WAC Houston

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston
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Stay informed on global affairs with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston Podcast. Featuring expert insights from world leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders, this podcast brings you the impactful discussions and engaging conversations from our live events—now available anytime, anywhere. Gain a deeper understanding of international issues, global economies, and cultural perspectives that shape our world. Tune in and stay globally connected.

  1. 3D AGO

    P Series 15 | Ambassador Michelle Gavin - How Urban Youth Are Changing Africa

    Africa is entering a period of profound political transformation. With the world’s youngest population, rapid urbanization, and unprecedented digital connectivity, the continent is poised for increased political volatility, experimentation, and change. In this timely conversation, Ambassador Michelle D. Gavin — Senior Fellow for Africa at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana — explores how Africa’s demographic surge is reshaping politics across the continent. She examines why traditional political systems are losing legitimacy, why leadership transitions are becoming more frequent, and how young Africans are driving new forms of political engagement. Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy and policy, Ambassador Gavin discusses what this shift means for democracy, governance, and global competition, and why major powers like the United States, China, and Russia will need to rethink how they engage with Africa’s rising generation. About the Speaker Ambassador Michelle D. Gavin is Senior Fellow for Africa at the Council on Foreign Relations. She previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Botswana, senior director for Africa at the National Security Council, and managing director of The Africa Center. She played a key role in launching the Young African Leaders Initiative and shaping U.S. policy toward Africa.

    1 hr

  2. 4D AGO

    TGL 11 | Women's Energy Network - Caitlin McNeilly & Megan Jackson

    Women are not just a nice addition; they are essential to shaping the future of energy. Discover how the Houston chapter of the Women's Energy Network is fueling a global movement that empowers women to lead in the energy industry’s most critical moments. In this episode, we go beyond the typical talk about energy and diversity to reveal concrete strategies for women striving for leadership in a rapidly evolving sector. Megan Jackson, founder of Legacy Subsea, shares how Houston’s unique energy footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for women to build confidence, influence policy, and break through industry barriers. Caitlin McNeilly, an asset engineer at Cord Energy, discusses the transformative power of mentorship, soft skills, and global perspectives that elevate women into senior roles. You'll learn about the innovative educational programs tailored to meet the technical, business, and soft skills needs of women in energy. From mastering corporate disclosures to navigating geopolitical risks like Venezuela, the Women's Energy Network offers targeted insights that fast-track careers and expand influence. Megan and Caitlin also share how local connections are creating global impact, fostering community, opening doors to high-profile panels, and shaping the industry's future through diversity. Ignoring these opportunities means missing out on the leadership shift that’s already underway. This is your chance to understand how women in Houston are leading the energy industry’s charge into a more inclusive, innovative future. An essential watch for anyone committed to growth and impact in energy today. Whether you're a woman looking to accelerate your career or a leader seeking fresh perspectives, this episode equips you with the real-world tools and inspiration to thrive. Join us as we explore community-building, mentorship, and strategic industry insights that are transforming energy leadership worldwide. Perfect for professionals, allies, and anyone eager to see diversity fuel progress, hit play and get inspired to make your mark.

    15 min

  3. FEB 3

    TGL 10 | Megan Ortiz - Axiom Space - Senior Director of External Relations

    Discover how Houston cemented its reputation as Space City and why it remains the epicenter of aerospace innovation. In this episode, Megan Ortiz from Axiom Space reveals the bold next steps shaping our future in orbit — from the launch of the next-generation space station to the future of spacesuits designed for lunar missions. You'll uncover how international collaboration, from Italy to Saudi Arabia, is transforming private space endeavors into global efforts that foster peace and understanding. Megan shares how commercial space projects are not just technological feats but diplomatic bridges, uniting nations beyond geopolitical tensions.

    12 min

  4. JAN 16

    TGL 9 | Francisco Monaldi Explains the Potential Future of Venezuela

    In this episode of The Greater Loop, we sit down with Francisco J. Monaldi — one of the world’s leading experts on Latin American energy and oil policy — to unpack the seismic political changes in Venezuela and what they mean for the global oil market. Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and the rise of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, we analyze investor confidence, sanctions, institutional hurdles, foreign investment prospects, and shifting geopolitical risks. Monaldi gives clear, data-driven insight into why Venezuela’s oil industry collapsed, what recovery would realistically take, and how this affects energy prices, U.S. policy, and regional competition. Whether you’re following markets, geopolitics, or Venezuela’s future, this episode explains the key developments you need to know. Keywords: Venezuela oil, Francisco Monaldi, Maduro capture, Delcy Rodríguez, PDVSA, oil markets, energy policy, U.S.–Venezuela relations, global energy security, Latin America politics.

    13 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    P Series 14 | David J. Lynch: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong

    Once seen as a force for peace and prosperity, globalization promised to make nations more connected, economies more efficient, and the world more stable. But the global order built on open markets and interdependence has begun to unravel, revealing the risks of relying on fragile supply chains, deepening inequality, and fueling geopolitical rivalry. Join David J. Lynch, senior writer on global economics for The Washington Post, for a compelling discussion on how the globalization gamble went wrong and what it means for the future of the world economy. Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Washington, Beijing, and beyond, Lynch offers a clear-eyed look at how the pursuit of economic integration reshaped politics, empowered adversaries, and left democracies struggling to adapt. This timely program examines what lessons can be learned and how the United States and its partners can navigate a world where globalization’s biggest bet may have backfired.   Featured Speaker: David J. Lynch David J. Lynch is a senior writer on global economics for The Washington Post, covering the intersection of markets, policy, and geopolitics. With decades of experience reporting from Washington, Beijing, and other global capitals, Lynch has analyzed how economic trends shape international relations and impact everyday life. He is the author of The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong, offering an in-depth look at the risks and consequences of the modern global economy.

    1h 5m

  6. 12/05/2025

    TGL 8 | Jake Mossawir - CEO Bilingual Education Institute

    Join us on The Greater Loop as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jake Mossawir, CEO of the Bilingual Education Institute. Discover how this Houston-based institute is transforming language education for international students and refugees, offering a unique blend of language and vocational training. Learn about their innovative programs, community impact, and future plans to expand language learning to K-12 students. Don't miss this insightful episode that highlights the power of education in bridging cultural divides. #languagelearning #houston #podcast #Education #CommunityImpact

    22 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    P Series 13 | Gregory A. Daddis: Faith & Fear: America’s Relationship with War

    As the vicious, destructive wars in Ukraine and the Middle East rage on—and US policymakers debate continuing military support in both regions—it is worth considering America’s own relationship with war in the twenty-first century. What has driven our connections to war, not just from a policy perspective, but from a cultural one as well? Why do we assume war will deliver on its promise to solve nearly all our problems overseas? And why is it that the United States spends an inordinate amount of its resources on preparing for war, yet its citizens continue to fear what they deem a dangerous world? In a wide-ranging discussion, Texas A&M University professor and US Army retired colonel Gregory A. Daddis considers both our faith in war and our fear of war and how these tensions shape our very identity as Americans in the modern world. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with historian and author Greg Daddis as he discusses his acclaimed book, Faith & Fear: America’s Relationship with War Featured Speaker: Gregory A. Daddis Gregory A. Daddis Gregory A. Daddis is Professor of History and holds the Melbern G. Glasscock Endowed Chair in American History at Texas A&M University. A retired US Army colonel, he deployed to both Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Daddis specializes in the history of the Vietnam Wars and the Cold War era and has authored five books, including Pulp Vietnam: War and Gender in Cold War Men’s Adventure Magazines and Withdrawal: Reassessing America’s Final Years in Vietnam. He also has published numerous journal articles and several op-ed pieces commenting on current military affairs, including writings in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The National Interest. He is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award, Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

    1h 13m

  8. 11/14/2025

    P Series 12 | Voices of Diplomacy: Women Shaping Global Dialogue

    Houston is one of the most globally connected cities in the United States, and at the heart of that global network are the women diplomats who represent their countries here. Join us for a special lunch program and panel discussion featuring the Subcommittee of Women Diplomats of the Consular Corps of Houston, a group dedicated to fostering international collaboration, elevating women’s leadership in diplomacy, and strengthening ties between Houston’s local communities and the world. Over lunch, hear directly from distinguished diplomats about how women are shaping the future of global engagement. Drawing on their diverse experiences, the panel will explore how the roles of women diplomats, education, business, & public diplomacy play in the world.

    1h 3m
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About

Stay informed on global affairs with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston Podcast. Featuring expert insights from world leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders, this podcast brings you the impactful discussions and engaging conversations from our live events—now available anytime, anywhere. Gain a deeper understanding of international issues, global economies, and cultural perspectives that shape our world. Tune in and stay globally connected.

Information

  • Creator
    World Affairs Council of Greater Houston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    WAC Houston