Podcast Highlighting American Soft Power

For the last several weeks I’ve followed episodes of a new podcast called SoftPower/FulStories, originally sharing it here. Episode #10 comes out tomorrow and will feature my own journey from smalltown USA into the wider world.

Described as “Epic tales from every corner of the globe,” SP/FS provides weekly insight into American soft power abroad, using first-person stories to explore why U.S. engagement in the world matters.

Through conversations with diplomats, development workers, Peace Corps Volunteers, authors, entrepreneurs, artists, and others, SP/FS highlights how soft power and foreign assistance strengthen America’s global standing.

In short, SP/SF brings the human story center stage. So, whose stories have already been told?

Carl Henn: “You probably won’t believe me, but I spent two centuries in Africa.” In fact, his decades of life-saving work in Africa, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, NGO worker, and health specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development spanned all corners of the continent. Compassion and humor fuel his stories and books.

Pamela White: President Bush: “I hear you kick ass.” White: “Mr. President, only when I have to.” Pamela White’s four-plus decades of service to America include stints as a Peace Corps Volunteer, with #USAID, and as U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia and Haiti. Her energy and drive embody the best of American diplomacy and development work overseas. (White will also be featured in my forthcoming book, Profiles in Service).

Glenn Blumhorst: National Peace Corps Association President and CEO from 2013 to 2022, Glenn has lived, worked, and travelled in more than 70 countries. As a PCV in Guatemala, he became a local legend: “Don Glenn de las Luces”, literally, “Sir Glenn of the Lights.” Hear how his intervention on behalf of his community electrified a village.

Elizabeth Gore: The founder of Fintech company Hello Alice breaks down barriers and helps others help themselves. From college classmates seeking independence to Bolivian women farmers seeking empowerment, Gore has now helped 1.5M entrepreneurs seeking business success.

Not all stories equate to victory, as Roland Merullo shares in his humble reflection on struggling to serve as a PCV in Micronesia. Betsy Small reflects on how having another reference point—that of another community in the U.S. or another community around the world—broadens personal boundaries, enables individuals to be true to their own boundaries, and to understand the integrity of other people’s pain and history.

Author Alexa West founds a travel company inspiring a new generation of women to confidently explore the world on their own; Warren Acuncius reflects on the danger and sacrifice endured by those making helicopter flights into remote Nepal villages to deliver emergency supplies after an earthquake; and Flo Reed founds NGO Sustainable Harvest International.

Visit SoftPower/FulStories to see who else lends their voice to this exploration of American engagement with the world.

And remember to check back in tomorrow to hear my own tale!

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