After Words

David Gelles, an award-winning New York Times correspondent and author of 'Dirtbag Billionaire', shares insights about Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard. He reveals how Chouinard built a purpose-driven empire and ultimately gave it away for environmental causes. Gelles discusses the company's unique culture, pivotal choices like the organic cotton pivot, and the complexities of corporate responsibility. He also contrasts Chouinard's mission with Doug Tompkins' methods and contemplates Patagonia's future governance after Chouinard's departure.

Kenneth P. Vogel, a New York Times reporter and investigative journalist, dives into the murky waters of foreign lobbying in D.C. He reveals the historical roots of lobbying, tracing back to the 1930s and the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Vogel discusses the ironic legacy of FARA's author, Congressman Dickstein, while highlighting how figures like Paul Manafort revolutionized influence peddling. He also dissects Hunter Biden's complex ties, Rudy Giuliani's controversial diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of political influence under Trump's presidency.

Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow bureau chief and author, shares her decades of experience covering Russian leaders like Gorbachev and Putin. She discusses her deep connection to Russian culture and the transformational shift from Yeltsin’s chaotic politics to Putin’s controlled regime. Jill also reflects on the evolution of Russian media under Putin's grip and how U.S. foreign policy has shaped Russia's post-Soviet trajectory. With insights on Putin’s psychology and Russia's future, she highlights the complexities of understanding today’s Russia.

George Selgin, professor emeritus at the University of Georgia and author of False Dawn, dives into the New Deal's implications on economic recovery. He critiques FDR's policies, arguing they hampered recovery rather than helped. Selgin highlights how the 1933 gold revaluation initially sparked a boom but quickly faded. He muses on missed monetary opportunities and the complexities of banking regulations. Adding a personal touch, he shares anecdotes about his time volunteering with donkeys in Spain, blending economic insights with charming life stories.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd shares insights from her latest book, Notorious. She discusses the intertwining of celebrity culture and politics, revealing how Shakespeare shapes her observations on power. Dowd shares stories of interviewing guarded stars like Denzel Washington, exploring their public masks versus private vulnerabilities. The chat dives into the origins of AI and its impact on society, alongside profiles of influential figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, capturing the evolving relationship between tech and politics.

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, talked about growing up as a Trump and his family's involvement in business and politics. This event was held at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Karen Hao discussed her reporting on OpenAI under the leadership of Sam Altman. The Commonwealth Club of California hosted this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Washington Post's Christian Davenport reported on the private companies in space flight and the rivalry between Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C., hosts this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Goodall talked about her book Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink (Grand Central Publishing; September 2, 2009). In the book, she and her co-authors describe people and projects around the world that are rescuing species on the brink of extinction. The guest interviewer was John Nielsen. The interview was held at Georgetown University, prior to Ms. Goodall giving a special lecture. Primatologist Jane Goodall, famous for her work with chimpanzees, is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. She is the author of many books, including In the Shadow of Man; Reason for Hope, and Chimpanzees I Love. John Nielsen, journalist in residence at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is the author of Condor: To the Brink and Back - The Life and Times of One Giant Bird and the producer of WWF's "The Wild Things," a bi-weekly podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fox News contributor Joe Concha gave his take on President Donald Trump's return to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute in Simi Valley, California, hosted this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices