Video Archive (2013-2014 Season)

Show 1744:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS BENIN: PART II

U.S. Ambassador Michael Raynor

On this program Dennis Wholey is on location in the Republic of Benin in West Africa to speak with U.S. Ambassador Michael Raynor. Their conversion touches on many facets of life in Benin and the country’s relationship with the region, as well as with the United States. Ambassador Raynor’s extensive knowledge of the African continent and his enthusiasm for his work in Benin make for an energetic and informative glimpse into a country often ignored by the West.

Show 1743:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS BENIN: PART I

Infrastructure & The Backbone Project

On this program Dennis Wholey is on location in the Republic of Benin in West Africa to learn about the importance of infrastructure to the country’s future. Through various interviews Dennis explores the Benin-Niger Backbone Project, which is a plan to develop crucial infrastructure that will transform Benin and its role within the region. Interviews include Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Founding Chairman and CEO of the Petrolin Group and promoter of the Benin-Niger Backbone Project. Additional interviews include people personally involved with the project and who see the great potential in Benin’s future.

Show 1745:
Sociologist Roundtable

Part II of II

This week Dennis Wholey concludes a powerful roundtable of sociologists from four leading area universities – American, George Washington, Catholic and Georgetown – to talk about America. The conversation focuses on questions of who we are, how America is changing and what is in store for the future? Guests include Professor of Sociology at Catholic University of America, James W. Loewen, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at American University, Celine-Marie Pascale, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University, Leslie R. Hinkson, Ph.D. and Professor of Sociology at George Washington University, Daniel E. Martinez, Ph.D.

Show 1742:
Sociologist Roundtable

Part I of II

This week Dennis Wholey hosts a powerful roundtable of sociologists from four leading area universities – American, George Washington, Catholic and Georgetown – to talk about America. The conversation focuses on questions of who we are, how America is changing and what our future may be? Guests include Professor of Sociology at Catholic University of America, James W. Loewen, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at American University, Celine-Marie Pascale, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University, Leslie R. Hinkson, Ph.D. and Professor of Sociology at George Washington University, Daniel E. Martinez, Ph.D.

Show 1741:
U.S. Ambassadors Roundtable

Part II of II

This week Dennis Wholey concludes an energetic roundtable discussion with four U.S. Ambassadors to examine the U.S. image abroad. The Ambassadors offer excellent examples of how the United Sates is viewed from various parts of the world and the conversation highlights the importance of seeing the country from many angles. Guests include, Ford Fraker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2007-2009), Anne S. Andrew, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica (2009-2013), Laurie Fulton, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark (2009-2013) and Donald Gips, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (2009-2012).

Show 1739:
U.S. Ambassadors Roundtable

Part I of II

This week Dennis Wholey hosts an energetic roundtable discussion with four U.S. Ambassadors to examine the U.S. image abroad. The Ambassadors offer excellent examples of how the United Sates is viewed from various parts of the world and the conversation highlights the importance of seeing the country from many angles. Guests include, Ford Fraker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2007-2009), Anne S. Andrew, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica (2009-2013), Laurie Fulton, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark (2009-2013) and Donald Gips, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (2009-2012).

Show 1735:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS JAPAN

Pt. V, Life In Japan

This week Dennis Wholey concludes his time in Japan by exploring many different qualities of Japan and the Japanese people that surface in everyday life. Interviews examine everything from food, to the country’s largest train station and even include a visit to the Tohoku region and the city of Ishinomaki to learn first-hand about the experiences of remarkably brave and resilient Japanese citizens during the tsunami 3 years ago. The program shows that life in Japan is tremendously diverse and reflects the many wonderful characteristics of the Japanese people. Interviews include Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology.

Show 1734:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS JAPAN

Pt. IV, Culture In Japan

This week Dennis Wholey is learning about Japanese culture while on-location in Japan. Various segments explore the incredibly rich and historic culture of Japan, with guests discussing Buddhism, calligraphy and the practice of the traditional tea ceremony. Other segments examine modern cultural offerings from Japan such as Manga comics and anime, cutting edge fashion and modern art. The variety of guests show that Japan’s unique and long-lasting culture is still accessible today and continuing to evolve. Guests include Shigeto Kubo, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency.

Show 1733:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS JAPAN

Pt. III, Economy, Trade & Innovation

This week Dennis Wholey learns about economy and innovation while on location in Japan. He speaks with Minister of Economic Revitalization, Akira Amari and also meets with representatives of The Wall Street Journal, Hitachi, The American Chamber of Commerce, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Nippura and the Central Japan Railway Company, among others.

Show 1732:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS JAPAN

Pt. II, Women In Japan

This week Dennis Wholey is on-location in Japan learning about the importance of women to the prosperity of the country. The program examines the role of women today and the way in which the country is shifting to promote women now and in the future.

Show 1731:
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS JAPAN

Pt. I, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe

Recorded in Tokyo, Dennis Wholey speaks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. The exclusive interview explores many facets of Japan and the crucial role that the country plays within the region and the world. As the first of five programs this interview is a wonderful introduction to a country with tremendous cultural depth and a strong vision for the future. The following programs will explore culture, trade & economy, innovation, the increasing role of women, daily life in Japan and much more.

Show 1730: Clarence Page (Chicago Tribune)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, Clarence Page. The discussion is devoted to the United States and the current status of the country. Clarence Page walks Dennis through many topics including education, race, what our history says about the future and where we are in the “long run”. The conversation is a lively exploration of modern America through the eyes of Mr. Page, who is a nationally syndicated Columnist for the Chicago Tribune and has been a member of the Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board for 30 years. Clarence Page is a regular on PBS, NPR, MSNBC and various cable and broadcast networks.

Show 1728: Lawrence Wright (Camp David)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, playwright and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, Lawrence Wright. They discuss Mr. Wright’s most recent work, Camp David which is a play about how President Carter brought together Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to forge a treaty between Israel and Egypt that has endured long after their passing from power. Camp David is opening at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. and lasting through May 4, 2014. Lawrence Wright is also author of the books, Going Clear and The Looming Tower.

Show 1727: U.S. Ambassador William B. Taylor

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor. Their conversation focuses on Ukraine, its people, history and role within the region as well as the country's difficult relationship with Russia. Ambassador Taylor served as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 - 2009. Currently he serves as Vice President for the Middle East and Africa at the United States Institute of Peace.

Show 1726: Ambassador Said Jawad (Afghanistan) Pt. II

This week Dennis Wholey concludes his conversation with Said Jawad, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States. Ambassador Jawad discusses the political architecture of Afghanistan, the relationship the country has with the United Sates as well as the relationship between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and President Obama.

Show 1722: China Roundtable Pt. II

This week Dennis Wholey concludes his roundtable discussion devoted exclusively to China with four extremely qualified guests. The conversation focuses on China’s emerging global presence and the important interplay between China and other leading global powers. Guests include, Kurt M. Campbell, Chairman and CEO of The Asia Group and Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, Founder and President of the US-China Education Trust and former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal; Cheng Li, Director of Research at the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution and Nancy Yuan, Vice President and Director of The Asia Foundation's Washington, D.C. office.

Show 1721: China Roundtable Pt. I

This week Dennis Wholey begins a roundtable devoted exclusively to China with four extremely qualified guests. The conversation focuses on China’s emerging global presence and the important interplay between China and other leading global powers. Guests include, Kurt M. Campbell, Chairman and CEO of The Asia Group and Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, Founder and President of the US-China Education Trust and former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal; Cheng Li, Director of Research at the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution and Nancy Yuan, Vice President and Director of The Asia Foundation's Washington, D.C. office.

Show 1720: Ambassador Said Jawad (Afghanistan), Pt. I

This week Dennis Wholey begins his conversation with Said Jawad, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States. Ambassador Jawad discusses the political architecture of Afghanistan, the relationship the country has with the United Sates as well as the relationship between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and President Obama.

Show 1719: David Finkel Thank You For Your Service, Pt. II

This week Dennis Wholey concludes an important conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, David Finkel. Their discussion is an exploration of Finkel’s book, Thank You For Your Service, which is an in-depth look at the tremendous price US Soldiers pay going into war and the additional complex costs they pay upon returning home. David Finkel is a staff writer for The Washington Post and was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant in 2012.

Show 1718: David Finkel Thank You For Your Service, Pt. I

This week Dennis Wholey begins a powerful conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, David Finkel. Their discussion is an exploration of Finkel’s book, Thank You For Your Service, which is an in-depth look at the tremendous price US Soldiers pay going into war and the additional complex costs they pay upon returning home. David Finkel is a staff writer for The Washington Post and was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant in 2012.

Show 1717: U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with former U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering about Russia, the upcoming Olympics and various issues at play within the country and the region. Ambassador Pickering holds the title of Career Ambassador, which is the highest rank in the Foreign Service and is nominated by the President. Ambassador Pickering has served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, India, Israel, Jordan, El Salvador, Nigeria and the United Nations.

Show 1716: David Ignatius (The Washington Post)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with bestselling novelist and renowned columnist for The Washington Post, David Ignatius. Their conversation touches on many issues that are currently unfolding throughout the Middle East.

Show 1708: Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (Republic of the Philippines)

Recorded before the recent typhoon which is referenced in both audio and video, the interview underscores that the country is far more than the victim of a recent natural disaster. In this program, Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. They discuss the growth of the economy in Philippines, the important relationship between the Philippines and the United States as well as the extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.

Show 1707: Amb. Elin Suleymanov, (Republic of Azerbaijan)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Ambassador Suleymanov explains the historical significance of his country, the progressive leanings of its people and the increasing development of Azerbaijan since its independence.

Show 1706: Amb. Francisco Campbell, (Republic of Nicaragua)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua, Francisco Campbell. Their discussion focuses on Nicaragua’s current progress, goals and the relationship the country has had with the United States.

Show 1705: John Thavis (The Vatican Diaries)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with author John Thavis about his 30 year career covering the Vatican and his recent book, The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church.

Show 1704: Amb. Nirupama Rao (Republic of India), Pt. II

This week Dennis Wholey and Ambassador Rao continue their conversation and discuss the various issues facing India today as well as the Ambassador’s years of service representing the Republic of India in the United States.

Show 1703: Amb. Nirupama Rao (Republic of India), Pt. I

This week Dennis Wholey visits with the Ambassador from the Republic of India to the United States, Nirupama Rao. Their conversation focuses on India's unique and important relationship with the United States.

Show 1702: Nazarbayev University, (Republic of Kazakhstan)

This week Dennis Wholey is on location in Astana, Kazakhstan visiting Nazarbayev University. Through interviews with students, faculty and administrators Dennis explores the all English speaking university, designed with the help of top educational institutions from around the world, in the heart of Central Asia.

Show 1701: The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, (Republic of Kazakhstan)

This week Dennis Wholey is on location in Astana, Kazakhstan covering and attending The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The event is an international gathering of religious leaders from all faiths.