Coffee with Closers

Secretary Charles Djou is the CEO of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), as well as an Afghanistan war veteran and former Congressman representing Hawaii.His current organization, the ABMC, honors the more than 200,000 American service members who died, and are buried, overseas by maintaining and promoting America's commemorative cemeteries and memorials.In this episode, Sec. Djou talks about the importance of remembering our country's service and sacrifice, what it takes to commemorate D-Day in Normandy, and his message to young people.

An update on the podcast and its beloved host, Steve Burke.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we continue our conversation with Steve DelBianco, the president and CEO of NetChoice, a trade association representing some of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world, including Amazon, Google, Meta and eBay. Mr. DelBianco discusses a major antitrust lawsuit the Federal Trade Commission has brought against Amazon, and in particular how both consumers and small businesses will be negatively impacted if the FTC succeeds in court.He also weighs in on efforts by state governments to legally mandate age and identity verification for users accessing online services and why those policies are flawed.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Steve DelBianco, the president and CEO of NetChoice, a trade association representing some of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. In the wake of a sweeping, federal executive order regulating the development of generative artificial intelligence, Mr. DelBianco breaks down the directive. While acknowledging there are some good elements to it, he also takes issue with multiple pain points. He also shares his thoughts on what the future holds for AI and whether the technology should be feared or embraced.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Steve Cone, Chief of Communications, Marketing and Philanthropy at Capital Caring Health, the largest not-for-profit provider of advanced illness care in Greater Washington, D.C. It is also one of the fifteen original hospice providers established in the United States.Mr. Cone unravels some of the misperceptions and fears that are affecting hospice utilization, especially among people of color and the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, D.C. He also discusses the mission Capital Caring Health is on to help change the narrative, so the public and the medical community come to better understand and fully embrace all that hospice care offers patients and their families. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Brian Dodge, President of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a trade group representing the nation's largest retailers, which include Target, Best Buy, Home Depot and Walmart. He discusses some of the hottest consumer spending trends right now, as well as steps retailers have taken to help ensure there is enough inventory to meet customer demand this holiday shopping season. We also dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today and ways in which his organization is tackling them head-on. This includes the rise in organized retail theft, continuing efforts to lower payment card “swipe fees” and disruptive labor disputes as well as worker strikes.

As America prepares to honor all of the brave heroes who served our country, on Veterans Day, we are re-aring the Coffee with Closers episode featuring Vietnam Veterans Memorial co-founder Robert Doubek. A former Air Force intelligence officer, Mr. Doubek recounts the powerful and moving story of how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was created and the challenging responsibility he was entrusted with to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 58,000 names inscribed on the Memorial's granite wall. He also explains how the controversy that erupted over its design almost doomed the project.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Chris Whatley, Executive Director of The HALO Trust USA and Valeriia Shumska, Field Officer with The HALO Trust, the largest landmine clearance organization in the world.We discuss the organization's most urgent priority, clearing contaminated land of landmines and other explosives in war-torn Ukraine.  Not only are these devices injuring and killing innocent civilians, but also making it harder for Ukrainian farmers to grow crops, which is threatening the global food supply.  

Earlier this year, we were fortunate to interview holocaust historian, curator and American Jewish University professor Dr. Michael Berenbaum. He joined Coffee with Closers to preview the opening of “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” This world-renowned traveling exhibition is currently at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley California. In light of the recent atrocities in Israel, we've decided to re-air the episode. Dr. Berenbaum sheds light on the significance of educating people of all ages about one of humanity's darkest chapters and the profound lessons it holds for our present times.Due to overwhelming demand, “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” was extended through January 28, 2024 at the Reagan Library. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is New York Times bestselling author Annie Barrows. She discusses her new children's book, Iggy Rules the Animal Kingdom. Ms. Barrows also shares her thoughts on the decline in book reading in America and the advent of ChatGPT technology.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Tom Miller. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of ClearForce, a technology company that helps the commercial sector and government agencies address safety and security challenges in the workplace.  As September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Mr. Miller discusses a new tool ClearForce has developed that leverages AI and machine learning to help veteran organizations engage with at-risk veterans and service members who are struggling with mental health challenges.He also shares his thoughts on some of the greatest workplace safety and security challenges facing businesses today and why routine employee background checks are no longer sufficient in guarding against reputational and other organizational threats.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor. He discusses his new thriller, “Dead Fall,” in which his protagonist, ex-Navy SEAL and America's top spy, Scot Harvath is sent to Ukraine to try to find an American aid worker who has gone missing. Time is of the essence and Harvath has to carry out this dangerous mission in a war-torn country without the help of his teammates. Thor was a member of the Department of Homeland Security's “Red Cell” Program. Created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the program brought elite writers and artists together to brainstorm terrorist scenarios for the U.S. government.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Kevin McAleenan, the former Acting Homeland Security Secretary and former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He is currently the CEO of Pangiam, a  technology company that leverages artificial intelligence to screen airline luggage and cargo as well as biometrics to verify a passenger's identity. He discusses the state of aviation security today and the need to balance security with efficiency and convenience. He also shares his thoughts on emerging threats facing our nation's critical infrastructure.     

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Vince Proffitt, the founder and president of Spartan Medical, a leading veteran-owned and operated medical solutions company.  A former Air Force intelligence officer, Mr. Proffitt discusses a “military-like mission” he is on to combat our nation's chronic disease epidemic, which afflicts 13 million U.S. veterans. Called the Veteran HealthPak, this comprehensive program provides veterans with remote medical monitoring, condition-specific nutritious meals, a one-click direct connection to the Veteran Crisis Line and more, to their doorsteps.  He also discusses how Spartan Medical is working to address the mental health crisis on college and university campuses as well as helping provider organizations and clinicians improve health outcomes for more people through its surgical and clinical solutions. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Peter Kant, the CEO of the technology company Enabled Intelligence. More than 50% of its workforce is neurodiverse, and it's by design. Mr. Kant explains how these professionals, many of whom have been underutilized in prior employment, are particularly adept at performing the highly-skilled and time intensive task of secure data labeling that enables AI technology in support of critical national security missions for the U.S. government. As Israel learned, neurodiverse individuals “almost had superpowers” when it comes to this kind of work, which requires technical savvy, attention to detail and focus, accuracy, pattern recognition proficiency and puzzle solving skills.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Shirley Bloomfield, the CEO of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, which represents approximately 850 independent, community based telecommunications companies across the country through advocacy, education and training.With $42 billion having been allocated to expand high-speed internet access across the U.S, she explains why this historic funding provides a unique opportunity to help connect more Americans, especially in rural parts of the country, but only if the job is done right.   She also discusses some of the hurdles that still stand in the way of achieving “Internet for All” and what steps policymakers and industry stakeholders can take to help remove them. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Major General (Ret.) Dr. Richard A. Stone, a physician, former Acting Under Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and author of Save Every Life You Can.Dr. Stone discusses some of the most difficult decisions he had to make while leading clinical teams in Afghanistan and at the Veterans Health Administration, our nation's largest integrated health care system.  He also shares leadership principles gleaned from navigating multiple crises throughout his career and how they can help transform U.S. healthcare. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Lynk Co-Founder and CEO Charles Miller. He discusses how he and his team achieved what many in the telecommunications industry thought was not possible–turning satellites into cell towers in space–which, in the very near future, will enable mobile phone users to stay connected everywhere on the planet. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee With Closers is Mohammed Iqbal, the Founder & CEO of the fitness design and technology company SweatWorks. He discusses how AI and other technologies are changing the gym experience while improving the fitness journey. He also shares his thoughts on what consumers are demanding today when it comes to their workouts, how Covid changed America's view and approach to fitness and why achieving wellness requires both patience and persistence. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Jack McKenna, the President & CEO of Prescient, a global risk management and intelligence services firm.  He discusses some of the most serious organizational and reputational challenges facing companies today, including cyber and insider threats, which he calls a “tough nut to crack.” He also explains ways businesses can identify bad actors and mitigate against this and other risks.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers are authors Chris Mettler and Jon Yarian. They discuss their new book: Spark: 24 Concepts to Ignite, Unstick or Supercharge Your Work Life. Due out May 16th, Spark is designed to challenge those who are stuck in their jobs and wandering aimlessly through the hallways of bloated companies to lead the life they have always wanted to live. It's a call to action, not a typical “business book.” 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Dale Buckner, the CEO of the international security firm Global Guardian. A 24-year US Army veteran, Dale explains why many companies are failing to adequately prepare for crises, including regional conflicts, national health emergencies, natural disasters and other security threats. In the face of increased global disruptions, he discusses why the time is now to develop resilient and actionable plans, with foresight, that can protect an organization's people and assets in times of emergency, and the dire consequences that can result from failing to do so.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) President Jim Ward. He addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the trucking industry today, including the future of autonomous and electric trucks, driver shortages, supply chain, workforce training and more.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Holocaust historian, curator and American Jewish University professor Dr. Michael Berenbaum.Dr. Berenbaum previews “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” This world-renowned traveling exhibition is now open at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.  Through more than 700 original artifacts, this powerful and moving exhibit chronicles what was one of the greatest crimes and darkest chapters in all of humanity-the horrors and atrocities that took place at the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Second World War. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Anne Balcer,  Senior Executive Vice President, Chief of Government Relations and Public Policy at the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). Anne explains why a highly controversial push in Congress aimed at regulating credit cards would increase costs for Main Street banks and put consumers' rewards programs and card security protections in jeopardy. She also weighs in on why efforts to get the U.S. Postal Service into the banking business is a bad idea and why ICBA will continue to advocate for legislation allowing cannabis-related businesses to have access to the banking system in states where it is legal.  

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is New York Times bestselling author and Fox News Channel's FOX & Friends co-host, Brian Kilmeade. We discuss his latest book, The President and the Freedom Fighter. Now in paperback and with a new epilogue, it tells the little-known but historically significant story of how two self-made, accomplished American heroes from very different backgrounds, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, rose to power and overcame strong disagreements to forge an unlikely friendship during the Civil War that changed the entire course of history by paving the way for freedom. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Christine Cochran, the President and CEO  of SNAC International, a trade organization representing snack food manufacturers, suppliers, marketers and other stakeholders. We discuss what kinds of snacks consumers are demanding today, supply chain challenges, nutrition and the opportunities that lie ahead for a segment that continues to grow. And, with Americans consuming 112 million pounds of snacks on Super Bowl Sunday, she also shares her thoughts on what snacks mean to those who enjoy watching the Big Game. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is former school superintendent, Dr. David Vroonland. He is launching a new non-profit to help school leaders reimagine 21st century education with Learning Environments Action Research Network (L.E.A.R.N.). This non-profit will be a clearinghouse of the latest research, cutting-edge resources and best practices in education to drive the changes needed for students to thrive in a 21st century economy. L.E.A.R.N. is comprised of leading experts and practitioners from across the country committed to transforming schools into learning environments that promote equitable access to innovation, health, safety, and sustainability. Visit L.E.A.R.N. at https://golearntoday.org/.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Dr. J. Stephen Jones, a nationally recognized healthcare leader who serves as the President and CEO of Inova Health System in Northern Virginia. Inova is the only large health system in America to have every one of its hospitals rated five stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). With our nation's healthcare delivery system undergoing major changes, which include facing continued incursions from nontraditional disruptors like Amazon and Walmart, Dr. Jones discusses some of the serious challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for an industry in transition. He also recounts what the early, uncertain days of Covid-19 were like inside Inova and important lessons learned from the pandemic that will affect how care is delivered in the future. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Serene Almomen, CEO of sensor-based monitoring systems leader Attune (formerly Senseware). She discusses how her company's only one of its kind Air Quality Monitoring solution is enhancing indoor protections for students, teachers, office workers and first responders by detecting and mitigating against bacteria, toxins and airborne virus threats. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is elite ultra runner Michael Wardian. Described as “one of the best-and maybe craziest-runners in the world,” Wardian discusses his recent life changing trek across America, which he completed in just 62 days, to raise awareness and funds for clean water access around the world. Having also run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days, this endurance athlete tells us what challenges and opportunities he next wants to tackle in the future. 

It is the 40th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Vietnam Veterans Memorial co-founder Robert Doubek. He retells the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how The Wall was created and how the public controversy over its design almost doomed the project. He also shares with us the daunting challenges he went through to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 58,000 names inscribed on the Memorial's granite wall. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author and anti-human trafficking advocate, Mitzi Perdue. The heiress of Sheraton Hotels and widow of former Perdue Farms CEO Frank Perdue, Mitzi discusses her recent trip to Ukraine, and warns of an emerging global health crisis sparked by a major security problem in Chernobyl. She also talks about her new book Relentless, which chronicles the life of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series co-author, Mark Victor Hansen, and how he overcame failure and challenges and became a successful author and motivational speaker.

Associated Press national hockey writer Stephen Whyno. He gives us a preview of the upcoming NHL season, weighing in on some of the biggest news that took place this offseason, including trades. He also gives us his take on some burning questions. Can the Colorado Avalanche win back-to-back Cups and the Washington Capitals make another championship run? And, which dark horse teams should fans be watching from both conferences? We also discuss his new book, "Odd Man In: Hockey's Emergency Goalies and the Wildest One-Day Job in Sports," due out on October 25th.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brad Thor. He discusses his latest thriller, Rising Tiger, in which protagonist Scot Harvath is sent to India to investigate the murder of an American diplomat. It's a race against time as danger awaits him in a new and unfamiliar place. Thor also talks about what he sees as some of the biggest national security problems facing the U.S. We also ask him if a movie or television series based on his work is forthcoming. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is former three-time NFL All-Pro Linebacker Shawne Merriman. He discusses his new business venture, working with a team of more than 200 agents selling life insurance at Family First Life. He also offers a few NFL preseason predictions and recalls a memorable conversation he had with Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder. 

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is Dan Boggio, founding architect and Executive Chairman of PBK, the largest K-12 design firm in the United States. He shares with us how school modernization and innovative designs are critical to transforming education. Research shows children are more likely to excel in the classroom and in life if schools deliver immersive and engaging learning environments. He also gives us a sneak peak into a groundbreaking initiative he's driving with education and technology experts across the country to create the School of the Future.

Joining us on this week's episode of Coffee with Closers is international business leader and Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes. He talks about the current economic crisis and the way forward in the context of his new book: INFLATION, in which he argues that we can end inflation quickly-by stabilizing the value of money and returning to a gold-standard. He also calls on Major League Baseball to enact changes to speed up the game!

Recently retired Southwest Airlines Captain Buzz Collins joins Coffee with Closers to discuss possible solutions to the current nationwide pilot shortage, including ending probation pay for new pilots. Collins, a former Naval aviator, shares additional thoughts on a crisis nobody saw coming and a little known secret about mask wearing on planes.

On this week's episode, we talk with John Winner, co-founder and CEO of Kizen, a workforce solutions company. John shares his thoughts on the future of work and explains why a 25-hour work week is a better alternative to a 40-hour one, especially in terms of helping employees pursue a healthier, happier and more balanced life. He also credits advancements in intelligent automation with making us more efficient than ever before.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with Doug Stanton, a #1 New York Times best-selling author. In a new edition of his book, In Harm's Way, he reveals a previously unreported discovery of 28 Black sailors aboard the USS Indianapolis, which sank in 1945. It remains the greatest maritime disaster in U.S. naval history, and Stanton continues to question the Navy's conclusion that no SOS was ever sent from the ship. He also discusses an update to Horse Soldiers, a gripping account of the heroism of the first band of Special Forces soldiers who rode to victory on horseback in Afghanistan following 9/11. It was the basis for the Jerry Bruckheimer movie 12 Strong, starring Chris Hemsworth.

On this episode of Coffee with Closers, we speak with financial literacy expert Rod Griffin, who serves as the Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian. With gas prices continuing to increase and inflation at an all-time high, Rod speaks with us about some of the best ways consumers can build and maintain good credit, while boosting their credit scores. And with approximately 64% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, he also discusses the state of financial literacy in the United States today. 

In this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with Joseph Mettimano, the President and CEO of Central Union Mission, a faith-based nonprofit and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. Mr. Mettimano discusses the organization's important work in helping to meet the needs of the homeless and underserved in our nation's capital, which has one of the largest homeless populations in the country. He also addresses the challenges that Central Union Mission faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and shares how early life experiences motivated him to serve others.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with Cole Lyle. A Marine Corps veteran, Cole serves as the Executive Director of Mission Roll Call, a nonprofit and nonpartisan Veterans Service Organization that advocates on behalf of more than 1 million veterans for policies that address suicide prevention, better access to healthcare and the needs of underserved veterans. He discusses these issues through the lens of his own personal experiences and challenges, as well as his well known service dog Kaya. 

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we have a timely conversation with cybersecurity expert and CEO of IDX, Tom Kelly. Leveraging his decades of experience, Mr. Kelly discusses the state of cyber warfare today, including the rise of cyberattacks from Russia, the security vulnerabilities facing remote workers, practical advice on how businesses and individuals can protect their data and what worries him most as a security professional. 

In this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we speak with the CEO of Passages, Scott Phillips. Passages is a nonprofit that arranges annual trips to Israel for young Christian college students to help them explore and learn about the birthplace of their Christian faith, as well as introduce them to life in modern Israel and some of the geopolitical challenges facing the Middle East. Mr. Phillips discusses the Passages Program, the importance of preparing the next generation of Christian leaders, efforts to combat the rise in anti-Semitism and returning to travel after COVID-19. For more information, visit: www.passagesisrael.org.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we speak with Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove (www.makemymove.com) and Greensburg, Indiana Mayor Joshua Marsh. MakeMyMove is the nation's first and only marketplace that helps remote workers and their families who have a desire to relocate connect with communities offering financial and other relocation incentives. One of those communities is Greensburg, IN. Home of the world-famous Courthouse Tower Tree, Greensburg received national attention last year for its one-of-a-kind incentive package that includes “Grandparents on Demand” babysitting services. 

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with Mark Tomlinson, the Administrator of a remote British outpost in the South Pacific called Pitcairn Islands. It is one of the few places in the world that hasn't had a single confirmed case of COVID-19. Tomlinson discusses his day-to-day duties as Administrator of an Island of approximately 50 people and the challenging but necessary task of getting Covid vaccines from the UK all the way to Pitcairn. He also talked about his professional life as a British Foreign Service Officer.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with New York Times bestselling author and Fox News Channel co-host Brian Kilmeade. Our discussion focuses on his new book, The President and the Freedom Fighter, which tells the dramatic but historically significant story of how two Civil War heroes, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, rose to power and overcame strong disagreements to forge an unlikely friendship that changed the entire course of history. Brian is the co-host of Fox News Channel's morning show, Fox & Friends. He also hosts the daily national radio show, The Brian Kilmeade Show.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, we talk with award-winning scientist and world renowned light expert, Fred Maxik. A U.S. Presidential Champions of Change award recipient and the holder of more than 400 U.S. and international patents combined, Mr. Maxik discusses how the power of light, and in particular infrared light, could someday in the future be utilized to help address dementia. He also warns of the growing epidemic of nearsightedness in children and how Far-UVC 222nm light is playing an important role in keeping society safe during a pandemic. Maxik's work includes helping to develop circadian lighting systems that are currently being used on the International Space Station to help regulate astronauts' body clocks and support their mental and physical health.

On this week's episode of Coffee with Closers, the team sits down with singer Dwight Clyde Washington, affectionately known as D.C. Washington. His beautiful and powerful voice can be heard at Washington Nationals, Washington Football Team, Washington Wizards and D.C. United games singing the national anthem and God Bless America. He discusses his time growing up in Arkansas, his 22 years of service to our country in the U.S. Army and the thrill of singing in the World Series.