Searching for America with Robyn Curnow

I went to a Willie Nelson concert in suburban Atlanta and accidentally had an existential crisis. There was Willie, hunched over Trigger, joking about death, singing “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” and performing Just Breathe like a man quietly writing his own goodbye letter in real time. This episode is about outlaw country, aging without panic, cowboy philosophy, and why a 93-year-old stoner might understand America better than the rest of us. Watch on Youtube and subscribe http://youtube.com/@therobyncurnow FREE weekly email from Robyn - about America and her outsider perspective http://robyncurnow.substack.com More about Robyn Curnow http://robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I first met Ted Turner in 1998, when I began what became a twenty-five-year career at CNN as a foreign correspondent and anchor. My husband Kim still works there and remembers the early days, when Ted would wander into the newsroom wearing a bathrobe because he lived upstairs in the penthouse at CNN Center. Ted’s office was guarded by a giant taxidermied lion he’d shot in Botswana. He once asked a room full of confused international journalists whether they liked “sex,” before proudly clarifying that yes, he meant actual sex with Jane Fonda. Completely inappropriate. Completely chaotic. Also one of the men who invented modern television news. This week on Searching for America, I remember the pirate-ship era of CNN, when journalists disappeared into war zones for weeks, Atlanta ran the global news business, and reporters were trusted to chase stories instead of managing Slack messages and compliance training. It’s an obituary for Ted Turner, but also for the wild old journalism culture he built. More on Robyn Curnow's career http://robyncurnow.net Sign up for Robyn's outsider take on America right now. Free Newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I went to a BTS concert in Tampa expecting to chaperone my daughter. Instead, I found myself inside something much bigger. This is not just a boy band. It is a global system built from the ground up—powered by fans who translate, organize, and decide what matters before the mainstream catches up. Why are so many of these fans Latina and Black girls? What does K-pop reveal about class, identity, and belonging in America? And what does it mean when soft power no longer comes from Washington, but from Seoul? This episode is about music, yes—but it is really about how culture moves now, and who gets to shape it. Sign up for a weekly newsletter from Robyn Curnow - it's free, and fun. http://robyncurnow.substack.com More on Robyn - http://robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I went to a baseball game in Atlanta this week and, thanks to a corporate perk, found myself in some of the best seats in the stadium. Right behind the catcher. Which sounds ideal. Close enough to hear the players. Close enough to see the grip on the ball. Close enough to feel like you really understand what’s going on. Except… I didn’t. When the Braves hit a home run, I had to look up at the jumbotron to see where the ball actually went. I had the best seat in the house and still missed the play. Which felt uncomfortably familiar. Because this is a bit like how we follow politics. Especially right now. From Washington to Iran, we are flooded with updates, analysis, hot takes, and people who sound extremely confident about what is happening. We’re close to the noise. The statements. The drama. The personalities. But that doesn’t always mean we can see the full field. In this episode of Searching for America, I use a slightly confused night at a baseball game (I’m still not entirely sure what “bases loaded” really means) to think about perspective, power, and why sometimes the smartest move is to step back. Or at least… go get a pretzel and come back next inning. It’s a short reflection on how America sees itself, how the world sees America, and why the view depends so much on where you’re sitting. And if all else fails, there’s always the jumbotron. Weekly newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com More on Robyn Curnow http://robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can The Masters teach us about America’s $30+ trillion debt? Quite a lot. Augusta’s polished traditions, booming merchandise sales, and open-wallet culture offer a surprisingly sharp metaphor for Washington’s spending habits. Robyn Curnow is a foreign correspondent living the American South - this is her outsider/insider take on life in America. Sign up for the Searching for America newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com  More about Robyn here http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America is built on freedom. So why are there still more than 500 places where you can’t legally buy a drink? In this episode of Searching for America, Robyn Curnow explores the strange, contradictory world of American drinking laws - from Utah’s strict alcohol rules and ID checks to dry counties that still exist nearly a century after Prohibition. Why can you drive at 16 but not buy a beer until you're 21?Why do some towns still ban alcohol?And what do puritanical drinking laws reveal about American culture, religion, and power? From the infamous Zion Curtain in Utah to Prohibition, this is a story about alcohol - but really, it’s about how America works. Subscribe to http://robyncurnow.substack.com for sharp, global insights on the United States in a weekly newsletter Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

American presidents love dogs. The optics are perfect: loyal, friendly, impossible to fact-check. From White House photo ops to wartime morale, First Dogs have always helped sell the presidency. And then came the no-dog presidency. Which tells you… quite a lot about the Presidency of Donald Trump and why so many Americans voted for him. WANT MORE QUIRKS FROM AMERICA? SIGN UP http://robyncurnow.substack.com READ MORE ABOUT ROBYN http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Atlanta's pollen season arrives like a political crisis: overnight, everywhere, impossible to breathe through. At Easter-time, I'm thinking about what renewal actually looks like when it's happening to you - not the soft-focus version, but the detonation. Which means thinking about China's stranglehold on rare earths, Russia's gas leash on Europe, Iran's proxy franchise. Three decades of "order" produced strategic dependency on America's principal adversaries. Something had to change. Whether what's changing now produces something better, or just produces more mess, is the question none of us can answer yet. We're still in the pollen. sign up for a free weekly newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com     more about robyn curnow http://robyncurnow.net http://instagram.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's causing anxiety in America right now? No, it's not Iran, Trump or Gavin Newsom's hair. It's what Andrew Yang calls "The Fuckening." As a mother of two daughters choosing their courses right now, I'm standing in the middle of it — holding a course catalogue, trying to figure out what my teenage daughters should study in an age of AI.  Anthropic's latest research says the most AI-exposed jobs are programmers, analysts, and customer service reps. The safest? Bartenders and dishwashers. For the first time in modern history, the safest place is not at a desk. So what do you tell your kids to study? In this episode, I take an AI course at Georgia Tech, revisit Aristotle, remember my father's hands — and land on an answer that surprised me: in a world of infinite answers, taste and judgment become the scarce resources. We're not educating our kids for subjects anymore. We're educating them for judgment.   Listen on Youtube http://youtube.com/@therobyncurnow Free newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com http://instagram.com/robyncurnow http://x.com/robyncurnow more about Robyn http://robycurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence may be the most powerful technology humans have ever built - but many Americans don’t trust it. After taking an AI course at Georgia Institute of Technology, Robyn Curnow explores why voters across the political spectrum are uneasy about AI, from job fears to electricity-hungry data centers. From a conversation with an HVAC technician who believes the “devil’s number” is hidden inside computer chips to a classroom discussion about white-collar job disruption, this episode explores the deeper anxieties shaping America’s response to artificial intelligence. And the political landmines that will determine who triumphs at the ballot box in this year's midterms. Join the Searching for America community and a free weekly newsletter. HERE http://robyncurnow.substack.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow More about Robyn http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://x.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the American South, an insult doesn’t always sound like an insult. Sometimes it sounds polite. "I"ll pray for you." Sometimes it sounds sympathetic. "You sweet thing." And sometimes it sounds like three very gentle words: “Bless your heart.” In this episode of Searching for America, Robyn Curnow explores one of the South’s most fascinating cultural phrases - a sentence that can express genuine kindness or deliver a devastatingly polite takedown. From small towns in Mississippi to suburban Atlanta, Southern language has evolved its own code of diplomacy. Criticism is rarely shouted. Instead, it’s softened, wrapped in manners, and delivered with a smile. Because in the South, people often say exactly what they mean. They just say it… politely. Three little words. Bless Your Heart SIGN UP FOR ROBYN'S FREE BLOG ON SUBSTACK http://robyncurnow.substack.com Watch on Youtube http://youtube.com/@therobyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow Contact Robyn Curnow http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Early in January, the White House released a video from the movie Gladiator. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, turning to his men before battle:“At my signal, unleash hell.” It felt theatrical at the time. Symbolic. A meme. But in the months since, American and Israeli strikes on Iran have made that line feel less like metaphor or meme and more like policy. This isn’t Iraq. There’s no talk of occupation or reconstruction. The stated objective is narrower: degrade Iran’s nuclear capacity, weaken its proxy networks, restore deterrence. But the stakes are anything but narrow. This is a high-risk wager — regionally, politically, and globally. If it works, the rewards are significant: a weaker hostile regime, stronger regional alignment, reinforced deterrence. If it fails, escalation spreads — oil shocks, proxy retaliation, hardliner consolidation, and a presidency defined by unintended consequences. And hovering over all of it is a larger question: is this just about Iran — or part of a broader strategic contest reshaping the 21st century order? I’m Robyn Curnow, and this is Searching for America — where we step back from the headlines to ask what the United States is really doing, and what it might cost. Let’s begin. WATCH ON YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow SIGN UP FOR A FREE NEWSLETTER AND BLOG AT http://robyncurnow.substack.com MORE ON ROBYN http://robyncurnow.net http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Robyn Curnow reflects on her years writing obituaries for global giants — from Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela to Pope John Paul II and Muhammad Ali — and why she always found them strangely uplifting. Because an obituary isn’t really about death. It’s about shape. It’s about distilling a messy, complicated life into its through-line: courage, ambition, service, love. From historic state funerals to the handwritten obituary of a Southern raconteur who framed his own ending, this episode explores why America loves obituaries — and what they reveal about reinvention, meritocracy, and the stories we tell about ourselves. In an age of constant self-broadcasting, the obituary may be the most honest genre left. And whether we like it or not — we’re all writing our own. Sign up for a weekly free newsletter  http://robyncurnow.substack.com More about Robyn http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump isn’t playing chess. He’s playing poker. And once you see that, American politics start to feel less like a grandmaster tournament - and more like a high-stakes table in Vegas. This week on Searching for America, I ask what happens when a country that increasingly thinks in bets elects a president who governs like a gambler. From tariffs and brinkmanship to Super Bowl wagers and prediction markets pricing everything from elections to the end of the world - belief in America isn’t just argued anymore. It’s priced. We’re living in an odds era. So the question is: when everyone’s at the table, who’s bluffing - and who’s about to call? READ MORE ON ROBYN'S BLOG http://robyncurnow.substack.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE http://youtube.com/@therobyncurnow MORE ON ROBYN http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://instagram.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where will the next war start? Not on a border. Not at sea. But a few hundred miles above our heads. The most important battlefield of the future isn’t on Earth. Power is shifting - not across borders, but above them. Space is the next frontier because it's the backend of our modern life. In this episode of Searching for America, I explore how space has become the next battlefield, and why lower Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars are now central to U.S. vs China strategic competition. From my surreal interview with Buzz Aldrin to the rise of military satellites, AI infrastructure in space, and missile defense systems, this episode breaks down how geopolitics, national security, and space technology are converging. This isn’t science fiction. It’s modern warfare - fought through satellite interference, space-based AI, orbital dominance, and deterrence strategy. Because in every conflict, the side that holds the high ground wins - and this time, it’s literal. Thanks for listening, Robyn Curnow Blog and free newsletter from Robyn each week  http://robyncurnow.substack.com Watch on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow More about Robyn Curnow http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I used to think sororities were just a girl gang cult — then I saw what they really are when my daughter joined one this past month. Greek sorority life in America is more than a mean girl clique or a perky authoritarian cheer squad in pastel and glitter. For millions of America's young women, sororities are built on loyalty, connection, and mutual support. In this episode of Searching for America, I look past the pink Instagram gloss to understand sororities as institutions: why they exist, what they provide, and why they may matter more than ever for a generation shaped by Covid, social media, and isolation. It’s a story about group identity, immigrant instincts, and the very American art of building a life sideways — through loyalty, networks, and showing up. If you’ve ever wondered what sororities really are — or why America builds community the way it does — this one’s for you. Youtube http://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow Sign up for a free newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  America braced again. Another winter storm. Another week of breathless warnings. Another round of stockpiling flashlights, firewood — and nerves. In this episode of Searching for America, I reflect on how weather in the United States isn’t just something that happens — it’s something that comes for you. Storms don’t pass, they threaten. They don’t dissipate, they devastate. And over time, that language of catastrophe has bled from meteorology into politics. From red alert weather graphics to cable-news outrage cycles, from snow-mageddons to democratic doomsdays, this episode explores how fear has become a performance — and how a nation perpetually bracing for disaster risks losing its sense of proportion. Recorded from Atlanta, as another storm approached, this is a meditation on weather, media, politics, and America’s addiction to catastrophe.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE (subscribe and like) http://www.youtube.com/@therobyncurnow MORE ON ROBYN http://www.robyncurnow.net SIGN UP FOR A FREE NEWSLETTER http://robyncurnow.substack.com   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I was driving through Atlanta when she stopped at a red light behind a car with a bumper sticker that read: “I miss Ronald Reagan.” And it made me wonder — do Americans really miss Ronald Reagan… or do they miss the simpler idea of America his presidency has come to represent? Because nostalgia has become one of the most powerful political drugs in the United States. It doesn’t ask for accuracy. It offers comfort. It smooths over complexity and turns anxiety about the present into longing for the past. In this episode of Searching for America, I explore how nostalgia is shaping American politics — from Reagan’s mythologized 1980s and the fantasy of the 1950s, to Donald Trump’s mastery of “Make America Great Again.” She looks at how both the left and the right reach backward when the present feels unstable, and why curated memory is often more persuasive than facts. This isn’t really about Reagan.Or even about Trump. It’s about how Americans cope when the country no longer feels familiar — and why nostalgia, when weaponized, can be comforting, seductive… and dangerous. Takeaways Nostalgia in politics is often about the present, not the past. Trump's slogan is a memory trigger, allowing personal projection. Political nostalgia can sanitize and simplify complex histories. Both left and right use nostalgia to connect with voters. Nostalgia can anesthetize critical engagement with history. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Nostalgia in Politics 05:42 Nostalgia's Role in Political Identity 10:09 Trumpism: Nostalgia and Future Projections 15:49 Reimagining the Future Through Nostalgia SIGN UP FOR A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE http://www.substack.com/robynrobycurnow WATCH ON YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/therobyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why has Greenland suddenly become central to American power — and what does the Arctic reveal about the limits of U.S. strategy? In this episode of Searching for America, I explore how the High North has moved from geopolitical afterthought to strategic test case. As the United States revives a hemispheric, Monroe-Doctrine-style focus under Trump, I look at why allies in Denmark and Greenland have been shocked by the tone — even as Russia rebuilds its Arctic military posture and China quietly shapes the region through trade, science, and infrastructure. I separate fact from hype, examining what is verified — and what is not — about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, why NATO is poorly equipped to operate in Greenland, and how years of Western neglect allowed leverage to accumulate in the north. This isn’t a story of invasion or panic.It’s about geography, trust, and why Greenland now sits at the center of a new Cold War unfolding quietly at the top of the world. http://www.youtube.com/therobyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow More on Robyn http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I want to look at Venezuela not as a failed state or a morality tale, but as a map. When I zoom out, what I see isn’t just Caracas or Maduro — I see oil, ports, shipping lanes, and a quiet power struggle playing out very close to home. Venezuela sits only about 1,300 miles from the United States, right on the edge of the Caribbean basin, and over the past two decades China, Russia, and Iran have all embedded themselves there in different ways. In this episode, Robyn Curnow explores why geography matters again, why control of chokepoints now shapes security more than armies do, and how the Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine signals a return to enforcing old hemispheric lines — just in a much more direct way. This isn’t about ideology or personalities. It’s about infrastructure, leverage, and how power actually moves in the world we’re living in now. WATCH ON YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/7OAyn9EjPp4 FOLLOW ON X http://www.x.com/robyncurnow ROBYN CURNOW'S BIO http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will artificial intelligence kill journalism? In this episode of Searching for America, I explore what happens to truth, trust, and storytelling in a world where AI can now write articles, summarize reports, fact-check, and even present the news. Drawing on my years inside newsrooms, I look at how AI is already reshaping journalism — accelerating job losses, blurring the line between what’s real and what’s synthetic, and forcing us to rethink what the profession is actually for. I’m not anti-AI. I think it’s an extraordinary tool. But journalism won’t survive by competing with machines on speed or volume. We’ll never win that race. Instead, I argue that the future lies in what AI can’t replicate: human presence, lived experience, empathy, judgment, and the simple act of asking who, what, when, where, and why. From ancient scribes to modern war correspondents, this episode is about why real, human reporting still matters — and may be more essential than ever. What we cover How AI is transforming newsrooms and accelerating job losses Why images, audio, and video can no longer be taken at face value The deeper philosophical question: what happens to truth Lessons from the printing press and historic disruptions Why the core questions of journalism still matter The Mandela interview that AI could never replicate The irreplaceable value of presence, empathy, and lived experience Why the future belongs to reporters who double down on connection, verification, and authenticity Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why is Dolly Parton one of the few Americans almost everyone seems to agree on? In this episode of Searching for America, I explore how a brassy country superstar with big hair, big humor, and even bigger generosity became an unlikely bridge across America’s political divide. From “Dolly for President” T-shirts to write-in ballots, I look at why Dolly inspires affection on both the left and the right — and what her careful refusal to play partisan politics reveals about a country exhausted by extremes. I reflect on my own encounters with Dolly’s America, from a family road trip through rural Tennessee to a day wandering Dollywood, and what I learned talking to people far outside my own bubble. Dolly’s genius, I argue, lies in her ability to honor roots without resentment, values without judgment, and difference without division. At a moment when the country feels fractured, Dolly Parton may be one of the last shared symbols reminding Americans that common ground — and a sense of humor — still exist. Newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com http://www.robyncurnow.net http://youtube.com/@robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why does it feel like the news wants us angry? In this week’s Searching for America, I dig into what I call “angertainment” — the weaponization of news into a cycle of outrage and division. I spent more than twenty years inside the global media machine, from CNN to the BBC, and I’ve watched how fear and fury turned into a profitable formula. In this episode, I talk about how I reached my breaking point, why I turned off cable news for good, and how I’ve started to rethink what it means to stay informed without being consumed. Searching for America is my outsider’s field guide to the United States — one story at a time. Searching for America is produced by Jonathan Warncke, and recorded in Atlanta, USA. Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do Americans spend more on Halloween than some countries spend on national defense? In this episode of Searching for America, I take a curious look at America’s favorite pagan holiday and the astonishing amount of money spent on plastic spiders, fake cemeteries, inflatable unicorns, and candy by the truckload. As an outsider living in the Deep South Bible Belt, I’m endlessly amused by how Halloween has become a national obsession — even in a year filled with anxiety about inflation, tariffs, and the economy. From neighborhood decoration arms races and designer pumpkins to pet costumes and Amazon-delivered outfits, I explore why Americans keep opening their wallets every October. It turns out Halloween isn’t just about ghosts and goblins. It’s about escapism, community, and a rare chance to have a little fun in a serious, lonely world. And when kids get to roam the streets like it’s 1982 — dressed as superheroes and unicorns — I’m more than happy to pay up. Happy Halloween. 00:00 – Opening question: Why is Halloween spending so huge in the U.S.? 00:30 – Personal observations of Halloween in the Deep South 01:20 – Seasonal context: Fall as a lead-in to a trio of holidays 01:50 – Shocking stats: $13 billion Halloween spend vs Nordic defense budgets 02:00 – Costume culture and kids’ (and pets’) fashion obsessions 03:30 – Competitive house decorations and posh pumpkins 04:20 – Candy inflation and the politics of mass consumption 05:00 – Halloween as an inelastic good: people buy it no matter what 06:00 – Escapism and communal joy in an often isolated America 07:00 – A nostalgic nod to community and simpler times newsletter http://robyncurnow.substack.com http://www.robyncurnow.net http://youtube.com/@therobyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The American Dream is about working hard and being rewarded. In Denmark, the dream is more about contentment and consistency than bigger and better. Robyn Curnow has been visiting Denmark the past few weeks and she reflects on what makes Danes, and her Danish husband, 'happier' than most. New! Substack! http://robycurnow.substack.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.searchingforamericapod.com   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many Americans are politically homeless, says Robyn Curnow. The loudness and anger of the extremes leaves many decent Americans left out of the national conversation. The political and media machine reinforce left and right position, staking a claim to one view. So what does being politically homeless look like in America right now? Robyn Curnow thinks it's a bit like being one of those wandering souls of unbaptized babies in medieval Europe trapped in a centrist purgatory. Can you be an independent or centrist in Trumpian Times? Can this podcast be a success if a position is not staked? http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.youtube.com/searchingforamericapodcast.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.searchingforamericapod.com Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who's blame for Donald Trump being President again? One simple answer. Joe Biden. Robyn Curnow has interviewed a US Presidents, a First Lady and been in the Rose Garden at the White House during press conferences. The recent exposes on the coverups over Joe Biden's health tell her one thing .. the Biden administration handed Donald Trump a big beautiful second term when they lied about the President's capacity. Many Americans and people around the world are lamenting Trump's world (dis)order but based on the information coming out she suggests that Joe Biden should be held responsible for Trump 2.0. http://www.youtube.com/@searchingforamericapodcast http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.tiktok.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.youtube.com/@searchingforamericapod   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The firebombing of Jews in Colorado is not just about rising anti-semitism but a worrying broader trend, says Robyn Curnow. Identity politics - couched in the Free Palestine rhetoric - threatens to unleash more violence against Jews and anyone who is viewed as an 'oppressor' or 'colonizer.' Robyn Curnow reflects on the language of 'resistance' and why it's so dangerous. http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.youtube.com/@searchingforamericapodcast Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can spycraft teach business leaders? Marc Polymeropoulos is one of the CIA's most decorated operatives. He spills secrets to Robyn Curnow about the leadership lessons he learnt in the shadows. Memorial Day honors America's fallen warriors. The CIA men and women killed in action are remembered by stars at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Marc lost colleagues and agents because of mistakes made in the field during post-9/11 years in hostile environments. Marc Polymeropoulos talks to Robyn Curnow about the nine principles that leaders in any organisation can use to strength and clarity in times of stress; even if they're not in badlands of Afghanistan or Iraq. This is a bonus episode of a conversation between Marc Polymeropoulos and Robyn Curnow. In Part 1 he talks about dive bars, Damascus and the death of colleagues. In Part 2 Marc recounts when he was attacked by an energy weapon while in Moscow, which left him with traumatic brain injury called Havana Syndrome that has incapacitated numerous American intelligence operatives around the world. SIGN UP FOR ROBYN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE: http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow FIND MARC HERE: http://www.x.com/marcpoly1 ORDER MARC'S BOOK Clarity in Crisis: Lessons from the CIA https://www.amazon.com/Clarity-Crisis-Leadership-Lessons-CIA/dp/1400223865 Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Out of all the foreign policy tit-for-tats to have - why has President Trump picked South Africa? Why is he concerned about minority white farmers who speak Afrikaans in the rural areas of a continent that's not a strategic priority for the USA? Robyn Curnow is South African, lives in Atlanta, Georgia and she was CNN's Africa correspondent for many years. She has known the South African president Cyril Ramaphosa since the 1990's when he was part of Nelson Mandela's team. She has also interviewed many American Presidents. She offers a unique perspective - understanding the instincts on both sides - after a fractious Oval Office meeting between the South Africans and the Americans. There is good reason, Robyn says, why Trump has honed in on the death of white farmers in South Africa. And the South Africans need to tread carefully as they try to manage a transactional US President - without falling back into familiar ideological defiance rather than much-needed realism. http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.searchingforamericpod.com http://www.youtube.com/@searchingforamericapodcast Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Business schools across America should run an MBA course on corporate succession and the Catholic Church says Robyn Curnow who's covered the Vatican. The ease of transition from one leader to another is smooth and seamless. And it's a key part of the enduring nature of the Vatican's well-oiled machine. Pope Francis to Pope Leo, and the others that came before them for hundreds of years, are chosen by their peers (or the Holy Spirit, if you so wish) to lead the church (corporation) and to keep it profitable and with a steady supply of customers (parishioners and the faithful.) As the new Pope shook hands with world leaders this past weekend, I thought; why do Popes matter in an increasingly secular world? In times of change... what stays the same? The Catholic Church. In time of change... what offers leadership continuity? The Catholic Church That stability is is both the church's strength, and weakness. The tension is always there. A push for innovation and modernity ... with the pull to preserve the thousands of years of ritual and dogma. One part of the leadership continuity is the choosing of a new papal name... a name that harkens back to the past while supposedly giving us a clue as to the future. Listen to this week's episode about Leo the new papal lion, the meaning of his name and the time I named a cheetah after a pope (we like big cats on the show.)   http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamerica http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://youtube.com/@searchingforamericapodcast Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens to our stuff when we die? The estate of Robyn Curnow's late neighbor has been up for sale next door. Antique bargain hunters and second-hand vultures have been 'shopping' the contents of the couple's house. Strangers streamed through the neighborhood carting off everything the elderly couple owned, loved and collected for decades. Tupperware, silver, mattresses were all carried out of their front door for a few dollars. Everything was sold off to the lowest bidder. The odd-couple relationship between America and China is founded on American consumerism and Chinese productivity. There are deals, or not, on the table over realigning Washington and Beijing's trade. Watching the garage sale next door made Robyn Curnow think about tariffs and the stuff we buy. Quality versus Quantity and the things we leave behind http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.searchingforamericapod.com YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@SearchingforAmericaPodcast Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're in the middle of graduation season. Americans love a party, a theme and an excuse to put signs in their front yards announcing the celebration of the moment. Sometimes it's an election, other times it's July 4th and for these few weeks of spring.... it's graduation. There is a constant rotation of goodbye parties. Graduation is not just a ceremony, it's a never-ending marathon of emotional and expensive moments. Nowhere else in the world goes so BIG when school is finished. I'm embracing it because my eldest daughter deserves to be celebrated with trumpets, bagpipes and an endless supply of monogramed college cakes. She started school in the USA in Obama's America and is now ending it in Trump's America. She has navigated a revolving set of strange cultural oddities and constant change. Americans might not agree on everything but they do agree on these things: Supersized graduation celebrations Yard signs The long goodbye for your 18 year old Hope you enjoy, and congratulations to the Class of 2025! SIGN UP FOR A FUN FREE NEWSLETTER EACH WEEK HERE: http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod.com   http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being in the Vatican during a Pope's funeral and conclave is fascinating. Robyn Curnow was in Rome when John Paul II died. She remembers those days in St Peters. So, what to expect from the next conclave? Robyn has covered many papal deaths and reported on the politics of the Catholic church. Pope Francis was a different kind of pope to John Paul, and Ratzinger who succeeded him. Both John Paul and Francis were epoch defining popes. John Paul was one of the 20th century's great leaders against communism. Hewn from stone behind the iron curtain he was unbending and formidable. Dogma and traditionalism held fast. Francis was from Argentina... a priest who came of age within the legacy of liberation theology. A woke pope, perhaps, but man of his times. She wonders, if like the American presidency, the papal shifts will swing like a pendulum between left and right in the upcoming conclave. SIGN UP FOR A FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.x.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you think of when you read the words... STRIP MALL? Firstly, there's no stripping. No pole dancing. No one dollar bills. Secondly, they're everywhere and form the backbone of Main Street - the small mom-and-pop businesses that underpin American capitalism. The rows of grubby one-story shops occupy a slice of real estate along side main roads and intersections. We have a bunch littered around us. Odd places, but filled with fascinating slices of Americana. In just about every strip mall, even if they're near each other, there is nail salon run by a phalanx of Vietnamese, an eyelash extension shop run by an African-American woman in sequins and a Chinese dry cleaner. Fast food chains are hard to avoid but but if you trust the locals you'll find some of the best places for Ho Chin Minh City pho, Mexican burritos or Korean hotpot. Stores and restaurants in strip malls are not fancy. Mostly rundown. Often near a Dollar Store or charity shop. You have got to know where the gems are. Hiding in plain sight, in a nondescript plaza near us, is a legendary drinking hole. It's modeled after Cheers, the bar in the TV series, where everybody knows your name   http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.youtube.com/@searchingforameriapodcast   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When politics get crazy who do you listen to? Your financial advisor who’s watching the stock market? A friend in government? Robyn Curnow turns to her favorite analyst when times get complicated.... her 101 year old grandmother. She's has lived through world wars that redrew the map, economic depressions that shattered lives, technological revolutions that have fundamentally altered how we connect and communicate. She’s seen empires rise and fall, social norms transform, and scientific breakthroughs once relegated to science fiction become everyday realities. What does to she remind us when the only certainty is uncertainty? Not every fleeting headline demands our constant attention. Some storms will pass. History is littered with bad leaders, and stupid people. Our time is no different. Listen to Robyn Curnow dissect the lessons of the view long. (Plus... hear what her grandmother's secret is to a long life.) http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Robyn Curnow moved to America she didn't take her family to Washington, or New York or Disney. Instead, they went on a pilgrimage to Graceland. The home of the King of Rock 'n Roll. Elvis Presley is a rare thing in America. Most Americans would agree that his legacy and his music are the best of the USA. Robyn Curnow reflects on why she made a trip to Graceland. It wasn't just Elvis and his music she was paying homage too, it was also the journey to Graceland that the Paul Simon sings about in his Grammy-award winning album Graceland. In complicated times, she is Searching for the America - and Americans - that bring people together. http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The paper-white flowers of the dogwood trees are out, along with fairy pink blossoms and bright azaleas. Spring is here in the American South. After hosting an event with Prince Albert in Monaco, Robyn Curnow reflects on coming 'Home' to America and using her new US passport for the first time.   http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Growing up in a hyper religious household, Drew McCoy had to 'come out' to shocked family and friends when he realized he no longer believed in God. Now he tries to understand the religious instincts of his Texas community via his hugely popular You Tube channel called Genetically Modified Skeptic. Drew talks to Robyn Curnow about creationism, the bible and Donald Trump's evangelical political base. Both Drew and Robyn live in the South and they talk about country music, persecution themes in politics and the bracelets that teenagers are wearing which say What Would Jesus Do? SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He was one of the first employees at Facebook, and then retired at 42 to follow his passion for stand-up comedy. Paul Ollinger talks to Robyn Curnow about his time at Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg and what his secret is to telling jokes in divided times. http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS HERE: http://www.searchingforamericapod.com PAUL OLLINGER http://www.paulollinger.com Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Urban Warfare expert John Spencer says the conflict in Gaza is unlike any other. Spencer tells Robyn Curnow about his four trips into Gaza with the IDF since the October 7 massacre. As a combat veteran, national security and military analyst, he has served as an advisor to Pentagon to the U.S. Military Academy. Israel's fight in Gaza is unique in modern warfare, he says. "Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza was the first one I've studied where the underground was more important than the surface." He says in other wars, tunnels are used by civilians to seek refuge. But Hamas uses them as an underground network to base their operations. They're → where the fighters are → where the hostages are → their primary means of conducting operations Hamas initially were able to use them to slow IDF operations. But the fighting changed when Israel brought their fight into the tunnels too. John Spencer talks to Robyn Curnow about his groundbreaking access and research on urban warfare. His manual on fighting in cities was used by Ukrainians to defend their towns and cities and villages against the Russian advance. http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod http://www.x.com/robyncurnow JOHN SPENCER http://www.instagram.com/spencerguard http://www.x.com/spencerguard http://www.johnspenceronline.com CHAIR OF URBAN WARFARE STUDIES, MODERN WAR INSTITUTE AT WEST POINT http://www.x.com/warinstitute HOST of the URBAN WARFARE PROJECT PODCAST AUTHOR: CONNECTED SOLDIERS AUTHOR: UNDERSTANDING URBAN WARFARE Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New Yorker Teddy Riley reflects on his experiences in the music industry, particularly his collaborations with iconic artists like Michael Jackson and Pharrell Williams. He discusses the evolution of American music and the importance of loyalty in both music and politics. Riley shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Harlem and his journey as a music producer, emphasizing the significance of spending time on music to create lasting impact. Robyn Curnow asked him what was it like working with Michael Jackson and Teddy tells her that working with Michael was like working with your best friend. He said, ‘you're sleeping at the studio? I'm sleeping at the studio.’ I said, ‘but you don't sleep at studios…. you can go home.’ He said, ‘no, you're on this project 24 — I’m on it 24.’” Chapters 00:00 The Art of Music Production 02:44 Reflections on American Politics 06:01 Growing Up in Harlem and Early Music Experiences 10:07 Collaborating with Legends: Michael Jackson and Pharrell Williams 18:21 The Impact of Music Across Generations 20:00 The Evolution of American Music 23:05 Politics and Loyalty in America http://www.instagram.com/teddyriley1 http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod.com http://www.searchingforamericapod.com Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robyn Curnow had friends from abroad reach out to say they’re worried about “the chaos” in America right now, and she tells each of them That she's patiently waiting to see what happens. Between → The firing of federal employees. → The slashing of government funding. → The constant signing of executive orders. …it’s easy to see how it looks like absolute chaos. But when it comes to everyday life? The waters are calmer than they appear. Her guest this week is Justin Farmer is a former news anchor turned CEO of a private investment firm. He has decades of experience covering news and following money. How does he feel about the “chaos” in the U.S.? And why did he leave his successful career as an anchor at WSB-TV to start Exit Wealth Management? This week's episode is about second acts - both Justin's and Donald Trump's. Justin Farmer http://www.x.com/wallst_farmer http://www.instagram.com/wallst_farmer http://www.exitwealth.com Robyn Curnow http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/searchingforamericapod Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why is there such an obsession with True Crime stories in America? Andrew Iden, host of the Deviant podcast, has made a career covering true crime stories. Robyn Curnow wanted to know, out of all of the crazy stories — which one stayed with him? He quickly said… BTK. The killer who would Bind. Torture. Kill. “He was a killer in the 70s and 80s and went dark for a long time. He came back in the early 2000s. He taunted the media. He taunted the victims' families. And he was living a very normal life as a postman and a guy in the community that everybody knew… but he was literally living two separate lives.” True Crime as an industry Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy, The Zodiac Killer. Whether or not you know what their crimes, most Americans know their names. I want to know… why? Why is it that America loves true crime stories so much? Perhaps people are just drawn to stories of other people who stray from the path of “normalcy.” DEVIANT POD http://www.instagram.com/deviant.podcast http://www.instagram.com/ajiden ROBYN CURNOW http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram/searchingforamericapod.com Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr LaSonya Lopez was taught that medicine is art. After 25 years of treating patients she quit as a doctor because she felt corporate medicine has broken the system. Robyn Curnow speaks to Dr Lopez about why she supports the questions that RFK is asking about how the medical industry works, even though she doesn't support the broader Trump presidency. Now, she's practicing the artistry of medicine in her own way - without the burnout, and exhaustion. Look at Dr Lopez's new ventures at: http://www.shyftU.com http://www.syptea.com http://www.facebook.com/syptea http://www.drlasonyalopez.com CHECK OUT ROBYN's LINKS http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.robyncurnow.net   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CIA intelligence officer (ret.) Marc Polymeropoulos joins Robyn Curnow to talk about the successes and failures of his time on the frontlines in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, as well as his love of dive bars and heavy metal music. Marc was one of the CIA's most highly decorated operations officers. He specialized in counterterrorism, the Middle East and South Asia and was in charge of the CIA's clandestine operations in Europe and Eurasia when he retired in 2019. http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.searchingforamericapod.com     Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happened in Moscow when CIA operative Marc Polymeropoulos was attacked by an energy weapon that left him with a traumatic brain injury? There are still too many questions and not enough answers from America's intelligence community, says the decorated intelligence officer on what appears to be a systematic, targeted attack on American spies by a foreign government. Marc discusses, what he calls, a cover-up of Havana Syndrome with Robyn Curnow in this frank, emotional conversation about a career in the shadows, only to be hurt by a shadow weapon. http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.robyncurnow.net   Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During Holocaust Remembrance Week, Robyn Curnow laments the words 'Nazi' and 'Hitler' are being overused in political name-calling. Stop cherrypicking the past to pigeonhole the present, she says, especially when it comes to the Holocaust. No. Trump and his team are not Nazis and Hitlers. No. Americans are not like 'Germans supporting Hitler,' or 'Russians supporting Putin' blindly. And no, Big Business is not doing a Vichy France capitulation. Leave the Holocaust out of political mudslinging - it's a specific time in history that cannot be used as a lens today. Or ever again. http://www.robyncurnow.net http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.instragram.com/searchingforamericapod Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump's has power and political capital. Americans - over 60% - are optimistic and want his policy promises to succeed. The Democrats have lost the White House, the Senate, the House, the Village People and Silicon Valley in the last four years. Now the Techbros are in DC - looking to deregulate the future instead of litigating the past with identity politics. Chapters 00:00 Trump 2.0: A New Era Begins 04:03 Political Capital and Optimism in America 11:59 The Tech Bros: Innovating Government 17:09 Looking Ahead: Open Minds and Future Trends http://www.searchingforamericapod.com http://www.robyncurnow.net Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robyn Curnow spoke to Jeffrey Lewis, pre-eminent American nuclear expert, State Department security advisor and a self-described ‘arms control wonk. ’ Robyn has known Jeffrey ever since he tweeted during President Trump’s first term that the administration’s nuclear plans were a ‘goat rodeo.’ But this time around, the world is different and Trump's team is different. They talk about non-rational actors, paranoid leaders and nuclear realities. And how Pres Trump has a great opportunity to use his power to get China and Russia to sign up to new arms control agreements for missile defense and other things. Robyn asked him what crazy weapons some countries were testing and where he thought nuclear proliferation was a problem for 2025. Jeffrey explains why he’s worried about the Russians going all sci-fi with a  space nuke which can take out satellites and a long-range nuclear-armed underwater drone, which the North Koreans copied. He’s also concerned that if Iran gets a nuclear weapon (highly likely) then the Saudis, the Turks and the UAE will want to pony up too. And there’s the worry that Burma (Myanmar) is looking to build up its nuclear capability, alongside Taiwan and South Korea. Saddle up, listen up! Robyn Curnow http://www.x.com/robyncurnow http://www.instagram.com/robyncurnow http://www.searchingforamericapod.com PODCAST IS NOW ON YOUTUBE at http://youtube.com/@searchingforamericapodcast Jeffery Lewis. http://www.x.com/armscontrolwonk http://www.armscontrolwonk.com http://www.x.com/middlebury Got a great idea for an episode? Drop Robyn a message here with the subject line PODCAST IDEASubscribe to Robyn's Substack.Visit her website here.To book Robyn to speak at your event, get in touch here.More about Robyn's public speakingRobyn Curnow is a sought-after public speaker on what it takes to create positive leadership in complicated times. As a South African now living in the American South, Robyn is determined to bring a hopeful and light-hearted tone to all conversations. She reflects on her interviews with U.S. Presidents Bush, Clinton and Carter and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has impactful stories of working alongside Nobel Peace Prize Lauretes Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond TutuShe has delivered talks and hosted events around the Blue Economy in the Principality of Monaco where she introduced Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince William, Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lincoln Centre in New York, the Science Museum in London, the Swedish Royal Palace in Stockholm, the YPO annual conference in Cape Town, the United Nations, a Haaretz newspaper panel in Jerusalem, the Nantucket Yacht club and many more. She has recently worked with Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco and Philadelphia, the Swedish royal family in Stockholm, Made by Dyslexia in London, the Red Cross of Georgia in Atlanta alongside Delta Airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.