The Head & The Heart

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with David Frum, political columnist for The Atlantic and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush. Frum, who is Canadian-American, shares his unique perspective on the history of American-led democracy and how it has evolved. In this wide-ranging conversation, Frum delves into the resurgence of political interest in the United States, why there will only ever be two political parties, America's role in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and why the Republican Party of today seems to be standing against the ideals of its past. With Frum's in-depth analysis and thoughtful commentary, this episode provides a deep dive into the current state of American democracy and offers a hopeful vision for its future. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the most insightful voices in politics today.

David Frum has been active in Republican politics since the first Reagan campaign of 1980. From 2014 through 2017, Frum served as chairman of the board of trustees of the leading UK center-right think tank, Policy Exchange. In 2001-2002, he served as speechwriter and special assistant to President George W. Bush. He holds a BA and MA in history from Yale and a law degree from Harvard, where he served as President of the Federalist Society. Frum is the author of ten books, most recently TRUMPOCALYPSE: Restoring American Democracy (HarperCollins, 2020). His first book, Dead Right, won praise from William F. Buckley as “the most refreshing intellectual experience in a generation” and from Frank Rich in the New York Times as “the smartest book written from the inside about the American conservative movement.”

As an advisor to Presidents, and as a journalist and teacher, David Gergen has enriched the civic health of our nation. From the U.S. Navy to the West Wing, he as committed virtually his entire life to serving our country. In today’s episode, David shares his perspective on public service, and the importance of character, moral purpose, and truth telling. It’s an honor to share this very special conversation with a giant of civic life and public service. 

David Gergen is a professor of public service and founding director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. In addition, he serves as a senior political analyst for CNN. In the past, he has served as a White House adviser to four U.S. presidents of both parties: Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton. He wrote about those experiences in his New York Times best-seller, Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton (Simon & Schuster, 2001).

In the 1980s, he began a career in journalism. Starting with the MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour in 1984, he has been a regular commentator on public affairs for some 30 years. Twice he has been a member of election coverage teams that won Peabody awards, and he has contributed to two Emmy award-winning political analysis teams. In the late 1980s, he was chief editor of U.S. News & World Report.

Over the years, he has been active on many non-profit boards, serving in the past on the boards of both Yale and Duke Universities. Among his current boards are Teach for America, The Mission Continues, The Trilateral Commission, and Elon University’s School of Law. 

David's work as director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Kennedy School has enabled him to work closely with a rising generation of younger leaders, especially social entrepreneurs, military veterans and Young Global Leaders chosen by the World Economic Forum. Through the generosity of outside donors, the Center helps to provide scholarships to over 100 students a year, preparing them to serve as leaders for the common good. The Center also promotes scholarship at the frontiers of leadership studies.

A native of North Carolina, David is a member of the D.C. Bar, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of the U.S. executive committee for the Trilateral Commission. He is an honors graduate of Yale and the Harvard Law School. He has been awarded 27 honorary degrees.

Why do people believe liars? How do authoritarians enthrall a nation? Historian and Author Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins the Head and the Heart to discuss her book Strongmen: Mussolini To The Present. In this episode she offers her fascinating analysis of fascism and highlights the modern authoritarian leaders who exhibit these all too familiar tendencies. Ed & Perry examine the through line of corruption, violence, and toxic masculinity that are often characteristic of past and present authoritarian political leaders, and they attempt to find an answer as to why these men are often popular and beloved by their followers.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian who writes about authoritarianism, democracy, and propaganda. She is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, the recipient of Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other fellowships, and Advisor to Protect Democracy. She is an MSNBC opinion columnist, a regular contributor to CNN and The Washington Post, and provides live commentary on CNN, MSNBC, and other networks.

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Ed and Perry welcome back their first returning guests, renowned journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser for a conversation about their new book: 'The Divider: Trump in the White House 2017-2021,’ which chronicles the sobering events of the Trump years. In this definitive inside-the-room account of what is perhaps America’s most controversial and divisive presidency, Baker and Glasser deliver never-before-told stories about Donald Trump’s four-year war against the Washington establishment, his own administration officials, and democratic norms. Their impeccably reported book offers a dramatic view of the chaos, confusion, and relentless inner conflict of an administration unlike any other in history.

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for the The New York Times, a political analyst for MSNBC, and the author of "Days of Fire” and “The Beach.”

Susan Glasser is a staff writer for “The New Yorker” and author of its weekly “Letters from Biden’s Washington,” as well as a CNN global affairs analyst.

In this brand new conversation, Washington Post political columnist, Dana Milbank discusses his new book “The Destructionists: The Twenty-Five Year Crack Up of the Republican Party” in which he describes the evolution of the GOP in the last three decades, from Newt Gingrich and his contract with America in 1994, all the way to the January 6th, 2021 election-lie insurrection. Aside from writing a nationally syndicated column for the Washington Post, Dana Milbank is a CNN and MSNBC contributor, and author of Homo Politicus, Tears of a Clown, O is for Obama, and Smashmouth.

The Franklin Project’s Co-Executive Directors, Erin Dobson and Greg Jenkins join Perry and Ed to talk about their mission to promote civic engagement and education. The Franklin Project was founded to elevate the voices of reason and civility - regardless of party affiliation - to improve the health and durability of our democracy. Their aim is to empower everyday people to become defenders of our Republic against those who place self-interest and the acquisition of power ahead of the public’s trust. The focal point of their work is helping people find ways to engage in good faith conversation about the governance of our country, and honest disagreements over issues. It’s about giving a damn about democracy, and really thinking about how we individually can best show up for it. Please enjoy this conversation and visit The Franklin Project at: franklinproject.us 

In this episode, Pulitzer Prize winning, New York Times bestselling author, Carol Leonnig discusses her new book: “Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service,” in which she pulls back the curtain on the history, inner workings, and culture of the US Secret Service. For the last decade Carol has been reporting on the Secret Service for the Washington Post. In “Zero Fail” she has written the definitive account of the scandals and shortcomings that have plagued the government agency tasked with protecting our democracy and continuity of government. Her descriptions of the relationship each presidential administration has had with the Secret Service represents a broad swath of American history that has gone largely unexamined. In story after story she vividly describes the heroics and stumbles of an agency constantly strapped for resources and often undermined by politics and a toxic work culture. Written with the cooperation of current and former Secret Service agents, her book is part tribute and part public warning about one of our country’s most essential agencies.

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Former University of Kentucky and NBA great Rex Chapman talks about his life on and off the court, and his personal journey from addiction to redemption. Rex recounts his early years as a star college athlete, and the challenges and adjustments of entering the NBA while still so young. Reflecting on his 12 year career, he shares lessons learned, and talks about the teammates that influenced him most; and also the social anxiety associated with fame which contributed to his battle with pain medication. He speaks honestly and movingly about his struggles and is an inspiration for anyone trying to overcome their own challenges. Rex’s newfound stardom on social media wasn’t by design, but his Twitter account, which has been called “the soul of the internet” has nevertheless garnered attention from millions around the world. Chapman co-hosts “The Rex Chapman Show with Josh Hopkins” podcast where they discuss the latest news from the NBA, and share personal stories with special guests.

Journalist and Emmy-nominated producer of the Netflix documentary Fyre, Gabrielle Bluestone, joins us to discuss her new book: "HYPE: How Scammers, Grifters, and Con Artists Are Taking Over the Internet - and Why We’re Following." In a time where social media hype, puffery and propaganda dominate the digital age, Gabrielle reveals how she came to report on the now incarcerated event organizer Billy McFarland. McFarland is the fraudster behind the ill-fated Fyre Festival. He defrauded investors of over $27 million by marketing and selling tickets to the festival and other events. Bluestone uncovers the larger social implications surrounding McFarland’s fraud, explaining the reasons why people were deceived, and exploring the psychology that makes all of us vulnerable to internet con artists and grifters.

Political commentator William “Bill” Kristol has been a leading voice of conservative thought for decades. He served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Dan Quayle, and was founder of the conservative magazine, "The Weekly Standard.” Bill joins us for a wide ranging conversation where he takes on the political landscape of today, and aims his deft analysis on how the Republican Party succumbed to Donald Trump’s nativist and anti-democratic intuitions. Reflecting on the evolution of his own political philosophy, he thoughtfully explains - despite some honest differences - why he is genuinely hoping for Joe Biden’s success. Today Bill Kristol is the editor-at-large of “The Bulwark,” a news network dedicated to political analysis free of partisan loyalties or tribal prejudices.