WAC Houston

Women are not just a nice addition; they are essential to shaping the future of energy. Discover how the Houston chapter of the Women's Energy Network is fueling a global movement that empowers women to lead in the energy industry’s most critical moments. In this episode, we go beyond the typical talk about energy and diversity to reveal concrete strategies for women striving for leadership in a r...

Discover how Houston cemented its reputation as Space City and why it remains the epicenter of aerospace innovation. In this episode, Megan Ortiz from Axiom Space reveals the bold next steps shaping our future in orbit — from the launch of the next-generation space station to the future of spacesuits designed for lunar missions. You'll uncover how international collaboration, from Italy to Saudi A...

In this episode of The Greater Loop, we sit down with Francisco J. Monaldi — one of the world’s leading experts on Latin American energy and oil policy — to unpack the seismic political changes in Venezuela and what they mean for the global oil market. Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and the rise of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, we analyze investor confidence, sanctions, institution...

Once seen as a force for peace and prosperity, globalization promised to make nations more connected, economies more efficient, and the world more stable. But the global order built on open markets and interdependence has begun to unravel, revealing the risks of relying on fragile supply chains, deepening inequality, and fueling geopolitical rivalry. Join David J. Lynch, senior writer on global ec...

Join us on The Greater Loop as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jake Mossawir, CEO of the Bilingual Education Institute. Discover how this Houston-based institute is transforming language education for international students and refugees, offering a unique blend of language and vocational training. Learn about their innovative programs, community impact, and future plans to expand langu...

As the vicious, destructive wars in Ukraine and the Middle East rage on—and US policymakers debate continuing military support in both regions—it is worth considering America’s own relationship with war in the twenty-first century. What has driven our connections to war, not just from a policy perspective, but from a cultural one as well? Why do we assume war will deliver on its promise to solve n...

Houston is one of the most globally connected cities in the United States, and at the heart of that global network are the women diplomats who represent their countries here. Join us for a special lunch program and panel discussion featuring the Subcommittee of Women Diplomats of the Consular Corps of Houston, a group dedicated to fostering international collaboration, elevating women’s leadership...

This Veteran’s Day, join us for a powerful conversation with retired Green Beret Scott Mann and representatives of Badger Six, an organization dedicated to rescuing Afghan allies left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Shannon Spann DeBruyn, lawyer, former CIA officer, and widow of Mike Spann. David Tyson, retired CIA operations officer, linguist, and recipient of the CIA’s Disting...

In this episode Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President of Tourism and Industries at Houston First, discovers how Houston First promotes the city as a top destination for visitors, manages key city assets, and fosters international relations. Jorge shares insights on Houston's vibrant tourism industry, the city's global appeal, and exciting future developments, including the expansion of the George R....

In this episode of The Greater Loop, we sit down with John Moseley, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Houston, to explore the dynamic role the port plays in both local and global trade. Discover how the Port of Houston, the largest in the United States, contributes significantly to the Texas economy and supports the local community through various initiatives. John shares insights into the p...

Kevin Pasha, Managing Director of Wealth Management at JPMorgan. Discover insights into Houston's evolving economy, the city's vibrant cultural scene, and how global trends are shaping local industries. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Houston, offering a glimpse into the future of this dynamic city. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights...

The Pentagon insider America's top leaders trusted for global intelligence Admiral John Kirby draws on his decades-long experience under both the Obama and Biden administrations to offer a compelling, high-level briefing on geopolitical flashpoints shaping U.S. foreign policy today. As Pentagon and State Department spokesperson during Obama’s tenure and National Security Council communications adv...

The U.S.’ s vital relationship with Canada is one of our nation’s oldest, most dynamic and mutually beneficial international partnerships. Since well before the recent prominence of autocratic governments, Canada has long been a key ally for the U.S. in developing and sustaining a world order defined by open markets, fair trade and the promotion of democratic values. As a founding member of NATO a...

In 2026, Houston will stand at the center of the global sports universe, hosting the FIFA World Cup. But behind every spectacular goal,  and every roaring crowd, lies a sophisticated world of international diplomacy that most fans never see. At this unprecedented look behind the scenes of global sports diplomacy, you’ll discover how nations compete not just on fields and courts, but in boardrooms...

Join us on The Greater Loop podcast as we dive into the world of offshore drilling with Stuart Vogt, Vice President of Corporate Tax at TransOcean. Discover the complexities of tax compliance, the fascinating engineering behind drilling rigs, and the global impact of hydrocarbons. Stuart shares insights on navigating geopolitical challenges, the future of energy, and the rewarding experiences of w...

Join us for a conversation with Nadia Bollinger, Vice President and General Manager of Managed Services at HP. Nadia shares her unique journey from Fort McMurray, Canada, to leading a global team at HP. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the impact of AI on IT services, and how the hybrid workforce is reshaping customer expectations. Nadia also reflects on her career growth and...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative shift towards sustainable energy solutions, spotlighting the potential of geothermal energy and carbon sequestration. Join us as we explore how these innovative sectors are reshaping the energy landscape, offering promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Discover the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the quest for a cleaner,...

Join us for a conversation with Angela Hucles Mangano, a former US Women's National Team midfielder and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Angela shares her journey from a young athlete with boundless energy to a leader in women's soccer, now serving as President and Chief Soccer Officer at the Houston Dash. Discover how her experiences on the field have shaped her leadership style and her passion fo...

In this timely episode, Ambassador Michael Pelletier unpacks the enduring tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. He explores the legacy of partition, the paradox of economic ties amid political hostility, China’s growing regional influence, and the challenges for U.S. diplomacy in navigating one of the world’s most volatile rivalries. With firsthand experience in the region a...

Presented by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston In this episode, James M. Lindsay — Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations — offers a sharp analysis of the early trajectory and defining foreign policy decisions of the current U.S. administration. Drawing on his decades of experience in international affairs, Dr. Lindsay explores key issues reshaping America’s global ro...

In this inspiring conversation, journalist Loren Grush and pioneering astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher reflect on the historic journey of NASA’s first six female astronauts, chronicled in Grush’s acclaimed book The Six. From media scrutiny to spacewalks and satellite rescues, they share the challenges and triumphs that helped redefine what it means to have the right stuff.

Khaled Elgindy, former advisor to the Palestinian leadership and expert on U.S.–Palestinian relations, offers a sobering look at the future of Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region following the devastation of October 7 and its aftermath. With decades of peace efforts faltering, Elgindy explores what realistic paths—if any—exist for Palestinians, Israelis, and international actors amid polit...

Mark Clifford tells the extraordinary story of Jimmy Lai—a self-made billionaire turned fearless pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong—whose bold defiance of the Chinese Communist Party led to his arrest and possible life sentence. From escaping famine in mainland China to founding Apple Daily and challenging authoritarian power, Lai’s life is a powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and the high cost...

In this thought-provoking episode, Malcolm Gladwell explores the dark side of contagious phenomena—from the rise of social engineering to the unexpected forces behind epidemics like COVID and the opioid crisis—through gripping stories and sharp social analysis. With his signature blend of storytelling and science, Gladwell challenges us to rethink tipping points and the hidden dynamics shaping our...

Elliott Abrams, one of the foremost architects of Republican foreign policy across multiple administrations, offers a powerful analysis of what Trump’s second-term foreign policy could look like—from Iran and Venezuela to China, Russia, Israel, and beyond. Drawing on decades of high-level experience, Abrams explores how Trump may reshape U.S. alliances, global conflicts, and America's role on the...