The Strategerist

Has technology revolutionized our education system and job market for the good? Inspired by season 1 of The Strategerist podcast, The Strategerist After Hours brings together Bush Institute experts to discuss technology’s influential role in our everyday lives. The Fast and Slow Worlds are Colliding- and We Need Leaders Lifelong Learning is the Way to Overcome Disruptive Economic Forces America's...

Inspired by dialogues during season one of  The Strategerist ,  The Strategerist After Hours  brings together George W. Bush Institute experts to discuss hot topics and news of the day. In this episode, we talk with millennials about TV’s  Lost , how this generation wants to be bridge builders during a tumultuous time, and avocado toast. Millennials Reinvent Localism in Their Search for Community...

We go in-depth on economic policy with Stanford economist Ed Lazear who worked on the 2017 tax reform bill. He explains how changes to the legislation have helped put the country on a faster growth track. Ed also chats about becoming the head of the Council of Economic Advisers in the Bush Administration, and how immigration is still a positive economic factor. 

The Presidential Leadership Scholar program gives rising leaders the edge they need to make a difference in the world. After participating in the program, Byron Sanders became President and CEO of Big Thought– a Dallas educational nonprofit. Byron is leading an organization that is breaking a tragic cycle seen in too many communities. He tells us about President George W. Bush and President Bill C...

Ian Bremmer’s story began on a college trip to Russia as a 16-year-old. There, he learned the world is a complicated global community. We chatted with Ian about that life changing trip, foreign affairs, and how puppets can help us understand what is happening around the globe. 

Dr. Robert Gates made history when he was asked to stay on as Secretary of Defense when President Barack Obama was elected into office. He shares details about the transition from serving President George W. Bush to President Obama, what he learned about leadership serving under eight presidents, and how his many governmental roles impacted his children.

Lyndon B. Johnson suddenly became 36th president at a pivotal moment in American history. President John F. Kennedy had just been assassinated, and the country was embroiled in divisive rhetoric surrounding race relations. We explore LBJ’s leadership with president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation Mark Updegrove. 

CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support Jan Langbein transformed Genesis from a seven-room emergency shelter to a full-service response center for victims of domestic violence. Jan shares how she first learned about Genesis as a volunteer and how she later became CEO.

Before Nate Boyer penned a letter to former San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick about his decision to sit in protest during the national anthem, Boyer tried acting, joined the military, walked on to the University of Texas’ football team, and became a professional athlete. We chatted with Boyer about his life journey and taking risks.

We sat down with President George W. Bush to discuss leadership, humor, and the arts – specifically, his painting and dancing.

Six-time PGA Tour winner Jimmy Walker gave back to our nation’s veterans last year by playing in the Bush Institute’s Warrior Open at the AT&T Byron Nelson, presented by AT&T. We reminisce about his time playing with our warriors, his passion photographing the night sky, and some of his favorite barbecue. 

During Warrior Open week, we sat down on location with Medal of Honor recipient and Team 43 golfer Sal Giunta to talk about his experience at the Warrior Open and the unique healing properties of golf.

Marine Richard Casper battles post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. When he returned home from Iraq he got in touch with his creative side as a way to begin healing. Today, he is the co-founder Creativets where helps veterans with their transition. We also couldn't let Richard leave without singing for us.  Learn more about the Bush Institute's  Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program , wh...

Do you ever think about what companies do with the information they collect from you? Former United States Secretary Michael Chertoff answered our questions, including why businesses are interested in your grocery shopping and fitness habits. 

Detroit native Dan Gilbert was forced to watch his hometown go through some hard times that left the city a shell of its former self. But as his businesses saw enormous success, Dan became a central figure in the revitalization of downtown Detroit.  Learn how the Bush Institute is making America's economy thrive by identifying ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more incl...

The Bush Institute firmly believes that societies around the world are stronger when women have access to the tools and resources they need. Women build stronger communities and drive us toward a more peaceful world. Bank of America's Anne Finucane is a leader that is helping move the world toward that goal.  The Bush Institute WE Lead program  equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and...

Award-winning actor and director Gary Sinise tells the story of how he found his calling: To see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten. He shares insights into life before the famous Lt. Dan Taylor character from Forrest Gump, his new book Grateful American, and how he became interested in acting in high school.   If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more f...

Joshua Bolten served in the White House under President George W. Bush as Chief of Staff from 2006 to 2009. We chat with Josh about his most frightening time in DC, why laughter was key to making the job feel less heavy, and how he decompressed after the White House.

Foreign authoritarian powers like Russia and China are attacking our democracy. They have interfered in our elections and have used social media as a weapon. We chatted with Laura Rosenberger and Jamie Fly who have done extensive research on why America and other countries are under attack. Tune in and learn what signs you should be looking for as your scroll through your social feeds. 

Roya Rahmani is the first female ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States of America. We chatted with her about her childhood prior to Taliban rule, her optimism for Afghanistan's peaceful future, and how she is grateful to the United States for their engagement.  Read stories from remarkable Afghan women in  We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope The Bush Institute WE Lead program  equips wome...

We chatted with Congressman Will Hurd about immigration, the CIA, and why he decided to Facebook Live a 36 hour road trip with Democrat Beto O’Rourke.   Learn how smart, skills-based immigration reform  accelerates economic growth Read stories from immigrants and debunk common immigration myths at  A Nation of Immigrants Read the Bush Institute's 2019  policy recommendations to modernize immigrati...

As personal aides to President George H.W. Bush, Tim McBride, and Tom Frechette spent long hours with — and came to personally know — our 41st president. They share behind-the-scenes stories from their time as presidential aides, illustrating the man they knew and that so many loved. Watch a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management   paying tribute to President G...

In 2004, former Goldman Sachs executive Connie Duckworth founded ARZU Studio Hope, an organization empowering women in Afghanistan by providing them jobs, education, and healthcare. We chatted with Connie about her organization, the women of Afghanistan, and her remarkable 20-year business career.  Learn how the George W. Bush Institute is  investing in women and girls Read stories from remarkable...

Bill Browder is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s number one enemy. In 2005, Russian government officials committed and attempted to pin a $230 million fraud on Bill. His Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky uncovered the fraud, and ended up in jail, where he was tortured to death. We chatted with Bill about his campaign to expose Putin and Russian government officials for their corruption and human r...

Former Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza joined us to discuss trade and immigration with our southern neighbor. Having grown up along the Texas-Mexico border and the grandson of Mexican immigrants,  Ambassador Garza brought passion and knowledge to the in-depth discussion. Learn more about trade and investment with Mexico and Canada  increasing prosperity, growth, and job creation in the United S...