Highlights of 2025
Some insights change how you see the world.
From the White House to the frontiers of AI drug discovery, we’ve gathered the most powerful moments from a year of extraordinary conversations.
This 2025 highlights episode brings you the thinkers and leaders who challenged assumptions, revealed hidden patterns, and reframed the biggest questions of our time.
The Long Game: How to Build Wealth in Turbulent Times with Blackstone President Jon Gray
How do the savviest investors navigate today’s uncertainty? Jon Gray, President of Blackstone, one of the world’s most successful asset management firms, shares the timeless principles that helped grow the firm from under $1B to over $1T in assets.
He reveals how to spot great businesses, invest with conviction, and think decades ahead. This episode is a masterclass in building lasting wealth—especially in turbulent and uncertain times.
This is a rare window into the mindset of someone who’s helped shape a trillion-dollar investing firm.
Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, this conversation will sharpen how you think.
Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on What Xi and Putin Are Really Like Behind Closed Doors
Jake Sullivan spent four years at the highest level of U.S. foreign policy—sitting across the table from Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and leading the national response to crises like Ukraine, Taiwan, cyberattacks, and AI risks.
He shares a rare look behind the scenes of global power, including: what intelligence gets wrong (and why); how AI, drones & disinformation are reshaping war; why the U.S. is more vulnerable than it seems and what a China-Taiwan conflict might actually look like.
His insights are sharp, urgent—and surprisingly personal.
The Power of Leaderless Organizations: How Decentralized Groups are Changing the World
What happens when there’s no one in charge? You’d think chaos would reign—but in reality, leaderless organizations are thriving, disrupting industries, and shaping the future. In this episode of 3 Takeaways, New York Times bestselling author Ori Brafman explains why decentralized networks—from Wikipedia to Bitcoin to social movements—are more resilient, adaptable, and powerful than we might expect.
NBCUniversal Vice Chair Bonnie Hammer: Life Lessons for Getting Ahead
NBCUniversal Vice-Chair Bonnie Hammer didn’t climb to the top by following the rules—she rewrote them. In this conversation, she dismantles the biggest career myths, reveals what really drives success, and shares why sweating the small stuff can make or break you. Packed with no-nonsense advice, game-changing insights, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in ambition, leadership, and career strategy—without the clichés.
Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are all determined to subvert America. Nobody knows more about this than former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who has worked for three presidents and five secretaries of state. Hear what this foreign policy expert says America must do to remain dominant, how AI will impact the world order, and much more.
Blunt Wisdom From the World’s Top Executive Coach
If there’s such a thing as a secret to success, Marshall Goldsmith knows it. Perhaps the world’s top executive leadership coach, he’s worked with many CEOs, founders and billionaires and has a deep understanding of how to change behaviors, how to lead, and ultimately, how to succeed in both your career and life. Listen and benefit from what he knows.
Highlight on Politics: 5 of the World’s Sharpest Minds in Politics
Election fever is heating up, and no matter how you plan on voting, these 3 Takeaways excerpts provide valuable insight into our political challenges, plus thoughts on how to resolve them. Guests include Yale Law School Professor Amy Chua; former political consultant and presidential advisor Karl Rove; White House advisor to four U.S. presidents David Gergen; political commentator and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will; and journalist extraordinaire Fareed Zakaria.
Chew on This: The Founder of Whole Foods Is Bananas for Capitalism
The story of Whole Foods is the story of its founder, John Mackey, and it’s nothing short of astonishing. Here, this charismatic entrepreneur talks about the fundamentals of success, his own superpowers, why capitalism is a powerful force for progress, and what he believes is the most important thing in life. (It’s not money.) Feast on this conversation.
Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet: Leading with Integrity, Truth, and Empathy
Authentic political leadership is in short supply these days. There’s no better person on the topic than the first female President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet. Elected to office twice, she achieved remarkable reforms and had a stunning approval rating of 84%. Here, she talks about the need to tell the truth, defend democracy, be empathetic, and more.
Are America and the West Really In Decline with Niall Ferguson
The decline of America and Western civilization is being discussed more loudly these days. But is it true or inevitable? Is the U.S. a waning influence, unraveling from within mainly due to extreme divisiveness? Niall Ferguson, one of the world’s most renowned historians, shares his well-informed perspective. It’s a convo that demands attention.
These Times Demand This Fascinating Look At How Abraham Lincoln Kept America One Country
With political contentiousness now at a fever pitch and with Presidents Day in mind, there’s much to be gained by learning about the savvy genius and deep kindness of Abraham Lincoln. Here, acclaimed author Ed Achorn provides a fascinating, warts-and-all look at how this brilliant and inspiring man helped keep America one country.
Starbucks Board Chair Mellody Hobson’s Life Sounds Like Fiction, But It’s Fact. Here, She Discusses Her Success.
Mellody Hobson’s life—from her tough Chicago childhood to becoming Starbucks board chair to her marriage to George Lucas — has shattered stereotypes. Here, the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments talks about pursuing excellence, how to become indispensable, tricks for managing time, the need to take risks, and much more.
Former Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally On Love By Design, The Secret Behind Two Remarkable Turnarounds
How did legendary business leader Alan Mulally rescue both Ford and Boeing? With a detailed set of principles and practices he calls love by design. Inspired by the teachings of his parents, this cultural manifesto stresses love and respect for all participants, radical honesty and humility, and an ironclad commitment to the greater good.
Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?
Why do we have so many incompetent male leaders in both government and the private sector? According to a University College London professor, we focus too much on stylistic indicators like charisma and confidence. What are the best traits for effective leaders? Are female leaders different? Who are examples of great leaders? Listen and learn.
Turnaround Time: The Remarkable Warmth and Wisdom of Former United Airlines CEO, Oscar Munoz
Fasten your seatbelt. One month after becoming CEO of United Airlines, Oscar Munoz had a massive heart attack. Hear what this warm and wise man born in Mexico says about leadership, beating death, his immigrant experience, DEI, the return of supersonic air travel, the inevitability of flying cars, and much more.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Reveals Why It’s Useful To Sometimes Get Your Teeth Kicked In
One of America’s most popular governors, Phil Murphy (Dem. NJ), lowers his guard and reveals what life is really like as governor, what surprised him most about the job, why he’s a work in progress, his thoughts on partisanship, how he’s been successful in four different careers, and more.
General David Petraeus Continues His Brilliant Analysis of the Ukraine War — Plus China, Cyber and Other Threats
Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus (Ret.) continues his brilliant, in-depth analysis of the Ukraine war, including whether or not Putin will use nuclear weapons and the risks of a wider war. Also hear his expert views on China, the battlefield of cyberspace, threats posed by Iran, N. Korea and Islamic terrorists, plus the stunning new importance of NATO. Don’t miss this remarkable talk with a remarkable man.
Former CIA Director David Petraeus Provides His Expert, Riveting Take on the Russia Ukraine War
Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus (Ret.), one of the most brilliant military leaders of our generation, talks as only he can about the Ukraine war — how it will end, the likelihood of Putin going nuclear, the risk of a wider war, the weapons Ukraine needs to prevail, and more. Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this engrossing talk next week.
Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow: The Value of a College Education & Investing in the Future
Lawrence Bacow, President of Harvard University, shares how he sees the future of education and the values he leads by at Harvard. Learn the role of universities in a democracy, the importance of teaching students to think critically and why he believes the value of a liberal education is higher than ever.