Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

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

What if America’s energy future—and millions of jobs—hinged on one hard decision in a small Michigan town?

In this powerful episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with transformational leader Jennifer Granholm—former Michigan Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy—to reveal how the loss of a single factory unraveled the heart of American manufacturing, and how bold decisions in the face of devastation sparked a clean energy renaissance now reshaping both the nation and the world.

Highlights include Jennifer Granholm’s raw account of battling the Great Recession, negotiating the auto industry rescue, building a “Michigan model” for clean energy, and pioneering strategies that brought 950 new factories and millions of jobs to the U.S. She pulls back the curtain on supply chain challenges, her vision of a smarter grid, the surprising upsides of data centers, and how public-private partnerships—if done right—can create a stronger, sustainable economy. The episode closes with candid insights on policy “yo-yoing” and the essential steps needed for America’s energy future.

Episode Overview:

[00:00] Introduction & Jennifer Granholm’s public service calling[07:10] Breaking barriers as Michigan’s first female governor and attorney general[08:37] The Great Recession: loss of manufacturing, Electrolux story[13:48] Diversifying Michigan’s economy & birth of green jobs[14:35] Trade agreements and their impact on the Democratic Party[14:41] The auto industry rescue and push for electric vehicles[18:28] Fighting to keep manufacturing in the U.S. and evolving industrial strategy[20:44] Supply chains, industrial clusters & international investment[22:56] Why Jennifer Granholm never ran for Senate[23:09] Transition to U.S. Secretary of Energy[25:28] Nationalizing the Michigan model: Inflation Reduction Act details[28:40] Results: 950 new clean energy factories, millions of jobs[30:45] What is “the grid” and why should we care?[34:14] Creating a smarter grid: who pays, who benefits[36:38] Data centers—threat or opportunity?[39:14] Guardrails, jobs, and community benefits[43:13] Policy “yo-yo effect” and energy future priorities[44:42] Batteries, solar, wind, and nuclear—balancing the energy mix[48:14] Jennifer Granholm’s magic wand: real solutions for America’s energy[49:38] Designated Survivor and final reflections[51:44] Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

What if the Democratic Party’s “radical” center is actually its hidden powerhouse? This episode of Unconventional Times explodes the myth that moderates are an endangered species, as Richard Gordon sits down with Debbie Cox Bultan—CEO of New Deal and a champion of pragmatic, center-left leadership—to reveal how the real future of the party might surprise you.

Key highlights include:

• Debbie Cox Bultan’s journey from college service projects to political leadership, and what keeps her fighting for democracy (02:36)
• The truth about the Democratic “center left”—and why it’s alive, thriving, and crucial for electoral success (10:51)
• How New Deal is building the next generation of pragmatic leaders and what’s really working at the state and local level (18:30)
• Why the best politics is the best governing, and how local voices can turn the tide for Democrats (33:31)
• A forward look at the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race—with some surprising optimism for the future (48:31)

Episode Overview:

00:00 Intro and show open

02:36 Debbie’s path into Democratic politics and public service

10:51 Is the center left dead? (Spoiler: It’s not—and here’s why)

18:30 What is New Deal? Building a bench of pragmatic state and local leaders

33:31 Lessons from New Deal’s election report—Why local wins matter

42:11 Issue lightning round (Trump, bipartisanship, the party brand)

46:23 “An Honorable Profession” podcast and how to support the New Deal

48:31 Predictions for 2026, 2028, and closing thoughts

54:47 Outro

55:10 End

What does it take to rescue 3,000 lives from imminent massacre—and what lessons can it teach today’s policymakers?

On this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon welcomes Jonathan Winer, former U.S. Special Envoy to Libya, whose extraordinary behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts not only averted tragedy for Iranian dissidents in Iraq, but also shaped policy across some of the world’s hottest flashpoints. From the rescue of the Mujahideen-e-Khalq to deep dives on the Libya crisis, to rare insights on U.S.-China relations and the real stakes behind global supply chains, this is a candid conversation packed with revelations, humor, and geopolitical expertise.

Key Highlights:

• The harrowing story behind saving thousands from massacre, and how U.S. diplomatic muscle and alliances worked to make it happen.
• The true story of Libya post-Gaddafi and hard lessons in nation-building.
• Unvarnished takes on the U.S.-China relationship, supply chain dependencies, and the misunderstood Taiwan question.
• Why tariffs may be hurting American consumers and what real solutions look like for America’s economic future.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Introduction and setup

02:00 Jonathan Winer's role in preventing the massacre of Iranian dissidents

06:45 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and the fate of the Mujahideen-e-Khalq

11:13 Negotiating for MEK resettlement and the role of Albania

15:18 Parallels to U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan

16:05 Jonathan Winer's mission in Libya post-Benghazi

19:17 How Libya changed after Gaddafi

22:08 Challenges of Libyan governance and zero-sum politics

26:56 Libya’s descent into factionalism and rise of ISIS

32:56 The state of democracy and stability in Libya

33:19 Transition to U.S.-China summit discussion

37:45 The reality of U.S.-China economic interdependence

40:25 The stakes of technology, rare earths, and Taiwan

43:02 Tech transfer, tariffs, and manufacturing jobs

46:18 U.S. investment in chip manufacturing and supply chain security

48:39 Mining, resources, and the Greenland question

49:36 Summit outcomes and future of U.S.-China relations

What if the fate of America’s political future hinged on the hidden tragedy of redistricting—and the only person with both the insider experience and outsider’s humility to reveal its impact is a Lebanese immigrant who once carried $2,000 and a dream into the U.S.?

In this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with David Ramadan—the first adult immigrant ever elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates—to pull back the curtain on the gritty realities of American democracy.

From Beirut bombings to gerrymandering battles in Virginia, David Ramadan shares his extraordinary journey and the personal and political transformations that led him from being an idealistic volunteer to a Republican office holder, and finally to a “politically homeless” reformer. This episode dives into the devastating costs of partisanship over principle, why so many modern politicians choose career over integrity, and how new Supreme Court decisions could reshape communities and the future of both parties.

Plus, get a rare first-hand look at the most explosive redistricting saga in Virginia’s history—and why the public needs to pay attention now.

Episode Overview:

[00:00] Introduction and episode setup[00:25] David Ramadan's background and early life in Lebanon[02:25] Inspiration for entering Virginia politics[06:00] Why David Ramadan became a Republican[09:00] Campaign experience, challenges, and historic win[11:08] Leaving the Republican Party during the Trump era[14:04] Legislative accomplishments, especially on voting rights[17:03] Reflections on party, public service, and redistricting[18:14] Critique of Trump’s impact on the GOP[22:21] Can the Republican Party be fixed?[24:44] Integrity, party loyalty, and tough political choices[27:12] Voting record—standing on principle and compromise[29:56] Insights on gerrymandering and redistricting[36:46] The latest on Virginia’s explosive redistricting showdown[48:42] Impact of Supreme Court Voting Rights Act decisions[52:05] Can fair representation exist—and is losing elections really so bad?[56:23] Where do both parties go from here?[59:10] Closing reflections on what’s broken—and what’s worth fighting for

Did you know JFK's iconic words, "Ask not what your country can do for you," actually originated from a Lebanese poet?

In this compelling episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with Lebanese-born scholar and former legislator David Ramadan for an eye-opening exploration of Lebanon’s hidden war on Israel’s northern border. As international headlines focus on Iran and Gaza, this episode spotlights the overlooked conflict between Israel and Hezbollah—the Iranian-backed militia operating within Lebanon.

David Ramadan unpacks the tangled realities of Lebanon’s fragmented sovereignty, reveals the human impact of daily bombings and mass displacement, and explains why the Lebanese government can't—or won’t—rein in Hezbollah. Discover why peace talks may be doomed from the start, how Iran keeps Hezbollah alive, and why some Lebanese now quietly wish for peace with Israel. Candid, insightful, and full of surprising revelations, this episode will change how you see the Middle East's most misunderstood front.

Episode Overview

00:00 Intro and episode setup

00:31 Spotlight on the Israel-Lebanon conflict

02:31 David Ramadan introduction and background

03:12 Lebanon’s geography, history, and people

05:27 Lebanon’s tangled wars and Hezbollah’s rise

10:26 Iran’s influence and Hezbollah as a “state within a state”

13:09 Is it really Israel vs. Lebanon or Israel vs. Hezbollah?

15:12 The challenge of peace negotiations

17:21 Displaced civilians and Lebanon’s warzone reality

22:03 Why now? The October 6th turning point

26:53 Why hasn’t the Lebanese government acted?

30:36 Weapons, Iran’s resupply, and Iranian officers in Lebanon

34:11 The UN’s failed peacekeeping mission

37:24 What would it take for a real solution?

40:53 Regional politics and why Arab countries won’t intervene

41:23 The shifting support for Hezbollah inside Lebanon

44:22 Destruction of homes and emotional impact

47:16 What can Israel do? The challenges for nation-states vs. militias

49:55 Support for Israel vs. support for its current government

51:59 Media narratives, American politics, and final reflections

53:09 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks

What if the biggest hurdle to building a better future for both business and the environment isn’t political gridlock—but the way we write the rules?

In this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, for a revealing conversation from the Environmental Council of the States conference in Savannah, Georgia.

Melanie Loyzim explains why clarity, transparency, and moderation—not deregulation—are what businesses crave most when navigating environmental permitting. Discover how Maine is tackling climate change impacts like rising seas and extreme storms, the state’s plan to streamline housing development without sacrificing environmental standards, and why PFAS contamination may be the most daunting challenge facing state agencies today. Plus, peek behind the curtain at how Maine is looking to harness artificial intelligence to make permitting faster and smarter.

Key highlights:

• The childhood experiences that shaped Melanie Loyzim's environmental mission
• How regulatory certainty attracts business investment
• Maine’s balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection
• Real-world impacts of climate change on Maine’s iconic industries
• Pragmatic, non-partisan government in an era of political swings
• The urgent PFAS crisis—why it’s everywhere, and what Maine is doing about it
• The promise and challenge of bringing AI into environmental regulation

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Unconventional Times intro & guest introduction

[01:06] Why a career in public service and environmental work

[02:09] Childhood roots and early influences

[04:06] Life as an underground storage tank inspector

[06:13] The reality and evidence for climate change in Maine

[08:11] Responding to climate events and smarter infrastructure

[10:09] Impacts on Maine’s economy: lobster and timber

[12:19] Balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility

[15:23] The importance of regulatory certainty for investors

[18:54] Navigating legislative changes and long-term planning

[21:11] Balancing staff advocacy with impartial leadership

[22:28] Managing shifting political priorities and policy ping-pong

[25:31] Streamlining housing development via permit by rule

[28:13] The challenge of environmental agency budgets

[32:38] Artificial intelligence and the future of permitting

[36:38] Digitizing data for smarter, holistic decisions

[37:39] What keeps Melanie up at night: permitting bottlenecks

[39:40] Worst environmental crisis: PFAS contamination

[42:15] Source reduction and remediation strategies for PFAS

[43:47] The value of moderation and transparency in government

[45:16] Episode close