The Interview with Leslie Heaney

• [REVISIT] Character Matters - feat. Jean Becker

  In this episode, I had the distinct honor and pleasure to interview Jean Becker on her new book Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush.I wanted to interview Jean as soon as I heard about Character Matters.I am writing this on election day knowing this episode will be released tomorrow, November 6, 2024.  No matter the outcome of the election, half of our country will be distressed and demoralized by its outcome. The example of the life and service of President Bush is a message that our seemingly divided country needs now more than ever.Jean Becker served as chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush for nearly twenty-five years. She’s the editor of Pearls of Wisdom by Barbara Bush and author of the New York Times bestseller The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H.W. Bush’s Post Presidency. Her latest book, Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush, was released in April 2024.In this episode, Jean tells hilarious, poignant, and compelling stories about President Bush. She shares anecdotes about how President Bush cast political differences aside, embraced bipartisanship and put his country before himself.  From calls with world leaders, to befriending his SNL impersonator Dana Carvey to enlisting George Clooney for a hospital opening because he loved his character on ER, Character Matters is a collection of essays from those who knew him best.  In today's political climate, all of us should embrace the life lessons and legacy of George H.W. Bush as an example of how to come together as Americans.If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@TheInterviewWithLeslie.⁠ A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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• Songs & Sails - feat. Caroline Jones and Nick Dana

  This is one of my favorite podcast episodes to date! In this conversation, I dive into the "behind the music"—both literally and figuratively—of one of country music's rising stars and the world of professional sailing. Through it all, you’ll get to know two extraordinary individuals: Caroline Jones and Nick Dana.Caroline Jones is a talented singer-songwriter and the only female member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band. Nick Dana, on the other hand, is a world-class professional sailor with an impressive career that includes competing in the Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup. I’ve known Nick since he was a toddler (a fact that reveals my age), as I was close friends with his late older brother. It was such a joy to catch up with these two incredibly accomplished individuals—who also happen to be married! Caroline shares her journey into music, her creative process, and the inspirations behind her songwriting. We discuss her skyrocketing career, from touring with legends like Jimmy Buffett to performing in stadiums with the Zac Brown Band. She also talks about her latest single, No Tellin’, and her upcoming tour. Nick gives us a glimpse into his life as a professional sailor, detailing his path to success, the challenges of competing in events like the Volvo Ocean Race, and the thrill of sailing in the prestigious America’s Cup.We also explore their beautiful love story—how they were serendipitously set up (thanks to some well-placed meddling by Nick’s mom and sister!), fell in love just before the COVID-19 lockdowns, and how their relationship has transformed their lives and careers. Caroline even shares how she once vowed never to marry, only to find herself happily embracing both marriage and parenthood.This episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and heartfelt moments. You won’t want to miss it! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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• Live Your Dream - feat. Tamir Goodman

  You may remember my next guest, Tamir Goodman. Dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated, Tamir made history as the first Orthodox Jewish player to play Division I and professional basketball without compromising his faith.Tamir’s story is extraordinary. He refused to play on Shabbat — from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday — a decision that made headlines and set him apart in the sports world. Despite this challenge, he achieved his dream of becoming a professional basketball player while overcoming significant obstacles, including severe dyslexia.Tamir exemplifies the power of faith, character, and resilience. Like all of us, his journey has been marked by setbacks and disappointments. Yet, his unwavering faith in God and belief in himself propelled him forward.In this episode, Tamir and I discuss how basketball serves as a metaphor for life — with its ups and downs, fouls, wins, and losses. We explore how he overcame tremendous obstacles: navigating dyslexia, facing prejudice for being observant, and enduring professional setbacks. Through it all, he has built a life filled with faith, purpose, family, love, and professional success.We also delve into his inspiring children’s book, Live Your Dream: The Story of a Jewish Basketball All-Star. The book highlights his journey with dyslexia and how basketball became a tool for empowering others. Tamir continues to inspire through his work with young athletes, showing them how to turn challenges into strengths.It’s rare to meet someone as extraordinary and inspirational as Tamir Goodman. Trust me — you’ll want to meet him too. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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• I Loved You First - feat. Jenna Bush Hager

  In today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome Jenna Bush Hager, American news personality, author, and journalist. Jenna is the host of Today with Jenna & Friends, the fourth hour of NBC's morning news program. Jenna is the creator of the Read with Jenna Book Club; she has also launched a publishing imprint, Thousand Voices, a joint venture with Random House Publishing House supporting emerging writers. She is also the founder of her own production company. Jenna is a force!Jenna and I sit down to talk about her latest book and the third book she has co-authored with her twin sister Barbara Bush entitled, "I Loved You First". This is not the first time the Bush sisters have written a book together, but this is the first time they have written a children's book that celebrates the bond between parent and child. In this episode, Jenna and I talk about why she and Barbara decided to write this book, the power of sisterhood and female friendships, what it is like to host the 4th hour of Today without her dear friend and former co-host Hoda Kotb, the incredible work Jenna is doing through Read with Jenna and Thousand Voices and last but certainly not least - our mutual love of karaoke! I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with Jenna – it's an episode you won't want to miss! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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  36:34
• The Manicurist’s Daughter - feat Susan Lieu

  In today's episode, I am so thrilled to share my conversation with author, activist, and storyteller, Susan Lieu.Susan is a multi-hyphenated artist whose work has captivated audiences nationwide. Her award-winning solo show, 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother, evolved into her debut memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter. This emotionally raw memoir was Apple’s Book of the Month and has been featured in The New York Times and NPR. Through her storytelling, Susan explores themes of grief, intergenerational trauma, identity, and resilience.In The Manicurist’s Daughter, Susan reflects on her life as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, her mother’s tragic death from a botched tummy tuck when she was just 11 years old, and her journey to uncover truths about her family and herself. Her story is both heartbreaking and empowering, touching on the complex relationships immigrant women have with body image and beauty standards.In this episode, Susan and I delve into her family’s incredible journey from Vietnamese refugees to American business owners. We discuss what it was like for her to grow up navigating two cultures, the challenges of confronting her mother’s death, and the broader implications of societal pressures on women—especially immigrant women. Susan’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and empowerment. It is equal parts poignant, funny, and inspirational—a conversation you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.

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