S4, EP4: Our Experiences and the Paths We Take

Episode 4 of Season 4 features Gary Powers, Jr. Gary is an author, historian, and speaker specifically on The Cold War, and his father, Francis Gary Powers, who was a U2 pilot for the CIA. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Gary in early 2023. The first part of their conversation focuses on Gary’s father, who was shot down in a U2 spy plane over the former Soviet Union in 1960, taken prisoner for almost two years, and ultimately freed in a prisoner exchange.

In the second half of their conversation, Steve and Gary talk about Gary’s SAE experience and life lessons learned. Gary described himself as shy and introverted when he entered his freshmen year at California State University - Northridge. He said he found a connection with the brothers of SAE’s California Nu chapter and that joining the fraternity changed his life.

Tune in today for this conversation that serves as a history lesson and also focuses on taking your own path, learning from failure, and not taking no for an answer.

This episode is also available on YouTube. Click here to watch this interview.