Video Archive (2018-2019 Season)

Show 2244:
Foreign Students in America

On this program Dennis Wholey speaks with three foreign students that are currently studying in the United States. Having travelled to the United States from Nigeria, China and Ukraine these students offer their insights into why they came to America, what they hope to learn while here, what they have experienced during their time thus far and what knowledge and memories they plan to take home with them and share with their peers, friends and family.

Show 2243:
International Education Exchange

This week Dennis Wholey is speaking with a variety of guests about international education and the importance of exchange programs throughout the world. With a focus on exchanges between China and the United States, Dennis hears from guests whose unique backgrounds in the White House, Foreign Service and US State and Commerce Departments offer a wide range of insight into the significance of international education exchange programs. Guests include Former US Consul General in Shanghai, Henry Levine; Former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Julia Chang Bloch and Former U.S. Under Secretary of State, Tara Sonenshine.

Show 2242:
Amb. Domingos Fezas Vital (Portugal)

On this program Dennis Wholey speaks with H.E. Domingos Fezas Vital, who currently serves as the Portuguese Republic's Ambassador to the United States. The Ambassador discusses many facets of his home country and its unique history, population and culture. Additionally the Ambassador discusses Portugal's relationship with the United States and his personal goals while stationed as Ambassador in Washington, DC.

Show 2240:
Trade in Africa

On this program, Dennis Wholey speaks with H.E. Albert Muchanga who currently serves as Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission. The conversation explores a variety of topics and examines the goals of the upcoming African Continental Free Trade Area which is a revolutionary effort involving the cooperation of African nations designed to dramatically increase trade within Africa. Commissioner Muchanga previously served as Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia.

Show 2239:
Africa on the Horizon

On this program, Dennis Wholey visits the African Union Mission in Washington D.C. During the visit, Dennis has one-one-one conversations with three senior diplomats representing the nations of Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and South Africa to discuss the progress being made across the continent and what challenges are currently being faced. Each guest represents a different country but they all share the same sentiment that the world needs to keep an eye on Africa because exciting things are happening. Guests include the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire's Ambassador, H.E. Mamadou Haidara; the Republic of Guinea's Ambassador, H.E. Kerfalla Yansane and Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Yoliswa Mvebe.

Show 2234:
Prison & Rehabilitation in America -

Understanding Race in America

Four former maximum security prisoners discuss why it’s so difficult to talk about race in America and how race impacts our lives today. Guests include Charles Moore, Takia Parham, Jeffrey Clemente and Anitria Blue.

Show 2233:
Prison & Rehabilitation in America -

Rehabilitation Through The Arts

Four former maximum security prisoners discuss their participation in the amazingly successful arts program that changed their lives while in prison. Guests include Charles Moore, Takia Parham, Jeffrey Clemente and Anitria Blue.

Show 2232:
Prison & Rehabilitation in America -

Personal Stories

Four former maximum security prisoners discuss their crimes and punishments as well as acceptance of responsibility for their crimes. Guests include Charles Moore, Takia Parham, Jeffrey Clemente and Anitria Blue.

Show 2231:
Prison & Rehabilitation in America -

Criminal Justice and Prison

Four former maximum security prisoners discuss the American criminal justice system and how it affected the sentencing for their crimes. Guests include Charles Moore, Takia Parham, Jeffrey Clemente and Anitria Blue.

Show 2229:
Prof. Nikki M. Taylor (Howard University)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Professor Nikki M. Taylor, Ph.D., Chair of the History Department at Howard University to discuss the essential role of African Americans in the history of the United States and the way in which our country's history impacts the lives of African Americans today. The conversation touches on many complex issues both past and present. Professor Taylor shares her personal insights and discusses the various books she has written including, Driven Toward Madness: The Fugitive Slave Margaret Garner and Tragedy on the Ohio.

Show 2228:
The African American Experience, Part II

This week Dennis Wholey continues his two-part program discussion on race with African American psychologists, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble and Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp. The conversation examines why racial stereotyping and profiling is hurtful to individuals and harmful to the country.

Show 2227:
The African American Experience, Part I

This week Dennis Wholey begins a two-program conversation with two African American psychologists on how the lives of African Americans have been influenced by history and are impacted today in ways that some of the country may not see, realize or appreciate. Guests include Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble and Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp, both members of the American Psychological Association.

Show 2222:
Zack Cooper, Ph.D. (American Enterprise Institute)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Zack Cooper, Ph.D. As a Research Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Mr. Cooper discusses US Defense Strategies and US Alliances in Asia and US-China Competition. The conversation specifically focuses on China, the complex trade relationship between the US and China and the upcoming Trump/Kim Summit.

Show 2221:
Jason Rezaian (The Washington Post)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with The Washington Post's, Jason Rezaian. The conversation focuses on Mr. Rezaian's new book, Prisoner. Working as Tehran's Bureau Chief of The Washington Post, Mr. Rezaian was arrested by Iranian Intelligence and charged as a spy for the US government and spent 544 days in Iran's Evin Prison before being freed through the efforts of his family, the Post and the US government.

Show 2220:
Career US Ambassador Thomas Pickering

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with US Ambassador, Thomas Pickering. Their conversation offers an insightful look into various trouble spots in the world today such as Venezuela, Russia and North Korea. The Ambassador offers his overall view of the world today. Ambassador Pickering holds the title of Career Ambassador, which is the highest rank in the US Foreign Service. Ambassador Pickering has served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, India, Israel, Jordan, El Salvador, Nigeria and the United Nations.

Show 2219:
Oman - Tourism (History & Modernity)

On this program Dennis goes tourist shopping in the Muttrah Souq, does an overnight desert stay at the Arabian Oryx Camp, discovers Oman’s award-winning airline and comes to agree with the General Manager of the Grand Hyatt, Paul Murphy, that Oman is the best kept tourism secret in the world.

Show 2218:
Oman - Tourism (Tradition & Natural Beauty)

On this program in Oman Dennis travels to several areas of the country to experience first-hand some of Oman’s tourist attractions including the historic cities of Nizwa (animal auction) and Sur (ship building) and the scenic views of Green Mountain. Additionally Dennis pays a visit to the Ministry of Tourism and speaks with Undersecretary of Tourism, H.E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi.

Show 2217:
Oman - Economy (Development & Opportunity)

On this program Dennis travels to Duqm in Oman to take a look at Oman’s Economic Special Zone at the Port of Duqm, learn about Oman’s diversification goals and the current investment opportunities Duqm offers. Interviews include executives with Oman’s Investment & Development Agency and its Global Logistic Group.

Show 2216:
Oman - A Culture of Friendship

On this program Dennis Wholey discovers that the heart of Omani national identity lies in its traditional family-focused values and the religious beliefs of Islam. In addition to visits to the National Museum and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Dennis talks with H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Harrasi, Chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and TV.

Show 2215:
The Sultanate of Oman - Foreign Policy & Diplomacy

On this program Dennis visits the Sultanate of Oman in the Middle East to learn about the country's unique foreign policy of non-intervention and peace with its neighbors. Newsworthy interviews include Oman's Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and US Ambassador Marc J. Sievers.

Show 2208:
Amb. Jonatan Vseviov (Republic of Estonia)

This week Dennis Wholey visits the embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Washington, DC to meet with Estonia's Ambassador to the United States, Jonatan Vseviov. The conversation explores the Northern European country's history, culture and population while also touching on how Estonia relates to the region and the world. Additionally, the Ambassador discusses Estonia's positive human rights record and how it is one of the most tech oriented countries in the world with its elections being held online. The Ambassador also explains the relationship that Estonia maintains with the United States and his personal goals as the Estonian Ambassador in Washington.

Show 2207:
DCM, Mohammed Al-Hadhrami (Embassy of the Republic of Yemen)

This week Dennis Wholey visits the embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Washington, DC to learn about the country from the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mohammed Al-Hadhrami. The conversation serves as an excellent introduction to the Middle Eastern nation and explores the unique role Yemen plays in the Arab world. Mr. Al-Hadhrami also discusses his country's complex recent history and current civil war as well as how it relates to Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and discussions of peace on behalf of the United States. Additionally, the dialogue examines Yemen's relationship with the United States and how the country can move beyond its current struggles.

Show 2206:
Musical Diplomacy

This week Dennis Wholey celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Embassy Series. During a visit to an Embassy Series concert at the home of Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, Dennis Wholey learns about The Embassy Series' mission of "Musical Diplomacy" and the history of the organization's effort to host concerts with an array of unique international performers at diplomatic locations for the past 25 years. Interviews include Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, Director and Co-Founder of The Embassy Series, Jerome Barry and renowned pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The program is a wonderful chance to see and hear music in a new way and to explore music as not only a form of personal expression but as cultural communication and a diplomatic tool that can thrill and unite people from all backgrounds.

Show 2205:
Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao (African Union)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, who currently serves as the Permanent Representative of the African Union Representational Mission to the United States of America. Their conversation explores the history, function and goals of the African Union and examines the issues that are of the utmost importance to the continent today. Additionally, the Ambassador offers her thoughts on her role here in Washington and the goals she has set for herself while serving as Ambassador.

Show 2204:
Stress in America - (Part II of II)

In the second half of this two-part program, Dennis Wholey speaks with four psychologists to confront the complex issue of stress in the United States. The conversation explores the ways in which Americans can safely navigate the record levels of stress and anxiety that are involved with American life in 2018. Guests include Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble of The AAKOMA Project (African American Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully- Healthy Adolescents); Dr. Vaile Wright of the American Psychological Association (APA); clinical psychologist Dr. David Kupfer and Dr. Jonathan Dalton of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change.

Show 2203:
Stress in America - (Part I of II)

In the first part of this two-part program, Dennis Wholey speaks with a gathering of four psychologists to examine the complex issue of stress in the United States. The conversation explores the ways in which life in America today has unique hidden costs which can be seen in record levels of stress and anxiety among Americans. Questions focus on the causes of stress and anxiety for many Americans and what sustained and unchecked stress means for American citizens and American culture. Guests include Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble of The AAKOMA Project (African American Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully- Healthy Adolescents); Dr. Vaile Wright of The American Psychological Association (APA); clinical psychologist Dr. David Kupfer and Dr. Jonathan Dalton of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change.

Show 2202:
Robert Kagan (The Jungle Grows Back)

This week Dennis Wholey speaks with renowned author and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Robert Kagan. The conversation is an exploration of Mr. Kagan's new book, The Jungle Grows Back: America and Our Imperiled World, in which he confronts America's role as an engaged global leader while struggling with historically familiar tides of nationalism and hostility. Additionally the interview covers Mr. Kagan's assessment of the current climate of American politics and what history can teach us about the country's future and that of the world.