EPISODE · Aug 20, 2026 · 39 MIN
Obama’s Speechwriter: The Hidden Art of Words That Move Millions - Cody Keenan - Best of PTT
from Passing The Torch with Martin Foster · host Martin Foster / Cody Keenan
Send us Fan MailCody Keenan is a bestselling author and one of the most accomplished political speechwriters of his generation. He spent 14 years working with Barack Obama, ultimately serving as the President’s chief speechwriter and helping craft some of the most consequential speeches of the Obama presidency.But what does it actually take to find the right words when millions of people are listening?In this conversation, Cody and I discuss the hidden craft of presidential speechwriting, what he learned working alongside Obama, why great communication starts with understanding people, and how storytelling can turn complicated ideas into something people actually feel.We also explore leadership under pressure, the tension between optimism and cynicism, finding your own voice, the responsibility that comes with writing words for someone else, and why the stories we choose to tell matter.This is a conversation about far more than politics. It’s about communication, leadership, storytelling, and the difficult work of believing that our words can still make a difference.===Time Codes:00:00 Cody's Notable Speeches and Appearances05:10 Exclusive Interview Highlights07:50 Oval Office Basement Stress Reflections10:46 Legacy of War Silence14:45 Meeting Presidents & Speechwriting Insights15:41 Anonymity's Decline in Public Service21:44 "Obama's Skill: Crafting Resonant Narratives"23:53 Delayed Visit and Unifying Narratives28:29 Envy of White House Advance Team31:16 Visualizing Success Through Preparation35:10 Moonshot Optimism38:31 "Perseverance and Impactful Living"39:11 "Milestone Gratitude Acknowledgment"Support the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel------------© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Send us Fan Mail Cody Keenan is a bestselling author and one of the most accomplished political speechwriters of his generation. He spent 14 years working with Barack Obama, ultimately serving as the President’s chief speechwriter and helping craft some of the most consequential speeches of the Obama presidency. But what does it actually take to find the right words when millions of people are listening? In this conversation, Cody and I discuss the hidden craft of presidential speechwriting, ...
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Obama’s Speechwriter: The Hidden Art of Words That Move Millions - Cody Keenan - Best of PTT
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