Books and Insight with Frank Lavin

A conversation with authors and other creative people about their recent works and their insight on the world today. How do books and ideas help us grapple with current challenges? Frank Lavin has served as a diplomat, banker, White House aide, National Security Council staffer, and is the author of four books.

Ken Wilcox, the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank 12/23/2024

Ken Wilcox, the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank Frank Lavin talks about doing business in China with , the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, who went on to run the SVB joint venture in China, the story of which resulted in his insightful book, “.” Beyond his book, Ken also recommends “” by Desmond Shum and “” by Bethany Allen for those interested in a deeper reading of the challenges U.S. businesses face in China. /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/34589665

Bucky Apisdorf, President and CEO of Let’s Do Something 11/23/2024

Bucky Apisdorf, President and CEO of Let’s Do Something Frank Lavin talks about the mid-east with Bucky Apisdorf, President and CEO of the Israeli charity, , formed after the tragic attacks of Oct 7, 2023. We discuss how this calamity affected Israel, the Palestinians, and prospects for peace. Bucky recommend’s Herman Wouk’s magisterial novels of World War II, “” and “” /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/34115821

Anil Ananthaswamy, Author Of Why Machines Learn 11/11/2024

Anil Ananthaswamy, Author Of Why Machines Learn Frank Lavin talks with , journalist and author to discuss the role of artificial intelligence. We discuss Anil’s book, “” which examines machine learning and the origins of AI, and we learn of Anil’s recommendation of Anil Seth’s “.” /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/33883337

Jonathan Martin, Senior Political Writer, Politico 10/14/2024

Jonathan Martin, Senior Political Writer, Politico Frank Lavin talks with Jonathan Martin, Senior Political Writer, Politico, to discuss the 2024 presidential race and what Harris and Trump each need to do in the final stretch. We also discuss Jonathan’s book, “,” as well as Richard Ben Cramer’s masterpiece of the 1988 presidential campaign, “.” At least one swear word in this episode. If you need more than that, you can listen again. /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/33457482

Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for New American Security 10/07/2024

Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for New American Security Frank Lavin talks with , CEO of the , to discuss why the U.S. should shift from a Europe-oriented foreign policy to an Asia-oriented one. We review recent developments in U.S.-Asia policy in a discussion of Richard’s book, “,” written with Robert Blackwill. Richard also recommends David Fromkin’s, “,” a look at the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, with implications for the Mideast of today. /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/33362277

Jason Hsu from the Kennedy School of Government 08/12/2024

Jason Hsu from the Kennedy School of Government Frank Lavin talks with from the Kennedy School of Government, discussing semiconductors and Taiwan-China-U.S. relations. Appropriately, Jason’s book recommendation is Thomas Schelling’s, , the classic work of deterrence theory and Sun Tzu’s . /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/32546792

Alexander Downer, Former Foreign Minister of Australia 07/15/2024

Alexander Downer, Former Foreign Minister of Australia Frank Lavin discusses the Indo-Pacific region with Alexander Downer, former Foreign Minister of Australia. We discuss China, AUKUS, India, Indonesia, Ukraine - and most consequentially, the role of the U.S. The book we discuss is by Jonathan Haidt. /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/32145052

Renee DiResta, Internet Disinformation Analyst 06/21/2024

Renee DiResta, Internet Disinformation Analyst Frank Lavin talks with , Internet disinformation analyst. How does misinformation and disinformation travel so rapidly on the Internet and what steps can be taken to push back? How will this affect U.S. elections or U.S. support for Ukraine? Books discussed include , Peter Pomerantsev’s and Annalee Newitz’s . /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/31839822

Alexander Radwan, Member of the German Bundestag (Parliament) 05/28/2024

Alexander Radwan, Member of the German Bundestag (Parliament) Frank Lavin talks with , Member of the German Bundestag (Parliament). Alexander formerly served in the Bavarian state Parliament and in the European Parliament, all of which makes him well-grounded in national, regional, and international issues. The discussion includes Russia’s war in Ukraine, the success and future of the European Union, anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protests on U.S. campuses, and immigration. Books discussed include Ian Kershaw, and Theo Waigel, . This visit was supported by the and the . /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/31504617

Mike Murphy, Political Analyst and Presidential Campaign Strategist 05/20/2024

Mike Murphy, Political Analyst and Presidential Campaign Strategist Frank Lavin talks with Mike Murphy, political analyst, presidential campaign strategist, and host of the “” podcast discusses 2024, the debates, Trump’s running mate, Trump’s legal problems, the prospects for unrest at the Democratic convention, the down-ballot races, and . Books discussed include Sasha Issenberg, ; Ralph G. Martin, ; Ed Flynn, ; Tim Crouse, ; and Hunter S. Thompson, . /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/31386137

Presidential Historian and Attorney Talmage Boston 04/29/2024

Presidential Historian and Attorney Talmage Boston Frank Lavin talks with presidential historian and attorney Talmage Boston on presidential leadership and what constitutes a "great" president. The books discussed are , by Talmage Boston and , by Jon Meacham. /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/31041223

Discussion With Cellist and Author Steven Isserlis 04/20/2024

Discussion With Cellist and Author Steven Isserlis Frank Lavin talks with world-renowned cellist , currently on a concert tour in the U.S. The conversation ranges from and Lenin to Amor Towles and prospects for Labour beating the Tories. Books Discussed , by Rohinton Mistry by Steven Isserlis by Amor Towles /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/30908788

Discussion with "China After Mao" author Frank Dikötter 03/25/2024

Discussion with "China After Mao" author Frank Dikötter Frank Lavin meets with noted Chinese historian Frank Dikötter to discuss his latest book, "" and to examine China's economic record in the post-Mao era. Books discussed , by Desmond Shrum , by Frank Dikotter /episode/index/show/068ccc1e-73a6-4796-ac98-f2cec8477eec/id/30539943

Books and Insight with Frank Lavin

TOPICS