The Optimistic American

This is a new series focusing on helping you reclaim your sense of "agency".   Agency refers to the human capability to influence one's functioning and the course of events by one's actions. You may not be able to control your destiny but you can control your fate. There are three forms of Agency one can influence others: Individual   - You bring your influence on what you can control Proxy - You...

Regina Revarova, a Russian émigré, journalist and podcast consultant, experienced first-hand the terror of Russian stormtroopers crashing down her doors, taking computers and planting drugs to intimidate her journalism family. Raised in a small mining town in Siberia, she learned journalism and experienced the horrors of Russian destruction of Chechnya, including the burning of innocents in a scho...

Solange Whitehead serves on the 7-member Scottsdale City Council. An “accidental politician,” she ran for office to protect the largest preserve in the country, the McDowell Mountain Preserve. Like most city elections across the country, candidates run as non-partisans. Whitehead supported her candidacy by knocking on thousands of Scottsdale doors. She notes that effort not money drives successful...

Larry Summers, the 71st US Secretary of the Treasury (under President Clinton) and President Emeritus and professor of economics at Harvard University, sees more than most that America’s best days are ahead. Dr. Summers predicted America’s current tussle with inflation, the highest profile person to so. He observed excess liquidity, high savings and low interest rates likely would pressure prices...

Kevin Cherilla, co-founder and owner of K2 Adventure Travel, leads groups to summit mountains like Mt. Kilimanjaro. His team guides groups of 30-40 individuals to surmount their fears and limitations and climb higher. He and his colleagues teach their clients to put forth the efforts needed for success, be present in the moment and work together in teams, and instill patience in people who otherwi...

Dr. Michael Crow, 16th President of Arizona State University, discusses how he and his team transformed ASU into one of the world’s best public research universities over the past 20 years. 145,000 degree-seeking students attend online, in person, via other methods. ASU’s new model is accessible, excellent and impactful to local communities, and hosts among other successes the largest engineering...

James Bates, an electrical engineer by schooling and CEO of a self-driving technology company, applies the artificial intelligence (AI) lessons he learned to retail healthcare (e.g., grocery store or pharmacy clinics). AdviNOW resulted, implementing AI tools that reduce upfront administrative burdens patients face, focusing the time of medical experts/providers actual care rather than paperwork. J...

Professor Michael Beckley’s newest book details why common wisdom about America’s economic and military challenges – especially compared with China – fails when correctly analyzed. His data-driven book, “Unrivaled,” underscores why no rivals, today or tomorrow, truly challenge the United States, the #1 superpower. Professor Beckley, an associate professor of political science at Tufts University,...

Former Arizona Governor Fife Symington and Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, once fierce political opponents, discuss robust learning from people whose opinions differ, and how to change your minds. Both believe that abundance, hope and optimism must resonate with all Americans. America The Great!   To watch the show, visit The Optimistic American on YouTube!

Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez shares the inspiring story of his American journey. He talks about his transition from being a Mexican immigrant to becoming a U.S. citizen, the importance of education and how it impacted his family, his sources of inspiration, and his unwavering belief in the American dream. He also expands on his success as a playwright, the responsibilities of being a public servant, wh...

Successful American entrepreneur Jerry Moyes, past CEO and founder of Swift Transportation, paints the pathways for others to build successful American companies. He faced his darkest days but emerged to the joys of business creation. And all as the adopted Dad of 11 children! Don’t miss this one!   To watch the show, visit The Optimistic American on YouTube!

Psychiatrist and Bosnian concentration camp survivor sheds light on the unimaginable inhumanity of war, the urgency of hope and optimism during the darkest times, and his heartfelt journey to U.S. citizenship. He draws parallels to current divisions in America and what we now need to do to strengthen our country.   To watch the show, visit The Optimistic American on YouTube!

Chuck Coughlin, an American pollster, lobbyist, and Republican operative discusses how voters with no political affiliation now rule American politics but are not yet organized. He argues all voters oppose overwhelmingly the current two-party political system. They resist the stranglehold that America’s two-party system squeezes on American throats and demand change now.   To watch the show, visit...

Nataliia Baker evolved from a poor family in Ukraine, under Russian control, to American Democracy. She recounts her journeys in the “Orange Movement,” where Russians murdered or poisoned Ukrainian elected leaders. Why she left her country 14 years ago and today with unbridled optimism as an American entrepreneur. To watch the show, visit The Optimistic American on YouTube!

Join the host, Paul Johnson, as he interviews remarkable Americans, and delves into their optimistic point of view about the present and future of our country. We are The Optimistic American, and we are in the business of promoting what is going right in our country. Are you ready to hear some good news? Paul will be coming to all of your favorite podcasting apps very soon! We can't wait for you t...