All the Best
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 307 ratingsThe George and Barbara Bush Foundation is proud to announce All the Best, a brand new weekly podcast hosted by grandson, Sam LeBlond. All the Best features interviews with George H. W. and Barbara Bush’s family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Points of Light with a special emphasis on service to others.
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Episodes
100. The First 100
March 31, 2022 21:15 - 22 minutes - 32.7 MBThis episode of All the Best, features a look back at our first 100 Episodes. Sam LeBlond takes a stroll through some favorite highlights of our many guests. We listen in as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks of making popcorn with Mrs. Bush, and an incident of extended grace during a lobster mishap with a young Ben Mulroney. Sam also takes us back to Brad Meltzer’s endearing relationship with the Bushes, and a touching tribute from our nation’s 61st Secretary of State, James ...
99. Down in the Front!
February 16, 2022 05:01 - 20 minutes - 48 MBOn this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Canadian television host turned advocate, Ben Mulroney. They reminisce about the years Ben’s father, former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney overlapped with the Presidency of George H. W. Bush. Ben speaks of the special times he was able to share with George and Barbara Bush during these years, and the remarkable friendship his father had with President Bush. You’ll also hear Sam and Ben express fond memories of Maine and enjoy...
99. Down In Front!
February 16, 2022 05:01 - 20 minutes - 48 MBOn this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Canadian television host turned advocate, Ben Mulroney. They reminisce about the years Ben’s father, former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney overlapped with the Presidency of George H. W. Bush. Ben speaks of the special times he was able to share with George and Barbara Bush during these years, and the remarkable friendship his father had with President Bush. You’ll also hear Sam and Ben express fond memories of Maine and enjoy...
98. The Making of “41”
February 02, 2022 05:01 - 21 minutes - 50.3 MBIn this episode of “All the Best”, Sam LeBlond speaks with executive producer and director Jeffrey Roth about making the George Herbert Walker Bush documentary "41". They discuss President Bush and Mr. Roth's touching first meeting…and how the project almost didn't happen. Mr. Roth shares what he learned from the Bush family and how two years of filmmaking blossomed into a trusting friendship, allowing him to tell the story of "41".
97. Band of Brothers
January 19, 2022 05:01 - 17 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with author Don J. Snyder about the Caddie School for Soldiers, which was founded by Mr. Snyder. They discuss the importance of helping the modern veteran, the parallels between soldiers and caddies, and remembering that while “we can never do enough, we can always try to do more.”
96. Measuring Up to Expectations
January 07, 2022 23:29 - 30 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with Congressman Bill Archer about his friendship with George Herbert Walker Bush. They discuss their shared history in Texas politics, the importance of giving back, their political parallels, how Archer counseled GHWB when seeking out the Vice Presidency, and how fiscal responsibility may have cost GHWB re-election.
95. The Plane Waits For No One
December 15, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 60.9 MBIn this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Tom Frechette, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. Frechette discusses his early years working for George and Barbara Bush in Kennebunkport, recalls the logistical challenges of traveling with the president, and fondly looks back and laughs about one of his early gaffes as an aide to Bush 41.
94. In Memory of Robert J. Dole, Former Senator of the United States
December 07, 2021 20:32 - 12 minutes - 19.1 MBThis episode was originally released on May 5, 2021. In this encore presentation, Sam LeBlond is joined by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Listen as they discuss how Dole and George H. W. Bush transformed a political rivalry into a friendship, legislation that they crafted together, the importance of service, and his salute that captured the nation. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
93. One of the Best Jobs in the World
November 24, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 60.5 MBIn this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Jim Appleby, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. They discuss Jim’s introduction to George and Barbara Bush as a teenage ‘yard lad’ and reminisce about the various international trips he embarked on with the former President. Jim also reflects on the “41” legacy documentary, boat trips with the former president, and the iconic picture of George H. W. Bush with the U.S. Women’s water polo tea...
92. Would You Look at That Tie?
November 10, 2021 05:30 - 19 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond is joined by the Honorable Sigmund Rogich, Las Vegas businessman, former Ambassador to Iceland, and close friend of George H. W. and Barbara Bush. They discuss Rogich’s work on Bush 41’s 1988 presidential campaign (including his famous “Revolving Door” ad), explore his passion for business and education, and laugh over a story involving a necktie.
91. To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required
October 21, 2021 17:42 - 32 minutes - 46.8 MBThis week, Sam LeBlond sits down with former White House nurse Paula Trivette. They discuss her journey from being one of 18 siblings to her time in the military and eventually serving as nurse to Presidents Reagan and Bush 41. Paula also talks about George H. W. Bush’s fateful trip to Japan and a secret fan club spotlighting the fun President Bush loved to have and share.
90. Humbly and Quietly Faithful
October 13, 2021 19:48 - 24 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond is joined by Reverend Russ Levenson, Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston and close personal friend of George and Barbara Bush. Reverend Levenson shares his experience growing close with the Bush family spiritually and shares some hilarious personal stories from the perspective of a friend. Reverend Levenson also recounts the 2018 funerals of the former president and first lady and discusses why he believes their faith is the most underappreciated a...
89. Two Honorary Astros
October 07, 2021 06:00 - 29 minutes - 41 MBThis week, Sam LeBlond speaks with Drayton McLane, a Texas businessman, the former owner of the Houston Astros, and a close friend of George and Barbara Bush. Mr. McLane elaborates on his sports-centered friendship with George and Barbara Bush, from boat rides in Kennebunkport to hundreds of Astros home games in Houston. Mr. McLane also recounts the Bush’s unique approach to watching baseball and their utmost loyalty to the Astros, the team they loved.
88. Anchor to Windward
September 29, 2021 13:29 - 22 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week, Sam LeBlond is joined by the senior United States Senator from Maine, Susan Collins, who has been a friend of the Bush family for many years. Senator Collins shares how she got her start in public service as a high school senior, reminisces about George and Barbara Bush’s love for the state of Maine, and offers valuable advice to any young listeners looking to pursue a career in public service.
87. Making the World Better for Future Generations
September 22, 2021 17:46 - 22 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with former Secretary of State and former National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. They discuss her path to public service, her relationships with both George and Barbara Bush, and being in the White House when the Cold War ended.
86. Global Leadership: A New Path Forward
September 04, 2021 00:06 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBThis week, Sam LeBlond sits down with former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Robert Gates. They discuss his path to service, his storied career, and how BUSH 41 used a classic “bait and switch” to lure him to Texas A & M University. Secretary Gates also offers insight into the United States’ role on the global stage, securing our borders, and the ongoing threat of international terror.
85. The Best Job in Politics
August 25, 2021 20:49 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBThis week, Sam LeBlond talks with Gian-Carlo Peressutti, former aide and press secretary to George H. W. Bush. They focus on the years following his presidency… a busy period filled with international travel, speeches, and quite a bit of fun. Gian-Carlo also shares stories about rubbing shoulders with world leaders, Barbara Bush’s surprisingly disarming nature, George H. W. Bush’s amazing sense of humor, and the humility shared by the couple.
84. Cheeseburger Diplomacy
August 13, 2021 18:33 - 23 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlonde sits down with Matthew Wendel, who started as a dishwasher and ended up entertaining and cooking for the First Family during the George W. Bush administration at The White House, Camp David, and at the family’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. They also discuss his role as the General Manager of The Blair House, offering barbeque tips to world leaders, how food is a great equalizer, and his cookbook (and how it was partially inspired by Laura Bush’s mother).
83. Compromise and Action
August 04, 2021 03:12 - 22 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with the Presidential Historian and President/CEO of the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation, Mark Updegrove. They discuss preserving Presidential legacies during a pandemic, the consequential father-son relationship of Bush 41 and Bush 43 (and why it is so historically significant), the importance of compromise, and valuable advice from Barbara Pierce Bush.
82. The "A-Team" of the East Wing
July 28, 2021 14:49 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond sits down with Peggy Swift White, who served as the Personal Aide to First Lady Barbara Bush from 1989 until 1993. In addition to being responsible for the First Lady’s daily schedule, she also orchestrated domestic and international travel plans for Mrs. Bush to over 30 countries and all 50 states. They talk about Mrs. Bush’s remarkable commencement speech at Wellesley College, the unique relationship between Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Gorbachev, and they remember Georg...
81. The USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)
June 16, 2021 06:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBThis week on All The Best, Sam LeBlond talks with Captain Robert Aguilar, the Commanding Officer of The USS George H. W. Bush, a Nimitz class nuclear powered aircraft carrier. They discuss the captain’s unlikely path to being a CO, how a ship’s namesake can inspire, the way the ship honors the former president, and the bright future for the mighty warship.
80. Dr. Anthony Fauci
June 09, 2021 14:26 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci, who has served as a medical advisor under seven U.S. Presidents, talks about his “accidental friendship" with George H. W. Bush and how George and Barbara Bush positively impacted the war on HIV/AIDS. They also shed light on COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, the important legacy of George W. Bush, and the solid foundation that only family can pr...
79. Journey of a Lifetime
June 03, 2021 04:30 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks with former Secretary Tommy Thompson about how his respect for George H. W. and Barbara inspired his career of lifelong service, which began at a very young age. Secretary Thompson tells the story of his journey from the military, to being a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, becoming the 42nd Governor of Wisconsin, to serving under George W. Bush’s administration as the Health and Human Services Secretary. To read the full transcript...
78. Serving Honorably
May 12, 2021 19:55 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks with Ohio Senator Rob Portman to discuss how George H. W. Bush served as Senator Portman's mentor early in his career. They also discuss the importance of service, the president as a friend, and how Senator Portman added to Bush 41's lasting legacy. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
77. Service To Country
May 05, 2021 17:23 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond is joined by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Listen as they discuss how Dole and George H. W. Bush transformed a political rivalry into a friendship, legislation that they crafted together, the importance of service, and his poignant final goodbye to his longtime friend. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
76. Live, Love, Serve
April 28, 2021 20:38 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MBIn a special family episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks to his cousin and George W. Bush's daughter (and granddaughter of George H.W. Bush) Barbara Bush. Listen as the cousins discuss Barbara's passionate drive to give back, the bestselling book that she wrote with her sister Jenna Bush Hager, the legacy of sharing her name with her grandmother, and reflections on the third anniversary of the passing of their grandparents. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://w...
75. When the Cameras Were Off
April 21, 2021 18:29 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond is joined by former U.S. Senator from Wyoming Alan Simpson, and his wife, champion of the arts, Ann Simpson. In an intimate conversation, the Simpsons remember how they came to meet George and Barbara Bush and forge a lifelong friendship, what they were like outside of the public eye, and the importance good humor played in their relationships. Plus, the Simpsons share the secret to their long and happy marriage. To read the full transcript of t...
74. Telling Their Stories
April 14, 2021 20:07 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond chats with New York Times Bestselling Author Brad Meltzer about his longtime friendship with George H. W. and Barbara Bush...that actually began when the president wrote him a fan letter. Sam and Brad also talk about the importance of literacy, the unlikely comedic duo he formed with Barbara Bush, and his touching last moments with George HW Bush. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcas...
73. Standing Where Duty Requires
March 31, 2021 19:46 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MBOn this episode of “All the Best,” Sam LeBlond speaks with former Marine and veterans advocate Cole Lyle. Listen as the two discuss how Lyle battled PTSD and how taking in a service dog has helped him. After taking in his service dog Kaya, Lyle was inspired to propose congressional legislation in the form of the PAWS Act to benefit other veterans. Lyle also talked about his time at Texas A&M University, his love of the Bush library, and meeting George H. W. Bush. To read the full transcript ...
72. Together Everyone Achieves More
March 24, 2021 19:03 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBOn this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond talked with legendary football coach R.C. Slocum about his journey from a shoeshine boy to becoming the all-time winningest coach in Texas A&M football history. They also discuss his long-standing friendship with George H. W. Bush, which included hunting with the president, traveling with the president, witnessing the formation of his presidential library, and singing with Reba McEntire.
71. Front Row Seat
March 17, 2021 21:22 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBThis week on "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond talks with former President George W. Bush's White House Photographer, Eric Draper. The two discuss everything from how Eric landed the job, the historical importance of the role, and the way photographic technology has advanced during his tenure. Eric also shares the amazing experience of photographing two living Presidents together, who were father and son. Plus, Eric reflects on being by George W. Bush's side as the events of September 11, 200...
71. Front Row Seat
March 17, 2021 21:22 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBThis week on "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond talks with former President George W. Bush's White House Photographer, Eric Draper. The two discuss everything from how Eric landed the job, the historical importance of the role, and the way photographic technology has advanced during his tenure. Eric also shares the amazing experience of photographing two living Presidents together, who were father and son. Plus, Eric reflects on being by George W. Bush's side as the events of September 11, 200...
70. Playing Through
March 10, 2021 21:41 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBThis week "All the Best" host Sam LeBlond talks with Ken Raynor, Head Golf Professional at George H. W. Bush’s home golf course in Maine, Cape Arundel. Listen as the two discuss George H. W. Bush at leisure, the President's penchant for playing golf at a historic pace, the many PGA professionals and dignitaries that visited the club throughout the years, their fishing trips together, and the delicate procedure of giving Barbara Bush a golf lesson. To read the full transcript of this episode ...
69. The Personal Touch
March 03, 2021 17:45 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBThis week Sam LeBlond talks with long time Bush Staffer and confidant Tom Collamore. Listen as the two discuss Tom’s longtime friendship with George H. W. Bush, his love of campaigning and the way George H. W. helped to shape the modern role of the Vice President when he was in office. Plus, Tom shares his 10 pieces of advice for young people. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
68. Flowers...and Bushes
February 24, 2021 15:02 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond talks to Annie Kennedy, who has been a long time gardener at the Walker's Point Bush residence in Maine. Listen as the two discuss Annie’s journey from corporate America to being responsible for everything green that grows on Walker's Point. Annie also shares her favorite memories of singing with Bush 41, pulling weeds with the First Lady, and continues to preserve the ecological legacy of the Bush Family. To read the full transcript of thi...
67. Only in America: From Grocery Store Clerk to the White House
February 17, 2021 22:56 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBLongtime political strategist and George H. W. Bush's White House Political Director, Ron Kaufman joins Sam LeBlond on this week's "All the Best". He recounts the story of his 40+ year relationship with the Bush family, the road to both the 1980 and 1988 presidential campaigns, and how 41 masterfully walked the line between partisan politics and official white house business. Plus, Kaufman shares how the political climate of the past can inform the political decisions of today. To read the f...
66. The Family Literacy Mission in Houston: COVID-19 Update
February 10, 2021 19:30 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBIn this episode of "All the Best,” host Sam LeBlond is joined by Julie Baker Finck, president of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2013 by Barbara Bush’s son, Neil, and his wife, Maria, in response to the literacy crisis in Houston, the Bush family’s hometown. Listen as Julie Baker Finck shares how the Foundation continues to embrace and advance Barbara Bush’s original mission, even today during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Finck shares her most ...
65. Service Til the End: Evan Sisley and Sully H. W. Bush
February 04, 2021 00:09 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBThis week host Sam LeBlond is joined by Evan Sisley, President Bush’s last personal aide, and Sully H. W. Bush, the President's service dog during the last six months of his life. Evan shares his wide-ranging career where he started as a photojournalist, became a medic, served in the Navy, and ultimately came to serve as the aide of George H. W. Bush. Sisley also recounts how Sully was selected to be the service dog of the President and how service animals as a whole can benefit veterans. To...
64. Amplifying the Legacies of George and Barbara Bush
January 27, 2021 05:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBOn this episode of "All the Best", host Sam LeBlond welcomes the brand new CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, Max Angerholzer. Max shares the state of the foundation's mission, how it plans to continue weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, and some exciting updates about what the foundation has been up to. Plus, Angerholzer shared his vision for the foundation five years from now. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
63. Inside The Bush School’s New Washington D.C. Teaching Site
January 20, 2021 18:12 - 12 minutes - 17.8 MBJay Silveria, the recently named Executive Director of The Bush School’s brand new Washington D.C. teaching site, joins "All the Best” and takes our listeners inside the exciting, new facility Texas A&M and The Bush School are opening just a few blocks from the White House. Together with host Sam LeBlond, Silveria shares what makes this site a state-of-the-art facility the ideal place to earn an advanced degree, why prospective grad students and even mid-career public servants should conside...
62. A Truly Historic Friendship
January 13, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this episode of “All the Best”, Sam LeBlond is joined by Secretary James A. Baker, III, our nation’s 61st Secretary of State. Secretary Baker remembers his 60-year friendship with George H. W. Bush starting as tennis partners at the Houston Country Club all the way to serving at the top of the U.S. government together. Baker also shares his case for George H. W. Bush as the finest Vice President in history and why Mr. Bush was the greatest one-term president America ever had. Plus, Secret...
61. A Celebration of Literacy
January 06, 2021 23:56 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBAt the beginning of the holiday season, The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy teamed up with Garden & Gun Magazine to host a virtual evening of cocktails and conversation to celebrate the continuing importance of building a more literate America and looking ahead to the exciting work it has planned in 2021. In this episode of “All the Best” we share some of our favorite moments from the evening, featuring special guests Jenna Bush Hager and Jeb Bush Jr. (plus a couple other surpris...
60. 2020: A Year We Will Never Forget
December 30, 2020 05:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBWelcome to a very special year-end edition of "All the Best". 2020 has proven to be a year unlike any the world has ever seen, and its challenges have been felt by everyone. However, in the midst of these challenges, the human spirit inevitably discovers silver linings. As we close the book on 2020, we wanted to look back at some of our favorite podcast moments. We hope you enjoy! To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
59. The Highest Form of Patriotism
December 23, 2020 05:00 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBJim Pavitt, former Deputy Director of Operations for the Central Intelligence Agency (1999-2004), joins “All the Best” and shares his journey of service in the intelligence community. He also recalls the role George H. W. Bush played in the evolution of culture in the CIA. Plus, Pavitt remembers how much President Bush appreciated the value of good intelligence before, during, and after his presidency. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/po...
58. 500 Days In Space
December 16, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MBFormer astronaut Scott Kelly joins "All the Best" to reminisce with host Sam LeBlond on his record-breaking "Year in Space" and what he misses most about being in space. He also predicts the role of the International Space Station in the future of space exploration. Plus, Kelly recalls President George H. W. Bush's tremendous passion for spaceflight. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.
57. Team Above Self
December 08, 2020 22:01 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBOn this episode of "All the Best", host Sam LeBlond is joined by Super Bowl champion coaches Tom Coughlin, former head coach of the New York Giants, and Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Listen as Sam and the two coaches discuss how the lessons of inspiration and motivation they have learned on the field translate to the work they do off the field. Plus, winning at the highest level and how the game of football has changed over the past couple decades. To rea...
56. Supporting Our Service Members
December 02, 2020 05:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBAuthor, veterans advocate, and Bush family friend Dava Guerin joins this week’s "All the Best" for a powerful conversation about supporting our service members and the family tragedy that led Dava to help raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. A deeply personal conversation that is all the more relevant due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. To read the full transcript of this episode visit https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcr...
55. “The Right Honorable Brian Mulroney: CAVU”
November 25, 2020 05:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode of "All the Best," host Sam Leblond talks with Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada — and one of President and Mrs. Bush’s closest political confidants and personal friends. Listen as the two discuss Prime Minister Mulroney's incredibly productive political alliance with President George H. W. Bush, their personal friendship that extended well past their politically active days, the deeply personal meaning behind the aeronautical term "CAVU," and why Barbara Bush...
54. Surviving to Give Back
November 18, 2020 20:56 - 45 minutes - 42 MBPeter Teeley, Former Press Secretary to Vice President George H. W. Bush and Ambassador to Canada, joins "All the Best." In this episode, listen as host Sam LeBlond and Pete discuss his longtime career in media and politics, how a tremendous health struggle with cancer inspired Teeley to write "The Complete Cancer Survival Guide," which has turned his attention away from politics and more towards giving back. Pete also shares his hopes for the future of the country as we continue to stay res...
53. In Honor of Our Service Members
November 11, 2020 18:12 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBIn honor of Veterans Day, Dr. J. D. Crouch II, CEO & President of the United Services Organization (USO), joins "All the Best." The USO has been supporting U.S. service members and their families since 1941 and has a special place in the heart and history of the Bush family by way of Sam LeBlond's Great Grandfather Prescott S. Bush. Listen as Dr. Crouch talks with Sam LeBlond about the history of the USO, ways in which veterans and their families are supported, and the growth of the organiza...