Live from the LBJ Library with Mark Updegrove – Season 3
LBJ Foundation CEO, author and historian, Mark Updegrove interviews preeminent thought leaders—historians, authors, journalists, filmmakers, and others—about issues vital to America's future, including the state of our democracy and the importance of strong leadership.
Episodes
Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams became the first African American to serve as Georgia House Minority Leader, ran a historic campaign in the Georgia gubernatorial race, and continues to be a guardian of voting rights. She discusses the decades-long effort to dismantle the Voting Rights Act, the dangers of creeping authoritarianism, and what we can do to protect our fragile democracy.
America 250 Compilation
'Live from the LBJ Library' celebrates America's 250th birthday by looking back at moments in the show that shed light on the American experience and our nation's rich history with reflections from Doris Kearns Goodwin, Andrew Young, Heather Cox Richardson, Bryan Cranston, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and others.
Richard Linklater
For over 40 years, Richard Linklater has made eclectic and iconic movies including 'Dazed and Confused,' 'School of Rock,' and 'Boyhood,' and his latest acclaimed films, 'Nouvelle Vague' and 'Blue Moon.' He reflects on his approach to filmmaking, the places and people that have inspired his craft, and his thoughts on the distinct character of the American film industry.
Stanley McChrystal
Stanley McChrystal served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, rising to the rank of Four-Star General. He was the Commander of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and Joint Special Operations Command. His expertise in leadership has led to six books. He discusses his latest, On Character, and the choices we make that reflect who we are and define our lives.
Amy Coney Barrett Pt 1
In this two-part interview, conducted in front of a live audience at the LBJ Library, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett talks to Mark about her book, Listening to the Law, her background in New Orleans, what she learned from her Supreme Court clerkship with the late Justice Antonin Scalia, and why, despite differences, the Supreme Court remains an example of bipartisan civility.
Amy Coney Barrett Pt 2
In part two of our interview with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, conducted in front of a live audience at the LBJ Library around her book, Listening to the Law, Justice Barrett talks to Mark about the court's decision-making process, the dramatic rise of "shadow dockets," and why she believes Americans should have faith in our government.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr is, well, Ringo Starr. The legendary drummer talks to Mark about his 2026 album, 'Long, Long Road,' his deep-rooted love of country music, the magic of the Beatles, and memories that stand out from those storied Beatles years.
T Bone Burnett
In part one of this episode, legendary drummer, Ringo Starr, and Grammy and Oscar-winning music producer, T Bone Burnett, talk to Mark about their collaboration on Starr's album, 'Long, Long Road' and why the Beatles continue to capture our imagination. In part two, Burnett discusses playing guitar for Bob Dylan, what characterizes American music, and changes in the music industry today.
Jonathan Capehart
Jonathan Capehart is a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, co-host of MS NOW's The Weekend, and author of the 2025 memoir, Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home. He discusses his unlikely journey to becoming a journalist and the state of race and democracy today.