America’s Book Club
America's Book Club is a podcast hosted by author and philanthropist David Rubenstein featuring conversations with leading authors, policymakers, business innovators, and cultural figures exploring the ideas that shaped America’s past, challenge the nation's present, and inspire our future.
Jared Diamond on Evolution, Human Sexuality & Why Is Sex Fun?
Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author Jared Diamond joins David M. Rubenstein for a fascinating conversation about the origins of life on Earth, the science of the animal kingdom, and the evolution of human behavior. Diamond also discusses his book, Why Is Sex Fun?, exploring the surprising science behind human sexuality and what sets us apart from other species.
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Annette Gordon-Reed & Douglas Brinkley on the People and Events That Shaped America
Who are the most influential figures in American history, and which events have shaped the nation we know today?
Award-winning, bestselling historians Annette Gordon-Reed and Douglas Brinkley join host David M. Rubenstein at the National Book Festival for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, defining moments, and turning points in U.S. history. Together, they explore America's past and the lasting impact of the individuals and events that helped shape the country.
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Newt Gingrich on His Political Career, Congress, and Writing More Than 40 Books
Author and former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (1995-99) joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his extensive career in Congress and writing more than 40 books on topics ranging from political commentary to alternative history.
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Elliot Ackerman & Admiral James Stavridis on War, Global Conflict, and Their Bestselling Thrillers
Bestselling authors Elliot Ackerman, a Marine Corps veteran, and retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis join David M. Rubenstein to discuss their military thrillers, including 2034: A Novel of the Next World War and 2054: A Novel. They explore the future of warfare, emerging technologies, global security threats, and how their military experiences influence their writing.
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Min Jin Lee on “Pachinko,” Her Literary Career & Meeting King Charles
Bestselling author Min Jin Lee joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her literary career, early life in the United States, her award-winning novel "Pachinko," and meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
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Nathaniel Philbrick on the Mayflower, George Washington & the California Gold Rush
National Book Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist historian Nathaniel Philbrick joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his bestselling books about the Mayflower, George Washington, and the California gold rush, as well as life on Nantucket.
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Scott Turow on Legal Thrillers, Writing & Artificial Intelligence
Bestselling author and attorney Scott Turow joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his career as a master of the legal thriller, his writing process, and the experiences that have inspired his novels. Turow also shares his concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on writers, publishing, and the creative process.
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David Maraniss on Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Vince Lombardi & Jim Thorpe
Pulitzer Prize winner and longtime Washington Post reporter David Maraniss joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his biographies of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Vince Lombardi, and Jim Thorpe.
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Susan Page on Queen Elizabeth’s Relationships With 13 U.S. Presidents
Best-selling author and USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her book about Queen Elizabeth's relationships with 13 U.S. presidents and her biographies of Barbara Bush, Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Walters.
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Kai Bird on Roy Cohn, American Scoundrel & American Prometheus
Pulitzer Prize winner Kai Bird joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his biography of Roy Cohn, American Scoundrel, and his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus, which inspired the film Oppenheimer.
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Andrea Wulf on "The Invention of Nature"
Bestselling historian Andrea Wulf joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her biographies of the founding fathers, rebels, explorers and scientists and her award-winning book "The Invention of Nature."
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Ben Mezrich on The Social Network, 21, and Turning True Stories into Hollywood Hits
Bestselling author Ben Mezrich joins David Rubenstein to discuss his writing career and the real-life stories behind several of his bestselling books, including Bringing Down the House and The Accidental Billionaires, which were adapted into the hit films 21 and The Social Network.
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Michael Beschloss Explores the Revolutionary War, Civil War & 20th Century America
Bestselling presidential historian Michael Beschloss joins David M. Rubenstein for a wide-ranging conversation on American history. They discuss the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the pivotal events and presidents that shaped the United States in the twentieth century.
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Geraldine Brooks on Memoir, Fiction & War Reporting
Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her memoir, novels and early career as a war correspondent.
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Danielle Allen & Walter Isaacson on the Declaration of Independence
Historians Danielle Allen and Walter Isaacson join David M. Rubenstein at the U.S. Capitol to discuss the Declaration of Independence and how America celebrates its founding.
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Pulitzer Winner Doris Kearns Goodwin on America’s Greatest Presidents
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her acclaimed biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as the life and legacy of her late husband, Richard Goodwin, who served as a speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
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Kara Swisher on the Future of Technology and Journalism
Journalist Kara Swisher joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and technology, human longevity, and her interviewing style.
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Lois Romano on Mary Todd Lincoln's Life, Legacy and Mental Health
Bestselling Mary Todd Lincoln biographer Lois Romano joins David M. Rubenstein at Ford's Theatre to discuss Lincoln's early life, time in the White House and mental health.
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David Baldacci on Storytelling, Suspense, and the Publishing World
Bestselling author David Baldacci joins David M. Rubenstein for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from practicing law in Washington to becoming one of the world's most successful thriller writers. He discusses his approach to crafting suspenseful stories, seeing his novel Absolute Power adapted into a film by Clint Eastwood, and the evolving relationship between technology and publishing. Baldacci also explains his involvement in a lawsuit against major AI companies and shares his views on protecting authors' work in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Ann Patchett on Writing, Bookstores & Storytelling with David Rubenstein
Bestselling author Ann Patchett joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her novels, children's books, nonfiction work, and what it's like to own her own bookstore.
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Candice Millard Discusses Theodore Roosevelt, James A. Garfield & Winston Churchill
Bestselling Historian Candice Millard joins David M. Rubenstein at the U.S. Capitol to discuss her books about Theodore Roosevelt, James Garfield, and Winston Churchill.
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Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War
Bestselling historian, podcaster, and newsletter author Heather Cox Richardson joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss democracy and her books on the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
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Douglas Brinkley on America at 250, D-Day, and the Space Race
Bestselling author and historian Douglas Brinkley joins David M. Rubenstein in the Capitol's Kennedy Caucus Room to discuss America's 250th anniversary and his books about Walter Cronkite, the space race, Hurricane Katrina and D-Day.
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Andrew Ross Sorkin in Conversation with David Rubenstein
Bestselling author and CNBC journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin joins David M. Rubenstein at the New Orleans Book Festival to discuss his book examining the 1929 stock market crash.
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Pulitzer Finalist Alice McDermott Talks Novels and Writing Process with David Rubenstein
Three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Alice McDermott joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her novels, writing process, and work as a creative writing professor.
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David Rubenstein on the Presidency, Congress & Economy — Interview with Evan Smith at Tulane Book Festival
Journalist Evan Smith interviews America's Book Club Host David M. Rubenstein about the presidency, Congress, and the state of the economy in a special episode from The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University.
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Beverly Gage on J. Edgar Hoover Biography & American History Road Trip
Historian and Yale University Professor Beverly Gage joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her Pulitzer Prize winning biography of former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and her road trip across America visiting historic sites.
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Journalists Peter Baker & Susan Glasser Discuss Profiling Putin, Trump, and Other Leaders
Married journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser join David M. Rubenstein to discuss collaborating to write books profiling key newsmakers including Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
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Pulitzer Winner Rick Atkinson on Revolutionary War and WWII Trilogies with David Rubenstein
Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson joins David M. Rubenstein at the National Archives to discuss his trilogies examining the Revolutionary War and World War II and view artifacts in the Archives' vault.
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Linda Chavez: Former Reagan Official and Commentator
Former Reagan administration official Linda Chavez joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her career in public service and her works of fiction and nonfiction.
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Pulitzer Prize–Winning Historian Jon Meacham
Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham joined David M. Rubenstein to discuss his biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and George H.W. Bush, and his upcoming book on Dwight Eisenhower.
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Christopher Buckley on Satire, Politics, and Writing Fiction
Christopher Buckley is a novelist, essayist, humorist, critic, magazine editor and memoirist. The only child of publishing icon William F. Buckley, Christopher's books have been translated into sixteen foreign languages. He has worked as a merchant seaman and White House speechwriter. He has written for many newspapers and magazines and has lectured in over 70 cities around the world. He was awarded the Thurber Prize for American Humor and the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence.
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Cal Ripken Jr.: Baseball Iron Man on 2,632 Consecutive Games and His Hall of Fame Career
Baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr. joins David M. Rubenstein to discussed his legendary career and his work as a bestselling author, and gave viewers a tour of memorabilia from his decades in baseball.
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Pulitzer Prize Winner Rita Dove on Poetry and American History
Pulitzer Prize winner and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her upbringing and writing process and reads from her poem "Lady Freedom Among Us."
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Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks Explains What Makes Us Happy
Author and Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss the science of happiness, his path to becoming an expert on happiness and how people can lead happier lives.
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Jodi Picoult on Storytelling, Ethics, and the Power of Fiction
Bestselling writer Jodi Picoult, author of 29 novels, discusses her writing process, adapting her books for Hollywood and why one of her books has been banned across the country.
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Chef José Andrés on Food, Humanity, and Global Relief Efforts
Jose Andres joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his career, his global relief efforts with World Central Kitchen, his books, and his love of food.
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Walter Isaacson on the Minds That Shape Our Modern World
Walter Isaacson is a Professor of History at Tulane. He has been the editor of Time Magazine, the CEO and Chairman of CNN, and the CEO of the Aspen Institute. He is the author of Elon Musk (2023), Leonardo da Vinci (2017), Steve Jobs (2011), Einstein: His Life and Universe (2007), Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (2003), and Kissinger: A Biography (1992). Isaacson is a graduate of Harvard College and Pembroke College of Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He began his career at The Sunday Times in London and then New Orleans’ Times-Picayune. He joined TIME in 1978 and served as a political co...
David Grann on Killers of the Flower Moon and America’s Hidden History
Author David Grann joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss his books including "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "The Wager" and visits the vault of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
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Pulitzer Prize Author Stacy Schiff on Writing History That Feels Alive
Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff joins David M. Rubenstein to discuss her biographies of Cleopatra, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams before visiting the vault of the National Archives to view the Treaty of Paris and other priceless documents.
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