frontiers, where host Paul Johnson and Professor Henry Thompson sit down with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. They delve into a fascinating discussion on leadership, the complexities of global politics, and the pivotal issues facing the Western world today. This insightful conversation explores topics ranging from China's influence, ident...

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson, along with Bob Robb and Elliott Pollack, discuss the pressing issues that will influence the 2024 election. From understanding the economic philosophies of the presidential candidates, analyzing U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, to the crucial importance of the rule of law. Dive into the complexities of these topics as our experts dissect what...

Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American for a transformative discussion with guest Aaron Bare, who brings his expertise on exponential growth and innovation. This episode dives deep into how businesses achieve rapid growth, the traits of visionary thinkers, and the broader impact of these dynamics on healthcare, politics, and societal norms. Topics Discussed in This Video:  Exponential G...

Description:  On this episode of The Optimistic American, hosts Dr. Emily Bashah and Paul Johnson are accompanied by Dr. John G Horgan, a preeminent psychologist, professor at Georgia State University, and is renowned for his deep insights into the psychology of terrorism. Join us as we explore the complex world of terrorist psychology, the nuances of radicalization, and the intriguing process of...

Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American as he explores the profound journey of Rebecca Alexander, who lives with Usher Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that affects hearing and vision. In this insightful episode, Rebecca, an author and psychotherapist, delves into her diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster that followed, and her extraordinary endeavors, including climbing Mount Kilimanja...

Join host Paul Johnson and a distinguished panel of experts at the Democracy Summit as they dive deep into the current state and future of American democracy. From election integrity to increasing voter participation and exploring potential political reforms, this video is a crucial dialogue for anyone concerned about the health and direction of our democratic processes. Witness firsthand the pass...

Join Paul Johnson as he dives deep into the third and final part of our series, “War in the Middle East”. In this compelling episode, Paul discusses the multifaceted issues surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the concept of proportionality in warfare, the global jihadism movement, and how these profound topics resonate within American political discourse. With a focus on seeking truth and under...

Join host Paul Johnson in this eye-opening episode of New Frontiers, as he delves into the intricate history of Israel, the harrowing events of October 7th, and the motivations driving both Hamas and Israel in their prolonged conflict. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian struggle, highlighting the ideological differences between Zi...

Join Paul Johnson as he delves into the complex Israel-Gaza conflict. This series aims to tackle tough questions such as the American interest in this war, the values being promoted, and the historical context leading up to the current situation. Through in-depth discussions, Paul provides a nuanced perspective on the roles of the U.S., Israel, and Hamas, exploring themes of jihadism, Zionism, and...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Boyd Matheson, a visionary in political strategy and leadership. They embark on a journey through the heart of America's political divisions, uncovering the essence of true leadership, the beauty of diversity, and the individual's role in cultivating a more harmonious society. This conversation is a beacon of hope...

Join us in an inspiring conversation with Jany Deng, one of the original Lost Boys of Sudan, as he shares his harrowing journey from the war-torn villages of Sudan to the bustling streets of Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson and Jany delve into the realities of civil war, the challenges of life in refugee camps, and the transformative experience of bec...

Join Paul Johnson in an uplifting conversation with Janine Stange, known affectionately as the "Anthem Girl" for her unprecedented achievement of singing the National Anthem in all 50 states. Beyond her musical journey, Janine shares the personal adversities and losses that propelled her to find purpose, become a sought-after motivational speaker, and devote her time to supporting veterans. This e...

Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Jennie Taylor, widow of Major Brent Taylor, and their unwavering dedication to service, sacrifice, and patriotism. In this episode of The Optimistic American, Jennie and host Paul Johnson dig into the profound impact of Major Taylor's life and legacy, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by military families and the importance of honor...

In this episode of the Optimistic American, Paul Johnson is joined by special guest, Heather Penny. Heather is known for her heroics on 9/11, when she and a fellow Air Force pilot were told to intercept United Flight 93 before it reached Washington D.C. Today she is a defense policy expert at the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies in Arlington, Virginia. Join us as we discuss the concepts of...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson is accompanied by Dr. David Berg, CEO and co-founder of Redirect Health. Paul and David have been business partners for over 20 years in both healthcare and real estate, and bring an abundance of tips and information for entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore topics such as mindset shifts and communication techniques for transforming challengi...

Join host Paul Johnson as we step into the world of modern music and sit down with acclaimed songwriters and performers, Anna Wilson and Monty Powell. Join us as we delve into the heart of Anna and Monty’s creative process, discussing the exploration of important and thought-provoking themes in country music.    Tackling the Tough Questions: Anna and Monty believe in going beyond surface-level top...

Join us for an enlightening and empowering interview with renowned author, parenting expert, and visionary thinker, Richard Eyre. In this thought-provoking conversation hosted by Paul Johnson, delve into Richard's extensive background and his unique insights into the concept of power. A Life of Influence:  Richard Eyre brings a wealth of experience to the table, having dedicated his career to empo...

On this episode of New Frontiers, our Panelist covers various current events, including Joe Biden's response to recent incidents, controversies surrounding foreign relations, foreign policy, political parties, and Israel. To end the episode on an optimistic corner, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion on AI super brains, the significance of Moore's Law, and the impact of technological prog...

In this episode of New Frontiers, join our panelists as they delve into pressing contemporary issues, including government and social media regulation, the complexities of immigration policies, the ongoing dispute at the Texas border, the high-profile clash between Trump and Taylor Swift, the profound influence of Elon Musk, and more. With insightful discussions and expert analysis, explore these...

Join us for a captivating interview with Rocky Olson, a brave Vietnam War veteran who shares his experiences, challenges, and ultimate triumphs. In this deeply personal conversation with host Paul Johnson, Rocky takes us on a poignant journey through his time in the military and beyond.   Serving in Vietnam: Rocky recounts his time as an infantryman in the Vietnam War, describing the realities fac...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, the spirit of dialogue and discovery takes center stage as we delve into a profound exploration of our current political context with the astute observer and expert, Robert Robb. Balancing Act: With a unique blend of pragmatism and vision, Robb navigates the dynamics between bipartisan and third-party potentials in the U.S. political sphere. He skillfull...

Join us on The Optimistic American as we dive into a profound conversation about the fight against human trafficking with special guest Ashlie Bryant, founder of Three Strands Global Foundation. Join us for this enlightening conversation and discover how Three Strands Global Foundation is working tirelessly to empower survivors, raise awareness, and create lasting change in the fight against human...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson, Governor Doug Ducey, economist Elliott Pollack, and Professor Henry Thompson, explore the Iowa caucus, the potential Trump-Biden rematch, and the rise of a third-party candidate. Join us for a captivating discussion on politics, the economy, and energy policy as we delve into the intricacies of American governance. Through insightful conver...

In this episode of The Optimistic American, we dive into an inspiring conversation about campus safety and the power of resilience with our special guest Jill McCluskey, all while underscoring the importance of informed citizenship for a better and safer America. Turning Tragedy into Courage: Jill McCluskey shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her daughter, Lauren, but also her unyielding...