Overheard at the Bush Center

Latest Episodes:

The Future of American Cities Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

Americans are reevaluating their priorities when it comes to where and how they live. The pandemic has spurred a mass migration of people over the past two years, with some cities experiencing vast population increases and others steep declines. But there is a recipe for success: For cities to be prosperous and have vibrant, opportunity-rich economies, they must build a highly educated workforce; provide a strong sense of community; maintain a welcoming approach to newcomers, including immigrants; pursue commerce-friendly policies; invest in walkable centers, greenspace, and good physical infrastructure; and offer an affordable quality of life.

In this virtual conversation, Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, and Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, discuss how America can create more cities of opportunity. Moderated by Holly Kuzmich, Executive Director of the Bush Institute, the conversation addresses policy changes city and state leaders should prioritize to ensure future success.

The Power of Laughter in Leadership Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

Engage at the Bush Center, Presented by NexPoint

Effective leadership begins with making connections, and humor is a way to build rapport, ease into uncomfortable conversations, and help to bring joy during difficult times. It’s no coincidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has emerged as an inspirational leader to his people, began his career as a comedian.
In our own democracy, humor remains vital as a tool of both diplomacy and leadership. It’s also a way to hold our leaders accountable. On March 8, 2022, Bush Center President and CEO Ken Hersh moderates a panel discussion about humor in the Nation’s highest office featuring Karen Hughes, a longtime advisor to President Bush; Landon Parvin, the author of many humorous speeches delivered by presidents at White House Correspondents’ Association dinners and other lighthearted occasions; and David Litt, a bestselling author and former Funny or Die producer who served as a speechwriter to President Obama. The program complements the special exhibit Liberty and Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House, open now at the Bush Center.

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The Path Towards the American Dream Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

In a shift in American culture and values, we asked ‘What does the American Dream look like today? Can it still be realized?’

Cullum Clark, sat down with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith; Jorge Lima, who is the senior vice president of policy at Americans for Prosperity and leads immigration efforts at the nonprofit, Stand Together; and Dionne Gumbs, CEO and Founder of GenEQTY, to discuss the path to faster, more inclusive growth and opportunity.

Perspectives from the Border -- Dee Margo, Former Mayor of El Paso Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

In an interview on immigration insights with Bush Institute Executive Director Holly Kuzmich, former Mayor of El Paso Dee Margo discusses frontline perspectives from the U.S.-Mexico border and what a secure border looks like.

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Is the Last Frontier Also the Last Great Market? Aug 25, 2021

Show notes

Recorded at the 2019 Forum on Leadership

What was born out of a race between governments to explore the frontier of space has shifted to a competition between private companies. As the frontier continues to change, what is a realistic expectation for the future of space? With both corporations and governments now in this arena, each with different goals and ambitions, how is the future of the new space race going to safely benefit the world?

Featuring

Ariane Cornell Head of Astronaut Strategy and Sales, Blue Origin
Sean O’Keefe (Moderator) Professor, Syracuse University Maxwell School; Former Secretary of the Navy; Former Administrator, NASA
Matt Rooney (Remarks) Managing Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

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The Spirit of Liberty -- President George W. Bush Jul 16, 2021

Show notes

In 2017, President George W. Bush delivered a powerful speech at the Bush Institute's Spirit of Liberty event in New York. He discussed the importance of the United States' role in the world, and stressed that we should not become an isolationist, nationalist, or protectionist Nation. With an introduction by U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Ramon Padilla Munguia.

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The Land of Opportunity -- Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO of Chobani Jul 14, 2021

Show notes

At the 2021 Forum on Leadership, Bush Center CEO Ken Hersh sat down for the keynote conversation Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. He shared his inspiring story, including the experiences that brought him to America and eventually led him to create Chobani. He also discusses life in the United States -- and why this is the land of opportunity.

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Understanding the Impact of Invisible Wounds -- President Bush and Prince Harry Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

The George W. Bush Institute conducted an international symposium at the Invictus Games 2016 to discuss solutions to help returning servicemen and women overcome their invisible wounds and improve outcomes for their transition back to civilian life. Prince Harry joined President Bush for a conversation about the importance of reducing the barriers to care and the role of sport in recovery. President Bush also served as the Honorary Chairman for Invictus Games Orlando 2016.

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Immigration Insights -- Sec. Carlos Gutierrez Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

Holly Kuzmich, George W. Bush Institute Executive Director, sat down with Carlos Gutierrez, former Secretary of Commerce, to discuss the impact immigrants have on the United States.

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Bush Institute work on immigration

Understanding the Border: A Conversation on Life, Culture, and Commerce Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

In a companion event to the Bush Center’s special exhibit on immigration and President Bush’s new book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants, a panel of experts examine the incredible biodiversity, agricultural strength, and beauty of our southern border. The conversation tackles how to thoughtfully secure and manage a diverse border region, and how to protect and preserve the land itself.

Texas Tribune CEO and Co-Founder Evan Smith leads the discussion with former U.S. CongressmanWill Hurd, former Mexican Ambassador to the U.S.Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez, conservationist and film producerJay Kleberg(The River and the Wall), andAdair Margo, who has been involved in the El Paso/Juarez border community her entire life. She founded the Adair Margo Gallery in 1985 and co-authored an oral history of the region with renowned local artist Tom Lea.

The conversation also focuses on the people who live and work along the border, and the diversity of culture that makes the region unique. The panel examines topics such as the economy, food, the arts, and education, while also touching on policy that can help us facilitate a more efficient and compassionate immigration system.

Learn more about the Bush Institute's work on immigration