In this episode of Policy Chats, Former US Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine joins hosts Dori Pham and Ari Chung to discuss the inner workings of U.S. foreign policymaking, the value of diplomacy and local expertise, crisis management, counterterrorism, post-conflict governance, and the challenges of translating strategic goals into effective action. Through her experiences in the Middle East, she provides insight into how foreign policy decisions are made, how they unfold in practice, and why diplomacy remains a critical tool for advancing U.S. interests abroad.

The conversation covers common challenges diplomats face, including uncertainty, incomplete information, cultural differences, and local resistance. Ambassador Bodine also discusses lessons learned from the USS Cole bombing and how foreign policy processes change during crises.

The episode concludes reflecting on the practical realities of diplomacy and the lessons she hopes future policymakers and diplomats will carry forward.

Topics Covered

• How foreign policy is formulated within the U.S. government and the key actors and influences involved in the decision-making process.

• The role of diplomats, embassy reporting, and regional expertise

• The importance of local political, social, and cultural knowledge when designing foreign policy.

• Foreign policy lessons from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq.

• The relationship between military operations, political planning, governance, and diplomacy.

• The importance of relationship-building and preventive diplomacy before crises occur.

• Preparing and mentoring the next generation of diplomats and foreign policy professionals.

📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions for the region solutions for the world.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.

🎧 Guest Speaker: Former US Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine

🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Ari Chung

🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha

🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp

👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Ambassador Ronald Neumann joins host Dori Pham and Liam Burley to discuss diplomacy in conflict environments. Drawing on his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain, and Afghanistan, he explains how effective diplomacy relies on trust, patience, local knowledge, and credibility.The conversation covers diplomatic leadership in unstable regions, the relationship between military action and political strategy, and current U.S. foreign policy challenges involving Iran, Gulf security, and regional alliances.The episode concludes with reflections on post-escalation diplomacy, trust-building, and how foreign policy is shaped in Washington.Topics Covered- Diplomacy in conflict environments and regions shaped by instability- The importance of trust, credibility, and personal relationships in diplomacy- Why diplomats must understand local politics, factions, and networks- The limits of conducting diplomacy through email, phone calls, or virtual meetings- Lessons from Afghanistan on the relationship between military action and political strategy- The risks of using force without a clear political framework- U.S.-Iran tensions, negotiation challenges, and defining realistic political goals- The role of Gulf States and shifting regional security concernsConcerns about U.S. credibility and the rise of alternative partnerships with countries like China📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions for the region solutions for the world.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Ambassador Ronald Neumann🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Vir Sinha🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Nick Maduros joins host Dori Pham to discuss how California is modernizing state government and improving public service delivery. Drawing on his leadership experience, he highlights the challenges of reforming legacy systems, streamlining operations, and building a more efficient and responsive government.The conversation explores key barriers to reform, including outdated procurement, complex hiring processes, and a culture focused on compliance over outcomes. Secretary Maduros also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in expanding access to government jobs while maintaining accountability.The episode concludes with reflections on public service careers, the importance of effective policy implementation, and the need to rebuild public trust in government.🔍 Topics Covered:- Reforming outdated government systems and addressing legacy bureaucratic structures- The shift from compliance-driven processes to results-oriented governance- Streamlining hiring and improving access to public sector careers- The role of artificial intelligence in modernizing government services- Workforce development and building pipelines from universities to public service- Challenges in competing with the private sector on pay and talent recruitment- The importance of implementation in policymaking, not just legislation- Public trust, efficiency, and the future of democratic governance- Why purpose and impact remain central to careers in government📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Nick Maduros🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Liam Burley🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.🔑 Key Topics Covered

In this episode of Policy Chats, Mark Takano joins host Dori Pham to discuss his journey from educator to policymaker and how his background shapes his approach to public service. Drawing on over two decades as a public school teacher and his leadership in Congress, he shares insights on education reform, veterans’ policy, and the realities of navigating complex legislation. The conversation highlights how lived experience informs policymaking and why long-term structural change is essential in addressing inequality.The episode explores Takano’s work on education and workforce development, including the importance of college readiness, equitable access, and supporting multilingual students. It also examines his leadership on veterans’ issues, particularly the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act, and the challenges of recognizing and addressing long-term health impacts from military service. The discussion concludes with reflections on policymaking as a gradual, collaborative process and the importance of persistence in achieving meaningful reform.🔍 Topics Covered:- How teaching experience shapes leadership, communication, and policymaking- Education inequality and the need for systemic reform from K–12 to higher education- College readiness, early college programs, and reducing remediation barriers- Supporting multilingual and first-generation students in the education system- Advocacy for veterans and addressing exploitation by for-profit colleges- The development and impact of the Honoring Our PACT Act- Why policymaking takes time: negotiation, cost, and political coordination- The importance of recognizing long-term and “invisible” effects of military service- The role of persistence and collaboration in driving policy change📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Mark Takano, U.S. Congressman representing California’s 39th District🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Urban Cross, Dean's Ambassador 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Thomas Countryman joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and the realities of nuclear arms control policymaking. Drawing on his experience as Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, he explains how negotiations actually work inside government and why consistency is critical in preventing nuclear proliferation. The conversation explores the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, current U.S.–Iran tensions, and the challenges of balancing ideal goals with practical outcomes in diplomacy. The episode concludes with insights on the future of global arms control and why sustained dialogue remains essential in reducing nuclear risk.🔍 Topics Covered:- Thomas Countryman’s path to becoming a career diplomat- The role of the State Department in arms control and nonproliferation- How diplomacy works behind the scenes vs. public perception- The importance of consistency in nuclear nonproliferation policy- The 2015 Iran nuclear deal and lessons from its negotiation- Current U.S.–Iran tensions and challenges in modern diplomacy- The role of NGOs like the Arms Control Association in shaping policy- The future of global arms control and nuclear risk reduction📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Thomas Countryman, former Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation and Chair of the Board of the Arms Control Association🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and key moments in U.S. foreign policy. Drawing on his experience in Cuba and at the United Nations, he explains how trust, emotional intelligence, and negotiation shape diplomatic outcomes. The conversation explores the 2015 U.S.–Cuba normalization, challenges in global conflict such as U.S.–Iran tensions, and why diplomacy remains essential in preventing escalation. The episode concludes with practical advice for students interested in pursuing a career in the foreign service.🔍 Topics Covered:- Ambassador DeLaurentis’s path to becoming a career diplomat- How Georgetown SFS and Columbia SIPA shape diplomatic training- U.S.–Cuba relations and the 2015 normalization process- Comparing bilateral vs. multilateral negotiations- Diplomacy in times of conflict, including U.S.–Iran tensions- Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis and nuclear negotiations- Career advice for students interested in the foreign service📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, former U.S. Ambassador for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations and former Chargé d’Affaires in Cuba🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside, joins Dean Mark Long, host Dori Pham and Shivani Narang to discuss how place based policy and community design shape public health and longevity. Drawing on her background in local government and nonprofit leadership, Edwards explains how the Blue Zones model turns global research into practical strategies for local communities.The conversation examines key challenges in implementing health focused policy, including community engagement, barriers in the built environment, and the limits of long term public health evidence. Edwards highlights the need for cities to act on best practices and adapt policies to local needs.The episode also explores how the Blue Zones Project drives change through its focus on people, places, and policy. From walkability and food access to tobacco regulation and workplace wellbeing, Edwards shows how local actions can build healthier and more connected communities.The episode concludes by reflecting on sustainability and how Riverside’s efforts contribute to broader public health change over time.🔍 Topics Covered:- The Blue Zones framework and the “Power Nine” principles of longevity- The role of community engagement in local policymaking- Structural barriers to building healthier urban environments- Challenges of evidence-based policymaking in public health- Place-based policies: walkability, food systems, and tobacco regulation- The three pillars of Blue Zones: people, places, and policy- Public-private partnerships and community-based implementation- Measuring success through wellbeing data and long-term indicators- Sustainability and scaling local health initiatives nationally📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Erin Edwards, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project Riverside🎙️ Hosted by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Shivani Narang🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

In this episode of Policy Chats, Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, sits down with host Dori Pham to discuss education policy and the role of school choice in expanding opportunity for students. Drawing on his experience in education reform, Mitchell explains how policies such as charter schools, education savings accounts, and voucher programs aim to give families more options and improve educational outcomes.The conversation explores key debates surrounding school choice, including accountability, funding structures, and equity. Mitchell also discusses how competition and innovation can influence school quality and how policymakers attempt to balance parental choice with oversight.The episode concludes with a reflection on how education policy shapes economic mobility and why future policymakers must carefully consider incentives, institutional design, and long-term investment in education.🔍 Topics Covered:-The foundations and goals of modern school choice policy-Charter schools, vouchers, and education savings accounts-Expanding educational opportunity for underserved communities-The relationship between competition, innovation, and school quality-Policy debates around accountability and public funding-Balancing parental choice with oversight and equity-Education policy as a pathway to economic mobility📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and features insights that align with our motto: “Solutions for the Region, Solutions for the World.”Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow, American Federation for ChildrenInterviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Andrew Shannon, Dean's Brand Ambassador🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.