Host Mark Updegrove interviews preeminent thought leaders—historians, authors, journalists, filmmakers, and others—about issues throughout our history, the complicated times in which we are living, and matters vital to America's future.
Season 3
Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams discusses voting rights, democracy, and what it will take to protect both.
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America 250
We celebrate America’s 250th by revisiting powerful conversations that define the American experience.
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Richard Linklater
Richard Linklater reflects on his career, his creative process, and the American film industry.
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Stanley McChrystal
Stanley McChrystal shares lessons from 34 years of service—and how character shapes leadership.
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Justice Amy Coney Barrett
(Part 1), Amy Coney Barrett discusses her path to the Court and the lessons she draws from Justice Scalia.
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Justice Amy Coney Barrett
(Part 2), Amy Coney Barrett breaks down how the Court works—and why Americans should have faith in it.
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Ringo Starr
Legendary musician Ringo Starr reflects on the Beatles' legacy, his remarkable career, and the passion that still drives his music.
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Ringo Starr & T Bone Burnett
Ringo Starr and producer T Bone Burnett share stories about music, creativity, and the enduring legacy of the Beatles.
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Jonathan Capehart
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Capehart reflects on his journey—and the state of race and democracy in America today.
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Bruce Springsteen
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen shares insights into his career, songwriting, and enduring musical legacy.
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Bruce Springsteen & Bob Santelli
Bruce Springsteen and Bob Santelli discuss Springsteen's remarkable career and the inspiration behind his music.
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Julian Castro
Julián Castro shares his journey from San Antonio to the Cabinet and his vision for rebuilding trust in government.
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Mike Pence
Vice President Mike Pence reflects on his time in office, major turning points in recent American politics, and public service.
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Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin reflects on his career in film, television, and comedy, including his years on "Saturday Night Live".
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Maria & Mark Shriver
Maria Shriver and Mark Shriver reflect on their father’s legacy—and what it means for America today.
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Noah Hawley
Noah Hawley talks storytelling, filmmaking, and what makes a story feel distinctly American today.
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Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel reflects on his career in public service—and what it says about the American Dream today.
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Darrell Hammond
Darrell Hammond discusses his time on "Saturday Night Live", his iconic impressions, and his career in comedy.
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Jennifer Palmieri
Jennifer Palmieri reflects on her time with Presidents Clinton and Obama—and what the Democratic Party must do to rebuild.
Coming soonSeason 2
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston on his storied acting career, including his iconic roles as Walter White and LBJ.
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Andrew Young
Andrew Young on his legendary life, including his civil rights work with Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Doris K. Goodwin (Part I)
Doris Kearns Goodwin on her work and path to becoming a presidential historian.
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Doris K. Goodwin (Part 2)
Doris Kearns Goodwin on her book about her late husband’s work with JFK, LBJ, and RFK.
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Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on leadership, bipartisanship, and public service.
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Lawrence Wright (Part 1)
Lawrence Wright on his book The Human Scale and the political complexities of the Middle East.
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Lawrence Wright (Part 2)
Lawrence Wright on the Israel-Hamas War and whether peace might be achieved in the Middle East.
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David Hogg
David Hogg discusses the Parkland school shooting and how it led to his life as an activist.
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Ali Velshi
MSNBC’s Ali Velshi on his family’s inspiring story and the state of democracy.
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Peniel Joseph
Historian Peniel Joseph on 1963 as an inflection point in the quest for civil rights.
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Jonathan Alter
Veteran journalist Jonathan Alter on his career and the state of media today.
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Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper on moderating the 2024 presidential debate and his blockbuster book “Original Sin.
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Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson shares her insights on how the U.S. can overcome its current challenges.
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Bill McRaven
Admiral William McRaven offers leadership advice from his book, "The Wisdom of the Bullfrog".
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Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein (Part I)
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein reflect on their early careers and the Watergate scandal.
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Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein (Part II)
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein compare the media and politics of 2024 to the 1970s.
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Melody Barnes
Melody Barnes offers her thoughts on civics education, faith in government, and Joe Biden.
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Nicole Hemmer
Nicole Hemmer discusses Partisans and the GOP since the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
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Mark K. Updegrove
Mark K. Updegrove is the Chairman and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and serves as Presidential Historian for ABC News.
Read moreSupport the LBJ Foundation
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library preserves and protects the historical materials in the collections of the Johnson Library, making them readily accessible to the public, and increases public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibitions and educational programs.
Press Release
Austin PBS and the LBJ Foundation Launch Live From the LBJ Library with Mark Updegrove: A Thoughtful New Program on Critical American Issues.
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