96. Measuring Up to Expectations

This episode of All the Best, features a look back at our first 100 Episodes. Sam LeBlond takes a stroll through some favorite highlights of our many guests. We listen in as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks of making popcorn with Mrs. Bush, and an incident of extended grace during a lobster mishap with a young Ben Mulroney. Sam also takes us back to Brad Meltzer's endearing relationship with the Bushes, and a touching tribute from our nation's 61st Secretary of State, James A. Baker, III. Join us as we reminisce about some of our favorite moments. 

On this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Canadian television host turned advocate, Ben Mulroney. They reminisce about the years Ben's father, former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney overlapped with the Presidency of George H. W. Bush. Ben speaks of the special times he was able to share with George and Barbara Bush during these years, and the remarkable friendship his father had with President Bush. You'll also hear Sam and Ben express fond memories of Maine and enjoy a big laugh regarding a near mishap with Barbara Bush during an international summit.

In this episode of "All the Best", Sam LeBlond speaks with executive producer and director Jeffrey Roth about making the George Herbert Walker Bush documentary "41". They discuss President Bush and Mr. Roth's touching first meeting…and how the project almost didn't happen. Mr. Roth shares what he learned from the Bush family and how two years of filmmaking blossomed into a trusting friendship, allowing him to tell the story of "41".

In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with author Don J. Snyder about the Caddie School for Soldiers, which was founded by Mr. Snyder.  They discuss the importance of helping the modern veteran, the parallels between soldiers and caddies, and remembering that while "we can never do enough, we can always try to do more."

In this episode, Sam LeBlond talks with Congressman Bill Archer about his friendship with George Herbert Walker Bush. They discuss their shared history in Texas politics, the importance of giving back, their political parallels, how Archer counseled GHWB when seeking out the Vice Presidency, and how fiscal responsibility may have cost GHWB re-election.

In this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Tom Frechette, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. Frechette discusses his early years working for George and Barbara Bush in Kennebunkport, recalls the logistical challenges of traveling with the president, and fondly looks back and laughs about one of his early gaffes as an aide to Bush 41.

This episode was originally released on May 5, 2021. In this encore presentation, Sam LeBlond is joined by former Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Listen as they discuss how Dole and George H. W. Bush transformed a political rivalry into a friendship, legislation that they crafted together, the importance of service, and his salute that captured the nation. To read the full transcript of this episode visit  https://www.georgeandbarbarabush.org/podcast-transcript/.

In this episode of All the Best, Sam LeBlond is joined by Jim Appleby, the former personal aide to George H. W. Bush during his post-presidency years. They discuss Jim's introduction to George and Barbara Bush as a teenage 'yard lad' and reminisce about the various international trips he embarked on with the former President. Jim also reflects on the "41" legacy documentary, boat trips with the former president, and the iconic picture of George H. W. Bush with the U.S. Women's water polo team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In this episode, Sam LeBlond is joined by the Honorable Sigmund Rogich, Las Vegas businessman, former Ambassador to Iceland, and close friend of George H. W. and Barbara Bush. They discuss Rogich's work on Bush 41's 1988 presidential campaign (including his famous "Revolving Door" ad), explore his passion for business and education, and laugh over a story involving a necktie.

This week, Sam LeBlond sits down with former White House nurse Paula Trivette. They discuss her journey from being one of 18 siblings to her time in the military and eventually serving as nurse to Presidents Reagan and Bush 41. Paula also talks about George H. W. Bush's fateful trip to Japan and a secret fan club spotlighting the fun President Bush loved to have and share.