Minouche Shafik (Director, London School of Economics) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss her philosophy of education and her vision for the London School of Economics, the role the IMF and Central Banks should play in the transition to a green economy, and her acclaimed book. She shares insights into growing up in the American South, economics and public policy, and how governments can navigate economic growth, national security, and climate change. Minouche Shafik: https://www.lse.ac.uk/about-lse/lse-leading-women/biographies/minouche-shafik What We Owe Each Other: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691204451/what-we-owe-each-other

Cristián Samper (Managing Director, Bezos Earth Fund and tropical biologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss his upbringing in Colombia and the importance of the country in preserving biodiversity, how he developed his connection with nature, COP 15 and important agenda items and challenges. He also shares insights into the approach and priorities of the Bezos Earth Fund, tipping points in vital ecosystems, biodiversity financing gap, and creating the next generation of conservationists. Cristián Samper: https://www.bezosearthfund.org/our-team/cristian-samper

Admiral Mike Mullen, the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a retired US Navy Admiral, shares his remarkable military insights. He discusses the intricate roles of the Joint Chiefs and personal narratives from significant operations. Mullen dives into the evolving conflict in Ukraine and nuclear proliferation risks, especially concerning North Korea and Iran. He reflects on leadership lessons learned from advising Presidents Bush and Obama, emphasizing the need for strategic communication in today's complex geopolitical landscape.

David Sibley (Author, Illustrator, and Ornithologist) joins Hank on Straight Talk to discuss birding, bird collisions and the impact of cats on bird populations, and the biodiversity crisis. He shares insights into his love of drawing, the Sibley Guide to Birds and how the guide works, and his advice for young birders. Sibley Guides to Birds: https://www.sibleyguides.com/

Hank welcomes Hal Harvey (Chief Executive Officer of Energy Innovation) to the podcast to discuss the influence of his mother’s environmentalism on his career, his knack for innovation in the energy space, and his new book—The Big Fix. He shares insights into what he’s working on and his goals for Energy Innovation, how we can keep from losing ground in the fight against climate change as we navigate the current energy crisis, and a path forward for US-China cooperation on tackling climate change. Hal Harvey: https://energyinnovation.org/team-member/hal-harvey/ The Big Fix: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Big-Fix/Hal-Harvey/9781982123987

Hank welcomes David Axelrod (Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics and CNN Senior Political Commentator) to Straight Talk to discuss his experience in journalism, how he met Barack Obama and was inspired to work on his campaigns, and the shift from advising in politics to governing. He shared insights into Obama’s historic presidential run, navigating the financial crisis, polarity and the state of US democracy, and the impact of social media on politics and division in our country. David Axelrod: https://news.uchicago.edu/profile/david-axelrod

Darius Adamczyk (Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell) joins Hank on the podcast to discuss Honeywell and its role in the planet’s energy future, data architecture, and the economic, business, and policy aspects of US-China relations. He shares insights on operating a multinational business in an increasingly unpredictable political landscape, creating an environment for innovation, and his management principles. Darius Adamczyk: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/company/leadership/darius-adamczyk

Hank welcomes Austan Goolsbee (Professor and Economist, University of Chicago and former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, Obama Administration) to Straight Talk to discuss his talent for and enthusiasm while public speaking, the economy today, and demand and supply shocks. He shares insights into how he ended up in the field of economics, advising Barack Obama, and interest rates and the chance of recession. Austan Goolsbee: https://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/austan-goolsbee

Hank welcomes Walter Isaacson (Former Chair and CEO, CNN and Editor, Time Magazine) to Straight Talk to discuss lessons from his books, innovation and climate change, and bipartisanship and increased ideological polarization. He shares insights into creativity, his writing process, and the gift of storytelling. Walter Isaacson: https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/departments/history/people/walter-isaacson

Samm Sacks (Cyber Policy Fellow, New America and Senior Fellow, Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center) joins Hank Paulson on Straight Talk to discuss the core issues and key technologies of US-China tech competition, data flows, and governing the digital economy. She shares insights into the need for the US to invest in itself and not inhibit advancement by avoiding competition, data security and privacy, and global tech value chains. Samm Sacks: https://www.newamerica.org/our-people/samm-sacks/