There’s a podcast about everything these days, and podcasts are quickly becoming a main form of getting news, information, and learning new things. As America reengages with the world, we have the opportunity to connect foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service with the daily lives of Americans. Can podcasts help break through the perennial challenge to communicate who we are and what we do on behalf of the American people? Sharing stories is an effective way to illustrate the work and relevance of the Foreign Service. However, translating a complicated and complex issue into a compelling story is an art form in and of itself. The Foreign Service is fortunate to have current and former colleagues creating interesting and compelling podcasts. Join us for a discussion with two of these colleagues: Ambassador (ret.) Pete Romero, host of the podcast American Diplomat, and Ambassador (ret.) Deborah McCarthy, host of the podcast The General and the Ambassador. During the program we’ll learn more about their craft in identifying interesting guests, simplifying complicated stories, and how they see their work helping the Foreign Service. With podcasts accessible to anyone with a smart phone, tablet, or computer, and just one click away, they offer an interesting opportunity to tell the story of the Foreign Service.  Click here to register. 

On the AFSA website you will find links to these podcasts and others by members of the Foreign Service.  We are always looking for new content to include so please send any suggestions to member@afsa.org.  

About the Guests: 

For those that know him, Pete Romero delights in listening and telling stories, firmly believing that honing these skills can not only be professionally rewarding but also life-enriching. He was honored to have had a twenty-five-year career as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service. In his last three postings, he was head of our embassy in El Salvador, U.S. Ambassador in Quito, Ecuador and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Read more.

Ambassador (ret) Deborah A. McCarthy is an expert on U.S. foreign and national security policy with over 30 years of diplomatic experience.  Currently, she is a Fellow at Harvard University in the Advanced Leadership Initiative. Previously, Ambassador McCarthy was a visiting Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. During her diplomatic career, she was the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania (2013-2016).  She also served as the Deputy Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Greece and the U.S.  Embassy in Nicaragua. In Washington, she was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Senior Advisor for Counter Terrorism and Special Coordinator for Venezuela. Read more.