The Optimistic American

Kevin Cherilla, co-founder and owner of K2 Adventure Travel, leads groups to summit mountains like Mt. Kilimanjaro. His team guides groups of 30-40 individuals to surmount their fears and limitations and climb higher. He and his colleagues teach their clients to put forth the efforts needed for success, be present in the moment and work together in teams, and instill patience in people who otherwise run in various rat races of life. But Kevin’s and K2’s successes go well beyond. He led various disabled individuals, including those with blindness and no hands or feet, to reach higher than they could imagine. His proudest achievement led 8 individuals with blindness (and 25 in total) to summit Kilimanjaro together. And these achievements helped various non-profits raise funds to support their work. Kevin, an accomplished climber himself, first summited Mt. Everest in 2007. He discusses how he achieved that, including his 11 months of training and living and climbing for many days at high altitude. Those accomplishments helped K2 survive and have its own successes, even after Covid 19 almost cratered its business in 2020. He expects 2022 to be a record year. In addition, K2 founded a non-profit (“K2 Adventures”) to give back to those communities that share their resources to support K2’s adventurers.

Dr. Michael Crow, 16th President of Arizona State University, discusses how he and his team transformed ASU into one of the world’s best public research universities over the past 20 years. 145,000 degree-seeking students attend online, in person, via other methods. ASU’s new model is accessible, excellent and impactful to local communities, and hosts among other successes the largest engineering college in the USA.

ASU today tackles complex challenges in education, business, and communities for better outcomes. Anyone today can learn almost anything at little to zero out of pocket cost. Dr. Crow drives his team to “innovate, innovate, innovate to optimize human potential and happiness.” He notes that everyone’s “life space” should be determined by them rather than from where they come from. Everyone needs robust, accessible, ongoing education all their lives.

A product of humble means (including government-provided food and low cost housing), Dr. Crow achieved what the vast majority of Americans never have, but he’s not finished! An Optimistic American he is, believing that America’s and the world’s (led by the USA) days lie ahead.

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel, The Optimistic American.

James Bates, an electrical engineer by schooling and CEO of a self-driving technology company, applies the artificial intelligence (AI) lessons he learned to retail healthcare (e.g., grocery store or pharmacy clinics). AdviNOW resulted, implementing AI tools that reduce upfront administrative burdens patients face, focusing the time of medical experts/providers actual care rather than paperwork. James discusses this journey, sharing the challenges in 2020 caused by Covid, where his thousands of contracted clinics stopped seeing patients. AdviNOW learned out how to survive and then thrive. AdviNOW believes its technology substantially increases the profitability of clinics, while creating additional time and availability of the key providers. And post-Covid (at least the Covid of 2020), AdviNOW’s results strengthened. James shares his opinions that AI adds value to human work, making both providers and their customers happier with better outcomes. James’ optimism and willingness to risk his reputation and wealth demonstrate much of what makes America the greatest place to live, work and thrive.

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Professor Michael Beckley’s newest book details why common wisdom about America’s economic and military challenges – especially compared with China – fails when correctly analyzed. His data-driven book, “Unrivaled,” underscores why no rivals, today or tomorrow, truly challenge the United States, the #1 superpower. Professor Beckley, an associate professor of political science at Tufts University, demonstrates how economic and military efficiencies prove his points, especially as compared with China. Business leadership in America drives efficiencies. Moreover, we continue with three major advantages: (1) geography, including arable land and navigable waters, (2) demographics, with the USA one of only three of the largest economies with a growing workforce, and (3) seemly strong institutions. He shares his worries about some challenges to our leads, especially due to high debt and possible political missteps, including local military disputes such as in Ukraine, but believes other countries’ challenges are deeper. This interview reflects the best themes of The Optimistic American, that our best days lie ahead.

Watch the episode on our YouTube channel, The Optimistic American!

Former Arizona Governor Fife Symington and Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, once fierce political opponents, discuss robust learning from people whose opinions differ, and how to change your minds. Both believe that abundance, hope and optimism must resonate with all Americans. America The Great!

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Rep. Marcelino Quiñonez shares the inspiring story of his American journey. He talks about his transition from being a Mexican immigrant to becoming a U.S. citizen, the importance of education and how it impacted his family, his sources of inspiration, and his unwavering belief in the American dream. He also expands on his success as a playwright, the responsibilities of being a public servant, why it is essential to collaborate with both sides of the political aisle, and why listening is the most critical part of great leadership.

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Successful American entrepreneur Jerry Moyes, past CEO and founder of Swift Transportation, paints the pathways for others to build successful American companies. He faced his darkest days but emerged to the joys of business creation. And all as the adopted Dad of 11 children! Don’t miss this one!

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Psychiatrist and Bosnian concentration camp survivor sheds light on the unimaginable inhumanity of war, the urgency of hope and optimism during the darkest times, and his heartfelt journey to U.S. citizenship. He draws parallels to current divisions in America and what we now need to do to strengthen our country.

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Chuck Coughlin, an American pollster, lobbyist, and Republican operative discusses how voters with no political affiliation now rule American politics but are not yet organized. He argues all voters oppose overwhelmingly the current two-party political system. They resist the stranglehold that America’s two-party system squeezes on American throats and demand change now.

To watch the show, visit The Optimistic American on YouTube!