Noshing With Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D. – October 10, 2024
10/10/24 • 27 min
Author, Be The Weight Behind The Spear
This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg dives deep into a compelling conversation with Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D., author of the acclaimed book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear.
Read The Full Transcript Watch Full Podcast VideoDr. McConkey’s Leadership Ethos: Be The Weight Behind The Spear
The episode opens with Dr. McConkey explaining the inspiration behind his book’s title, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. He reveals how this concept serves as his personal leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of supporting those at the forefront. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. McConkey has extensively worked with military personnel who embody the “tip of the spear,” putting themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation. His book delves into the critical role played by the “weight behind the spear” – those who provide the essential support structure that empowers our frontline heroes to succeed.
Leadership in the Age of COVID-19
Dr. McConkey expresses his concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the younger generation. He observes a decline in face-to-face communication skills and a sense of entitlement among some youth. He attributes this, in part, to a lack of strong leadership development during these formative years.
Building a Stronger Community: Everyone Has a Role to Play
Dr. McConkey passionately advocates for fostering a more engaged citizenry. He emphasizes the importance of getting everyone involved in their communities, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in America
The conversation sheds light on the concerning rise in mental health issues across the United States. Dr. McConkey, an ER doctor with over 20 years of experience, offers valuable insights into this critical public health challenge.
Why Social Media Might Not Be the Answer for Our Youth
Dr. McConkey sheds light on his decision to restrict his children’s access to social media accounts. He expresses his concerns about the potential negative influences of social media on young minds, particularly when it comes to social interaction and mental well-being.
From Winning the Lottery to Leading in Iraq: Dr. McConkey’s Life-Changing Experiences
The podcast delves into Dr. McConkey’s fascinating life journey. He shares the story of how he “won the lottery” (referring to a fortunate turn of events) and how his experiences serving in Iraq profoundly impacted him as a person.
Holding Kids Accountable: A Cornerstone of Strong Leadership
Dr. McConkey underscores the importance of holding children accountable for their actions. He emphasizes that this fosters responsibility, resilience, and essential life skills.
Empowering Teachers: Building the Next Generation of Leaders
The episode highlights Dr. McConkey’s strong advocacy for empowering teachers. He recognizes the crucial role educators play in shaping young minds and believes they deserve greater support and resources.
Mentorship for the “COVID Generation”: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Dr. McConkey proposes one-on-one mentorship as a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower the “COVID generation” with the leadership skills they need to thrive. He emphasizes that mentorship can be fostered organically within communities and doesn’t require expensive programs.
Leadership, Integrity, and Accountability: Free and Priceless
Dr. McConkey delivers a powerful message: the core values of leadership, integrity, and accountability can be taught and instilled without a hefty price tag. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of responsibility within our communities.
Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D.: A Life Dedicated to Service
The podcast concludes by highlighting Dr. McConkey’s impressive background. We learn about his extensive military service in the Air Force Reserve, his distinguished career as an emergency room physician, and his experience as a professor at Duke University. Dr. McConkey is a decorated veteran, a board-certified physician, and a passionate advocate for the next generation.
Stay Connected with Dr. Joshua McConkey
Be sure to visit Dr. McConkey’s website to learn more about his work and his book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. You can also follow him on social media to stay updated on his upcoming events and initiatives.
<...
Author, Be The Weight Behind The Spear
This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg dives deep into a compelling conversation with Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D., author of the acclaimed book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear.
Read The Full Transcript Watch Full Podcast VideoDr. McConkey’s Leadership Ethos: Be The Weight Behind The Spear
The episode opens with Dr. McConkey explaining the inspiration behind his book’s title, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. He reveals how this concept serves as his personal leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of supporting those at the forefront. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. McConkey has extensively worked with military personnel who embody the “tip of the spear,” putting themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation. His book delves into the critical role played by the “weight behind the spear” – those who provide the essential support structure that empowers our frontline heroes to succeed.
Leadership in the Age of COVID-19
Dr. McConkey expresses his concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the younger generation. He observes a decline in face-to-face communication skills and a sense of entitlement among some youth. He attributes this, in part, to a lack of strong leadership development during these formative years.
Building a Stronger Community: Everyone Has a Role to Play
Dr. McConkey passionately advocates for fostering a more engaged citizenry. He emphasizes the importance of getting everyone involved in their communities, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in America
The conversation sheds light on the concerning rise in mental health issues across the United States. Dr. McConkey, an ER doctor with over 20 years of experience, offers valuable insights into this critical public health challenge.
Why Social Media Might Not Be the Answer for Our Youth
Dr. McConkey sheds light on his decision to restrict his children’s access to social media accounts. He expresses his concerns about the potential negative influences of social media on young minds, particularly when it comes to social interaction and mental well-being.
From Winning the Lottery to Leading in Iraq: Dr. McConkey’s Life-Changing Experiences
The podcast delves into Dr. McConkey’s fascinating life journey. He shares the story of how he “won the lottery” (referring to a fortunate turn of events) and how his experiences serving in Iraq profoundly impacted him as a person.
Holding Kids Accountable: A Cornerstone of Strong Leadership
Dr. McConkey underscores the importance of holding children accountable for their actions. He emphasizes that this fosters responsibility, resilience, and essential life skills.
Empowering Teachers: Building the Next Generation of Leaders
The episode highlights Dr. McConkey’s strong advocacy for empowering teachers. He recognizes the crucial role educators play in shaping young minds and believes they deserve greater support and resources.
Mentorship for the “COVID Generation”: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Dr. McConkey proposes one-on-one mentorship as a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower the “COVID generation” with the leadership skills they need to thrive. He emphasizes that mentorship can be fostered organically within communities and doesn’t require expensive programs.
Leadership, Integrity, and Accountability: Free and Priceless
Dr. McConkey delivers a powerful message: the core values of leadership, integrity, and accountability can be taught and instilled without a hefty price tag. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of responsibility within our communities.
Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D.: A Life Dedicated to Service
The podcast concludes by highlighting Dr. McConkey’s impressive background. We learn about his extensive military service in the Air Force Reserve, his distinguished career as an emergency room physician, and his experience as a professor at Duke University. Dr. McConkey is a decorated veteran, a board-certified physician, and a passionate advocate for the next generation.
Stay Connected with Dr. Joshua McConkey
Be sure to visit Dr. McConkey’s website to learn more about his work and his book, Be The Weight Behind The Spear. You can also follow him on social media to stay updated on his upcoming events and initiatives.
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Previous Episode
Noshing With Ken Khachigian – October 3, 2024
Author, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon
This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg welcomes a true political insider, Ken Khachigian. Author of the captivating book, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon, Ken sheds light on history-shaping moments he witnessed firsthand as confidant, strategist, and speechwriter to Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.
Read The Full Transcript Watch Full Podcast VideoA Treasure Trove of Untold Stories
Ken dives into the inspiration behind Behind Closed Doors. He reveals a treasure trove of information, unavailable elsewhere, gleaned from his meticulous record-keeping and diary entries. Listeners will be captivated by firsthand accounts of how Nixon and Reagan, despite their differences, collaborated to end the Cold War.
The Man Behind the Words
The episode delves into the demanding world of presidential speechwriting. Ken shares his discipline in meticulously documenting meetings with both presidents, even amidst a grueling schedule. He discusses gaining the trust of two such distinct personalities, Nixon and Reagan, and the qualities that made them feel comfortable confiding in him.
Loyalty, Power, and Regret
Ken offers candid insights into the complex world of presidential politics. He explores the concept of unwavering loyalty to the president, a defining characteristic of his service. The episode also touches on the potential pitfalls of power, prompting reflection on regrets and the lessons learned.
Unearthing Historical Gems
Ken recounts the thrill of uncovering a “very significant piece of information” hidden within the Reagan archives, a detail that had eluded others. He reveals strategies to avoid becoming jaded in such a high-pressure environment, offering valuable advice for those navigating the halls of power.
A Legacy Revealed
Behind Closed Doors serves as more than a memoir. Ken shares the “big historical takeaway” from his experiences, offering a unique perspective on the events that shaped the 20th century.
Connect with Ken Khachigian
To learn more about Ken Khachigian and his insightful book, visit the Reagan and Nixon Website.
Podcast Conclusion
Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast with Ken Khachigian is a must-listen for anyone interested in American political history, presidential decision-making, and the complexities of loyalty and trust within the Oval Office. Ken’s firsthand accounts provide a captivating glimpse into history, offering a deeper understanding of the pivotal moments that shaped our world.
Links:
Watch the full Podcast Video
Read The Full Transcript
Ken Khachigian Podcast Epsiode Full TranscriptIra Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything—their passions, pursuits, and points of view. Two presidents who had a major impact on the 20th century both worked with the same trusted speechwriter, confidant, and strategist. Now, whether you liked these two presidents or not, whether you approved of their policies or not, they were both political legends and presidential giants. I’m talking about Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, and my guest worked with both men for many years, either on the campaign or in the White House. Ken Khachigian is author of Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Ken and the book, go to reaganandnixon.com—that’s reaganandnixon.com. Ken, welcome to the show.
Ken Khachigian: Thank you, good to be here.
Ira Sternberg: Why did you decide to write the book? You had all these notes, an insider’s view, but why write the book instead of keeping it private?
Ken Khachigian: Because I had information no one else had, and it had to be told. I had amazing stories, anecdotes, and history that nobody else could share. There were moments with both presidents—Reagan and Nixon—when they shared their lives, their political past, their thoughts on policies, and their records with me. I kept meticulo...
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Noshing With Burt Kearns – October 17, 2024
Author, SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy
This week, Ira spoke with Burt Kearns, author of SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy. In this slapstick episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Burt talks about why Shemp was put in a very thankless role in The Three Stooges; why he decided to write the book on Shemp; why what most of what we know about The Three Stooges isn’t true; how Moe and Shemp started out as a vaudeville act; how it became violent comedy; why Shemp was the star of the show; why Moe disparaged Shemp; how kids watching TV in the 60’s never took to Shemp; Shemp as a versatile actor; why he feels that Moe was responsible for Curly’s death and Shemp’s death; and the most surprising thing he found about Shemp while doing research.
Watch Full Podcast VideoBurt Kearns is an author, journalist, and “show business and pop culture savant” (Vanity Fair). His books include Lawrence Tierney: Hollywood’s Real-Life Tough Guy, The Show Won’t Go On and Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel. Burt has broken major stories as a television and print journalist. As an Emmy-winning television and motion picture producer, director, and writer, he’s written and produced dozens of nonfiction television series (“Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura” and “Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson”), documentaries (“Death of a Beatle” and “Bin Laden’s Escape”) and, with Academy Award winners Albert S. Ruddy and Gray Frederickson, the motion picture comedy, “Cloud 9,” starring Burt Reynolds. He lives in Pacific Palisades, California.
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