Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon

Richard Gordon
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

  1. Aug 13

    Behind the Scenes with Marc Short: Inside the Trump White House and the Pence Perspective

    Principled leadership and personal integrity in politics can still shine—even amid the most tumultuous moments in American history. What does it really take to stay true to your convictions when the stakes couldn't be higher? In this episode, listeners get a rare insider perspective on serving in the White House during some of the most consequential events of recent years—including the Trump presidency, coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 election, and January 6th. The conversation explores what motivates people to enter public service, the reality of day-to-day life inside the White House, and the challenges of enacting major legislation in a divided political climate. Key moments include reflections on navigating loyalty and principle, handling national crisis, the evolving meaning of conservatism, and keeping faith and morality at the center of political decision-making. Timestamped Overview 00:00:00 Introduction and overview00:01:19 Guest background and early political motivations00:04:08 Transition from private sector to politics00:05:54 Inside the Trump White House and transition00:07:00 Personal side of working with Trump00:09:06 Trump, The Apprentice, and the politics of ratings00:12:02 Reflecting on legislative strategy and partisanship00:14:29 Increasing polarization in Congress00:17:57 The Senate confirmation process and its challenges00:19:41 Role and responsibilities as Vice President’s Chief of Staff00:23:08 Loyalty, disagreement, and behind-the-scenes VP–President relations00:24:03 COVID-19 response, shutdowns, and federalism00:26:26 Lessons learned from the pandemic and Dr. Fauci00:29:00 2020 election expectations and outcome00:32:12 January 6th lead-up and events from an insider view00:37:03 Pressure on the Vice President and legal maneuvers00:43:14 Experiences during the Capitol attack00:47:01 Reflections on pardons and law-and-order principles00:48:11 Modern conservatism and the future of the Republican Party00:52:05 Trump, MAGA, and Republican identity00:54:28 Is Trump a conservative? Motivations and political strategy00:57:09 The role of religion in politics00:58:50 Advancing American Freedoms: conservative advocacy01:01:32 Midterm and political landscape predictions01:04:52 Populism, MAGA, and political outsider effect01:05:40 2028 election predictions01:07:09 Closing remarks and lessons on political civility01:09:23 Show outro and where to listen

    Behind the Scenes with Marc Short: Inside the Trump White House and the Pence Perspective

  2. Jul 27

    USA 250 Recap: Immigration, Diversity, and Uniting for a Better Future

    This episode wraps up a 4-part series on immigration by exploring the inspiring reasons people come to America, the opportunities they pursue, and the shared responsibility to promote democracy and unity. With powerful reflections and a call to action, listeners are reminded that regardless of their origins, each individual plays a vital role in building a brighter America. Timestamped Overview [00:00:00] Introduction to Unconventional Times and the episode's focus[00:00:24] Recap of the 4-part series on immigration and the meaning of America[00:02:06] The significance of opportunity and unity—Whitney Young quote[00:02:44] Reflections on American ideals and Woody Guthrie’s words[00:03:23] Call to action—contributing to American democracy[00:04:03] Series conclusion and gratitude to listeners[00:04:24] Closing notes and where to find more episodes

    USA 250 Recap: Immigration, Diversity, and Uniting for a Better Future

  3. Jul 13

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 4

    Discover how the American story is shaped by the courage of generations—both past and present—who venture to build better lives for their families. What can our own family histories teach us about today’s debates on immigration and the American Dream? In this special July 4th edition of Unconventional Times, Lou Diamond turns the tables and interviews Richard Gordon, who shares a deeply personal account of his grandparents’ journey from Eastern Europe through Ellis Island, and the legacy their sacrifices left on his life and career in politics and law. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of immigration, how kindness and understanding should define our future, and why remembering our roots is the ultimate act of patriotism. Episode Overview:00:00 Introduction & Show Setup01:04 Richard Gordon on Family Origins and Immigration Journey03:15 Life on the Lower East Side & Grandparents’ Story05:02 Adapting, Customs, and the Depression’s Impact07:41 Accents, Language, and Normalizing Difference08:12 The Promise of America Across Generations10:14 Education as a Family Value & Pathway13:14 Connecting Family Legacy to Political Engagement18:02 Firsthand Lessons: Talking with Grandparents, Ukraine vs. Russia20:09 Then & Now—Immigration: Past, Present, and the Future24:09 Environmental Migration & The Immigration Debate27:09 World Cup, Welcoming Cultures, and America’s Mosaic32:51 Richard Gordon’s Word for the Future: Kindness34:15 Closing Thoughts & Episode Wrap

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 4

  4. Jul 11

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 3

    What if the greatest gift America offers is the freedom to craft your own path—across continents and identities? In this compelling episode, Richard Gordon sits down with Alexandra Gerassimidis, the very first subscriber to the show, to explore her family’s remarkable journey from war-torn Greece to the steel towns of America, and eventually, back to Greece and again to the U.S. as a driven young student. Together, they unpack the legacy of the immigrant experience, finding opportunity through hardship, and what the promise of America looks like for new generations. Along the way, Alexandra Gerassimidis shares unique insights into the challenges of assimilation, the impact of world events on personal choices, and how the American Dream continues to evolve. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Meet the host and guest; setup for the conversation01:00 Alexandra Gerassimidis shares her family's Greek-Turkish refugee legacy02:46 Life in Greece through WWII and the civil war04:42 Father’s immigration to the U.S. for opportunity07:20 Marriage-by-photo and settling in East Chicago08:37 Early education and multicultural public school experience11:14 The impact of American aid on perceptions abroad12:19 Family’s return to Greece for health and economic reasons14:13 The junta falls: historical context of their move15:01 College decisions and staying in America17:39 Citizenship, loyalty, and becoming American19:28 Weighing how life might have been different in Greece22:05 The meaning of America’s promise and educational opportunity24:06 Confidence in America’s future and civic optimism26:34 The American dream: past, present, and for future generations30:14 What is a pediatric pathologist? Alexandra Gerassimidis explains her profession32:07 July 4th, family traditions, and reflections on belonging33:53 Episode wrap-up and how listeners can engage

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 3

  5. Jul 7

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 2

    Freedom isn’t always visible until it’s taken away—what happens when an accomplished family suddenly loses everything and must start over in a new land? In this inspiring episode, Richard Gordon sits down with longtime friend Gabrial Farahan to trace his family’s remarkable journey from deep-rooted Iranian Jewish heritage to building a new life in America after the 1979 revolution. Gabrial Farahan shares firsthand insight about immigration, freedom, the true meaning of the American Dream, and why he feels more American than ever before. Listen for eye-opening reflections on gratitude, resilience, and what it means to belong. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction and show premise[01:06] Introducing guest and purpose of interview[02:54] Family origins: Iranian Jewish history[07:00] Life in Iran before emigration[10:25] The Iranian Revolution and family’s escape[13:39] Starting over in America[15:14] Family plans, values, and adapting[17:03] Discovering freedoms in the U.S.[21:23] Reflections on never returning to Iran[25:35] Reflections on U.S. and Israel; citizenship[28:45] Achieving the American Dream[32:22] Hopes for America’s future[34:34] Views on war and Iran[37:58] Thoughts on immigration policy[40:35] Impact of immigrant perspective on politics[41:24] July 4th plans and closing reflections[42:52] Outro and credit

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 2

  6. Jul 4

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 1

    Perseverance turns opportunity into achievement—just ask Lidia Fernandez, who turned her journey from the Dominican Republic into a powerful story about making the most of the American dream. In this first episode of four celebrating America's 250th birthday, Richard Gordon sits down with Lidia Fernandez to explore what it's like to immigrate for education, navigate a new language and culture, and build a thriving family business in real estate. Key highlights include Lidia Fernandez's candid insights on why she became a U.S. citizen, her multi-generational approach to family and opportunity, a thoughtful (and unconventional) perspective on U.S. immigration policy, and how she balances her Dominican roots with American life as a mother, student, and entrepreneur. Perfect for anyone interested in the real stories behind immigration, opportunity, and the evolving definition of the American dream. 00:00 Introduction and episode theme 01:01 Lidia Fernandez shares her background and immigration story 03:06 Why Rhode Island became her new home 05:45 Adjusting to American life and learning English 08:20 The importance of education and the decision to attend college in the U.S. 10:20 Earning degrees, building a career, and family business beginnings 12:12 Navigating immigration and the process of U.S. citizenship 15:58 The opportunities and challenges in America vs. the Dominican Republic 18:09 Building a family business in real estate 21:22 Pursuing law school and balancing family and work 22:13 Raising children with a sense of opportunity 25:53 The American dream defined 25:45 Lidia Fernandez's thoughts on U.S. immigration policy and undocumented immigrants 30:43 Final reflections on opportunity and gratitude 31:36 July 4th celebrations and blending cultures 33:10 Episode close and thanks

    USA 250: Navigating Immigration and Identity: Insights on Opportunity and the American Dream - Part 1

  7. Jun 24

    Navigating Energy, Policy, and Economic Change with Jennifer Granholm

    What if America’s energy future—and millions of jobs—hinged on one hard decision in a small Michigan town? In this powerful episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with transformational leader Jennifer Granholm—former Michigan Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy—to reveal how the loss of a single factory unraveled the heart of American manufacturing, and how bold decisions in the face of devastation sparked a clean energy renaissance now reshaping both the nation and the world. Highlights include Jennifer Granholm’s raw account of battling the Great Recession, negotiating the auto industry rescue, building a “Michigan model” for clean energy, and pioneering strategies that brought 950 new factories and millions of jobs to the U.S. She pulls back the curtain on supply chain challenges, her vision of a smarter grid, the surprising upsides of data centers, and how public-private partnerships—if done right—can create a stronger, sustainable economy. The episode closes with candid insights on policy “yo-yoing” and the essential steps needed for America’s energy future. Episode Overview: [00:00] Introduction & Jennifer Granholm’s public service calling[07:10] Breaking barriers as Michigan’s first female governor and attorney general[08:37] The Great Recession: loss of manufacturing, Electrolux story[13:48] Diversifying Michigan’s economy & birth of green jobs[14:35] Trade agreements and their impact on the Democratic Party[14:41] The auto industry rescue and push for electric vehicles[18:28] Fighting to keep manufacturing in the U.S. and evolving industrial strategy[20:44] Supply chains, industrial clusters & international investment[22:56] Why Jennifer Granholm never ran for Senate[23:09] Transition to U.S. Secretary of Energy[25:28] Nationalizing the Michigan model: Inflation Reduction Act details[28:40] Results: 950 new clean energy factories, millions of jobs[30:45] What is “the grid” and why should we care?[34:14] Creating a smarter grid: who pays, who benefits[36:38] Data centers—threat or opportunity?[39:14] Guardrails, jobs, and community benefits[43:13] Policy “yo-yo effect” and energy future priorities[44:42] Batteries, solar, wind, and nuclear—balancing the energy mix[48:14] Jennifer Granholm’s magic wand: real solutions for America’s energy[49:38] Designated Survivor and final reflections[51:44] Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

    Navigating Energy, Policy, and Economic Change with Jennifer Granholm

  8. Jun 1

    Navigating the Center Left: Debbie Cox Bultan on Democratic Party Dynamics and the New Deal

    What if the Democratic Party’s “radical” center is actually its hidden powerhouse? This episode of Unconventional Times explodes the myth that moderates are an endangered species, as Richard Gordon sits down with Debbie Cox Bultan—CEO of New Deal and a champion of pragmatic, center-left leadership—to reveal how the real future of the party might surprise you. Key highlights include: Debbie Cox Bultan’s journey from college service projects to political leadership, and what keeps her fighting for democracy (02:36)The truth about the Democratic “center left”—and why it’s alive, thriving, and crucial for electoral success (10:51)How New Deal is building the next generation of pragmatic leaders and what’s really working at the state and local level (18:30)Why the best politics is the best governing, and how local voices can turn the tide for Democrats (33:31)A forward look at the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race—with some surprising optimism for the future (48:31)Episode Overview: 00:00 Intro and show open 02:36 Debbie’s path into Democratic politics and public service 10:51 Is the center left dead? (Spoiler: It’s not—and here’s why) 18:30 What is New Deal? Building a bench of pragmatic state and local leaders 33:31 Lessons from New Deal’s election report—Why local wins matter 42:11 Issue lightning round (Trump, bipartisanship, the party brand) 46:23 “An Honorable Profession” podcast and how to support the New Deal 48:31 Predictions for 2026, 2028, and closing thoughts 54:47 Outro 55:10 End

    Navigating the Center Left: Debbie Cox Bultan on Democratic Party Dynamics and the New Deal
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Political strategist and advisor Richard Gordon connects with numerous elected officials and candidates on the state, local and federal levels in the real conversations we need to have during these "Unconventional Times."

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