Navigating Energy, Policy, and Economic Change with Jennifer Granholm

Navigating Energy, Policy, and Economic Change with Jennifer Granholm

What if America’s energy future—and millions of jobs—hinged on one hard decision in a small Michigan town? In this powerful episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with transformational leader Jennifer Granholm—former Michigan Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy—to reveal how the loss of a single factory unraveled the heart of American manufacturing, and how bold decisions in the face of devastation sparked a clean energy renaissance now reshaping both the nation and the world. Highlights include Jennifer Granholm’s raw account of battling the Great Recession, negotiating the auto industry rescue, building a “Michigan model” for clean energy, and pioneering strategies that brought 950 new factories and millions of jobs to the U.S. She pulls back the curtain on supply chain challenges, her vision of a smarter grid, the surprising upsides of data centers, and how public-private partnerships—if done right—can create a stronger, sustainable economy. The episode closes with candid insights on policy “yo-yoing” and the essential steps needed for America’s energy future. Episode Overview: [00:00] Introduction & Jennifer Granholm’s public service calling[07:10] Breaking barriers as Michigan’s first female governor and attorney general[08:37] The Great Recession: loss of manufacturing, Electrolux story[13:48] Diversifying Michigan’s economy & birth of green jobs[14:35] Trade agreements and their impact on the Democratic Party[14:41] The auto industry rescue and push for electric vehicles[18:28] Fighting to keep manufacturing in the U.S. and evolving industrial strategy[20:44] Supply chains, industrial clusters & international investment[22:56] Why Jennifer Granholm never ran for Senate[23:09] Transition to U.S. Secretary of Energy[25:28] Nationalizing the Michigan model: Inflation Reduction Act details[28:40] Results: 950 new clean energy factories, millions of jobs[30:45] What is “the grid” and why should we care?[34:14] Creating a smarter grid: who pays, who benefits[36:38] Data centers—threat or opportunity?[39:14] Guardrails, jobs, and community benefits[43:13] Policy “yo-yo effect” and energy future priorities[44:42] Batteries, solar, wind, and nuclear—balancing the energy mix[48:14] Jennifer Granholm’s magic wand: real solutions for America’s energy[49:38] Designated Survivor and final reflections[51:44] Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

Navigating the Center Left: Debbie Cox Bultan on Democratic Party Dynamics and the New Deal

What if the Democratic Party’s “radical” center is actually its hidden powerhouse? This episode of Unconventional Times explodes the myth that moderates are an endangered species, as Richard Gordon sits down with Debbie Cox Bultan—CEO of New Deal and a champion of pragmatic, center-left leadership—to reveal how the real future of the party might surprise you. Key highlights include: * Debbie Cox Bultan’s journey from college service projects to political leadership, and what keeps her fighting for democracy (02:36) * The truth about the Democratic “center left”—and why it’s alive, thriving, and crucial for electoral success (10:51) * How New Deal is building the next generation of pragmatic leaders and what’s really working at the state and local level (18:30) * Why the best politics is the best governing, and how local voices can turn the tide for Democrats (33:31) * A forward look at the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race—with some surprising optimism for the future (48:31) Episode Overview: 00:00 Intro and show open 02:36 Debbie’s path into Democratic politics and public service 10:51 Is the center left dead? (Spoiler: It’s not—and here’s why) 18:30 What is New Deal? Building a bench of pragmatic state and local leaders 33:31 Lessons from New Deal’s election report—Why local wins matter 42:11 Issue lightning round (Trump, bipartisanship, the party brand) 46:23 “An Honorable Profession” podcast and how to support the New Deal 48:31 Predictions for 2026, 2028, and closing thoughts 54:47 Outro 55:10 End

Saving Lives and Shaping Policy: Jonathan Winer on Libya, Iran, and US Foreign Relations - Part 1

What does it take to rescue 3,000 lives from imminent massacre—and what lessons can it teach today’s policymakers? On this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon welcomes Jonathan Winer, former U.S. Special Envoy to Libya, whose extraordinary behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts not only averted tragedy for Iranian dissidents in Iraq, but also shaped policy across some of the world’s hottest flashpoints. From the rescue of the Mujahideen-e-Khalq to deep dives on the Libya crisis, to rare insights on U.S.-China relations and the real stakes behind global supply chains, this is a candid conversation packed with revelations, humor, and geopolitical expertise. Key Highlights: * The harrowing story behind saving thousands from massacre, and how U.S. diplomatic muscle and alliances worked to make it happen. * The true story of Libya post-Gaddafi and hard lessons in nation-building. * Unvarnished takes on the U.S.-China relationship, supply chain dependencies, and the misunderstood Taiwan question. * Why tariffs may be hurting American consumers and what real solutions look like for America’s economic future. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Introduction and setup 02:00 Jonathan Winer's role in preventing the massacre of Iranian dissidents 06:45 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and the fate of the Mujahideen-e-Khalq 11:13 Negotiating for MEK resettlement and the role of Albania 15:18 Parallels to U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan 16:05 Jonathan Winer's mission in Libya post-Benghazi 19:17 How Libya changed after Gaddafi 22:08 Challenges of Libyan governance and zero-sum politics 26:56 Libya’s descent into factionalism and rise of ISIS 32:56 The state of democracy and stability in Libya 33:19 Transition to U.S.-China summit discussion 37:45 The reality of U.S.-China economic interdependence 40:25 The stakes of technology, rare earths, and Taiwan 43:02 Tech transfer, tariffs, and manufacturing jobs 46:18 U.S. investment in chip manufacturing and supply chain security 48:39 Mining, resources, and the Greenland question 49:36 Summit outcomes and future of U.S.-China relations

Virginia at a Crossroads: David Ramadan Discusses Party Shifts and Election Integrity

What if the fate of America’s political future hinged on the hidden tragedy of redistricting—and the only person with both the insider experience and outsider’s humility to reveal its impact is a Lebanese immigrant who once carried $2,000 and a dream into the U.S.? In this episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with David Ramadan—the first adult immigrant ever elected to Virginia’s House of Delegates—to pull back the curtain on the gritty realities of American democracy. From Beirut bombings to gerrymandering battles in Virginia, David Ramadan shares his extraordinary journey and the personal and political transformations that led him from being an idealistic volunteer to a Republican office holder, and finally to a “politically homeless” reformer. This episode dives into the devastating costs of partisanship over principle, why so many modern politicians choose career over integrity, and how new Supreme Court decisions could reshape communities and the future of both parties. Plus, get a rare first-hand look at the most explosive redistricting saga in Virginia’s history—and why the public needs to pay attention now. Episode Overview: [00:00] Introduction and episode setup[00:25] David Ramadan's background and early life in Lebanon[02:25] Inspiration for entering Virginia politics[06:00] Why David Ramadan became a Republican[09:00] Campaign experience, challenges, and historic win[11:08] Leaving the Republican Party during the Trump era[14:04] Legislative accomplishments, especially on voting rights[17:03] Reflections on party, public service, and redistricting[18:14] Critique of Trump’s impact on the GOP[22:21] Can the Republican Party be fixed?[24:44] Integrity, party loyalty, and tough political choices[27:12] Voting record—standing on principle and compromise[29:56] Insights on gerrymandering and redistricting[36:46] The latest on Virginia’s explosive redistricting showdown[48:42] Impact of Supreme Court Voting Rights Act decisions[52:05] Can fair representation exist—and is losing elections really so bad?[56:23] Where do both parties go from here?[59:10] Closing reflections on what’s broken—and what’s worth fighting for

Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah: David Ramadan Analyzes the Roots and Future of the Conflict

Did you know JFK's iconic words, "Ask not what your country can do for you," actually originated from a Lebanese poet? In this compelling episode of Unconventional Times, Richard Gordon sits down with Lebanese-born scholar and former legislator David Ramadan for an eye-opening exploration of Lebanon’s hidden war on Israel’s northern border. As international headlines focus on Iran and Gaza, this episode spotlights the overlooked conflict between Israel and Hezbollah—the Iranian-backed militia operating within Lebanon. David Ramadan unpacks the tangled realities of Lebanon’s fragmented sovereignty, reveals the human impact of daily bombings and mass displacement, and explains why the Lebanese government can't—or won’t—rein in Hezbollah. Discover why peace talks may be doomed from the start, how Iran keeps Hezbollah alive, and why some Lebanese now quietly wish for peace with Israel. Candid, insightful, and full of surprising revelations, this episode will change how you see the Middle East's most misunderstood front. Episode Overview 00:00 Intro and episode setup 00:31 Spotlight on the Israel-Lebanon conflict 02:31 David Ramadan introduction and background 03:12 Lebanon’s geography, history, and people 05:27 Lebanon’s tangled wars and Hezbollah’s rise 10:26 Iran’s influence and Hezbollah as a “state within a state” 13:09 Is it really Israel vs. Lebanon or Israel vs. Hezbollah? 15:12 The challenge of peace negotiations 17:21 Displaced civilians and Lebanon’s warzone reality 22:03 Why now? The October 6th turning point 26:53 Why hasn’t the Lebanese government acted? 30:36 Weapons, Iran’s resupply, and Iranian officers in Lebanon 34:11 The UN’s failed peacekeeping mission 37:24 What would it take for a real solution? 40:53 Regional politics and why Arab countries won’t intervene 41:23 The shifting support for Hezbollah inside Lebanon 44:22 Destruction of homes and emotional impact 47:16 What can Israel do? The challenges for nation-states vs. militias 49:55 Support for Israel vs. support for its current government 51:59 Media narratives, American politics, and final reflections 53:09 Episode wrap-up and closing remarks