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Truly Significant honors Dr. Michael Suk, third generation orthepedic surgeon, attorney, former White House Fellow, polymath, and leader of MDEnvoy, a Physician agency representing medical doctors. Dr. Suk is a mission driven physician, selfless servant to his patients and is skilled as an eco-system creator. According to recent reports, a growing number of physicians are taking a page from professional sports and are now seeking the kind of agent representation that athletes have long relied on. Learn from MDEnvoy CEO and co-founder with famed sports agent- Leigh Steinberg, about the impact of MDEnvoy as an "intentional architect of significance." With MDEnvoy, Dr. Suk aims to help today's physicians enter into long-lasting and mutually successful relationships with their employers, providing other strategic support such as relocation planning, wealth management, intellectual property protection, branding and marketing. Learn more at www.mdenvoy.com today. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.
This week, South Carolina Democratic strategist Isaac Wilson and William Godwin — former White House Fellow and Gary City Council President — join Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey to trace where federal power is landing hardest. We break down the marriage-based immigration crackdowns tearing families apart, the fatal National Guard shooting in Memphis, and a new DHS lawsuit over free speech. Plus: ACA enrollment is collapsing across the South, the FCC is squaring off with ABC, and Cuba just weathered its third nationwide blackout of the year. Power always finds who it protects — and who it presses down on.
It's the Pipeman – The Wandering Jew spinoff of The Adventures of Pipeman.Today we bring on Dave Aronberg a hero of truth and justice in the Opioid Epidemic and the current state of Antisemitism in the world.Dave Aronberg served three terms as the elected State Attorney for Palm Beach County from 2012 to 2024, where he led a team of 115 prosecutors and 180 professional staff in five offices throughout Palm Beach County. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida Senator.In 2016, Aronberg created a Sober Homes Task Force that made more than 120 arrests for patient brokering and insurance fraud in the rehab industry, and has led to several new Florida laws and regulations that have become the model for other states. Aronberg's efforts also convinced Google to restrict advertisements and improve screening for addiction treatment. The crackdown in rogue sober homes and corrupted drug treatment centers contributed to a dramatic decrease in opioid-caused deaths in Palm Beach County.Dave Aronberg was born in Miami. He attended public schools before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. After graduation, he worked in the litigation department of a large South Florida law firm while also working closely with Insurance Commissioner Bill Nelson to investigate European insurance companies that refused to honor World War II-era policies sold to victims of the Holocaust.In 2000, Aronberg was selected to be one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. In this nonpartisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering, including the laundering of terrorist assets.Dave Aronberg was elected to the State Senate in 2002 as its youngest member and served until 2010. In 2010, Aronberg returned to the Florida Attorney General's Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. In his role as the Attorney General's “Drug Czar,” Aronberg led an anti-pill mill initiative that helped clean up the pain clinic industry and reduced the record number of people dying each day from oxycodone abuse.Aronberg is a trial skills instructor at Harvard Law School, and frequently appears on cable television as a legal commentator. He is the managing partner of Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and a strategic partner with Capital City Consulting in West Palm Beach. Pipeman – The Wandering Jew is a spin-off podcast born of The Adventures of Pipeman. The show is The Movement of An Avenger for Jews Everywhere Fighting Antisemitism & Hate Globally. It's Not Just a Podcast! It's a Jewish Movement of Love & Unity For All of Humanity with guests of all religions in support of Jews and even guests who are Antisemites to debate the TRUTH!Click Here to Subscribe to The Adventures of Pipeman for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS! Take some zany and serious journeys with The Pipeman aka Dean K. Piper, CST on The Adventures of Pipeman also known as Pipeman Radio syndicated globally “Where Who Knows And Anything Goes.” Would you like to be a sponsor of the show?Would you like to have your business, products, services, merch, programs, books, music or any other professional or artistic endeavors promoted on the show?Would you like to be interviewed as a professional or music guest on The Adventures of Pipeman, Positively Pipeman and/or Pipeman in the Pit?Would you like to host your own Radio Show, Streaming TV Show, or Podcast? PipemanRadio Podcasts are heard on Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and over 100 other podcast outlets where you listen to Podcasts.The following are the different podcasts to Follow, Listen, Download, Subscribe:The Adventures of PipemanPipeman RadioPipeman in the Pit – Music Interviews & FestivalsPipeman – The Wandering JewPositively Pipeman – Empowerment, Inspiration, Motivation, Self-Help, Business, Spiritual & Health & WellnessClick Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.
Pia Dandiya is running for U.S. Congress in Florida's 22nd District. A former public school teacher, high school principal, and White House Fellow, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity for working families through education and economic mobility. Born and raised in the district she now seeks to represent, Pia previously worked on workforce and economic policy at the White House Domestic Policy Council and later led public sector initiatives at Apple. She currently lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband and son.In this conversation, we discussed the specific moment that inspired Pia to run for Congress, why Florida isn't a “lost cause” in terms of red vs. blue, what it's like being a female candidate knocking on doors and talking to voters in Florida, the issues that are close to voters' hearts in Florida, and why education is a big priority for Pia. Connect with Pia: Website | Instagram | LinkedInIf you're looking to unleash your potential, find your personal, professional, or political fire, and to connect with a community who is doing the same, click here to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe
My talk with Jim and Elliot starts at 16 mins Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls About 2084 and the co written book series In their novel 2034, decorated military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis imagined a war between the US and China. In their follow-up novel, 2054, they envisioned a breakdown in American politics fueled by a radical advance in AI. Now they make their boldest, most astonishing, and arguably most necessary leap—imagining the consequences of a climate war. By the year 2084, the world is divided into the equatorial countries that bear the brunt of the climate crisis—led by Nigeria, Brazil, and Indonesia—and wealthier countries like China and the US, beset by their own problems after a series of civil wars. Tensions between the two sets of countries have reached a breaking point, until finally the so-called Reparationist nations of the equator decide that only military force can bring them justice. A fascinating and disturbingly plausible extrapolation from current realities, 2084, like other classics of the genre such as Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future and Neal Stephenson's Termination Shock, deploys a global cast of characters, all protecting their interests as the fate of human civilization hangs in the balance. Individuals often seem small in the face of the forces that drive global change, but in the end human agency proves surprisingly decisive. Big doors can swing on small hinges. We have it within ourselves to write a different destiny, if only we can imagine it. Elliot Ackerman is the author of several novels, most recently Red Dress In Black and White. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and non-fiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize among others. His writing often appears in Esquire, The New Yorker, and The New York Times where he is a contributing opinion writer, and his stories have been included inThe Best American Short Stories and The Best American Travel Writing. He is both a former White House Fellow and Marine, and served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. He divides his time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Website: www. ElliotAckerman.com; Twitter: @elliotackerman Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret.) spent more than thirty years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of four-star Admiral. He was the Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and previously commanded U.S. Southern Command, overseeing military operations in Latin America. At sea, he commanded a Navy destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier battle group in combat. He holds a Ph.D. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he recently served five years as dean. He has published nine previous books and hundreds of articles and is a frequent national and international television commentator as well as a Bloomberg Opinion weekly columnist, and a monthly columnist for TIME Magazine. He is chairman of the Board of Counselors of McLarty Global Associates, an international consulting firm, and an operating executive of the Carlyle Group, an international private equity firm. Website: www.AdmiralStav.com ; Twitter:@stavridisJ Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll Buy Ava's Art Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack Follow and Support Pete Coe Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing
Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of America's best known and most popular historians, having told the stories of great American leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, Lyndon Johnson, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, and others. Now, she delves into her own life and the time she spent with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, to draw out fresh perspectives on many of the central figures of the 1960s. The Goodwins were married for 42 years. Richard Goodwin helped design LBJ's Great Society and was a close advisor to Robert Kennedy. Dorris Kearns was a 23-year-old graduate student when she was selected as a White House Fellow; she would work directly for President Johnson and later assisted on his memoir. The couple saw the momentous policies and movements of the 1960s from the inside, and they debated the achievements and failures of the leaders they served, and discussed just how much progress was made and promises left unfulfilled. Drawing on their lives—not to mention more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents and memorabilia Richard Goodwin had saved for more than five decades—Doris Kearns Goodwin produced her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story. The exploration of those boxes and her shared history with her husband gave them both an opportunity to reassess some of the towering figures of the time: John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy and especially LBJ, who greatly impacted both of their lives. Join us as Doris Kearns Goodwin returns to Commonwealth Club World Affairs to share her unexpected discoveries, fresh appraisals, and the hope that the youth of today will carry forward “this unfinished love story with America.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Stephanie J. Wong and Zhengyu "Z" Huang discuss his new book, "Rethinking China: Challenging Our Economic Assumptions and Opportunities for Lasting Prosperity." Zheng explained that the book was inspired by a desire to address misconceptions about China's economy and explore opportunities for mutual prosperity. He assumed the role of president of the Committee of 100, a non-profit organization founded over 30 years ago by I.M. Pei to promote Chinese-American inclusion in America and enhance U.S.-China relations, working with White House administrations during the COVID-19 pandemic to advocate for safeguarding national security while protecting civil liberties, particularly in response to rising anti-Asian hate and violence. Interview highlights: How stereotypes and data based on assumptions can impact domestic and foreign policy Contributions of Chinese Americans that have positively shaped American society Chinese American History Research Project in the context of US history Need for community engagement and informed discussion about ways to improve national security and US-China relations. This episode was not filmed on government time and is based on personal opinions. ============================================================================== Zhengyu "Z" Huang's bio: Zhengyu "Z" Huang is the former President of the Committee of 100, a nonprofit of prominent Chinese Americans dedicated to advancing constructive US-China relations and promoting Chinese American inclusion. Born in Shanghai and raised in Los Angeles, Huang holds degrees in Industrial Engineering, Economics, and Computer Science from Stanford and an MBA from Harvard. He began his career at Intel, where he led negotiations with the Chinese government on IP and 4G partnerships. He later served as a White House Fellow under President Obama, founded a financial technology firm in Shanghai, and now leads an education-focused investment firm investing in America. A bestselling author of four books, Huang's talks have reached over 50 million people, and his work has been featured in major outlets including CNBC, CNN, and USA Today. He has lived in five countries, traveled to over 90, and remains an avid (if not expert) enthusiast of fifteen sports. ================================================================================== Share, like, and subscribe! For more mental health, entrepreneurship, and entertainment content, Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiaS5_HScsbFOJE5lYrEsxw Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/color_of_success/ https://www.facebook.com/colorofsuccess To purchase Dr. Wong's book: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Mother of Color
Join us in Vegas for Podjam 3! My conversation with Dave starts at about 38 minutes in to today's show after headlines and clips Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls subscribe to Dave Substack Dave Aronberg served three terms as the elected State Attorney for Palm Beach County from 2012 to 2024, where he led a team of 115 prosecutors and 180 professional staff in five offices throughout Palm Beach County. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida Senator. In 2016, Aronberg created a Sober Homes Task Force that made more than 120 arrests for patient brokering and insurance fraud in the rehab industry, and has led to several new Florida laws and regulations that have become the model for other states. Aronberg's efforts also convinced Google to restrict advertisements and improve screening for addiction treatment. The crackdown in rogue sober homes and corrupted drug treatment centers contributed to a dramatic decrease in opioid-caused deaths in Palm Beach County. Dave Aronberg was born in Miami. He attended public schools before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. After graduation, he worked in the litigation department of a large South Florida law firm while also working closely with Insurance Commissioner Bill Nelson to investigate European insurance companies that refused to honor World War II-era policies sold to victims of the Holocaust. In 2000, Aronberg was selected to be one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. In this nonpartisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering, including the laundering of terrorist assets. Dave Aronberg was elected to the State Senate in 2002 as its youngest member and served until 2010. In 2010, Aronberg returned to the Florida Attorney General's Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. In his role as the Attorney General's "Drug Czar," Aronberg led an anti-pill mill initiative that helped clean up the pain clinic industry and reduced the record number of people dying each day from oxycodone abuse. Aronberg is a trial skills instructor at Harvard Law School, and frequently appears on cable television as a legal commentator. He is the managing partner of Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and a strategic partner with Capital City Consulting in West Palm Beach. Read about Dave's book Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll Buy Ava's Art Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack
Pia Dandiya is a first-generation American educator running for Congress in the district where she was born and raised to fight for kids and expand opportunity for every Floridian. She began her career as a teacher in low-income schools and went on to become one of the youngest high school principals in the country, founding a school where every graduate earned college admission despite most students living below the poverty line. She later served as a White House Fellow working on education and domestic policy and worked at the intersection of technology and education at Apple.Now that she's running for congress, Pia and I talk about why she ran in the first place and how her experience in education motivates her to work on a national level. We also get into how she wants to fix our education system.For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode177.
Geoff Shepard came to Washington, DC in 1969 as a White House Fellow, after graduating from Harvard Law School. He served on President Richard Nixon's White House staff for five years, including a year as deputy counsel on the president's Watergate defense team. He has written three books and produced two documentary films, as well as an off-Broadway stage play about the internal prosecutorial documents he's uncovered, many of which are posted on his website, www.shepardonwatergate.com . In this interview Geoff and I discussed how Richard Nixon came to be the President, what actually happened in Watergate, and how law fare has changed American politics over the past 50 years. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
How do you hold a country together when it's tearing itself apart? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to talk about Abraham Lincoln's self-education, his emotional discipline, and how he managed anger, ego, and public pressure without losing himself.Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian and bestselling author. Her latest #1 New York Times bestseller, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, is being adapted into a feature film, while her earlier works, Team of Rivals, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time, have won some of the nation's highest literary honors and inspired leaders worldwide. She has served as a White House Fellow to President Lyndon Johnson, produced acclaimed docuseries for the HISTORY Channel, and earned countless awards for her contributions to history and leadership.Doris has a new book out called The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became Presidents in which she shares the different childhood experiences of Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson, and how they each found their way to the presidency.
Sharice Davids is a congresswoman from Kansas, a former White House fellow, a lawyer, and MMA fighter with 7 fights including two professional bouts. She joins Andrew Vontz & Jonathan Kaplan on United States of Sweat p/b Choose the Hard Way to share stories about training, fighting, and her hardest workout ever. — United States of Sweat is the series where politicians and policymakers join us to share stories about fitness, health, and the sports they love. — Please hit subscribe & give this show a 5-star rating wherever you listen or watch. — The media landscape has changed. Scripted is out. Real is in. Being a great podcast guest or host and being able to operate in dynamic unscripted contexts isn't optional. It's now a mandatory skill for senior leaders and doing it well isn't easy. — That's why Andrew Vontz started https://www.onerealvoice.com/ to help industry leaders thrive on podcasts, panels and the internal and external high-stakes open-ended conversations where reputations are built and business is won. — Jonathan Kaplan is the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping individuals and organizations navigate Washington, shape policy and manage reputational risk. He also writes RIDING WITH, a newsletter and podcast exploring the intersection of pro cycling, media, business and politics. Find that at ridingwithkaplan.substack.com. — To support Choose the Hard Way, please become a paid subscriber of https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/. — The media landscape has changed. Scripted is out. Real is in. Being a great podcast guest or host and being able to operate in dynamic unscripted contexts isn't optional. It's now a mandatory skill for senior leaders and doing it well isn't easy. — That's why Andrew Vontz started https://www.onerealvoice.com/ to help industry leaders thrive on podcasts, panels and the internal and external high-stakes open-ended conversations where reputations are built and business is won. — When you're ready to be great, DM https://www.instagram.com/hardwaypod or reach out to hello@onerealvoice.com. — With over $1 trillion in transactions to date, Blockchain.com is your trusted partner on your crypto journey. Go to Blockchain.com to get started today no experience required. — Lauf is the Apple of bike design and they make elegant products that just work better than everything else. Check them out at www.laufcycles.com. — Andrew Vontz's Choose the Hard Way newsletter: https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/ — One Real Voice – narrative, strategy and coaching for podcasts and high-stakes conversations: http://www.onerealvoice.com — Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hardwaypod — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewvontz/ — Jonathan Kaplan's Riding With newsletter: https://ridingwithkaplan.substack.com/ — Jonathan Kaplan Instagram: http://instagram.com/jonny99kaplan
So friends, can I ask you a quick question? When you think of Washington, DC, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Politics? The nation's capital? Maybe, a city where somehow we still have taxation without representation?DC has the Congress. It has the executive branch. It has the judiciary. All populated by federal government employees. All public servants. In a very real sense, DC is like the national hub for public service.The person who said that she views DC as a city of service is Kinney Zalesne. And Kinney is now running to be represent the people of DC in Congress. Kinney is running to be DC's delegate to Congress, and I sat down with Kinney to ask her why she wants to represent people of DC in Congress, and why she views DC as a city of service.Kinney Zalesne came to DC in 1995 for what was supposed to be a short stint in the Clinton White House. But she fell in love with the city, and for 30 years has never wanted to live anywhere else. She and her husband Scott have raised four kids here and been active in the community, serving in leadership positions in DC's schools, pools, parks, and nonprofits.DC gave Kinney opportunities to work across government, business, and the nonprofit sector. After serving as a White House Fellow with Vice President Gore, Kinney was Counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno at the US Department of Justice. She later helped lead the Strategy team at Microsoft. She has rolled up her sleeves in our neighborhoods, where she served as President of College Summit, a global-award-winning nonprofit, founded in a basement in Adams Morgan. College Summit helps students from low-income backgrounds go to college. Kinney was also Board Chair of a school in Ward 4 that doubled in enrollment during her tenure. And most recently, Kinney served as Deputy National Finance Chair of the DNC and National Co-Chair of Women for Harris.Of all those roles, Kinney's favorite was being President of College Summit (now called Peer Forward). The organization's mission was to make sure that every student who could make it IN college made it TO college. Kinney built large-scale, diverse, powerful coalitions across the District and then the nation to make sure tens of thousands of local students got the opportunities they deserved. Kinney's skills and experiences are what DC needs now. She will build a broad-based, lasting, nationwide coalition of people to defend DC and ensure we remain a safe, affordable, and healthy place to live. Find Kinney at: https://www.kinneyfordc.comFind Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So friends, can I ask you a quick question? When you think of Washington, DC, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Politics? The nation's capital? Maybe, a city where somehow we still have taxation without representation?DC has the Congress. It has the executive branch. It has the judiciary. All populated by federal government employees. All public servants. In a very real sense, DC is like the national hub for public service.The person who said that she views DC as a city of service is Kinney Zalesne. And Kinney is now running to be represent the people of DC in Congress. Kinney is running to be DC's delegate to Congress, and I sat down with Kinney to ask her why she wants to represent people of DC in Congress, and why she views DC as a city of service.Kinney Zalesne came to DC in 1995 for what was supposed to be a short stint in the Clinton White House. But she fell in love with the city, and for 30 years has never wanted to live anywhere else. She and her husband Scott have raised four kids here and been active in the community, serving in leadership positions in DC's schools, pools, parks, and nonprofits.DC gave Kinney opportunities to work across government, business, and the nonprofit sector. After serving as a White House Fellow with Vice President Gore, Kinney was Counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno at the US Department of Justice. She later helped lead the Strategy team at Microsoft. She has rolled up her sleeves in our neighborhoods, where she served as President of College Summit, a global-award-winning nonprofit, founded in a basement in Adams Morgan. College Summit helps students from low-income backgrounds go to college. Kinney was also Board Chair of a school in Ward 4 that doubled in enrollment during her tenure. And most recently, Kinney served as Deputy National Finance Chair of the DNC and National Co-Chair of Women for Harris.Of all those roles, Kinney's favorite was being President of College Summit (now called Peer Forward). The organization's mission was to make sure that every student who could make it IN college made it TO college. Kinney built large-scale, diverse, powerful coalitions across the District and then the nation to make sure tens of thousands of local students got the opportunities they deserved. Kinney's skills and experiences are what DC needs now. She will build a broad-based, lasting, nationwide coalition of people to defend DC and ensure we remain a safe, affordable, and healthy place to live. Find Kinney at: https://www.kinneyfordc.comFind Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dave Aronberg served three terms as the elected State Attorney for Palm Beach County from 2012 to 2024. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida State Senator, where he was elected in 2002. In 2010, he returned to the Florida Attorney General's Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. He frequently appears on cable television as a legal commentator. And he is the managing partner of Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and a strategic partner with Capital City Consulting in West Palm Beach. Dave and I discuss Trump's DOJ weaponization and AG Pam Bondi's utter lack of independence; Don Lemon's arrest; the Epstein Cover-Up; and more Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel
In this episode I meet up with Tina Shah MD MPH, a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care who is running for Congress in New Jersey's seventh district. We dive deep into Tina's journey from White House Fellow, to working with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to ICU doctor to congressional candidate, exploring how physician burnout, healthcare affordability, and insurance company barriers to care drove her to pursue systemic change at the policy level. Tina shares powerful patient stories—including her own mother's cardiac care denial and a diabetic patient's life-threatening hospitalization due to medication rationing—that illustrate why doctors need a seat at the table in Congress. We discuss civic health, the misinformation epidemic, healthcare workforce crisis, and how she successfully led a grassroots movement that defeated the insurance lobby in New Jersey to protect patients from prior authorization denials. Website: https://www.drtinashahforcongress.com/ If you enjoy the show, please leave ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Apple, subscribe
Subscribe to In These Times with Bill Nigut wherever you get your podcasts. Bill Nigut interviews Tom Johnson, who grew up in Macon, Georgia, and went on to make CNN a global news network. Tom studied journalism at the University of Georgia and business at Harvard Business School before serving as a White House Fellow in the Lyndon B. Johnson White House. He was publisher of the Dallas Times Herald and then the Los Angeles Times, where Ted Turner tapped him to run CNN. For more, visit wabe.org/in-these-times-with-bill-nigutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode, Ryan and Doris Kearns Goodwin discuss how parents can teach history to their children, encouraging curiosity in kids, and the importance of maintaining the love for history in education. Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian and bestselling author. Her latest #1 New York Times bestseller, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, is being adapted into a feature film, while her earlier works, Team of Rivals, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time, have won some of the nation's highest literary honors and inspired leaders worldwide. She has served as a White House Fellow to President Lyndon Johnson, produced acclaimed docuseries for the HISTORY Channel, and earned countless awards for her contributions to history and leadership.She has a new book out called The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became Presidents in which she shares the different childhood experiences of Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson, and how they each found their way to the presidency. Grab copies of Doris' books Team of Rivals and Leadership at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.comFollow Doris on Instagram @DorisKGoodwin and check out more of her work on her website doriskearnsgoodwin.com
Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous soul Dave Aronberg served three terms as the elected State Attorney for Palm Beach County from 2012 to 2024, where he led a team of 115 prosecutors and 180 professional staff in five offices throughout Palm Beach County. He is also a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida Senator. In 2016, Aronberg created a Sober Homes Task Force that made more than 120 arrests for patient brokering and insurance fraud in the rehab industry, and has led to several new Florida laws and regulations that have become the model for other states. Aronberg's efforts also convinced Google to restrict advertisements and improve screening for addiction treatment. The crackdown in rogue sober homes and corrupted drug treatment centers contributed to a dramatic decrease in opioid-caused deaths in Palm Beach County. Dave Aronberg was born in Miami. He attended public schools before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. After graduation, he worked in the litigation department of a large South Florida law firm while also working closely with Insurance Commissioner Bill Nelson to investigate European insurance companies that refused to honor World War II-era policies sold to victims of the Holocaust. In 2000, Aronberg was selected to be one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. In this nonpartisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering, including the laundering of terrorist assets. Dave Aronberg was elected to the State Senate in 2002 as its youngest member and served until 2010. In 2010, Aronberg returned to the Florida Attorney General's Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. In his role as the Attorney General's "Drug Czar," Aronberg led an anti-pill mill initiative that helped clean up the pain clinic industry and reduced the record number of people dying each day from oxycodone abuse. Aronberg is a trial skills instructor at Harvard Law School, and frequently appears on cable television as a legal commentator. He is the managing partner of Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and a strategic partner with Capital City Consulting in West Palm Beach. Read about Dave's book Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll Buy Ava's Art Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack Follow and Support Pete Coe Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing
Mike Hayes is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who served 20 years in Special Operations. A graduate of one of the toughest SEAL training classes—one of only 19 out of 120 to complete—he deployed throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Hayes commanded SEAL Team TWO and led a 2,000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. He also served as Deputy Commander for all Special Operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, and was selected as a White House Fellow (’08–’09). At the National Security Council, he served as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy, where he helped draft a proposed START Treaty and led the White House response to the Maersk Alabama hijacking. His decorations include the Bronze Star for Valor in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Hayes transitioned to senior leadership roles in technology and investment, and authored Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning, donating all profits to support Gold Star families. He lives with his wife, Anita, and their daughter, Maeson, and most enjoys spending time and laughing with them when not mentoring others or speaking about leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mission Driven - How To Make Better Decisions - From Former Commanding Officer US Navy SEAL Team TwoGuest:Mike Hayes A Managing Director at Insight Partners * Former Commanding Officer of US Navy SEAL Team TWO* Managing Director, Insight Partners* Author of National Bestseller Mission Driven (distilled nicely in this article)All of Mike's profits from his book sales go to a 501(c)(3) he founded, The 1162 Foundation, which pays off mortgages for Gold Star families – he's paid off 12 widows' mortgages to date.AUMRegulatory assets under management $90B and 600 portfolio managers. Timeless LessonsLeaders Don't need to make the best decision.They need to make sure the best decision gets made. Team, Teammate, SelfAlgin these 3 things – for purpose and elite performance:What gives someone energy?What are they good at?What's good for the business?Best adviceWhenever you are having a hard day, find someone else who's having a harder day and help them. Social Profiles* Instagram @thisis.mikehayes* X @thisismikehayes* LinkedInBioMike Hayes is Managing Director at Insight Partners, a global software investment firm with $90B+ in regulatory assets under management and 800+ portfolio companies across every stage of growth.Prior to Insight, Mike was Chief Operating Officer at VMware, where he led the company's worldwide business operations, their SaaS transition, and the successful acquisition into Broadcom for $94B. Before that, Mike served as Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Operations for Cognizant Technologies, where he ran a $2B P&L for Cognizant's global financial services clients.Mike previously spent four years at Bridgewater Associates, an investment management firm, where he served in Chief of Staff to CEO and COO roles. Prior to Bridgewater, he spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEALs where his career began as one of 19 graduates from a class of 120. Mike served throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including the conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.His last job in the Navy was the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TWO, which included ten months as the Commander of a 2,000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. Before that, Mike was selected as a White House Fellow ('08/'09) and served two years as Director of Defense Policy and Strategy at the National Security Council.In the Bush Administration, Mike was responsible for the START Treaty, where he produced a new proposed START Treaty and flew to Russia for negotiations. In the Obama administration, he led the White House response to President Obama's first major foreign policy showdown — the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama off the coast of Somalia. Prior to the White House Fellowship, Mike served as the Deputy Commander for all Special Operations in Anbar Province, Iraq.Mike holds an M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School and received his B.A. from Holy Cross College, where he was an active Big Brother. His military decorations include the Bronze Star for valor in combat in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal from the White House.Mike is the author of the best-seller Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning, and donates all profits to a 501(c)(3) he started that pays off mortgages for Gold Star widows and children.He serves on the board of Immuta, a data governance company, and is the founding board member of the National Medal of Honor Museum. Mike is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, is fluent in German and Spanish, frequently speaks about leadership and elite organizations, and enjoys mentoring others to success.He is a life-long Sox/Pats fan, but most enjoys laughing with his wife, Anita, and their 24-year-old daughter, Maeson.
Stan's guest this week is Georgia native and journalist Tom Johnson, whose remarkable career took him from Macon, where he worked for legendary newspaperman Peyton Anderson, to UGA's Grady College of Journalism, to White House Fellow during President Lyndon Johnson's administration, to publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and finally as president of CNN during ...Continue Reading »
Colonel Art Athens joins the Be Worth* Following podcast to share his insights on all things leadership, especially the cultivation of talent. And to be sure, he's sharing with us from a wealth of experience. Over the course of more than 30 years in the Marine Corps, Colonel Athens held command and staff assignments across all four Marine Aircraft Wings. He also served as an instructor and Academic Dean for the Marine Corps' equivalent to the Navy's “Top Gun” school. Following his military career, he became the Naval Academy's first Distinguished Military Professor of Leadership and later served for over a decade as the Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. He also served as Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and was selected as a White House Fellow under President Ronald Reagan. In this episode, you'll discover why Colonel Athens talks about Dixie cups and crystal glasses in relation to leading well. You'll see how attending a rainy high school soccer game significantly shifted one of his relationships up the chain of command. And you'll hear why benches and bullpens are important concepts in how we think about developing those we lead. Notable links: Guest: Colonel Art Athens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-athens-b210559/ Host: Tim Spiker: https://www.theaperio.com/tim-spiker The Only Leaders Worth* Following video series on Right Now Media: https://www.theaperio.com/right-now-media-series The Only Leaders Worth* Following book https://tinyurl.com/TOLWFbook The Only Leaders Worth Following book Discussion Guide: https://www.theaperio.com/discussion-guide-the-only-leaders-worth-following The Aperio: https://www.theaperio.com/
Today on The Gist. Trump's push to rebrand the Pentagon as the “Department of War”. Then a full-length interview with Mike Hayes—former commanding officer of SEAL Team 2, White House Fellow, and author of Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose. Hayes lays out how to define the “who” before the “what,” why 1% better beats overnight breakthroughs, and how grit, EQ, and team-first leadership scale beyond the battlefield to business and life. Plus: talent vs. credentialism, learning from failure without ego, and why calm thinking under pressure is a trainable skill. Come See Mike Pesca at Open Debate Produced by Corey Wara Production Coordinator Ashley Khan Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact ad-sales@libsyn.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow The Gist List at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack
"What's the one thing people remember from your message—and is it what you intended?" In this compelling episode of Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas, Kent sits down with Merrie Spaeth, a trailblazing communicator whose career spans journalism, television, the Reagan White House, and crisis management for Fortune 500 companies. From her Quaker school roots to becoming the first female intern at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Merrie shares stories that are as insightful as they are entertaining. Listeners will hear how Merrie: Became a White House Fellow and worked directly with FBI Director Judge William Webster. Helped reshape the FBI's public image and diversity efforts. Created the White House News Service, pioneering direct-to-public communication long before social media. Built a global communications firm focused on proactive crisis management and employee advocacy. Offers timeless advice on how to communicate clearly, avoid PR disasters, and turn employees into brand ambassadors.
Today's guest, Mike Hayes, is nothing short of extraordinary:Mike is the former Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TWO, leading a two thousand–person Special Operations Task Force in Southeastern Afghanistan. In addition to a twenty-year career as a SEAL, Mike was a White House Fellow, served two years as Director of Defense Policy and Strategy at the National Security Council, and has worked directly with both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Beyond his military and governmental service, Managing Director is currently managing director at Insight Partners. Mike was previously Chief Operating Officer at VMware.So as you can see, Mike is going to be just awesome, and this episode is going to really help you take the next step in your career that is mission driven and full of purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What made Lincoln great wasn't power or genius, it was his moral fiber. Historian and bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin joins Ryan to explore why Lincoln stands above the rest, how ambition can be twisted toward selfishness or greatness, and how moments of pain and principle shape true leaders. Ryan and Doris discuss the pressures of writing about legendary figures, Doris's years working for LBJ, and what it takes to bring history to life for future generations.Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian and bestselling author. Her latest #1 New York Times bestseller, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, is being adapted into a feature film, while her earlier works, Team of Rivals, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time, have won some of the nation's highest literary honors and inspired leaders worldwide. She has served as a White House Fellow to President Lyndon Johnson, produced acclaimed docuseries for the HISTORY Channel, and earned countless awards for her contributions to history and leadership.She has a new book out called The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became Presidents in which she shares the different childhood experiences of Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson, and how they each found their way to the presidency. Grab copies of Doris' books Team of Rivals and Leadership at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.comFollow Doris on Instagram @DorisKGoodwin and check out more of her work on her website doriskearnsgoodwin.com
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former White House Fellow and Gary City Council President William Godwin to talk about Texas State Democrats return to legislature, Trump's vow to end vote-by-mail, Dems emerging path out of the political wilderness, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Today's guest is Elliot Ackerman—decorated Marine veteran, former CIA paramilitary officer, and New York Times bestselling author. A recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart, Elliot served five combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the battle of Fallujah, before going on to serve as a White House Fellow. His acclaimed books - 2034, Halcyon, Waiting for Eden, Places and Names, and The Fifth Act - blend authenticity with a sharp literary edge. His latest novel, SHEEPDOGS, follows an ex-CIA officer and an Afghan pilot caught in a high-stakes heist that spirals into a deadly web of betrayal.In this episode, Jack and Elliot dive into the inspiration behind Sheepdogs, Elliot's path to the Marine Corps after 9/11, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also explore his transition from the battlefield to publishing, his time with the CIA and as a White House Fellow, and the craft of writing stories that confront the moral complexities of war.FOLLOW ELLIOTX: @elliotackermanInstagram: @Elliot.ackermanFOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X: @JackCarrUSAFacebook: @JackCarr YouTube: @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear
Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Guest: Alexander Friedman, CEO & Co‑founder of Novata; former CFO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; former CIO of UBS; ex‑White House Fellow; board member at Franklin Templeton Episode Summary Join Shannon as she interviews Alexander Friedman, a leader who has navigated high-stakes roles across the highest levels of philanthropy, finance, government, and now tech. In this episode, Alex shares insights into operationalizing purpose, driving change across complex systems, and forging a career of conviction and curiosity. This conversation brings together personal grit, lessons from mountaineering and family, and hard-earned wisdom on systems change, all with a clear north star in mind. Key Highlights & Timestamps [00:04] Meet Alex and get a preview of his storied path [03:37] How the outdoors serve as spiritual grounding for Alex [06:58] Learning Alex was a White House Fellow—and protégé of General Krulak [08:46] A Marines' boot incident that sparked leadership lessons [11:29] The Krulak legacy: from WWII to a fourth star in the Oval Office [16:17] Balancing tradition and transformation in entrenched institutions [18:27] The limits of logic: why being right doesn't guarantee change [21:35] How leaders can wield influence carefully—and not burn it [22:55] The benefits and questions around the 5% philanthropic payout rule [25:13] Alex answers: Should foundations give away all assets or exist perpetually? [25:48] Why the 5% rule may be outdated—and how investment returns challenge it [26:37] On whether billionaire-backed space ventures serve higher purpose or oligarchy [28:18] Does purpose come easier in nonprofits vs. for‑profits—and what Alex believes [29:24] Exploring the distinction—and overlap—between mission and purpose [31:31] Transcending self to serve something greater: Maslow and Viktor Frankl insights [33:24] How founding a B Corp, Novata, merges purpose with sustainable business [36:11] Novata's model: driving impact measurement for private companies globally [37:49] Why ESG backlash hasn't undermined demand—and what persists beneath politics [39:10] Alex's confidence in long‑term ESG trends despite short‑term turbulence [40:08] The importance of overcoming initial inertia—just like Moana crossing the reef [40:42] Parenting lessons: explaining purpose to a six‑year‑old and why it matters [41:38] Advice to younger self or child: follow your own compass, not someone else's shiny things [44:40] A dynamic “three‑body problem” metaphor for balancing work, family, purpose [47:02] Alex defines success: Try boldly—even if you fail [47:55] Why repeated failure builds resilience—and fuels new action Resources & Further Reading Novata – Platform Alex co-founded to measure ESG and impact outcomes in private markets Jackson Hole Economics – A forum Alex helped launch to shape policy and economic discourse Council on Foreign Relations – Alex contributes to global policy thought leadership B Corp & Public Benefit Corp structures – the organizational form Alex chose for Novata Legacy article on General Victor “Brute” Krulak, with family and presidential story Book: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780578683577 Website: www.novata.com General Charles C. Krulak Article: https://www.mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/Krulak-Jun-2021.pdf
Original Air Date: May 21, 2018Enjoy this episode, specially selected for our Super Soul Summer—a series celebrating some of the greatest Super Soul moments and messages to inspire and uplift your spirit. Enjoy this episode, specially selected for our Super Soul Summer—a series celebrating some of the greatest Super Soul moments and messages to inspire and uplift your spirit. Does this sound like you? After years working at the same job, you realize you've just been going through the motions for as long as you can remember. Wes Moore, a war veteran, entrepreneur, Rhodes Scholar and New York Times best-selling author, believes we can all discover and pursue our life's purpose. “If your job no longer brings you joy, there's an important question you need to ask yourself: ‘What is your real work and who will you fight for?'” In his book “The Work,” Wes, a former combat officer in Afghanistan, a White House Fellow and a Wall Street banker, discusses his journey of self-discovery, which led him to walk away from financial success to create a more meaningful life.
Makini Chisolm-Straker, MD, MPH is a policy-based reparations specialist, with a background in public health and domestic policy. A former White House Fellow and visiting professor of history at Yale University's Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, Makini's work focuses on reparations to Black and Indigenous people in what is now the United States. By centering the populations that are the foundation of the nation's wealth, Makini proposes structural changes that value and bring us toward communal abundance.In high school, Makini played volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. In undergrad she started playing rugby and as been playing ever since.
In this episode from 2022, Adrienne sits down with the incredible Eric Collins. Eric is an American businessman, serial entrepreneur, technology expert, former President Obama appointee. He is the CEO and co-founder of Impact X Capital Partners. Eric's book We Don't Need Permission How Black Business Can Change Our World is out now in stores and online. In 2011, shortly before making London his home, Eric was appointed by President Obama to the Small Business Administration's Council on Underserved Communities and as an evaluator for White House Fellow applicants. Since then, the FT has placed Eric among the UK's top 100 BAME leaders in technology and he has been included in The Power List as one of the most influential Black people in Britain. Eric has also appeared on Radio 4 and Sky News and in the FT, Fortune, Forbes, Bloomberg, Guardian, The Times and Sunday Times and hosts Channel 4's award-winning business reality series, The Money Maker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Over 160 million Americans are served by Optum, yet many still don't fully understand what it actually does—or why it matters.Dr. Patrick Conway, newly appointed CEO of Optum and former head of CMS Innovation Center and Blue Cross NC, joins Steve for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of healthcare delivery, affordability, and the potential of value-based care at a national scale. With experience spanning the frontlines of medicine to top government and corporate leadership, Conway breaks down how Optum aims to improve care while controlling costs—and why he continues to practice as a pediatric hospitalist on weekends.We cover:
In this enlightening episode, you''ll learn how a growing group of funders is thinking about wellbeing – for grantees and themselves. Laura Bacon, strategy lead and facilitator of the Funders and Wellbeing Group, discusses how this new global group of a dozen foundations is working to transform philanthropic culture with regard to wellbeing. Through regular virtual meetings and annual in-person gatherings, the group explores ways to support both individual and organizational wellbeing in the social sector. Their recent retreat in Malaysia highlighted how many nonprofit staff challenges related to wellbeing are universal, from shrinking civic spaces to staff burnout and retention issues.The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining focus on wellbeing initiatives during challenging times, particularly in the current political climate where social justice work and the nonprofit sector face significant pressures. Laura advocates for funders to be more flexible and generous in their support, while ensuring that wellbeing remains a priority rather than an optional add-on in grantmaking practices.Laura shares her journey from musician to social change advocate, and her extensive experience in philanthropy and wellbeing initiatives. As the former founding director of the Partner Support Program at Luminate (an Omidyar foundation), she established wellbeing stipends for grantee organizations, allowing them to address their staff's needs with maximum flexibility. The program distributed about 71 grants totaling $350,000, which organizations used for various purposes from team retreats to mental health support.Biography:For more than two decades, Laura Bacon has designed programs and led projects and teams to achieve social impact around the world. She's currently an independent consultant, partnering with clients on a host of cool initiatives. One of her roles includes Strategy Lead and Facilitator of the Funders + Wellbeing Group at The Wellbeing Project, where she facilitates peer-learning and convenings among a dozen funders to enhance wellbeing for individuals, organizations, sectors, and communities.Previously, Laura was founding director of the Partner Support program at Luminate, a global philanthropic organization that is part of the Omidyar Group, where she supported over 300 grantee partners to achieve their goals of being more resilient, healthy & inclusive, and well-networked.Before working at Luminate / Omidyar Network, Laura was a White House Fellow focused on clean energy.Resources: laura.m.bacon@gmail.com LinkedIn Funders & Wellbeing Group Website Wellbeing Project website The Wellbeing Project - Global Hearth Summit in Slovenia College course: Personal Choice and Global Transformation Global Values 101, a book based on the above course, edited by Brian Palmer, Kate Holbrook, Ann S. Kim, Anna Portnoy Rights and Dignity Working Group (piloted Wellness stipends - a cross-Omidyar Group initiative) Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice (inspiration for wellness stipends) https://astraeafoundation.org - Healing Justice stipend General Service Foundation (inspiration for wellness stipends): https://generalservice.org/whatwefund/healingjustice/ - Fund the People podcast interview with Desiree Flores Priya Parker book “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” Deepa Iyer's Social Change Ecosystem Role Map Prospera, the International Network of Women's Funders, doing great work on wellbeing Laura's Blog posts on Partner Support, Coaching Stipend, Wellbeing Stipends: Luminate & Omidyar Group (philanthropy I worked with for 10+ years) * Here's more info about thePartner Support program of which I was the founding director Blogs (first andsecond) about Luminate's wellbeing stipend Luminate's coaching stipend Grantee Perception Reports (2020 and2023) Funders & Wellbeing Group "FundWell" newsletter about our funders' retreat in Malaysia
As Dr. Murthy prepares to conclude his term as Surgeon General, the moment is , the moment is bittersweet: serving as Surgeon General has been the honor of his lifetime, and saying goodbye is hard. For this second-to-last episode of House Calls, he calls on his my moai – friends and fellow physicians Dave Chokshi and Sunny Kishmore – to reflect on the issues he took and how serving as Surgeon General has shaped him. Dr. Murthy also shares his final act as Surgeon General: offering a Parting Prescription for America. It is a summary of what I have learned from my two terms, and what I believe will help heal the pain many people across our country are experiencing right now. (02:51) How is Dr. Murthy feeling days before his time in office ends?(04:59) What did it feel like to be asked to serve a second term as Surgeon General?(06:41) What was Dr. Murthy's approach to figuring out what he wanted to work on in his second term?(09:48) What aspect of his work as Surgeon General does Dr. Murthy feel particularly resonated with the people he has served?(15:47) What did Dr. Murthy learn from his first term as Surgeon General that he brought to his second?(19:37) What was the biggest challenge of being Surgeon General?(21:33) What does Dr. Murthy think his children will remember about this time?(23:53) How has Dr. Murthy influenced the role of Surgeon General?(25:53) What personally caused Dr. Murthy angst while he was serving as Surgeon General?(33:35) What was the impact of his work on his family?(39:17) What is the power of unconditional love?(43:41) What is U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's “Parting Prescription” For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls. Dr. Dave Chokshi, Physician & Public Health Leader Twitter: @davechokshi Dr. Sandeep (Sunny) Kishore, Physician-Scientist Twitter: @sandeep_kishore Instagram: @sunnyk5 About Dr. Dave Chokshi & Dr. Sunny Kishore Dr. Dave A. Chokshi is a practicing physician and public health leader who most recently served as the 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City. From 2020-2022, he led the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its historic campaign to vaccinate over 6 million New Yorkers. Previously, Dr. Chokshi was the inaugural Chief Population Health Officer at the largest public healthcare system in the nation. He has held successive senior leadership roles that span the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow, he is nationally recognized as a transformational leader, a clinical innovator, a policy expert, and a fierce advocate for a stronger and more equitable health system. Dr. Sandeep (Sunny) Kishore is a physician-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco. He has worked on closing the “know-do” gap and translating scientific insights into real-world applications with focus on chronic disease prevention & control. Currently, he is focused on developing a scalable treatment algorithm for blood pressure control to improve cardiometabolic health for primary care clinics across the University of California. His work has led to the addition of over ten treatments to the Essential Medicines List of the World Health Organization (WHO) for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and mental illness. He also has provided technical guidance to Resolve to Save Lives with a focus on fixed dose combinations for blood pressure and led large global networks focused on reducing the toll of chronic illness worldwide. Dr. Kishore completed his medical and graduate training at Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Institute and Oxford, undertook his clinical training at Yale and Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School and has held fellowships at Harvard, Yale and the Dalai Lama Center at MIT. He currently resides in the Bay Area with his wife.
Shereef Elnahal, MD, MBA Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs, joins Eric to discuss the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans. The conversation explores the VA's groundbreaking initiatives, including their funding of studies on MDMA and psilocybin, and how these therapies address conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction. Dr. Elnahal highlights the VA's role as a leader in mental health research and shares a vision for how these breakthrough therapies could revolutionize care for millions. Learn how veterans themselves have driven this agenda, the promising outcomes from early studies, and the significant hurdles in bringing these therapies to scale. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of mental health treatment for veterans and how the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies could revolutionize care and improve the quality of life for those who have served. About Dr. Elnahal Dr. Shereef Elnahal is Under Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate on July 21, 2022. As the Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Elnahal directs a health care system with an annual budget of approximately $102.2 billion, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at over 1,300 health care facilities, including 171 VA Medical Centers and 1,120 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics). VHA is the nation's largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research. More than 73,000 active volunteers, 127,000 health professions trainees, and more than 362,000 health care professionals and support staff are an integral part of the VHA community. Dr. Elnahal is physician leader who previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital in Newark, NJ from 2019 through 2022. Dr. Elnahal led University Hospital through the COVID-19 public health emergency. The hospital has served as a model for urban hospital and regional response efforts. In addition to his leadership during the pandemic, Dr. Elnahal oversaw substantial improvements in care quality and patient safety at University Hospital, leading to improvements against national benchmarks. Prior to his time at University Hospital, Elnahal served as New Jersey's 21st Health Commissioner, appointed to the Cabinet post by Governor Phil Murphy and confirmed unanimously by the New Jersey Senate. During his nearly two years as Commissioner, he expanded the New Jersey Health Information Network, an interoperability platform that allows for electronic exchange of patient health information among healthcare providers. He worked closely with New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy on her Nurture NJ campaign to help improve infant and maternal health outcomes and reduce health disparities—a mission he continued at University Hospital, with its top tier maternal health services. He also made strides in curbing the opioid epidemic, granting funding to institutions to facilitate data sharing and public health reporting, and marked NJ as the first state in the nation to allow EMS responders to use buprenorphine in the field to prevent withdrawal after naloxone. Dr. Elnahal previously served as VA's Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Quality, Safety, and Value from 2016 through 2018, overseeing national policies around quality of care for the VHA, and as a White House Fellow in the VA from 2015-16. During that time, he co-founded the VHA Innovation Ecosystem, a program that continues to foster the spread of innovation and best practices that improve Veteran care across the nation. Dr. Elnahal holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and an M.B.A. with Distinction from Harvard Business School. Press Release from VA New research would determine the benefit of psychedelics for treating PTSD and depression in Veterans: https://news.va.gov/press-room/to-improve-care-for-veterans-va-to-fund-studies-on-new-therapies-for-treating-mental-health-conditions/ VA Health: https://www.va.gov/health-care/ VA Mental Health Resources: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp Bright Spots in Healthcare is produced by Bright Spots Ventures Bright Spots Ventures brings healthcare leaders together to share working solution or "bright spots" to common challenges. We build valuable and meaningful relationships through our Bright Spots in Healthcare podcast, webinar series, leadership councils, customized peer events, and sales and go-to-market consulting. We believe that finding a bright spot and cloning it is the most effective strategy to improve healthcare in our lifetime. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com
In this episode, host Kent Hance engages with Merrie Spaeth, a communications expert with a distinguished career in public service and media. Merrie shares her journey from her Quaker school education to Smith College, emphasizing the foundational values and critical thinking skills she gained. She recounts her early career as a reporter, her transformative experience as a White House Fellow, and her impactful roles at the FBI and Federal Trade Commission. The discussion highlights her strategic approach to communication, crisis management, and leadership, offering valuable insights into navigating complex political and business landscapes.
Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career. ----more---- A SHOW NOTE: There are two ways to learn from Col. Malachowski's leadership journey. If you're short on time, the audio version delivers the highlights of her stories in 40 minutes. Her leadership bites, takeaways, keys to leadership and transcript are below. The video version is 1:46:00 and is well worth the investment of your time. This version includes stories and details about the Colonel's journey she hasn't shared before. Click the "Play" button in the video above and settle in for a most enlightening conversation. SUMMARY Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 is a trailblazer who has broken barriers in both military aviation and advocacy. She was one of the first women to fly combat fighter aircraft, accruing more than 2,300 flight hours in six different aircraft and serving in multiple high-stakes missions, including Operations Deliberate Forge and Iraqi Freedom. But her story doesn't end there. As the first woman to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a White House Fellow, and a key advisor on military and veterans' issues, Nicole's career has been defined by leadership at the highest levels. After being medically retired due to a Tick-Borne Illness, she turned her focus to advocacy, leading efforts to improve care for the wounded, ill, and injured service members through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Now a passionate advocate for Tick-Borne Disease research, Nicole serves on several national committees and advisory boards, including the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. NICOLE'S LEADERHIP BITES "Leadership is a journey." "The runway behind you is always unusable." "Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader." "Believe those who believe in you." "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." "Courage, compassion, and curiosity drive me today." "It's okay to admit when you make mistakes." SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK TAKEAWAYS Leadership is personal - It's about understanding what motivates and drives each individual on your team, and tailoring your approach accordingly. Believe in those who believe in you - Mentors like Mick Jaggers who supported and encouraged Nicole were pivotal in her development as a leader. Don't write yourself or others out of the script - As General Matthews told Nicole, "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." Embrace opportunities to dream big and take risks. Radical acceptance is key - When Nicole's military career ended unexpectedly, learning to accept the situation allowed her to move forward and find new purpose. Personal values guide your path - Nicole's core values of courage, compassion and curiosity have been instrumental in navigating life's challenges and reinventing herself. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Journey of Leadership 02:01 Colonel Malachowski's Early Life and Aspirations 06:01 Navigating the Air Force Academy 09:46 Leadership Lessons from Soaring 14:07 Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training 17:50 Key Leadership Experiences in the Air Force 21:59 Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 25:47 Transitioning to Civilian Life 30:02 Advocacy and New Beginnings 34:09 Personal Values and Resilience 37:54 Final Thoughts on Leadership NICOLE'S KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS Leadership is a journey that requires growth and learning. It's okay to admit mistakes and seek help. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges. Personal values guide decision-making and actions. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. Failure is often the price of entry for success. Authentic leadership is about understanding and connecting with people. The importance of representation in leadership roles. Transitioning to civilian life can be a new beginning. Embrace opportunities and seize the moment. ABOUT NICOLE BIO Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) is a pioneering leader whose distinguished career spans combat aviation, military advocacy, and public service. As one of the first women to fly fighter jets, Nicole's journey included over 188 combat hours and multiple leadership roles, including F-15E Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Lead. She also made history as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds. Throughout her career, Nicole demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in high-level roles such as a White House Fellow and Executive Director of the ‘Joining Forces' program, where she advised the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden on veterans' issues. After being medically retired due to a neurological Tick-Borne Illness, Nicole transitioned to a new mission: advocating for service members, veterans, and others impacted by chronic illnesses. She's a leader in the national Tick-Borne Disease community, serving on key advisory boards and government committees, and actively mentoring wounded veterans through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, sharing her experiences of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers to inspire the next generation of leaders. Her accomplishments include two master's degrees, induction into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame, and founding her own speaking and consulting firm. Today, Nicole continues to serve and lead, using her story to drive change and impact communities across the country. - Adapted from Col. Malachowski's bio at nicholemalachowski.com READ NICOLE'S FULL STORY HERE CONNECT WITH NICOLE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NICOLE'S LINKTREE ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates! ABRIDGED AUDIO TRANSCRIPT DOWNLOAD THE UNABRIDGED VIDEO TRANSCRIPT HERE SPEAKERS GUEST: Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 | HOST: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 SPEAKERS Naviere Walkewicz, Nicole Malachowski Nicole Malachowski 00:11 You know, leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you. Naviere Walkewicz 00:34 My guest today is Colonel Retired Nicole Malachowski, USAFA class of '96. Her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Colonel Malachowski is perhaps best known as the first woman to fly as a pilot with the Thunderbirds, a singular distinction that set her path to reaching even greater heights. However, what you might not know is that her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced a sudden life altering loss of her place in the Air Force. The challenges that followed were extreme and personal, but through them, Colonel malikowski demonstrated a resilience and strength that not only transformed her own life, but also empowered her to help others with their own struggles. In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the personal and professional journey that led her to transition to civilian life, the lessons she learned from the hardships she faced along the way, and how she now advocates for others, sharing the wisdom she's gained from the tough battles she's fought and won. We'll also take a look back at her time at the academy, her experiences as a pilot and the leadership principles that have guided Colonel malikowski, she has become a powerful voice for resilience, perseverance and leadership, and I'm excited to hear her insights on all of these topics. Colonel Malachowski, may I call you Nicole? Nicole Malachowski 02:34 Yes, please. Naviere Walkewicz 02:34 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, and thank you for being here. Nicole Malachowski 02:37 Thank you for having me. Naviere Walkewicz 02:38 It's a pleasure. It truly is. I think one of the things that's so exciting for our listeners is really getting to know you. And you know, I think there's no question about who you are in the media, I mean, all the things you've accomplished, but some things that are most special is when we just sit down and kind of get to know you behind the scenes. Nicole Malachowski 02:53 Indeed, let's do it. Naviere Walkewicz 02:54 So let's go back to even before the Academy. Where did you grow up? Where are you from? And what were you like as a little girl? Nicole Malachowski 03:00 Sure, yeah. So I was actually born in central California, in a town called Santa Maria, and I was born, I consider very lucky, because I was born a woman in America, so there was a lot of opportunities, you know, afforded to me. Also very lucky to be born into a solid, you know, middle class family, you know, I was a kid who always had a roof over my head and food on the table, which makes it a lot easier, right, for you to seize opportunities and to be your best. And think it's important that we acknowledge that not everybody is born into that position. And so I was very, very lucky, I will tell you, I was definitely the loner, definitely an introvert. Always have been. A lot of people would be surprised by that, but I am a solid INFJ on the Myers Briggs, but as a young kid, just very quiet, kept to myself. I was very much a dreamer, very curious about things, so I loved to dive into books. I loved school. I was the kid that would take my lunch box, you know, out into the middle of the football field by myself and just stare up at the sky and the clouds moving by, and dream about things. I remember being in the Girl Scouts during junior high we moved down towards Southern California, where I learned about Civil Air Patrol, and then from there, in high school, we actually made a big move to Las Vegas, Nevada. I continued my time in Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, but also joined the Air Force Junior ROTC at my high school. Naviere Walkewicz 04:16 I'm just drawn to this visual of you with your lunch box in the middle of the football field looking up at this guy. So were you dreaming about flying? Nicole Malachowski 04:24 I was, you know, I went to an air show when I was five years old, and I remember seeing an f4 phantom fly by, and it flew by so low, and it was so loud, I had to cover my ears. And I remember, like, my chest rumbling, you know, the smell of jet fuel. And I remember thinking, man, like there's a person in there, like, I want to be, you know, that person. And I had come from a family that, you know, honored and respected military service. So both of my grandfathers were career military my father had been drafted into the army during Vietnam. So I knew that, like, you know, military service was honorable and noble and good. And when I discovered that that was a military plane. I remember as a kid putting one plus one is two. I'm like, wait, you can fly jets and serve in the military. That's what I'm going to be. And wow, that was around 1979 and that's right, there are no boundaries on things. So looking up at the sky, watching planes, and of course, in high school in particular, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, because Nellis Air Force bases there. So, I mean, I would watch the red flag launches and watch how those jets fly. And of course, I would see the six ship of Thunderbirds flying by as a kid, thinking that was pretty cool. So to be honest, I set my sights on the Air Force Academy in elementary school. Naviere Walkewicz 05:34 Oh, my goodness. Nicole Malachowski 05:35 Yeah. So when I was five and decided to be a fighter pilot, you had decided, I mean, I was maniacally, maniacally focused. I did not have a backup plan. I am so lucky that things worked out because I have no idea what else I would have done, you know, with my career, but I remember in sixth grade, I wrote a letter to the Air Force Academy. They responded. The admissions office responded with a personalized letter letting me know I'm kind of young to apply now, but here's the application process. They sent me a whole bunch of Air Force Academy swag, and that was it sixth grade. I was going to the Air Force Academy, goodness, when you were actually old enough to apply. Now to the academy. Naviere Walkewicz 06:13 Let's talk about that process. What was it like for you? Well, I mean, I think it was more exciting than anything else. I told you. I had stayed maniacally focused. I was very particular and organized about prioritizing how my application would look. So of course, I strove to have the good grades, and obviously stayed involved with the activities like Civil Air Patrol or participating in sports like running cross country and track, as well as doing, you know, community service type activities. So I was indeed focused on making sure that application looked good. I remember the thing I was probably the most nervous about were those interviews with your, you know, senators and your representatives, and wondering if I was going to be able to interview well. So I was, you know, putting my best foot forward. And I remember my senior year, it was approximately October, maybe coming up on November about this time, right? And I went to the mailbox to get the mail, and I had the application had already been in, right? Because everything was done before the fall, and I saw this giant envelope from the Air Force Academy. And I thought, No way, because it's only like October or November. And I started shaking, and I opened it right there at the mailbox. I had to go up the street. I opened it, and I feel bad because I think I littered like the envelope all over the street, but I remember opening it up, and the first line was, congratulations. You know, you've been accepted to the class of 1996 and I instantaneously just started crying and running as fast as I could back to my house. Naviere Walkewicz 07:38 Had you been to the Academy prior to the acceptance? Nicole Malachowski 07:41 No, never stood a foot on at all. And I remember when my parents came to drop me off for for Jacks Valley and everything basic training, when we came up over that hill, over Monument Hill, and you can see the chapel and the kind of imposing, you know, white buildings on a hill, I was like, Oh, wow, that's extraordinary. And I was really just excited. People ask, were you nervous that day? I was not, because I was just so happy that this, to me, was like the first step of the rest of my life. It was that first real step towards this goal of serving my country, you know, like people my family had, and getting to fly jets while I do it, how cool is that? I don't remember any highs or lows. I do remember I got my enjoyment becoming a cadet, you know, soaring instructor pilot. Naviere Walkewicz 08:28 So let's talk about that. That is a, kind of a key leadership role as well. Nicole Malachowski 08:32 Yes, that was my leadership role. So my senior year, I was the cadet soaring squadron commander. Oh, let's talk about Yes, yes. So obviously, between freshman, sophomore year, I signed up as soon as I could, you know, to take soaring, and when I discovered that you could actually apply to be a soaring instructor, and I remember that was a really like growth experience, because it's one thing to be able to fly a glider, it's another thing to be able to try to teach somebody how to do that. And I really, I I give a lot of credit to this, you know, sorry, instructor upgrade program teaching me the skills of, how do you communicate something technical? How do you communicate something hard, this idea that you need to be able to communicate it not just in one way, but two or three different ways, because each of your students is going to come at it with a different skill set or a different perspective or a different personality that responds to different type of teaching. So learning how to tailor your instruction and your care and your leadership to each individual was something I learned here, you know, as a sophomore, this idea that I would carry that on into my career as a leader and, you know, ultimately into being, you know, a fighter squadron commander. This tailored leadership actually started here, but soaring is what was my respite. Soaring is where I refilled that tank. It's one thing to be successful yourself. It's a whole different level to teach somebody else to be successful. Naviere Walkewicz 09:55 So you knew you enjoyed Well, obviously you enjoyed the flying? And soaring, the leadership aspect, I think, was something that was new to you then. Or had you done that in Civil Air Patrol? Did you also have leadership there? Nicole Malachowski 10:06 Yeah, I had leadership experience in Civil Air Patrol, but I think this was a different level. You know, my senior year becoming the cadet soaring squadron commander, it was really cool, because not only were you trying to take inputs from your peers and your colleagues on things we could improve or do differently, you know, valuing the other cadets opinions. But how do I translate that to leadership? How do I go now and talk to the real officers, the active duty officers in charge, and go, these are maybe resources we need, or things culturally, you know, that we need to change, and that was hard for me, you know, because I had never done that before. How do you advocate for your peers in a way that's understood, you know, by the active duty leadership. So that was really something that, again, would become important in my military career, because when you're put in a leadership role, you know, it's about, I think, advocating for the people who you are, you know, accountable for and responsible to, yes, and so how can you do that and do it in a way that it's received? Well, yes, you know, by the leadership above you, Naviere Walkewicz 11:07 After you graduated from the Academy, you went on to pilot training. Nicole Malachowski 11:11 I was slated to go early right after graduation, and I was a casual status Lieutenant flying gliders. Of course, went out for a jog and broke my ankle. So this would be my first kind of little, little detour. And I ended up, they offered me to go, to go to shepherd a lot later, or as soon as my ankle was healed, I could go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi right away. And I said, I gotta go, like, I cannot sit around and wait. I want to go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi. And everyone's like, what you're going to turn down, like, the chance of going to fighters to like, have to fight for it at Columbus. I like, I can't be stagnant. I need to go. So showed up at Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi, and again, really grateful for all of the flying experience that I had. I think that just those foundational procedures, you know, foundational knowledge, was vital to being a little more comfortable than other people that didn't have that experience. It was easy to be slightly ahead of the curve early on, but as I like to tell people, I fell flat on my face across the starting line my second check ride in pilot training, I failed. Now, pilot training at that time was about a year long. There were about 10 check rides, and at that time, failing one check ride, statistically, traditionally, would take you out of the running for graduating high enough to be a fighter pilot. This was devastating to me, and I remember even having fleeting moments that night of like, maybe I should just quit. Now this is, of course, the youth in me, right? I'm a 21 year old kid, and I'm just getting a little bit emotional about it, but if I can't be a fighter pilot and I just knock myself out of the running, I should quit. And I didn't call my parents because I didn't want to tell them I was too, like, embarrassed maybe, to say, like, hey, my dream that you all have supported is about to come to an end, because I messed up, and I made a really junior varsity mistake. And so I called my mentor, Sue Ross, and then she just let me talk, and she's like, are you done? And I'm done. And she goes, Well, are you going to do that again tomorrow? And I said, Sue, how am I supposed to get back in the jet tomorrow? How do I face my peers? I've been telling them I'm going to fly strike Eagles this whole time. Like this is so embarrassing. What if I fail again? What if I fail again tomorrow? And I remember, she talked me off the ledge, man, you know, and I came away. I came away with that conversation, realizing that indeed, I think I rarely believe failure is the price of entry for achieving something great, because if you have the right mindset, you come away with failures, I think a lot more committed, a lot more dedicated, a lot more focused, and I think a lot more humble, and all of those characteristics and traits are good things. You know, it worked out for me, and I did finish fourth in my class, and I had an extraordinary class. It was a time of great cultural change in the Air Force, because we were the first group of women to come through pilot training with the option of flying fighter aircraft. Naviere Walkewicz 14:04 So talk about your time while you're in uniform. You had some key leadership positions. You were squadron commander. Can you share some of your stories with that and maybe even some high points and some lessons learned, where you as a leader felt that maybe, maybe it was a low point or a failure, but you grew from it? Nicole Malachowski 14:20 Sure, sure. Yes. I mean, I had so many, you know, different fun assignments. You know, obviously when you're in your first fighter squadron, I got out at RAF Lake and Heath out there in England. I mean, what a rage right to be a lieutenant flying strike Eagles at 500 feet, 500 miles an hour, up Loch Ness, to live in the dream, you know, becoming in my second squadron, which was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, becoming a, you know, flight lead and upgrading to instructor pilot. Very nervous to go into the instructor pilot upgrade. I went in very young. In fact, when I got to that squadron, the weapons officer said, hey, I want to put you in the instructor upgrade. And I was like, no. Away like I am not ready for that. I am not good enough for that. And I was new to the squadron. There were people technically older and more experienced than me. They were in the queue, and he wanted me to jump the queue, a guy by the name of Michael Jaggers, call sign, Mick, I'm still friends with him to this day, and I remember I avoided him. I avoided him like the plague because I did not want to upgrade to instructor. And I remember saying, Mick, I just am not sure I can do this. And he looked at me, and he said, it's not your job to get through it. It's not your job to get through it alone. It's my job. It's my job to ensure you have what it takes and what you need. It's my job to teach you to be a good instructor. So your success is going to be my success. I will not let you fail. What a glorious man, what a wonderful instructor. And the lesson learned here to people is this, believe those who believe in you. Believe those who believe in you. Naviere Walkewicz 15:52 It's true, though it really is. And those people, I think sometimes your trajectory can change or just like, accelerate, because someone gave you a little bit of courage that you just needed that little piece. Nicole Malachowski 16:03 And to learn as I gained experience and credibility how to replicate that and how to be that person for other people, right? Because it's about turning around. It really is about lifting up other people. Your success isn't your own. It's how can you help other people achieve the best of themselves? And that's what you know Mikey and Mick did for me. And of course, the rest, you know, being history, because then I had the credentials I needed to apply to be a Thunderbird. And then from the Thunderbirds, I could become a commander, yada yada, you know, but being an instructor pilot, again, in the F 15 e how extraordinary to teach a brand new pilot or WSO, not only to fly the aircraft, to how to employ it as a weapon system and then to turn around and go to war with them. There's no bigger honor. There's nothing, I think, more humbling than that. Naviere Walkewicz 16:49 Can you share something that maybe you learned from the perspective of how to lead better? Nicole Malachowski 16:55 So let's be honest, when you go into a fighter squadron, things are a little bit one note, right? I mean, we all are cut from a similar cloth. We all kind of have similar personality traits. You know, you don't want your fighter pilots any other way, putting the effort into understanding what drives and motivates individuals. So learning at that age how to put your arms around everybody that you're responsible for, not just the ones that maybe are easiest to lead, or maybe the ones you're the most comfortable, you know, interacting with as a leader is, how do I figure it out? You know, there were some guys that, if I were to call them on up to the front of the room, in front of the whole squadron, to compliment them on something they did, maybe a check right they had. Or this goes for my fighter squadron command as well. You know, they would love it, right? Because it it was how they were extrinsically motivated, and that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. If that's what they need, and that's what you need to do to get the best of their strengths and best of their commitment go for it. And then were others that low? If I were to bring them in front of their peers to compliment them, they would shut down and never talk to me for the rest of the you know, their assignment. And so that's where I would take the time to write a handwritten note, maybe put it on the seat of their Humvee, or put it in their helmet, you know, in the fighter squadron. And then when they'd see me walking down the hallway, we give the knowing nod that they were acknowledged for their awesome, whatever it was, and we would move on. Naviere Walkewicz 18:13 Yes. And so what I'm hearing, in a really, kind of summarizing way, is leadership is personal. Nicole Malachowski 18:19 Very. it's all about people and it's about authenticity and connections. Naviere Walkewicz 18:25 So speaking about personal and authenticity, I'd be remiss if we didn't talk about your journey to the Thunderbirds. Nicole Malachowski 18:31 I knew this was gonna come. Naviere Walkewicz 18:32 It's here, and so you know it is. It's a different time. There was no woman Thunderbird pilot before you. Nicole Malachowski 18:40 I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, so the Thunderbirds were part of the backdrop. I knew that the Thunderbirds, you know, as a kid, were special and were considered, you know, elite. And kind of going back to my personality, I love being told that, you know, you can't do things. And the truth is, people laugh at this, but the truth is, when I applied to be a Thunderbird, I did it because the way my career was going, I wasn't ready to, I wasn't on timeline to go to ide yet or to go to ACSC, but I had, like, a weird year kind of gap, and I didn't they didn't really know what to do with me. I didn't know what to do with them, and my husband was going to be PCs in the Nellis. This is, like, a true story. Wow. I know people want me to say, well, I had this big, long dream when I was Thunderbird. Also thought about it was always in the background. Is something that, you know, wasn't, was an option. And I, you know, because of a lot of people who put a lot of effort into me, I was indeed qualified, you know, to get in there and to give it a try. But it wasn't something that was like an ultimate goal. I did not know they had not had a woman Thunderbird pilot when I applied, did not even occur to me. Remember, I had never known an Air Force without women fighter pilots in it. That's right, that's and we had all achieved the age where we had acquired the hours needed, and it just lined up with the timing. And I'm like, Well, that would be kind of fun and different to do. And. So I always tell people, you know, when you get those butterflies in your stomach that says, This could be something cool, something different, that is your cue to go do it. Don't worry about what anybody else is saying. And so, you know, I was able to put that application in. And in fact, I was I put that application in, and when I went and told everyone I was going to apply, generally speaking, people were really tickled and happy and happy and supportive. But as the days went by, people started to think about it. I heard, you know, it's too hard to be a Thunderbird, you probably won't get picked. I mean, statistically, no one gets picked to do that. They've never had a woman before. Are you sure you want to do that and this and that? And I remember the day I turned my application in. This was back when you still had hard copies, and you still had to mail them, okay, 2005 took it over to the group commander's Chief of Staff, slid it across the desk. I was super nervous, because the voice in my head was like, Nicole, other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. That was the other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. What are you doing? Why are you risking this? But I kept thinking, what's the worst that's going to happen? I don't get picked, like most people don't get picked, and I go back to flying strike Eagles with my community, which I love, like life is good, right? Either way, it's a win, win. So as I slid that application across the desk, said, I'm applying to be a Thunderbird. Here's my application. I remember the staff looked up to me and said, you know Nicole, It's hard to be a Thunderbird. You know Nicole, you probably won't get picked. And the exact words were, you know Nicole, they've never had a woman before, and the colonel can only stratify one person in that moment. Let's, I think there's leadership lessons here, because this person was not trying to be mean, right? What was coming out was, I think the unconscious bias all of us have to check ourselves on every day at all ages. I think what was coming out were the cultural paradigms of the Air Force at that time. And I think what was coming out, you know, were other people's expectations about what I should or shouldn't be doing. And in that moment, the truth is, I grabbed my application and I took it back, I went across to the officers club and grabbed a beer like any good fighter pilot would, and I remember thinking, thank God I didn't put myself out there. Thank God Nicole, you know, now I'm a 30 year old captain, so I'm still a young person, you know. Thank God you didn't risk failure. Who are you to think you could be a Thunderbird, silly girl, right? And in that moment, the weirdest thing happened. And I tell this story on stage, sometimes the door opened to the officers club, and in walk the Wing Commander, Brigadier General Mark Matthews, for whatever reason, comes over and starts talking to me. Now, this is weird, right? I'm a captain. He's a brigadier general. I don't know why he was talking to me, you know, like walking amongst the people that day, or, you know, just making small talk. And so I'm trying to hold my own talking to him a little bit nervous. It's a little you're probably still feeling a little bit down from totally down. And in that moment, over walks my squadron commander, a wonderful man by the name of Dan Debree. His call sign was, trash. Get it? Trash, debris. Trash. Walks over, super excited, very supportive of my application. And he's like, Hey, General, did you know Nicole's applying to be a Thunderbird now? Man, I mean, you could have slowed down time. I was like, ixnay on the underbird Fae like, this is terrible. Neither of these guys knew that I had removed my application. And Dan's standing there all proud. He's my squadron commander supporting me. A great man again. And Mark Matthews looks down at me, general Matthews, and he goes, that's great. How's your application going? And I'm like, I looked at him, and here's what happened. I said, you know, sir, it's hard to be thunder, but I probably won't get picked. They haven't had a woman, so I don't want to waste anybody's time. Naviere Walkewicz 23:11 Oh, you said, I said it. Nicole Malachowski 23:13 I said all of it. And this is kind of an embarrassing story to tell, but I'm just this is the truth, right? This is the vulnerable truth of how this happened. And and he looked down at me, and I will never forget this. And I hope folks listening who have big dreams and gnarly goals remember this. He looked down at me and he said, Nicole, actually. He said, Fifi. My call sign, Fifi. Nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And he walked away and left me in extraordinarily uncomfortable silence. And those words nobody wants to lead a scripted life have become my life's mantra. Every time I get the knot in my stomach that says that dreams too big or that idea is too innovative, don't rock the boat, I remember what he said, because those words, like they lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders, told me it was okay to dream big. It was okay to buck the status quo. It was okay to be different. He was telling me, it's okay to risk failure in pursuit of personal professional growth, and it's not so much. I think he's telling you and me to write ourselves into the script. What he was saying was, don't ever write yourself out of the script. And as leaders and teammates, don't you ever write anybody else or their wild ideas out of the script, either. And so nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And I, I hope what you're hearing in these stories, and maybe what I'm realizing just chatting with you, is these little turning points, these pivot moments where these really important people, the mark Matthews, you know, the Mikey whiteheads, the Mick Jaggers, the Sue Rosses, the Kim Jamesons, they all come at that right moment. You got to be open to that you know, and and how important your actions and your words are to making or breaking somebody else's journals. Naviere Walkewicz 24:48 Yes, yeah, so you took that application back. Nicole Malachowski 24:52 Sure did. Sure did. I did not get the number one stratification from the colonel, but I did from the general. And. So that worked out for me. When I really started thinking about, I think I was putting myself back in the kid in high school with her brown bag lunch out on the football field watching the Thunderbirds fly over that can tend to see that those six jets smoked behind in red, white and blue, screaming over your high school. You know, you wanted to be a fighter pilot. Since you're a kid, I'm staring up at them, thinking, there's people up there. You know, I want to be one of those people. This idea that there would be a little kid watching me as a Thunderbird pilot, and maybe someday go, maybe I could fulfill whatever my dream is. Maybe I could join the Air Force too, a little girl going, maybe I could be a fighter pilot someday. And I think the gravity and the weight of the mission of the Thunderbirds started to really impact me, because it had indeed impacted me as a kid, and the idea that I could be a part of that. And I think the other thing was, and maybe this sounds cheesy or trite, but it's not, you know, sitting at Al UD, drinking my one beer at three in the morning after I land from my night combat mission, sitting with all these great Americans from all over the country, from every different background, and thinking, I could go tell their story, and that's what Thunderbirds get to do. You get to represent the world's greatest Air Force and tell the stories of these airmen who are out there getting the job done, those tech piece those crew chiefs, you know, the folks that are working at the tower, the folks in the food hall, our medical professionals, the cyber the whole thing, right? And all of a sudden it got really exciting to me, like I could go out there with this team, with this mission, and we could represent our friends with the honor and the dignity and the respect that they deserve. And I think those two things kind of collided together, and I started getting really excited about excited about this Thunderbird thing. Ended up back at Lake and Heath painfully excruciating waiting for the vinyls. And when we got back from Iraq, they give you the kind of three weeks of downtime. My husband was a gracious man and took me on a Cruise of the Baltic Sea. We're sitting in our cabin in Oslo Norway, and the phone in the cabin rings. The phone in your cabin, phone in my cabin rings. It's about 10 o'clock at night, but full sun outside, because it's summertime in Norway. And immediately we looked at each other, and both of our heart we've talked about this, both our hearts sank, because why does a phone call come to military people on vacation? It's not never it's never good. Yeah, and I was a flight commander at the time. So was he we immediately thought something disastrous had happened, an aircraft accident, a death, you know, a car accident. And we let it ring another time, and he's like, You need to pick it up. And I picked it up. And I said, Hello. And they go, is this Captain malikowski? I said, Yes. And they go standby for the commander of Air Combat Command. Oh my gosh. And I looked at my husband, and I was like, What is going on? Well, I knew this was the consolation call. There was, I think, I think there was five or six of us who had made it to finals. Three people were getting good position. The other were not. And it is tradition that the commander of Air Combat Command calls all six, coach is very gracious and professionally courteous. And so I thought this was my consolation call. So I'm waiting, and it feels like an eternity, and all of a sudden I hear Stevie there, and I said, Yes. He goes, Ron keys which was General. Ron Keyes, Commander, Air Combat Command. I'm a young captain. I'm like, you've got to be kidding me. And I go, sir, how are you? He goes. We have a pretty amazing Air Force that we can find you in the middle of the Oslo Norway fjord, don't we? I said, Yes, sir, we do. He goes. Well, I know you're on vacation, so I want to keep it simple. I want to offer you a job. And I said, Yes, sir. He goes. How would you like to be Thunderbird number three? And I said, I stayed as professional as I could in my voice, but I was looking at my husband gesticulating, jumping up and down like you're not gonna believe I said, Sir, I would absolutely love that. He goes, Okay, great. You're the next Thunderbird number three. Look forward to watching you fly and get back to your vacation. And he hung up the phone. You know, the Thunderbirds are, at that time, 125 people from 25 different career fields who came together to make that mission happen. Wow, never been in a squadron with that many high performing, highly motivated people in my life. I am still dear friends with my crew chief, still friends with people on the team. It is such a crucible experience. It's a one off, you know. Well, fast forward. Finish up the Thunderbirds. I get a phone call. He goes, it's Viking blurling. I'm like, How the heck did this guy that I met once get my phone he goes, Hey, when I was an Air Force officer, a young fighter pilot, I did acse as a White House fellow, and I think you should be a White House fellow. I said, Well, what's the White House Fellowship? So he explains it to me, and I'm like, there is no way I will get picked as one of 12 to 15 people across the United States, across all career fields, including civilians, to be a White House fellow. Colin Powell was a White House fellow. I am not a White House fellow. This is ridiculous. So I entertained his conversation. He says, I want you to think about I'm gonna call you back tomorrow, same time. Boom. Phone rings. Viking borling, you're applying to be a White House fellow, no, sir. I'm not. Third day ping. Phone calls. You're applying to be a White House fellow. Anyways, I applied to be a White House fellow. Went through that whole process, semi finals, regional panel interviews, and then the finals, and was selected to be a White House fellow. I got assigned outside of the White House to the US, General Services, Administration, yes, like, it was exciting. And I was like, this is where the nuts and bolts happen? Well, the GSA also runs what's called the office of the president elect. Between election and inauguration, the incoming president and their team needs to have a place to get ready, like our current incoming administration is doing. It's a physical office building where they make decisions about cabinet secretaries, or they get their intelligence briefings and all of that. Guess who got put on the presidential transition support team to be up close and personal for the peaceful transition of power between George Bush and Barack Obama? Wow. The extraordinary part about the White House Fellowship was most of the fellows were civilian, and I had been nothing but military since I was 17 years old and showed up at the Air Force Academy. So to be able to look at leadership and teamwork and professionalism from a completely different lens, to see how people from the education field or from healthcare would solve a problem was fascinating. You know, we in the military can look to solve problems a very specific way, and a lot of us are a little bit very specific in how we do it. And so to learn how to look at problems and solve things in different ways was extraordinary. Naviere Walkewicz 31:23 So your career trajectory is just really incredible. Because you've kind of talked about how you've been put in these places based off of circumstance, but then when you get there, it's all about, how do you make the most of it, seize the opportunity and see what's available. Nicole Malachowski 31:38 A lot of times, you know, as human beings, we go, Well, I don't have this, or I can't do this right now, or not resource this way, man, find a way. Yeah, ask yourself the right question. What is it I can do right now with what I have? Naviere Walkewicz 31:49 Well, that makes me feel like that's a really good lead into kind of what circumstantially happened to you, unexpectedly. Yes, so you're medically retired from the Air Force. Do you want to talk about how that happened? Nicole Malachowski 32:00 And sure, sure, you know, the the greatest honor of my career was serving as the commander of the 3/33 fighter squadron. I enjoyed that, and I remember also during that time being physically fit, mentally fit, spiritually fit. And I remember feeling ill in the summer of 2012 like I had the flu, but within three months, I started having severe neurological problems, so things like word finding, slurring my words, inability to read write, inability to type, dropping things with my right hand, dragging my right leg, getting lost, driving home, and I remember going into a grocery store and having a complete panic attack because I didn't know what a grocery store was or why I was in there so very Alzheimer's dementia like symptoms. So in fact, what was happening was my brain was becoming inflamed with an infection. So over the next four years, my symptoms would wax and wane. They would come and go, they would change in severity. Obviously, I could no longer fly. I was grounded, but they said, Hey, you can stay in the Air Force. You just can't fly. And I said, that's great, because honestly, I just want to lead airmen. Lead airmen and be a part of a team. So, you know, there's a lot of details, you know, to this story, but my symptom list was like 63 symptoms long, covering every system in my body. And so they cast the net wide, and that's where tick borne illness came into it. And at that time, I was in a wheelchair. I couldn't talk. My husband was wheeling me around, and I remember when the doctor said, we come on in. We have the diagnosis. We know what's wrong with her. The doctor says she'll never fly again. And my husband said, Well, how long until she's better? And she goes, Well, treatment is going to take at least two years. And it was in that moment, it wasn't that I wasn't going to fly again, that hurt. But when they said two years, I knew that the military was going to medically retire me, I knew it was over, and I couldn't speak or say anything, and I was just devastated. I remember my goal was to be the commandant of the Air Force Academy. That was my dream. And all that just came crashing, you know, crashing down. And in that moment, so for nine months I couldn't walk, talk, read or write. I spent another year and a half in rehab, and during that time, obviously went through my medical evaluation board, but I was medically retired, I fought to stay in and then I realized my body wasn't gonna let me and once I accepted that it was over, you know, I was able to move forward so radical acceptance was a hard thing to come by. But the day of my retirement, December 29 2017 came, I was home alone because I was bedridden and house bound for two years. Um, was very hurtful. Remains hurtful. How my Air Force career ended. I love the Air Force based on all the stories that I told, but this moment is very painful for me. It still is. And, you know, I thought, well, what are you going to do about it? You know, you can't. Change that you were bit by tick, can't change that you have a brain injury. What are you going to do? Girl, you know, the fighter pilot in you is not going to quit. And that's when I decided, well, I'm going to, you know, I got to do something. And the phone rang, and the phone rang, and it was during this time, a gal by the name of Buff Bucha, retired colonel, had been in a helicopter accident broke her neck in Afghanistan. She said, Hey, how you doing? I said, I'm not good. She goes talk to me, and I remember for two hours just vomiting everything out to this person I didn't really know very well. Well, she was calling from the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, wow, and the Wounded Warrior program swooped in to save me, and I ended up becoming a trained ambassador and a trained mentor, which I still am to this day. I'm able to help other airmen who are being discharged, but I just want to give a shout out to the Air Force wind Warrior Program, psychologically and mental health wise, I don't know that I would have recovered, and that I would have recovered to the place that I am today without them. And so I want for the active duty, listening for people in the reserve and the guard. It is for you, yeah, it is for everyone, and it is literally a life saving program. Naviere Walkewicz 32:45 Maybe talk about what you've been doing then since. Nicole Malachowski 36:16 Yeah, I do leadership consulting and professional speaking, but predominantly, that helps pay the bills, and I enjoy it. Predominantly, I do patient advocacy work at the national level, so I'm on several government boards. I'm on several nonprofit panels. We've tripled them, and IH funding through the state and like TicK Act and things like that. I'm currently on a National Academies of Science Committee. Can't talk about that because our report will come out in the spring. I hope everyone will read it. But Lyme disease, I went from being a fighter pilot to being an expert on ticks and Lyme disease. Who knew the path to success is always going to be non linear. Naviere Walkewicz 36:49 Yes, you also mentioned you have children. You have twins. Do so how is it talk about, like family life in this new kind of in the way that you're working now, right? You're not in uniform anymore. You're still pushing amazing things forward. You're consulting what's it like being a mom? Naviere Walkewicz 37:06 Man, it's harder, it is harder to raise 14 year old twins than it is to get shot at in combat, I will tell you that. So you know, the person that's been missing in this whole time we've been talking is the most important person in my life, which is my husband, Paul. So we will be married. We just, yeah, just had our anniversary. 23 years. I met him in my first fighter squadron in the late 90s. He's an F-15E WSO. So we met flying together. And my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter, the greatest human being on Earth, is my husband, Paul. Naviere Walkewicz 37:38 I want to talk about this resurgence, because I feel like that is really important for some of our listeners. When they're, you know, they're thinking about you said you got to know who you are and what's important to you. And how did you get to that clarity? Nicole Malachowski 37:52 You really need to be able to answer the question, what is it I value and why? And I'm talking about your personal values, the ones that you're going to wake up with every day and go, these are my values. And so I'll tell you what mine are. Mine are courage and compassion and curiosity, and I developed those as I went through this deep thinking and deep reinvention, when I lost my career and compassion, courage and curiosity are what drive me today. Naviere Walkewicz 38:18 We'll ask for Nicole's thoughts on reinvention, resilience and leadership. But before we do that, I'd like to take a moment and thank all of you for listening to long blue leadership. The podcast publishes on Tuesdays in both video and audio, and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Watch or listen to all episodes of Long blue leadership and subscribe at longblue leadership.org so we have had an incredible journey together, and really where we'd like to go. One final thought on leadership, if you might, leave your listeners with something about leadership, and I can say just from being in this short amount of time with you, your your 3 Cs are coming out in spades, your compassion, your curiosity and your courage. So thank you. Nicole Malachowski 39:01 Thank you. You know leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you. Naviere Walkewicz 39:25 Well said, well said, Thank you so much for being on long blue leadership. Nicole Malachowski 39:29 Thank you for having me. And here's a shout out to the current cadets that are working hard up on the hill, yeah, wishing them best and hoping they take it one day at a time. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 Absolutely. And for our listeners, I mean, I think that it's, it's it's certainly one thing to say, you know, you get to meet these incredible leaders, but my ask of you is to share this with your networks, because it's great if you felt something and you've had an impact in your life, but imagine the magnitude you can have by sharing some of the stories of our leaders like Nicole today with your networks and the change we can make together. So until next time, thanks for being on. Long blue leadership, thank you for joining us for this edition of long blue leadership. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Send your comments and guest ideas to us at social media@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org. KEYWORDS leadership, resilience, resurgence, Air Force Academy, mentorship, aviation, women in military, pilot training, overcoming adversity, personal growth, fighter pilot, mentorship, leadership, Thunderbirds, women in military, self-doubt, White House Fellowship, WASP, Air Force, personal growth, diversity, WASP, Air Force, medical retirement, resilience, leadership, Lyme Disease, tick-borne illness, self-discovery, personal values, reinvention, advocacy The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation
Original Air Date: June 12, 2019In a live appearance at UCLA's Royce Hall, New York Times best-selling author, Rhodes scholar and decorated U.S. Army veteran Wes Moore asks a powerful question: “After years working at the same job, have you ever realized you've just been going through the motions for as long as you can remember?” Wes shares how he believes we can all discover and pursue our true life's purpose. As a combat officer in Afghanistan, a White House Fellow and a Wall Street banker, Wes discusses his journey of self-discovery, which led him to walk away from financial success to create a more meaningful life. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods You can also watch Oprah's Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN
Theodore (Ted) R. Johnson served twenty years in the United States Navy before becoming a columnist and author. His latest book, If We Are Brave is a collection of essays on race in America, and in this Blue Sky conversation, Ted describes his pragmatic optimism and belief that the United States has in its founding ideals the path towards forming a “more perfect union.” Ted's personal story is remarkable, rising from humble beginnings to become an officer in the US Navy, White House Fellow, and speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Chapters: 02:33 Meet Ted Johnson: A Journey from the South Ted Johnson shares his upbringing in North Carolina, detailing the duality of growing up in a predominantly white suburb while attending a black church. His experiences shaped his worldview and influenced his educational and career choices. 06:10 From HBCU to the Navy Ted discusses his decision to attend Hampton University and how it led him to a career in the Navy. He reflects on how a chance encounter with a Navy recruiter changed his life trajectory. 09:43 A Career in the Navy: Unexpected Turns Ted recounts his 20-year journey in the Navy, highlighting key experiences that led him to become a speechwriter for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 12:12 The Power of Writing: Ted's Passion Ted reveals his love for writing and how it became a central focus of his post-military career. He discusses his first book, ‘When the Stars Begin to Fall,' and the themes of racism and optimism that permeate his work. 18:09 Why Ted Loves America Ted explains his deep love for America, likening it to familial bonds. He reflects on the nation's promise of democracy and equality, despite its historical shortcomings. 20:15 Reflections on Progress Since Trayvon Martin Ted discusses the impact of Trayvon Martin's death on his perspective and activism. He evaluates the progress made in addressing racism in America over the past twelve years, noting both advancements and ongoing challenges. 25:45 The Role of Organizations in Promoting Diversity Ted shares his thoughts on how businesses can better reflect the communities they serve through diversity and inclusion efforts. 29:01 The Complexity of Affirmative Action Ted and Bill explore the nuances of affirmative action, discussing how perceptions change based on personal experiences. 32:01 The Founding Ideals vs. Historical Flaws The conversation shifts to the founding documents of the United States, emphasizing the need to separate the ideals from the flawed individuals who created them. 36:16 Introducing If We Are Brave Ted discusses his latest book, If We Are Brave, which aims to present a national conversation on race through his unique perspective. He shares insights into the essays included and the themes of optimism and realism that permeate his work. 39:49 The Legacy of Optimism Reflecting on his family's history, Ted shares how the optimism of his ancestors inspires him to believe in a better future for America. 42:12 New America and the US at 250 Initiative Ted introduces New America, a think tank focused on evolving policies to match societal changes, and discusses the US at 250 initiative. This project aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse communities. 45:30 The Impact of ‘If We Are Brave' In the final segment, Ted expresses his hopes for readers of his book to gain a deeper understanding of race and democracy in America.
Elliot Ackerman is both a former White House Fellow and Marine. He served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. Ackerman is also an ex–CIA paramilitary officer. Ackerman in the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller 2034: A Novel of the Next World War. His new book is 2054: A Novel. Ackerman explains how the war in Ukraine, and the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, are a frightening vision of the future right out of science fiction where increasingly lethal drones and other new technologies are rewriting the rules of warfare – and reminding us of very old lessons that will need to be relearned again (at a deadly cost). Ackerman reflects on America's combustible domestic politics and the attempt on Trump's life in Pennsylvania, the dangers of conspiracy theories, and how the country's politics and culture are increasingly toxic and what that means long-term for the democracy crisis and the struggle against neofascism and authoritarianism. Chauncey DeVega ponders the question of time and how the next 30 or so days until Election Day will feel like an eternity that will simultaneously go by very quickly. He also shares the lessons he learned in his neighborhood travels about human dignity, poverty, and economic precarity. Chauncey also offers a public health lesson and warning about the dangers of nose spray, hand sanitizer, incense and cheap lighters. And Chauncey DeVega attempts to save you from the new movie “The Substance”, a movie that is more proof of payola and the herd mentality of movie critics and other influentials and cultural tastemakers. WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME? On Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaunceydevega On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chauncey.devega My email: chaunceydevega@gmail.com HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE CHAUNCEY DEVEGA SHOW? Via Paypal at ChaunceyDeVega.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thechaunceydevegashow
Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 700 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls I have your headlines and sound clips and my conversation with Dave starts at about 22 mins Dave Aronberg was elected State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit in November 2012 and re-elected without opposition in 2016 and 2020. He is a former Assistant Attorney General, White House Fellow and Florida Senator. As State Attorney, Aronberg leads a team of 115 prosecutors and 180 professional staff in five offices throughout Palm Beach County. Aronberg's leadership has led to high state rankings in conviction rates for both felonies and misdemeanors, a decrease in the number of juveniles direct filed into adult court, and a greatly improved working relationship with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. In 2016, he created a Sober Homes Task Force that has made more than 120 arrests for patient brokering and insurance fraud in the rehab industry, and has led to several new Florida laws and regulations that have become the model for other states. Aronberg's efforts also convinced Google to restrict advertisements and improve screening for addiction treatment. The crackdown in rogue sober homes and corrupted drug treatment contributed to a 14% decrease in opioid-caused deaths in Palm Beach County in 2021, compared to the previous year. Dave Aronberg was born in Miami. He attended public schools before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. After graduation, he worked in the litigation department of a large South Florida law firm while also working closely with Insurance Commissioner Bill Nelson to investigate European insurance companies that refused to honor World War II-era policies sold to victims of the Holocaust. In 2000, Aronberg was selected to be one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. In this nonpartisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering, including the laundering of terrorist assets. Dave Aronberg was elected to the State Senate in 2002 as its youngest member and served until 2010. Focusing on criminal justice and consumer protection issues, Aronberg passed major identity theft and port security legislation and served as the Chairman of the Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee. He also served as Chair of the Everglades Restoration Committee, where he advocated for accelerating water storage projects and additional State and Federal support for Florida's “River of Grass.” In 2010, Aronberg returned to the Florida Attorney General's Office as a Special Prosecutor for Prescription Drug Trafficking. In his role as the Attorney General's “Drug Czar,” Aronberg led an anti-pill mill initiative that helped clean up the pain clinic industry and reduced the record number of people dying each day from oxycodone abuse. His work to save lives from drug overdoses continues as a top priority to this day. Aronberg frequently appears on national television as a legal commentator. He has a passion to speak out on criminal justice issues, adding transparency to our legal system. Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art
In this installment of Science Policy IRL, host Jason Lloyd goes behind the scenes of the White House Fellowship program with Lav Varshney, associate professor of engineering, computer science, and neuroscience at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Varshney served as a White House Fellow from 2022 to 2023, where he worked at the National Security Council with Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology. In this episode, Varshney describes the day-to-day experience of working at the White House, gaps in the innovation system that science policy can help fill, and how making artificial intelligence systems more transparent could define the future of AI applications. Resources: Want to become a White House Fellow? Applications open November 1, 2024. As a White House Fellow, Lav Varshney contributed to the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. Read Varshney's contributions to Issues: a review of a biography of the information technology pioneer Claude Shannon and an assessment of how intellectual property rights can keep up with advances in artificial intelligence with coauthor Deepak Somaya. Visit Kocree to try out AI music generation and Ensaras to learn more about using AI to monitor wastewater. Visit the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research to learn more about Varshney's work on making AI systems more transparent through information lattice learning.
In this episode of Investing In Integrity, Ross Overline speaks with Robert Joss. Robert is a global banking leader, former assistant Secretary of the Treasury, and former Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business. Robert became the eighth dean of the Business School in 1999. He served as Dean for 10 years – overseeing the introduction of a new MBA curriculum, the institution of new collaborations between the school and Stanford University. Prior to joining the Business School as Dean, Robert was chief executive officer of Westpac Banking Corporation, one of Australia's largest banks, a post he held for six years. Before his tenure at Westpac, Robert held a variety of posts at San Francisco-based Wells Fargo Bank between 1971 and 1993, serving from 1986 onward as vice chairman. He worked 3 years at the U. S. Treasury, first as a White House Fellow and then as deputy to the assistant secretary for economic policy. He is currently a director board advisor at CM Capital. Join Ross and Robert as they engage in a fascinating conversation about Robert's successful career journey and the values that have contributed to his achievements. They discuss Robert's upbringing, education, and roles in the finance industry, as well as his time as the Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. They emphasize the importance of meaningful work, accessibility, humility, and constantly developing skills. They also touch on the concept of balance in leadership and the struggle of managing ambition.
In the realm of education, possessing a servant's heart and genuine care for those you serve is incredibly important. This mindset not only fuels fulfillment but also drives success in the face of challenges. Today, we delve into the journey of a true servant leader.Our host, Dustin Odham, sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, to explore his remarkable trajectory in education. From his time as a White House Fellow to his current role, Dr. Morgan shares insights on what is truly important in the education space. Tune in as he emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in fostering a thriving learning environment.Don't forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don't miss our next episode.If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey EducationGuest(s): Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School DistrictTime stamps: (00:00 - 03:34) Introduction(03:35 - 05:25) Get to Know Dr. Morgan(05:26 - 10:37) The Pathway to Education(10:38 - 13:05) The Impact of Federal DOE(13:06 - 16:32) Listen and Learn Tour(16:33 - 19:19) Core Values and Strategic Priorities(19:20 - 22:31) Attributes of Effective Leaders(22:32 - 25:21) The Need for a Road Map(25:22 - 27:36) Hearing the Ground Level(27:37 - 32:36) Clarity, Coherence, Instructional Core(32:37 - 35:24) Equal Access to All Students(35:25 - 40:10) Rapid Fire Questions!(40:11 - 40:27) Closing
In the realm of education, possessing a servant's heart and genuine care for those you serve is incredibly important. This mindset not only fuels fulfillment but also drives success in the face of challenges. Today, we delve into the journey of a true servant leader.Our host, Dustin Odham, sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, to explore his remarkable trajectory in education. From his time as a White House Fellow to his current role, Dr. Morgan shares insights on what is truly important in the education space. Tune in as he emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in fostering a thriving learning environment.Don't forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don't miss our next episode.If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey EducationGuest(s): Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School DistrictTime stamps: (00:00 - 03:34) Introduction(03:35 - 05:25) Get to Know Dr. Morgan(05:26 - 10:37) The Pathway to Education(10:38 - 13:05) The Impact of Federal DOE(13:06 - 16:32) Listen and Learn Tour(16:33 - 19:19) Core Values and Strategic Priorities(19:20 - 22:31) Attributes of Effective Leaders(22:32 - 25:21) The Need for a Road Map(25:22 - 27:36) Hearing the Ground Level(27:37 - 32:36) Clarity, Coherence, Instructional Core(32:37 - 35:24) Equal Access to All Students(35:25 - 40:10) Rapid Fire Questions!(40:11 - 40:27) Closing
Steve Clagett is the Director of Learning and Development with the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to arriving with the Ravens, he's had quite a journey and quite an experience and a pretty incredible resume, which includes serving as a White House Fellow, where he got to interact with the President of the United States and a lot of other dignitaries and people that are making decisions that influence our daily lives. He also worked within the US Navy, rising to becoming a Lieutenant Commander where he also worked with the Navy SEAL Teams. We talk about mission, we talk about values in today's conversation, and we talk about what is applicable and what may not be when it comes from the military to the sports world. We also talk about politics in today's conversation. He also was a Pat Tillman Scholar. He is someone who cares about the work that he's doing and is looking to make an impact certainly within the NFL, but beyond the NFL and in the community that he helps serve in Baltimore as well. So, this is a rich conversation where we really zoom in and think about character and how you assess for character and how you think about putting together the best possible team to compete, to contend, and ultimately to win. Steve had a number of amazing insights during our conversation. Some of them include: “The power of the year [2020] means more now than it did then” (8:00). “We don't say he's a [Navy} SEAL. We say he's a team guy” (11:50). “Part of the competition is who you are as a teammate” (12:20). “I believe in having a hypercompetitive organization” (12:30). “You have to make sure that competition reinforces selflessness” (12:40). “For me, accountability comes in phases” (14:15). “Both [the military and the NFL] exist in some ways to inspire others” (16:40). “When I look back at my career, I think of times I could have been more of a glue guy” (19:15). “As a leader, there's that constant balance between the mission and the man” (19:25). “You need people [on the team] who get people out of their comfort zones and push the team in different directions” (21:05). “I really enjoyed leading teams and solving complex problems” (22:10). “I would define effective leadership as working with the team on establishing a vision, giving them clear roles and responsibilities, the resources they need to get the job done, and then getting out of the way” (27:50). “Ideally you want a culture of disagree and commit” (30:50). “What I've learned over the years is the value of diverse perspectives” (36:20). “When you can improve the morale, when you can improve the culture of an organization, it just makes coming to work every day better” (39:05). “The toughest decision I ever made was leaving the SEAL teams” (41:35). “Sometimes loyalty is just [to] your teammates” (44:35). “I think intrinsic motivation isn't as important as external motivation” (52:50). “I wonder sometimes if we're too hard on people for their honesty” (53:20). “One of our biggest reasons for success is we know who we are” (58:50). Additionally, I'd encourage you to check out Farming 4 Hunger and The Taylor Anne Foundation. You can also connect with Steve on LinkedIn. Thank you so much to Steve for coming on the podcast! I wrote a book called “Shift Your Mind” that was released in October of 2020, and you can order it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, I have launched a company called Strong Skills, and I encourage you to check out our new website https://www.strongskills.co/. If you liked this episode and/or any others, please follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening.
Is Earth going to evaporate? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about exoplanet discovery, planetary evaporation, biosignatures and technosignatures with astrophysicist Anjali Tripathi.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/habitable-worlds-super-earths-evaporating-planets-with-anjali-tripathi/Thanks to our Patrons Christopher Stowe, Bo Cribbs, Jennifer Pierce, Sam Gilbert, Steven Glasser, Antonio Garibay, and David Frigoletto for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: ESA/Hubble, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Original Air Date: May 20, 2018Does this sound like you? After years working at the same job, you realize you've just been going through the motions for as long as you can remember. Wes Moore, a war veteran, entrepreneur, Rhodes Scholar and New York Times best-selling author believes we can all discover and pursue our life's purpose. “If your job no longer brings you joy, there's an important question you need to ask yourself: ‘What is your real work and who will you fight for?'” In his book The Work, Wes, a former combat officer in Afghanistan, a White House Fellow and a Wall Street banker discusses his journey of self-discovery, which led him to walk away from financial success to create a more meaningful life. This interview was taped in 2018, five years before Wes Moore was elected the first Black Governor of Maryland.