Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

The Smart Women, Smart Power biweekly podcast features powerful, in-depth conversations with women leaders from around the globe who are experts in foreign policy, national security, international business, and international development. It ranks among the top non-profit and government podcasts and was named one of Apple iTunes “Best of 2015.” SWSP Director Beverly Kirk moderates the podcast series.

Podcast Episodes

Brave and Bold Heroes: The Kung Fu Nuns Story

November 20, 2019

Konchok and Migyur are Kung Fu Nuns from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism in Nepal. They and Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Carrie Lee joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss Kung Fu’s role in promoting gender equality in the Western Himalayas. They also discussed their work on the environment and as first responders following the 2015 earthquake.

Venture Capital, Social Impact and STEM Ed

November 13, 2019

Dr. Barbara Burger, president of Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), joined guest host Melissa Dalton to discuss how CTV operates and how its work is impacting communities. They also discussed the importance of STEM education and finding allies.
 

Bipartisan Roadmap for Syria-Turkey Conflict

November 7, 2019

Syria Study Group co-Chair Dana Stroul and Commission member Melissa Dalton discuss the group’s findings, the state of the Syria-Turkey conflict following the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and international influence in the region.

 

Foreign Aid and International Affairs Spending

October 23, 2019

House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) joined us for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation on foreign aid and international affairs spending. Moderated by Nina Easton, the pair also discussed why it’s important to invest in women and girls worldwide.

NatSecGirlSquad Talks Competent Diversity

October 9, 2019

NatSecGirlSquad Founder Maggie Feldman-Piltch explains how the group’s commitment to women in security and defense extends beyond career advice and networking and why “competent diversity” is key to inclusion in the defense and security sector.

Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality

September 25, 2019

This panel discussion looked at progress being made toward achieving gender equality in developing countries and the challenges women and girls still face. The conversation features moderator Beverly Kirk and guests Zoe Dean-Smith, Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana, Johanna Nesseth Tuttle, and Astri Kimball Van Dyke.

Women, Combat, and Selective Service

September 11, 2019

CSIS non-resident Senior Associate Monica Medina joined Beverly Kirk to discuss progress being made regarding women in military combat roles. She also talked about a court ruling from earlier this year that said excluding women from Selective Service registration is unconstitutional. That court decision is being appealed.

Women Helping Women in National Security

August 28, 2019

Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss how she navigated her career in the State Department and how her organization, Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security, is helping to increase the number of young women in the field.

Failing Faster to Succeed

August 21, 2019

Liz Smith, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands and deputy chair of the Atlanta Fed, joined Beverly Kirk to talk about the importance of embracing your failures in the workplace, learning the lessons, and moving on quickly. They also discussed her mission of creating gender parity on corporate boards.

Bankruptcy Courts and National Security

August 7, 2019

Cyber & Tech Attorney Camille Stewart talks with host Beverly Kirk about how U.S. adversaries access sensitive national security technologies and intellectual property through bankruptcy proceedings. They also discuss what’s being done to better protect information when companies fail.