Live from the LBJ Library with Mark Updegrove
Season 2
202512 episodes
LBJ Foundation CEO, author and historian, Mark Updegrove interviews preeminent thought leaders—historians, authors, journalists, filmmakers, and others—about issues vital to America's future, including the state of our democracy and the importance of strong leadership.
Episodes
E1Bryan Cranston
2025-07-01 · 27m
Emmy and Tony-winning actor Bryan Cranston discusses his journey from modest Hollywood beginnings to TV icon; his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad and LBJ in the Broadway play and film, All the Way; and how he has navigated the complexities of fame.
E2Andrew Young
2025-07-08 · 27m
Ambassador Andrew Young reflects on his legendary life, from the lessons he learned from his father while growing up in New Orleans to those he derived on the front lines of the civil rights movement working alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., while offering his take on race in America today.
E3Doris Kearns Goodwin (Part 1)
2025-07-15 · 27m
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses her path to documenting history—from childhood baseball scorekeeping to definitive works on the lives of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt[MOU1] , FDR, and LBJ—and what makes compelling historical storytelling.
E4Doris Kearns Goodwin (Part 2)
2025-07-22 · 27m
Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses her book, An Unfinished Love Story, on her relationship with her husband Richard Goodwin, whose soaring speechwriting for JFK, LBJ, and RFK helped to shape the idealism of the 1960s.
E5Gretchen Whitmer
2025-07-29 · 27m
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer talks about her rise in politics, the story behind her campaign slogan “Fix the Damn Roads,” and her emotional quest for reproductive rights—sharing insights on bipartisanship and leadership.
E6Lawrence Wright (Part 1)
2025-08-05 · 27m
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright discusses his novel The Human Scale, a timely exploration of the nuances and complexities of the Middle East as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to rage.
E7Lawrence Wright (Part 2)
2025-08-12 · 27m
Lawrence Wright offers his insights into the political challenges in the Middle East— exploring US policy toward Israel, Iran’s role in the Israel-Hamas War, and whether peace might be achieved in the region.
E8David Hogg
2025-08-19 · 27m
Activist David Hogg talks about surviving the Parkland school shooting, founding March for Our Lives, and the challenging fight for sensible gun reform while reflecting on why Gen Z refuses to give up on democracy.
E9Ali Velshi
2025-08-26 · 27m
Journalist Ali Velshi shares the inspiring story of his family’s journey from India to Canada, their ties to Mahatma Gandhi, and his mission to protect democracy through civic engagement.
E10Jake Tapper
2025-09-02 · 27m
CNN anchor Jake Tapper discusses his unconventional path to journalism, his experience moderating the pivotal 2024 presidential debate, and what readers can glean from his best-selling book “Original Sin” on the presidency of Joe Biden.
E11Jonathan Alter
2025-09-09 · 27m
Veteran journalist Jonathan Alter reflects on interviewing nine presidents and turning points in American history—offering insight on power, policy, and how history ultimately judges our leaders.
E12Peniel Joseph
2025-09-16 · 27m
Historian Peniel Joseph discusses his book, Freedom Season, which delves into 1963 as an inflection point for civil rights—exploring the Birmingham campaign, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s evolving leadership, and John F. Kennedy’s seminal framing of civil rights as a “moral issue.”