Discover how resilience in environmental policy can safeguard communities and spark economic growth—as North Carolina’s DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson shares insider strategies for tackling today’s climate and development challenges.

What happens when natural disaster recovery, cutting-edge AI, and unstoppable population growth collide in one of America’s fastest-changing states? In this candid and informative conversation, Wilson recounts the personal roots of his environmental commitment, details how North Carolina is building resilience against increasingly frequent extreme storms, and explains how the state balances conservation with booming development. From AI’s transformative impact on government records to the heated debate over data centers and the ongoing battle against “forever chemicals,” this episode unpacks real-world solutions, the complexities of federal-state cooperation, and what keeps environmental leaders up at night.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Introduction & Reid Wilson’s background[04:14] Evolution of environmental policy and climate change challenges[07:18] Resilience and recovery strategies in North Carolina[10:07] Growth, natural systems, and mitigating storm impacts[12:11] AI innovations in DEQ and its double-edged sword[16:03] Federal-state relationships, funding, and regulatory tensions[22:25] Economic development vs. conservation[26:28] Certainty and permitting for business[29:18] The impact and controversy around data centers[32:39] What keeps Wilson up at night[34:09] Surprises, communicating with the public, and transparency[35:42] Wilson’s vision and legacy for DEQ[37:06] Advice for the next DEQ leader & close

Discover how smart use of technology can help protect the environment and boost government efficiency—all without sacrificing public engagement or environmental quality.

In this episode, Tim Davis, Utah’s Commissioner of Environmental Quality, joins Richard Gordon from the Environmental Council of the States conference in Jackson Hole to reveal how Utah is modernizing environmental regulation. From harnessing AI to speed up permitting and slashing redundancies across five agencies, to confronting the challenges facing the shrinking Great Salt Lake, Tim Davis provides a practical roadmap for reconciling economic growth with hard environmental limits. Get an insider’s view on data centers, climate change, federal-state dynamics, and what it takes to drive cultural change to save vital natural resources.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Episode intro & Jackson Hole conference context01:08 Tim Davis’s career overview01:47 Technology and modernization in Utah’s DEQ03:12 AI in the agency: streamlining data review and permitting07:16 The Abundance Accelerator Initiative: cutting inefficiency09:09 Financial & operational impacts of process changes12:38 Permitting as a tool for economic development13:16 How Utah is making permitting faster and more transparent17:14 Speed permitting and use of external reviewers19:29 Safeguarding environmental standards while speeding up processes21:00 Funding for e-permitting systems and inter-agency coordination22:56 State-federal relations, politics, and primacy26:05 FAST-41 program and federal project acceleration31:08 Coping with cuts in EPA and federal funding34:45 Economic development vs. environmental protection: data centers case40:39 Climate change, the Great Salt Lake crisis, and state responses45:43 Water rights, consumption, and future sustainability46:13 Wildfires and climate adaptation47:33 Salt Lake Olympics 2034 and climate goals49:40 Hardest challenges: Saving the Great Salt Lake50:50 Tim Davis’s legacy and advice for future leaders52:48 Episode wrap-up and reflections

Discover why balancing economic growth and environmental protection isn't just possible in Alaska—it's essential.

In this insightful episode, Richard Gordon sits down with Randy Bates, Alaska's Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, to talk about the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with safeguarding America's last frontier. From a commercial fisherman’s lifelong love of Alaska’s natural resources to managing permitting in a state with world-class mines, fisheries, and soon, possibly, data centers, Randy Bates shares firsthand strategies for partnership, transparency, and resiliency in the face of climate extremes.

He dives into the real impact of climate change on Alaska’s coasts and wildlife, the challenge of funding from shifting federal priorities, and powerful takeaways about agency leadership. If you want a candid, on-the-ground look at the intersection of environment and industry in Alaska, this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Introduction & host welcome[01:29] Meet Commissioner Randy Bates & his Alaska background[02:24] The meaning of “conservation” in Alaska’s DEC[03:15] Fishing, resource management, and personal connections[04:55] Balancing industry and environmental protection[06:07] Living and working in Juneau; community impact of mining[07:41] Economic growth vs. environmental protection in Alaska[09:10] State laws, permitting, and effective resource management[11:00] Interagency partnerships and DEC’s core mission[12:29] Transparency, communication, and telling your story[13:40] The role of AI and permitting challenges[15:14] Workload from Alaska’s industries and the necessity for efficiency[16:47] Subsistence and economic realities[18:34] Federal land, shifting funding, and federal-state relationships[21:51] FAST-41 and streamlining infrastructure permitting[24:52] Real-time monitoring and compliance assistance[27:47] Transparency with industry and the public[29:35] Data centers: challenges, opportunities, and power[32:44] Exxon Valdez: lessons in disaster response and prevention[39:05] Facing climate extremes and change in Alaska[41:00] Effects of warming on glaciers, fisheries, and infrastructure[45:10] Coastal erosion and climate adaptation[46:41] Wildlife, habitat concerns, and caribou populations[50:01] Agency challenges, leadership, and communication[53:51] Final thoughts, leadership advice, and episode close

Transparency and collaboration can transform even the most complex government agencies—but what happens when politics intervene?

In this episode, Richard Gordon sits down with Karen Peters, Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, for a candid conversation about modernizing environmental regulation, overcoming funding obstacles, and leveraging technology to serve both the public and industry. Peters shares her unique journey from an unconfirmed director during a political standoff to leading innovations in data transparency and public engagement, while also tackling timely topics like AI, permitting, water scarcity, and Arizona’s booming data center landscape.

Episode Overview:[00:00] Introduction and episode framing[05:35] Welcoming Karen Peters and her career background[07:28] Navigating political standoffs and confirmation challenges[10:21] How a legal background shapes environmental leadership[13:09] Vision for agency modernization and transparency[16:14] Public records, FOI requests, and digital transformation[20:06] Shifting management and policy priorities under new administration[22:03] Community engagement and proactive outreach[26:10] Early steps with AI and technology in government[29:04] Monthly roundtables and making government accessible[33:27] Coping with federal funding cuts and state budget realities[36:40] Arizona’s water challenges and regulatory roles[44:42] Air quality, ozone nonattainment, and innovative problem-solving[50:04] Balancing industry growth and environmental protection[51:45] Data centers: myths, realities, and regulatory limits[54:00] Climate change impacts and legislative limitations[57:53] Advice for future agency leaders and importance of empowerment[59:01] Closing remarks and reflections

Principled leadership and personal integrity in politics can still shine—even amid the most tumultuous moments in American history. What does it really take to stay true to your convictions when the stakes couldn't be higher?

In this episode, listeners get a rare insider perspective on serving in the White House during some of the most consequential events of recent years—including the Trump presidency, coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 election, and January 6th. The conversation explores what motivates people to enter public service, the reality of day-to-day life inside the White House, and the challenges of enacting major legislation in a divided political climate. Key moments include reflections on navigating loyalty and principle, handling national crisis, the evolving meaning of conservatism, and keeping faith and morality at the center of political decision-making.

Timestamped Overview

00:00:00 Introduction and overview00:01:19 Guest background and early political motivations00:04:08 Transition from private sector to politics00:05:54 Inside the Trump White House and transition00:07:00 Personal side of working with Trump00:09:06 Trump, The Apprentice, and the politics of ratings00:12:02 Reflecting on legislative strategy and partisanship00:14:29 Increasing polarization in Congress00:17:57 The Senate confirmation process and its challenges00:19:41 Role and responsibilities as Vice President’s Chief of Staff00:23:08 Loyalty, disagreement, and behind-the-scenes VP–President relations00:24:03 COVID-19 response, shutdowns, and federalism00:26:26 Lessons learned from the pandemic and Dr. Fauci00:29:00 2020 election expectations and outcome00:32:12 January 6th lead-up and events from an insider view00:37:03 Pressure on the Vice President and legal maneuvers00:43:14 Experiences during the Capitol attack00:47:01 Reflections on pardons and law-and-order principles00:48:11 Modern conservatism and the future of the Republican Party00:52:05 Trump, MAGA, and Republican identity00:54:28 Is Trump a conservative? Motivations and political strategy00:57:09 The role of religion in politics00:58:50 Advancing American Freedoms: conservative advocacy01:01:32 Midterm and political landscape predictions01:04:52 Populism, MAGA, and political outsider effect01:05:40 2028 election predictions01:07:09 Closing remarks and lessons on political civility01:09:23 Show outro and where to listen

This episode wraps up a 4-part series on immigration by exploring the inspiring reasons people come to America, the opportunities they pursue, and the shared responsibility to promote democracy and unity.

With powerful reflections and a call to action, listeners are reminded that regardless of their origins, each individual plays a vital role in building a brighter America.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00:00] Introduction to Unconventional Times and the episode's focus[00:00:24] Recap of the 4-part series on immigration and the meaning of America[00:02:06] The significance of opportunity and unity—Whitney Young quote[00:02:44] Reflections on American ideals and Woody Guthrie’s words[00:03:23] Call to action—contributing to American democracy[00:04:03] Series conclusion and gratitude to listeners[00:04:24] Closing notes and where to find more episodes

Discover how the American story is shaped by the courage of generations—both past and present—who venture to build better lives for their families. What can our own family histories teach us about today’s debates on immigration and the American Dream?

In this special July 4th edition of Unconventional Times, Lou Diamond turns the tables and interviews Richard Gordon, who shares a deeply personal account of his grandparents’ journey from Eastern Europe through Ellis Island, and the legacy their sacrifices left on his life and career in politics and law. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of immigration, how kindness and understanding should define our future, and why remembering our roots is the ultimate act of patriotism.

Episode Overview:00:00 Introduction & Show Setup01:04 Richard Gordon on Family Origins and Immigration Journey03:15 Life on the Lower East Side & Grandparents’ Story05:02 Adapting, Customs, and the Depression’s Impact07:41 Accents, Language, and Normalizing Difference08:12 The Promise of America Across Generations10:14 Education as a Family Value & Pathway13:14 Connecting Family Legacy to Political Engagement18:02 Firsthand Lessons: Talking with Grandparents, Ukraine vs. Russia20:09 Then & Now—Immigration: Past, Present, and the Future24:09 Environmental Migration & The Immigration Debate27:09 World Cup, Welcoming Cultures, and America’s Mosaic32:51 Richard Gordon’s Word for the Future: Kindness34:15 Closing Thoughts & Episode Wrap

What if the greatest gift America offers is the freedom to craft your own path—across continents and identities?

In this compelling episode, Richard Gordon sits down with Alexandra Gerassimidis, the very first subscriber to the show, to explore her family’s remarkable journey from war-torn Greece to the steel towns of America, and eventually, back to Greece and again to the U.S. as a driven young student.

Together, they unpack the legacy of the immigrant experience, finding opportunity through hardship, and what the promise of America looks like for new generations. Along the way, Alexandra Gerassimidis shares unique insights into the challenges of assimilation, the impact of world events on personal choices, and how the American Dream continues to evolve.

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 Meet the host and guest; setup for the conversation01:00 Alexandra Gerassimidis shares her family's Greek-Turkish refugee legacy02:46 Life in Greece through WWII and the civil war04:42 Father’s immigration to the U.S. for opportunity07:20 Marriage-by-photo and settling in East Chicago08:37 Early education and multicultural public school experience11:14 The impact of American aid on perceptions abroad12:19 Family’s return to Greece for health and economic reasons14:13 The junta falls: historical context of their move15:01 College decisions and staying in America17:39 Citizenship, loyalty, and becoming American19:28 Weighing how life might have been different in Greece22:05 The meaning of America’s promise and educational opportunity24:06 Confidence in America’s future and civic optimism26:34 The American dream: past, present, and for future generations30:14 What is a pediatric pathologist? Alexandra Gerassimidis explains her profession32:07 July 4th, family traditions, and reflections on belonging33:53 Episode wrap-up and how listeners can engage

Freedom isn’t always visible until it’s taken away—what happens when an accomplished family suddenly loses everything and must start over in a new land?

In this inspiring episode, Richard Gordon sits down with longtime friend Gabrial Farahan to trace his family’s remarkable journey from deep-rooted Iranian Jewish heritage to building a new life in America after the 1979 revolution. Gabrial Farahan shares firsthand insight about immigration, freedom, the true meaning of the American Dream, and why he feels more American than ever before. Listen for eye-opening reflections on gratitude, resilience, and what it means to belong.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Introduction and show premise[01:06] Introducing guest and purpose of interview[02:54] Family origins: Iranian Jewish history[07:00] Life in Iran before emigration[10:25] The Iranian Revolution and family’s escape[13:39] Starting over in America[15:14] Family plans, values, and adapting[17:03] Discovering freedoms in the U.S.[21:23] Reflections on never returning to Iran[25:35] Reflections on U.S. and Israel; citizenship[28:45] Achieving the American Dream[32:22] Hopes for America’s future[34:34] Views on war and Iran[37:58] Thoughts on immigration policy[40:35] Impact of immigrant perspective on politics[41:24] July 4th plans and closing reflections[42:52] Outro and credit

Perseverance turns opportunity into achievement—just ask Lidia Fernandez, who turned her journey from the Dominican Republic into a powerful story about making the most of the American dream. In this first episode of four celebrating America's 250th birthday, Richard Gordon sits down with Lidia Fernandez to explore what it's like to immigrate for education, navigate a new language and culture, and build a thriving family business in real estate.

Key highlights include Lidia Fernandez's candid insights on why she became a U.S. citizen, her multi-generational approach to family and opportunity, a thoughtful (and unconventional) perspective on U.S. immigration policy, and how she balances her Dominican roots with American life as a mother, student, and entrepreneur. Perfect for anyone interested in the real stories behind immigration, opportunity, and the evolving definition of the American dream.

00:00 Introduction and episode theme
01:01 Lidia Fernandez shares her background and immigration story
03:06 Why Rhode Island became her new home
05:45 Adjusting to American life and learning English
08:20 The importance of education and the decision to attend college in the U.S.
10:20 Earning degrees, building a career, and family business beginnings
12:12 Navigating immigration and the process of U.S. citizenship
15:58 The opportunities and challenges in America vs. the Dominican Republic
18:09 Building a family business in real estate
21:22 Pursuing law school and balancing family and work
22:13 Raising children with a sense of opportunity
25:53 The American dream defined
25:45 Lidia Fernandez's thoughts on U.S. immigration policy and undocumented immigrants
30:43 Final reflections on opportunity and gratitude
31:36 July 4th celebrations and blending cultures
33:10 Episode close and thanks