Advertise on podcast: Intersections

Dallas is booming—but can its downtown keep pace? In this live episode of Intersections, Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert and businessman Ray Washburne join the conversation about what it will take to build a stronger, more connected and more vibrant Dallas. From Charleston and Santa Barbara to Dallas’ own Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum and Klyde Warren Park, they explore why great cities need more than economic growth—they need a genuine sense of place. The conversation dives into the future of Downtown Dallas, the Downtown Dallas 2036 plan, the new convention center, hotel and entertainment development, parking and walkability, vacant properties, permitting reform, professional sports and the importance of public-private partnerships. Kim and Ray also discuss why investing in the city’s core isn’t just about downtown—it has the potential to strengthen neighborhoods and economic development throughout Dallas. In this Episode [03:01] What Makes a Great City? [09:48] Dallas as an Economic Engine [14:09] Creating a Sense of Place in Dallas [20:17] Reimagining Downtown Dallas [27:22] The Economics of a Strong Downtown [30:23] Downtown Dallas 2036 [34:26] Unlocking Surface Parking Lots & Vacant Property [42:10] Public-Private Partnerships & the Convention Center[ 51:19] Professional Sports & the Future of Downtown [54:21] Zoning, Permitting & Making Dallas Easier to Build In Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠lynnllp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. And thank you for your support. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠⁠⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠glidenindustries.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠bwmplanning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to Learn More. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Trevor Rees-Jones is an independent oil and gas entrepreneur whose career took him from practicing bankruptcy law and struggling to keep a tiny energy business alive to becoming an early leader in the Barnett Shale and building one of the country’s most successful independent oil and gas companies. But his story is as much about failure as success. Trevor shares what kept him going through 17 consecutive dry wells, years of financial uncertainty and nearly two decades of work before his breakthrough. He also opens up about the role faith, integrity, family and experience have played in shaping the way he leads and does business. And after extraordinary financial success, Trevor explains why he and his wife have devoted so much of their wealth to philanthropy—and why he feels an urgency to put even more of it to work helping others. In this Episode[ 03:21] An Unconventional Texas Businessman [06:50] Growing Up in Dallas & Early Entrepreneurship [17:06] From Dartmouth to Law—and Finding Oil & Gas [24:00] Integrity, Win-Win Deals & Building Company Culture [37:36] Faith, Family & Lessons from Scouting [47:27] Leaving Law with $4,000 in the Bank [50:00] 17 Dry Wells & the Decision to Keep Going [56:00] Betting on North Texas & Discovering the Barnett Shale [01:09:13] 16 Years to an “Overnight” Billion-Dollar Success [01:32:57] Philanthropy, Stewardship & the Purpose of Wealth Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: ⁠⁠⁠lynnllp.com⁠⁠⁠. And thank you for your support. ⁠⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠glidenindustries.com⁠⁠⁠ Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠⁠⁠bwmplanning.com⁠⁠⁠ to Learn More. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Victor Vescovo may have one of the most unusual résumés on the planet. He has climbed the highest peak on every continent, skied to both the North and South Poles, descended to the deepest points of the world’s oceans, served as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer, built a successful career in private equity and venture capital, and traveled to space. Yet Victor’s biggest takeaway from those experiences is surprisingly simple: most people underestimate what they are capable of. Victor joins Tom and Kyle to unpack the mindset behind a life spent pushing boundaries. He shares stories from Everest, a near-fatal fall on Aconcagua, the Five Deeps Expedition, piloting a submersible under crushing ocean pressure, discovering historic shipwrecks, serving in military intelligence after 9/11, and experiencing the “overview effect” from space. Along the way, Victor explains why preparation matters more than bravado, why the process matters more than the destination, and why “How hard could it be?” continues to drive him toward whatever comes next. In this Episode [04:51] Human Potential & the Explorer Mindset [09:46] Curiosity, Mortality & a Childhood Car Crash [16:20] MIT, Military Strategy & the Changing Nature of Warfare [32:44] Harvard Business School, Risk & “Don’t Blunder” [36:44] Private Equity, Venture Capital & Colossal Biosciences [41:12] Mount Everest, Aconcagua & the Seven Summits [53:33] Skiing to the North & South Poles [56:00] Building the Five Deeps Expedition [01:12:36] Challenger Deep, New Species & Historic Shipwrecks [01:22:51] Going to Space & What’s Next ⁠Learn more about Fortress⁠ Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: ⁠⁠lynnllp.com⁠⁠. And thank you for your support. ⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at ⁠⁠glidenindustries.com⁠⁠ Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠⁠bwmplanning.com⁠⁠ to Learn More. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas and the founder and host of Pathway to Victory. Known nationally for his outspoken views on faith, culture, and politics, Jeffress joins Intersections to share the story behind the public figure—from growing up at First Baptist Dallas and sensing a call to ministry at 15 to leading one of the country’s most historic churches. Jeffress reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped his ministry, including W.A. Criswell, his early years in Eastland and Wichita Falls, and the challenges that taught him to trust God through opposition. He also weighs in on the state of Christianity in America, religious liberty, biblical authority, Gen Z, cultural change, and why he believes churches cannot compromise their convictions simply to accommodate the culture. In This Episode [04:31] From Game Shows to a Calling in Ministry [07:14] Faith, Controversy, and Becoming a “Cultural Warrior” [12:03] Are America’s Pulpits Too Soft?[ 13:31] The State of Christianity in America [17:17] Christianity, Culture, and the Battle of Worldviews[ 21:08] Gen Z, Obedience, and the Future of the Church [23:43] What Happened to Christianity in Europe? [27:16] Family, Billy Graham, and the Roots of His Faith [29:51] W.A. Criswell, Calling, and First Baptist Dallas [36:15] Finding God’s Will and Preparing for Ministry [39:52] The Church Fight That Nearly Ended His Ministry [46:09] Pathway to Victory and the Return to First Baptist Dallas Thanks to Our Sponsors ⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at ⁠⁠glidenindustries.com⁠⁠ Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠⁠bwmplanning.com⁠⁠ to Learn More. The Cowgirl Museum: Come see what’s next November 7. cowgirl.net Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Drew McKnight is co-CEO of Fortress Investment Group, where he has spent more than two decades helping build one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers. In this episode, Drew takes us inside the world of private credit and distressed investing—from his early days at Goldman Sachs and Fir Tree to joining Fortress and ultimately helping lead the firm. Drew also shares how his years as a championship lacrosse player at UVA shaped his approach to competition, resilience, and leadership. The conversation goes deep into Fortress itself, including its public offering, acquisition by SoftBank, return to private ownership, and the transition from founder-led leadership. Drew also pulls back the curtain on investments including Red Lobster, Krystal, Arcis Golf, and Theranos, offering a candid look at what happens when investments don’t go according to plan—and why resilience matters just as much in investing as it does in sports. In this Episode [03:09] Inside Fortress Investment Group & the Private Credit Business [05:46] From Virginia Beach and UVA Lacrosse to Goldman Sachs [14:22] Fir Tree, Joining Fortress & Building a Career in Distressed Credit [20:06] Taking Fortress Private, SoftBank & the Co-CEO Transition [29:57] Leadership Lessons, Resilience & the Loss of Josh Pack [34:16] Krystal, Red Lobster & Arcus Golf [43:24] Theranos, Harry Macklowe & High-Risk Structured Deals [50:18] Charles Cohen, Personal Guarantees & Enforcing Credit Agreements [57:03] The U.S. Economy, AI, Data Centers & the Future of Private Credit [01:13:31] Dallas, MP Materials, the Texas Business Environment & Lessons From a Career in Investing Learn more about Fortress Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: ⁠lynnllp.com⁠. And thank you for your support. ⁠Arcis Golf⁠: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at ⁠glidenindustries.com⁠ Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit ⁠bwmplanning.com⁠ to Learn More. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Ben Lamm is the co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, a company using genetic engineering, computational biology, AI, and reproductive technologies to tackle one of science’s biggest challenges: bringing extinct species back to life while helping protect the species still here.Ben joins Tom and Kyle to unpack the journey from his Texas upbringing and five successful entrepreneurial ventures to a conversation with renowned geneticist George Church that eventually became Colossal. He explains the science behind the company’s dire wolves, shares what it felt like to hear a howl that hadn’t been heard in thousands of years, and breaks down Colossal’s work on woolly mammoths, red wolves, and other species. The conversation also explores conservation, the potential applications of genetic technologies to human health, the ethical boundaries of editing life, and why Ben believes Texas can become a major hub for the next generation of science and technology. In This Episode [03:22] Inside Colossal’s Mission to Reverse Extinction [06:22] Ben Lamm’s Texas Roots & Entrepreneurial Journey [17:19] Betting Early on AI, Defense & Space [24:32] The Conversation That Started Colossal [28:37] The Reality of Entrepreneurship [31:37] How De-Extinction Actually Works [35:37] Bringing Back the Dire Wolf [46:23] Using De-Extinction Technology to Save Endangered Species [55:45] The Race to Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth [01:10:18] The Ethics & Future of Genetic Engineering Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. To learn more visit: lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support. Arcis Golf: A premier owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs, delivering exceptional experiences and meaningful local impact. Gliden: Learn more at glidenindustries.com Brownlee Wealth Management: Visit bwmplanning.com to Learn More. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Mark Gibson, CEO of JLL Capital Markets and former CEO of HFF, joins Intersections to discuss the journey from first-generation college student to building one of the most influential capital markets businesses in America. Mark shares lessons from entrepreneurship, leadership, faith, mentorship, and navigating multiple economic cycles—including the Texas real estate crash, the 2008 financial crisis, COVID, and today's rapidly evolving capital markets environment. He explains how HFF grew from a small entrepreneurial firm into an industry leader, why culture matters more than strategy, and how character and integrity have guided every major decision throughout his career. The conversation also explores AI, commercial real estate, Texas growth, and the principles Mark believes young professionals should embrace to build meaningful careers and lives. In This Episode [02:45] First-Generation College Student, Family Values & Finding His Path [08:40] Leaving Banking and Law School to Bet on Himself [12:20] Living Life Backwards: Faith, Purpose, and Legacy [19:20] Building Culture, Mentorship, and Great Teams [24:00] Entrepreneurship, Risk-Taking, and Growing HFF [32:00] Scaling HFF Through Acquisitions, Partnerships, and Going Public [44:00] Lessons from Real Estate Crashes and the 2008 Financial Crisis [54:30] Why HFF Sold to JLL [58:00] Faith, Leadership, and Personal Growth [01:02:50] Capital Markets, Economic Shifts, and Today's Investment Landscape [01:10:15] Office, Retail, Industrial Real Estate, and the Future of Work [01:15:10] AI, Texas Growth, and Advice for the Next Generation

Dan Hunt, President of FC Dallas and one of the key leaders behind Dallas’ successful World Cup 2026 bid, joins Intersections to discuss the journey that brought the world’s biggest sporting event back to North America. Dan reflects on the legacy of his father, Lamar Hunt, whose vision helped shape professional soccer in the United States, and shares stories from growing up in one of America’s most influential sports families. The conversation explores Dallas’ rise as a global soccer hub, the near-collapse and eventual success of Major League Soccer, the evolution of FC Dallas, and the leadership lessons Dan learned from his parents. Dan also explains why World Cup 2026 represents a transformational opportunity for Dallas, Texas, and the future growth of soccer across the United States. In This Episode 02:15 Dallas and World Cup 202606:20 Growing Up a Hunt06:50 How Lamar Hunt Fell in Love with Soccer13:00 Meeting Pelé and Realizing His Dad Was a Big Deal15:45 Leadership Lessons from Lamar Hunt20:00 The Collector26:30 The History of Soccer in America33:00 Saving MLS42:00 Building FC Dallas and Frisco’s Soccer Future45:30 The State of MLS Today52:00 World Cup Memories and What Makes the Tournament Special1:00:40 Why Dallas Is the Epicenter of World Cup 20261:13:00 The Lasting Legacy of the World Cup

Rob Kaplan returns to Intersections for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping America’s economic future. Drawing on his experience as Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs, former President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, and Harvard Business School professor, Kaplan explores workforce shortages, immigration policy, AI adoption, inflation, federal debt, leadership, and the growing divide between high- and low-income Americans. The conversation also highlights why Dallas continues to thrive, the importance of local leadership, and how business leaders can help address challenges like education, poverty, and workforce development. Kaplan offers a pragmatic look at the opportunities and risks facing the U.S. economy while emphasizing the need for growth, productivity, and collaboration. In This Episode 05:03 Dallas’ Growth, Challenges & Economic Future 08:10 The Biggest Economic Changes of the Last Year 12:00 Leadership, Trust & Solving Problems Locally 18:02 Goldman Sachs, Dallas Growth & Interstate Competition 29:40 Immigration, Labor Shortages & Workforce Growth 31:49 America’s Debt Crisis & Fiscal Reality 39:00 AI, Productivity & The Future of Work 43:40 Entrepreneurship, Consolidation & Competitive Advantage 47:03 The K-Shaped Economy & Income Inequality 51:00 Inflation, Interest Rates & The Federal Reserve 57:30 What Comes Next for the U.S. Economy Thanks to Our Sponsors ​Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit:lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠Roundtable Associates⁠⁠⁠: Learn more at roundtable.nm.comLike and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Elaine Agather is the Global Vice Chair and Chairman of the Dallas Region for JPMorgan Chase, where she has spent nearly five decades building one of the most respected careers in banking. From growing up in Sherman, Texas with a bulldozer-operator father to working in New York, London, San Francisco, and eventually returning home to Texas, Elaine shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy. In this episode, Elaine reflects on saying yes to opportunity, surviving 11 bank mergers, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the importance of relationships in business. She also shares the stories behind her famous Fort Worth rodeo appearances, her “Elaine’s Eight” leadership principles, lessons from working with Jamie Dimon, and why authenticity and resilience matter more than ever. Casual, funny, and deeply insightful, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, family, wealth, mentorship, and building a life that lasts. In This Episode [01:38] Introducing Elaine Agather [02:20] Riding in the Fort Worth Rodeo for 37 Years [03:20] The Story Behind Elaine’s Famous Rodeo Outfits [05:06] 47 Years in Banking and the Foundation of Success [06:40] Growing Up in Sherman, Texas and Moving to New York [08:00] Mary Tyler Moore, Big Cities, and Early Ambition [10:40] Studying History and Economics at OU [11:10] The History of JPMorgan Chase and Aaron Burr [13:00] Why Elaine Chose the University of Oklahoma [15:40] Landing a Job at Chemical Bank in New York [17:50] The Importance of Relationships and Networking [18:00] Elaine’s Eight and “Saddle Your Own Horse” [22:20] “Get Over It” and Surviving Major Bank Mergers [25:00] Lessons from Family Life and Raising Children While Building a Career [31:30] Returning to Texas and Leading the Fort Worth Bank [36:10] Transitioning into Private Banking and Wealth Management [39:00] Leadership, Problem Solving, and Serving Clients [41:45] Managing Wealth, Family Communication, and Estate Planning [45:20] Working with Jamie Dimon and Leadership at JPMorgan Chase Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit:lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Water Doctor⁠⁠⁠⁠: Visit Dallaswaterdoctor.com/intersections for $200 off any water filtration solution.⁠⁠Roundtable Associates⁠⁠: Learn more at roundtable.nm.comLike and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠

Dale Petroskey has lived one of the most fascinating careers imaginable—from the Reagan White House to the Baseball Hall of Fame, National Geographic, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Regional Chamber. In this episode, Dale shares the leadership lessons, relationships, and defining moments that shaped his journey. He reflects on growing up in a close-knit family of nine children, working alongside President Reagan during pivotal Cold War moments, building trust through authentic relationships, and why “work hard and be nice” became the guiding principle of his career. The conversation also dives into media, politics, baseball, and the importance of living an interesting and meaningful life. In This Episode [02:30] Why Relationships and Communication Matter Most [07:00] Growing Up One of Nine Children & Early Leadership Lessons [10:40] From Journalism Student to Washington Politics [14:40] “Work Hard and Be Nice” — The Philosophy That Guided His Career [24:50] Inside the Reagan White House & Camp David with the Reagans [33:45] Reagan as “The Great Communicator” & The Evolution of Media [40:30] Reagan, Gorbachev, and the End of the Cold War [47:45] Leading the Baseball Hall of Fame & Preserving Baseball History [58:00] Final Reflections on Leadership, Legacy, and Living an Interesting Life Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit:lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Water Doctor⁠⁠⁠: Visit Dallaswaterdoctor.com/intersections for $200 off any water filtration solution.⁠Roundtable Associates⁠: Learn more at roundtable.nm.com Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠

Todd Wagner joins Intersections for an in-depth conversation covering faith, doubt, church leadership, apologetics, and the rise of Watermark Community Church. Todd reflects on growing up in a nominally religious home in St. Louis, struggling with isolation and identity as a teenager, and eventually encountering authentic Christianity through Young Life relationships that changed the trajectory of his life. Throughout the episode, Todd explains why he believes many people misunderstand Christianity as a system of rules instead of a relationship with God rooted in grace. He discusses the historical reliability of Scripture, the intellectual foundations of his faith, and the role apologetics played in strengthening his confidence in Christianity. The conversation also dives into the founding of Watermark Church in Dallas. Todd shares how the church grew from a handful of people to a congregation of thousands. Todd shares about burnout, succession planning, criticism surrounding megachurch culture, and the events that ultimately led to him stepping away from leading Watermark after more than two decades. In This Episode [00:02:30] Growing Up Without Faith [00:07:00] Rules vs. Relationship [00:10:30] The Nature of God and Scripture [00:17:45] Isolation, Rejection, and Identity [00:21:00] Young Life and Discovering Faith [00:25:00] Apologetics and Intellectual Faith [00:36:30] From Pre-Law Student to Pastor [00:52:00] Building Watermark Church [01:08:00] Megachurch Challenges and Public Criticism [01:20:00] Why Todd Left Watermark [01:28:00] Faith, Family, and Legacy Guest Resources Todd Wagner Ministries 1613 Project Unhindered Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit:lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Water Doctor⁠⁠: Visit Dallaswaterdoctor.com/intersections for $200 off any water filtration solution.Roundtable Associates: Learn more at roundtable.nm.com Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠

In Part 2 of this conversation, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan shares a firsthand account of stepping into one of the most complex diplomatic roles in modern history—just as the world changed on September 11th. Jordan reflects on navigating U.S.–Saudi relations amid suspicion, fear, and global uncertainty, while working closely with President George W. Bush, senior U.S. officials, and Saudi leadership. From early skepticism within the Saudi royal family to high-stakes negotiations at Crawford, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at diplomacy during crisis—and the leadership required to stabilize one of America’s most critical international relationships. In This Episode [00:01:27] Meet Amb. Robert Jordan: A Diplomatic Assignment Like No Other [00:03:00] Early Life & Global Perspective: The Roots of a Diplomat [00:08:00] Leadership Lessons: Understanding Culture Before Policy [00:12:00] Relationship with George W. Bush: Trust Built Over Time [00:18:00] The Unexpected Call: Becoming Ambassador to Saudi Arabia [00:24:00] 9/11: Shock, Responsibility, and a Changed Mission[ 00:29:25] First Days in Saudi Arabia: Tension, Uncertainty, and Reality [00:33:00] Denial and Truth: Saudi Leadership’s Initial Response [00:42:00] Bridging Intelligence Gaps: CIA, FBI, and Coordination Challenges [00:47:00] The Crawford Meeting: Diplomacy Under Pressure [00:54:30] Preparing for War: U.S.–Saudi Relations and Iraq Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit: https://www.lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠arcisgolf.com⁠⁠Dallas Water Doctor⁠: Visit Dallaswaterdoctor.com/intersections for $200 off any water filtration solution. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠

This episode features a timely conversation with Ambassador Robert Jordan, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Drawing on firsthand experience, he unpacks the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East—focusing on the growing influence of China and Russia, shifting alliances, and the erosion of U.S. dominance. The discussion dives into the current conflict involving Iran, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the risks of escalation. Ambassador Jordan offers insight into Saudi Arabia’s internal transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including economic diversification efforts and social reforms. From the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi to Vision 2030, energy security, and the possibility of nuclear proliferation, this episode covers the critical forces shaping the region—and what they mean for the U.S. and global stability. In This Episode [03:00] How the Middle East Has Changed & Declining U.S. Influence [07:00] U.S. Foreign Policy Missteps and Trust Erosion [11:00] Saudi Arabia’s Global Role & Energy Dependence [13:40] Jamal Khashoggi & U.S.-Saudi Relations [20:00] Mohammed bin Salman: Reform, Power, and Human Rights [26:30] Vision 2030, Economic Shifts, and Saudi Challenges [31:00] Saudi Investments: NEOM, LIV Golf, and Global Strategy [36:00] U.S.-Saudi Relations & Abraham Accords Today [37:30] Iran Conflict: Saudi Perspective & Regional Stakes [41:00] Military Strategy, Escalation Risks, and Global Impact [47:00] Off-Ramps, Diplomacy, and What Happens Next Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit: https://www.lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arcis Golf⁠⁠⁠⁠arcisgolf.comDallas Water Doctor: Visit Dallaswaterdoctor.com/intersections for $200 off any water filtration solution. Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠

David Miller shares the story behind his journey from a college basketball player at SMU to a pioneering force in private equity within the oil and gas industry. He reflects on the importance of resilience, especially after a career-threatening injury, and how that mindset carried into entrepreneurship. Miller dives into the founding of Mays Exploration, the lessons learned from its challenges, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for Endcap. Beyond business, he offers insight into leadership, teamwork, and philanthropy—particularly his deep involvement with SMU and its transformation into a top-tier academic institution. The conversation blends personal storytelling with practical wisdom on risk-taking, partnerships, and long-term vision. In This Episode [02:00] Choosing the Right Partners in Business[03:00] Early Career at Republic National Bank[04:00] Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship[06:00] Basketball Dreams & SMU Scholarship Journey[10:00] Recruiting Comeback & Commitment to SMU[18:00] Founding Mays Exploration[22:00] Oil Boom, Bust, and Business Pivoting[27:00] Lessons from Failure & Risk-Taking[33:00] Transitioning to Encap & Private Equity[40:00] Raising Capital & Building Credibility[46:00] SMU Leadership & Institutional Growth[50:00] Vision for SMU’s Future[55:00] Higher Education Challenges & ROI Debate[59:00] SMU’s Move to the ACC & Strategic Vision Thanks to Our Sponsors Our Presenting Sponsor is ⁠⁠⁠Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann. ⁠⁠⁠ To learn more visit: https://www.lynnllp.com. And thank you for your support. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clay Cooley Automotive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like and Subscribe 🍏 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📹 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠