DODReads: What are you reading?

This is the final episode of the DODReads: What are you Reading? podcast. Thank you for listening! In Episode 63, host Tim Bettis interviews General Stanley McChrystal, USA (Ret.) on risk, learning from history, and the importance of language skills. General McChrystal is an Army Ranger who led Joint Special Operations Command and Commanded the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and United States Forces - Afghanistan before his retirement in 2010. He is the Founder  of the McChrystal Group and is a senior fellow at Yale's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Check out his newest book - Risk: A User's Guide.  As always, head to DODReads.com for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 62, host Bryan Wittmeyer interviews retired U.S. Army General George Casey, the 36th U.S. Army Chief of Staff and the commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq from 2004 to 2007. The two discuss General Casey's philosophy on leadership and the skills leaders need today to succeed in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.  Book Recommendations: The Revolution Trilogy, Rick Atkinson The Liberation Trilogy, Rick Atkinson The Mitch Rapp Saga (fiction), Vince Flynn The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914, David McCullough Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads.com for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 56, host Tim Bettis interviews retired Air Force Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the Inaugural Director of the Department of Defense's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC). The two discuss graduate school, the implications of AI for international relations, and why reading broadly is crucial for leader development. Book Recommendations:  -The Long Game, Rush Doshi -The Myth of Artificial Intelligence, Erik Larson -Atlas of AI, Kate Crawford -A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence, Michael Wooldridge -Debunking the AI Arms Race Theory, Paul Scharre Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 55, Ryder Ashcraft and Phoebe Kotlikoff interview Admiral James Foggo, USN (Ret). They discuss working with allied partners, the importance of building relationships on the peripheries, and operating in the Arctic in an era of Great Power Competition. Admiral Foggo Book Recommendations: -Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat, Robert Goralski and Russell W. Freeburg -The War Lords and the Gallipoli Disaster: How Globalized Trade Led Britain to Its Worst Defeat of the First World War, Nicholas Lambert Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 54, Bryan Wittmeyer interviews Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, USA (Ret.) the Pershing Chair for Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), an organization dedicated to ensuring a strong and enduring transatlantic alliance rooted in democratic values and principles. He served 38 years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, commanding at every level from Platoon to Brigade Commander, including three operational deployments.  They discuss challenges facing the NATO alliance, key areas where we can strengthen the NATO alliance after COVID and why, his most influential lessons as a military leader, and the importance of taking responsibility. LTG(R) Hodges Recommended Reading: -Cathrine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie -Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie -Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer -Defeat into Victory by Field-Marshall Sir William Slim -George C. Marshall: Defender of the Republic by David L. Roll -Grant and Sherman Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant and W.T. Sherman Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 53, the Season 3 kickoff, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the former Ambassador to Ecuador, the Philippines, and Thailand. They discuss the first month of leadership at a new posting/command, the importance of interagency operations during crisis management, and the relevance of Asia in foreign policy. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components. Book Recommendations: -His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham -Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin -The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J Mazzeo -The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Thanks for a wonderful Season 2! DODReads: What are you Reading? will be back in July 2021 with new content and new voices for Season 3! If you haven't already, please take the time to leave us a review. Now is the perfect time to give us feedback, contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 46, Eugene Yang interviews Mr. Brian Murphy of the Department of Homeland Security. They discuss his depth of experience in counterterrorism both abroad and domestic, the intersection of law enforcement and the Intelligence Community, and the importance of continued education throughout a career. Before being appointed to the Senior Executive Service of the Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Murphy spent 20 years as a Special Agent in the FBI.  Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 45, Brigid Calhoun interviews Lieutenant General Tom Spoehr, USA (Ret.) director of the Center for National Defense at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. They discuss LTG Spoehr’s baptism by fire as a platoon leader in Grenada in 1983, his role in the 2011 U.S. troop drawdown in Iraq, and David L. Roll’s biography George Marshall: Defender of the Republic. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 44, Eugene Yang interviews General David Petraeus, United States Army (Retired). General Petraeus served at the highest levels of the military during crucial periods of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including as the commander of ISAF, Commander, US Forces - Afghanistan, US Central Command, and as Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq. After the military he served as the Director of the CIA, and is now a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute.  Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 43, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Patterson, United States Army (Retired). LTC Patterson is the Associate Director of the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University. They talk about topics such as gender and disability, overseas service, and the history of nation building in the United States Army. Listeners can also check out LTC Patterson's book, Challenge of Nation-Building: Implementing Effective Innovation in the U.S. Army from World War II to the Iraq War. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 42, Brigid Calhoun interviews Father Dominic Legge, a Catholic priest in the Dominican Order of Preachers. Fr. Dominic is an Army veteran, former DOJ lawyer, and director of the Thomistic Institute in Washington, D.C. They discuss the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas and how philosophy can help with military decision-making and taking care of people. Thomistic Institute: https://thomisticinstitute.org Aquinas 101: https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 41, Brigid Calhoun interviews Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Michael A. Grinston. SMA Grinston was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army on August 9th, 2019. He has held every enlisted leadership position in artillery, ranging from cannon crewmember to command sergeant major. He is a native of Jasper, Alabama and enlisted in the Army in 1987. They discuss the enlisted side of the Army Talent Management Program, why Soldiers should be life-long learners with "growth mindsets," and how the Army adapted its recruiting strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 40, Eugene Yang and Ryder Ashcraft interview the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Russell Smith, as part 2 of our 3-part series interviewing Senior Enlisted Leaders from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.  They cover topics such as the recent changes to the Sailor of the Year promotion allocations, Navy talent management, and how to learn from different perspectives within our ranks.  Follow MCPON Russell Smith on Twiter @NavyMCPON Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 39, Justin Haan and Eugene Yang interview Sergeant Major Troy Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. They discuss the challenges and conflicts that the next generation of Marines will face, the importance of lifelong education, and the future of Marine Corps talent management. Follow the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps here on Twitter. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 38, Ryder Ashcraft and Eugene Yang interview Mickey Bergman, the Executive Director at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. Mickey is a former paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his work in fringe diplomacy and negotiating the return of American hostages from countries like Iran and North Korea. They discuss some of Mickey's experiences in the IDF as a paratrooper deployed to South Lebanon, the importance of developing emotional intelligence as a young leader in the military, and steps that one can take to strengthen their own emotional intelligence. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 37, Brigid Calhoun interviews Colonel Kevin W. Farrell, USA (Ret.) president and CEO of Battlefield Leadership, LLC, a consulting firm that prepares today’s business leaders for tomorrow’s challenges through the lessons of history. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Army as an Armor officer, commanding at the platoon, company, and battalion levels during combat in three different wars.  They discuss what we can learn from military history, why discipline and standards matter, and what it was like advising Brad Pitt on the set of the film Fury. Listeners can also check out COL Farrell’s book, The Military and the Monarchy: The Case and Career of the Duke of Cambridge in an Age of Reform.  Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In episode 36, Justin Haan interviews Mr. Robert Richer, currently a senior partner at International Advisory Partners.  Mr. Richer served for over 40 years in the national security apparatus as a Marine officer and in the CIA. He retired in 2004 as the Assistant Deputy Director of Operations for the CIA after 20 years in the national clandestine service. Mr. Richer has been an advisor to every President since Ronald Reagan and remains actively engaged in the formulation and execution of US foreign policy in the Middle East.  Connect with him here on LinkedIn. Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 60, Julie Stabile interviews Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience, Richard Kidd. They discuss how to develop climate literacy, the role of junior leaders in the response to climate change, and how to manage a diverse portfolio. The DOD’s Climate Adaptation Plan discussed was released on October 7, 2021 and is linked below. Recommendations The Stranger by Albert Camus Operation Barbarbossa and Germany’s Defeat in the East by David Stahel Dream Catchers by Philip Jenkins The Overstory by Richard Powers DOD Climate Adaptation Plan Summary for Policy Makers from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change All Hell Breaking Loose by Michael Klare Under the Sky We Make by Kimberly Nicholas Drawdown by Paul Hawken Scatter, Adapt, and Remember by Annalee Newitz This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust The Rise and Fall of Great Powers by Paul Kennedy Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.

In Episode 59, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard of the U.S. Public Health Service. They discuss the ability of government agencies to respond to a public health crisis, future biosecurity threats that may affect readiness, and how to plan for future challenges. Book Recommendations: Warnings, R. P. Eddy and Richard A. Clarke Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.