Host Mark Updegrove interviews preeminent thought leaders—historians, authors, journalists, filmmakers, and others—about issues throughout our history, the complicated times in which we are living, and matters vital to America's future.
Season 2
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston on his storied acting career, including his iconic roles as Walter White and LBJ.
Andrew Young
Andrew Young on his legendary life, including his civil rights work with Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doris K. Goodwin (Part I)
Doris Kearns Goodwin on her work and path to becoming a presidential historian.
Doris K. Goodwin (Part 2)
Doris Kearns Goodwin on her book about her late husband’s work with JFK, LBJ, and RFK.
Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on leadership, bipartisanship, and public service.
Lawrence Wright (Part 1)
Lawrence Wright on his book The Human Scale and the political complexities of the Middle East.
Lawrence Wright (Part 2)
Lawrence Wright on the Israel-Hamas War and whether peace might be achieved in the Middle East.
David Hogg
David Hogg discusses the Parkland school shooting and how it led to his life as an activist.
Ali Velshi
MSNBC’s Ali Velshi on his family’s inspiring story and the state of democracy.
Peniel Joseph
Historian Peniel Joseph on 1963 as an inflection point in the quest for civil rights.
Jonathan Alter
Veteran journalist Jonathan Alter on his career and the state of media today.
Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper on moderating the 2024 presidential debate and his blockbuster book “Original Sin.
Season 1
Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson shares her insights on how the U.S. can overcome its current challenges.
Bill McRaven
Admiral William McRaven offers leadership advice from his book, "The Wisdom of the Bullfrog".
Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein (Part I)
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein reflect on their early careers and the Watergate scandal.
Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein (Part II)
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein compare the media and politics of 2024 to the 1970s.
Melody Barnes
Melody Barnes offers her thoughts on civics education, faith in government, and Joe Biden.
Nicole Hemmer
Nicole Hemmer discusses Partisans and the GOP since the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Meet the Host
Mark K. Updegrove
Mark K. Updegrove is the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and serves as Presidential Historian for ABC News.
Support the LBJ Foundation
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library preserves and protects the historical materials in the collections of the Johnson Library, making them readily accessible to the public, and increases public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibitions and educational programs.
Press Release
Austin PBS and the LBJ Foundation Launch Live From the LBJ Library with Mark Updegrove: A Thoughtful New Program on Critical American Issues.
In Partnership with Austin PBS
Austin PBS
Austin PBS, Austin's community licensed public television station, bringing exceptional educational television to the Central Texas community.
Our Sponsors
"The LBJ Library has a rich tradition of bringing through its doors the biggest names and best minds of our day to address the issues of our times. We want to bring these thought-provoking, entertaining conversations to a broader audience. Our partnership with Austin PBS allows us to engage audiences across the country."
