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All the Best

by George and Barbara Bush Foundation

The George and Barbara Bush Foundation is proud to announce All the Best, a brand new weekly podcast hosted by grandson, Sam LeBlond. All the Best features interviews with George H. W. and Barbara Bush's family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Points of Light with a special emphasis on service to others.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 11, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. 100. The First 100

    This episode of All the Best, features a look back at our first 100 Episodes. Sam LeBlond takes a stroll through some favorite highlights of our many guests. We listen in as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks of making popcorn with Mrs. Bush, and an incident of extended grace…

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  2. 99. Down In Front!

    On this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Canadian television host turned advocate, Ben Mulroney. They reminisce about the years Ben's father, former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney overlapped with the Presidency of George H. W. Bush. Ben speaks of the special times he was...

  3. 98. The Making of "41"

    In this episode of "All the Best", Sam LeBlond speaks with executive producer and director Jeffrey Roth about making the George Herbert Walker Bush documentary "41". They discuss President Bush and Mr. Roth's touching first meeting…and how the project almost didn't happen. Mr. Roth shares what he...

  4. 97. Band of Brothers

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with author Don J. Snyder about the Caddie School for Soldiers, which was founded by Mr. Snyder. They discuss the importance of helping the modern veteran, the parallels between soldiers and caddies, and remembering that while "we can never do enough, we can...

  5. 96. Measuring Up to Expectations

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with Congressman Bill Archer about his friendship with George Herbert Walker Bush. They discuss their shared history in Texas politics, the importance of giving back, their political parallels, how Archer counseled GHWB when seeking out the Vice Presidency, and...

  6. 95. The Plane Waits For No One

    In this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Tom Frechette, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. Frechette discusses his early years working for George and Barbara Bush in Kennebunkport, recalls the logistical challenges of traveling with…

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  7. 94. In Memory of Robert J. Dole, Former Senator of the United States

    This episode was originally released on May 5, 2021. In this encore presentation, Sam LeBlond is joined by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Listen as they discuss how Dole and George H. W. Bush transformed a political rivalry into a friendship, legislation that they crafted together, the…

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  8. 93. One of the Best Jobs in the World

    In this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Jim Appleby, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. They discuss Jim's introduction to George and Barbara Bush as a teenage 'yard lad' and reminisce about the various international trips he embarked...

  9. 92. Would You Look at That Tie?

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond is joined by the Honorable Sigmund Rogich, Las Vegas businessman, former Ambassador to Iceland, and close friend of George H. W. and Barbara Bush. They discuss Rogich's work on Bush 41's 1988 presidential campaign (including his famous "Revolving Door" ad), explore…

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  10. 91. To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required

    This week, Sam LeBlond sits down with former White House nurse Paula Trivette. They discuss her journey from being one of 18 siblings to her time in the military and eventually serving as nurse to Presidents Reagan and Bush 41. Paula also talks about George H. W. Bush's fateful trip to Japan and…

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  11. 90. Humbly and Quietly Faithful

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond is joined by Reverend Russ Levenson, Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston and close personal friend of George and Barbara Bush. Reverend Levenson shares his experience growing close with the Bush family spiritually and shares some hilarious personal...

  12. 89. Two Honorary Astros

    This week, Sam LeBlond speaks with Drayton McLane, a Texas businessman, the former owner of the Houston Astros, and a close friend of George and Barbara Bush. Mr. McLane elaborates on his sports-centered friendship with George and Barbara Bush, from boat rides in Kennebunkport to hundreds of…

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  13. 88. Anchor to Windward

    This week, Sam LeBlond is joined by the senior United States Senator from Maine, Susan Collins, who has been a friend of the Bush family for many years. Senator Collins shares how she got her start in public service as a high school senior, reminisces about George and Barbara Bush's love for the...

  14. 87. Making the World Better for Future Generations

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with former Secretary of State and former National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. They discuss her path to public service, her relationships with both George and Barbara Bush, and being in the White House when the Cold War ended.

  15. 86. Global Leadership: A New Path Forward

    This week, Sam LeBlond sits down with former Secretary of Defense and former CIA Director Robert Gates. They discuss his path to service, his storied career, and how BUSH 41 used a classic "bait and switch" to lure him to Texas A & M University. Secretary Gates also offers insight into the United...

  16. 85. The Best Job in Politics

    This week, Sam LeBlond talks with Gian-Carlo Peressutti, former aide and press secretary to George H. W. Bush. They focus on the years following his presidency… a busy period filled with international travel, speeches, and quite a bit of fun. Gian-Carlo also shares stories about rubbing shoulders...

  17. 84. Cheeseburger Diplomacy

    In this episode, Sam LeBlonde sits down with Matthew Wendel, who started as a dishwasher and ended up entertaining and cooking for the First Family during the George W. Bush administration at The White House, Camp David, and at the family's ranch in Crawford, Texas. They also discuss his role as...

  18. 83. Compromise and Action

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with the Presidential Historian and President/CEO of the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation, Mark Updegrove. They discuss preserving Presidential legacies during a pandemic, the consequential father-son relationship of Bush 41 and Bush 43 (and why it is so…

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  19. 82. The "A-Team" of the East Wing

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond sits down with Peggy Swift White, who served as the Personal Aide to First Lady Barbara Bush from 1989 until 1993. In addition to being responsible for the First Lady's daily schedule, she also orchestrated domestic and international travel plans for Mrs. Bush to over...

  20. 81. The USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)

    This week on All The Best, Sam LeBlond talks with Captain Robert Aguilar, the Commanding Officer of The USS George H. W. Bush, a Nimitz class nuclear powered aircraft carrier. They discuss the captain's unlikely path to being a CO, how a ship's namesake can inspire, the way the ship honors the...

  21. 80. Dr. Anthony Fauci

    In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci, who has served as a medical advisor under seven U.S. Presidents, talks about his "accidental friendship" with George H. W. Bush and how George and...

  22. 79. Journey of a Lifetime

    In this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks with former Secretary Tommy Thompson about how his respect for George H. W. and Barbara inspired his career of lifelong service, which began at a very young age. Secretary Thompson tells the story of his journey from the military, to being a...

  23. 78. Serving Honorably

    In this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks with Ohio Senator Rob Portman to discuss how George H. W. Bush served as Senator Portman's mentor early in his career. They also discuss the importance of service, the president as a friend, and how Senator Portman added to Bush 41's lasting...

  24. 77. Service To Country

    In this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond is joined by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Listen as they discuss how Dole and George H. W. Bush transformed a political rivalry into a friendship, legislation that they crafted together, the importance of service, and his poignant final goodbye to...

  25. 76. Live, Love, Serve

    In a special family episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond talks to his cousin and George W. Bush's daughter (and granddaughter of George H.W. Bush) Barbara Bush. Listen as the cousins discuss Barbara's passionate drive to give back, the bestselling book that she wrote with her sister Jenna Bush...

  26. 75. When the Cameras Were Off

    In this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond is joined by former U.S. Senator from Wyoming Alan Simpson, and his wife, champion of the arts, Ann Simpson. In an intimate conversation, the Simpsons remember how they came to meet George and Barbara Bush and forge a lifelong friendship, what they...

  27. 74. Telling Their Stories

    In this episode of "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond chats with New York Times Bestselling Author Brad Meltzer about his longtime friendship with George H. W. and Barbara Bush...that actually began when the president wrote him a fan letter. Sam and Brad also talk about the importance of literacy,...

  28. 73. Standing Where Duty Requires

    On this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond speaks with former Marine and veterans advocate Cole Lyle. Listen as the two discuss how Lyle battled PTSD and how taking in a service dog has helped him. After taking in his service dog Kaya, Lyle was inspired to propose congressional legislation in...

  29. 72. Together Everyone Achieves More

    On this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond talked with legendary football coach R.C. Slocum about his journey from a shoeshine boy to becoming the all-time winningest coach in Texas A&M football history. They also discuss his long-standing friendship with George H. W. Bush, which included…

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  30. 71. Front Row Seat

    This week on "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond talks with former President George W. Bush's White House Photographer, Eric Draper. The two discuss everything from how Eric landed the job, the historical importance of the role, and the way photographic technology has advanced during his tenure.…

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  31. 70. Playing Through

    This week "All the Best" host Sam LeBlond talks with Ken Raynor, Head Golf Professional at George H. W. Bush's home golf course in Maine, Cape Arundel. Listen as the two discuss George H. W. Bush at leisure, the President's penchant for playing golf at a historic pace, the many PGA professionals...

  32. 69. The Personal Touch

    This week Sam LeBlond talks with long time Bush Staffer and confidant Tom Collamore. Listen as the two discuss Tom's longtime friendship with George H. W. Bush, his love of campaigning and the way George H. W. helped to shape the modern role of the Vice President when he was in office. Plus, Tom...

  33. 68. Flowers...and Bushes

    In this episode of "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond talks to Annie Kennedy, who has been a long time gardener at the Walker's Point Bush residence in Maine. Listen as the two discuss Annie's journey from corporate America to being responsible for everything green that grows on Walker's Point.…

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  34. 67. Only in America: From Grocery Store Clerk to the White House

    Longtime political strategist and George H. W. Bush's White House Political Director, Ron Kaufman joins Sam LeBlond on this week's "All the Best". He recounts the story of his 40+ year relationship with the Bush family, the road to both the 1980 and 1988 presidential campaigns, and how 41...

  35. 66. The Family Literacy Mission in Houston: COVID-19 Update

    In this episode of "All the Best," host Sam LeBlond is joined by Julie Baker Finck, president of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2013 by Barbara Bush's son, Neil, and his wife, Maria, in response to the literacy crisis in Houston, the Bush family's...

  36. 65. Service Til the End: Evan Sisley and Sully H. W. Bush

    This week host Sam LeBlond is joined by Evan Sisley, President Bush's last personal aide, and Sully H. W. Bush, the President's service dog during the last six months of his life. Evan shares his wide-ranging career where he started as a photojournalist, became a medic, served in the Navy, and...

  37. 64. Amplifying the Legacies of George and Barbara Bush

    On this episode of "All the Best", host Sam LeBlond welcomes the brand new CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, Max Angerholzer. Max shares the state of the foundation's mission, how it plans to continue weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, and some exciting updates about what the foundation...

  38. 63. Inside The Bush School's New Washington D.C. Teaching Site

    Jay Silveria, the recently named Executive Director of The Bush School's brand new Washington D.C. teaching site, joins "All the Best" and takes our listeners inside the exciting, new facility Texas A&M and The Bush School are opening just a few blocks from the White House. Together with host Sam...

  39. 62. A Truly Historic Friendship

    In this episode of "All the Best", Sam LeBlond is joined by Secretary James A. Baker, III, our nation's 61st Secretary of State. Secretary Baker remembers his 60-year friendship with George H. W. Bush starting as tennis partners at the Houston Country Club all the way to serving at the top of the...

  40. 61. A Celebration of Literacy

    At the beginning of the holiday season, The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy teamed up with Garden & Gun Magazine to host a virtual evening of cocktails and conversation to celebrate the continuing importance of building a more literate America and looking ahead to the exciting work it...

  41. 60. 2020: A Year We Will Never Forget

    Welcome to a very special year-end edition of "All the Best". 2020 has proven to be a year unlike any the world has ever seen, and its challenges have been felt by everyone. However, in the midst of these challenges, the human spirit inevitably discovers silver linings. As we close the book on...

  42. 59. The Highest Form of Patriotism

    Jim Pavitt, former Deputy Director of Operations for the Central Intelligence Agency (1999-2004), joins "All the Best" and shares his journey of service in the intelligence community. He also recalls the role George H. W. Bush played in the evolution of culture in the CIA. Plus, Pavitt remembers...

  43. 58. 500 Days In Space

    Former astronaut Scott Kelly joins "All the Best" to reminisce with host Sam LeBlond on his record-breaking "Year in Space" and what he misses most about being in space. He also predicts the role of the International Space Station in the future of space exploration. Plus, Kelly recalls President...

  44. 57. Team Above Self

    On this episode of "All the Best", host Sam LeBlond is joined by Super Bowl champion coaches Tom Coughlin, former head coach of the New York Giants, and Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Listen as Sam and the two coaches discuss how the lessons of inspiration and...

  45. 56. Supporting Our Service Members

    Author, veterans advocate, and Bush family friend Dava Guerin joins this week's "All the Best" for a powerful conversation about supporting our service members and the family tragedy that led Dava to help raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. A deeply personal conversation...

  46. 55. "The Right Honorable Brian Mulroney: CAVU"

    In this episode of "All the Best," host Sam Leblond talks with Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada — and one of President and Mrs. Bush's closest political confidants and personal friends. Listen as the two discuss Prime Minister Mulroney's incredibly productive political alliance...

  47. 54. Surviving to Give Back

    Peter Teeley, Former Press Secretary to Vice President George H. W. Bush and Ambassador to Canada, joins "All the Best." In this episode, listen as host Sam LeBlond and Pete discuss his longtime career in media and politics, how a tremendous health struggle with cancer inspired Teeley to write…

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  48. 53. In Honor of Our Service Members

    In honor of Veterans Day, Dr. J. D. Crouch II, CEO & President of the United Services Organization (USO), joins "All the Best." The USO has been supporting U.S. service members and their families since 1941 and has a special place in the heart and history of the Bush family by way of Sam…

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  49. 52. Over A Thousand Points of Light

    In this episode of "All the Best," Sam LeBlond sits down with former George H. W. Bush Senior White House assistant Gregg Petersmeyer. Listen to the two discuss Petersmeyer's career journey of being one of the youngest White House staffers to the creation of The White House Office of National...

  50. 51. Looking Forward (Cont'd): Avoiding a Vaccine Cold War

    Recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on vaccines, Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), returns to "All the Best" to discuss in greater detail the path ahead in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic — and the reality of what it…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The George and Barbara Bush Foundation is proud to announce All the Best, a brand new weekly podcast hosted by grandson, Sam LeBlond. All the Best features interviews with George H. W. and Barbara Bush's family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Points of Light with a special emphasis on service to others.

HOSTED BY

George and Barbara Bush Foundation

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does All the Best have?

All the Best currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is All the Best about?

The George and Barbara Bush Foundation is proud to announce All the Best, a brand new weekly podcast hosted by grandson, Sam LeBlond. All the Best features interviews with George H. W. and Barbara Bush's family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Points of Light with a special emphasis on...

How often does All the Best release new episodes?

All the Best has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to All the Best?

You can listen to All the Best on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts All the Best?

All the Best is created and hosted by George and Barbara Bush Foundation.
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