Stewart Devine is a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer and the former Diplomat-in-Residence for the Rocky Mountain region. As “DIR,” Mr. Devine supported the INTS program and served as an incredible resource for students seeking career (and life) advice. He is an international traveler, U.S. Diplomat, consumer of news and politics, spouse, and parent. The INTS program hopes to bring Mr. Devine back to campus for events in spring 2022 (more on that soon)!

Mr. Devine has created a podcast, “It’s Not All Bad,” and the INTS program is delighted to share some recent episodes. His guests discuss real issues of everyday life, including politics, humor, and human relations. Listeners also gain insight into themselves and the latest issues in the United States and internationally. He strays off the well-worn path of telling people what’s the right direction and welcomes conversations with guests about their paths and what positive lessons can be learned.

Please check out the podcast here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751 and these recent episodes:

MLK, Drum Major Instinct, and Life’s Blueprint – Our Better Selves
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mlk-drum-major-instinct-and-lifes-blue-print-our/id1574392751?i=1000548049796
Each year we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. King was a philosopher, minister, husband, parent, and activist for social justice.  His focus on racial equality for African Americans is known the world over.  But there's even more to Dr. King than social activism, many of his messages and speeches also focused on various aspects of interpersonal and international relations, the destructive nature of  egos gone awry, and the importance of taming our worst interpersonal emotions and desires. This episode isn't about race or ethnic turmoil.  It's about human nature and his thoughts on how to avoid the trap of some who believe everyone else is worthy of respect except themselves.  I've also included audio excerpts from some of his speeches and sermons.  I hope you find it interesting, and if you do, please consider sharing this episode with family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. The goal of my podcast is to have interesting guests share their thoughts on different issues, have guest co-hosts to discuss various topics (especially those that offer humor), and even share short episodes in which I discuss thoughtful and even heartwarming issues.

Demonization of the Other Works, But at the Peril of Representative Democracy If We Let It. 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demonization-of-the-other-works-but-at/id1574392751?i=1000546663512
In theory and often in practice, liberal democracy principles exists in various Republics, not just in the United States.  The right to vote is what citizens expect and deserve as part of a kind of citizens' contract with the government in those countries.  In fact, the right to vote is codified in many constitutions as a matter of law. However, liberal democratic principals have always been under fire and pressure from would be autocrats, authoritarians, war lords, strong men, and those who would enrich themselves and their families.  One element in pressuring the downfall of liberal democracies is a charismatic leader  gaining followers and convincing them that their interest lies best in a single individual who will fix everything, including bringing back some unrealistic resemblance of the past.  You know.  Thinking that all was so wonderful a decade, two decades, or even centuries past.

Another Discussion About Race? Yes. Another Discussion. 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/another-discussion-about-race-yes-another-discussion/id1574392751?i=1000540865355
I'm grateful to listeners of my podcast.  A couple of you have asked why I and my guests have not discussed the hot button issue of race.  Indeed, I wanted to have discussions about people, successes, organizational excellence, leadership, and empowerment.  When race becomes the topic we all know that it's a minefield if not discussed thoughtfully and without rancor or accusations.  This subject often evokes sentiments of anger, guilt, resentment, and even hopelessness.  The feelings of hopelessness is because even as our society has made serious progress in racial discourse and tolerance, there are still demonstrably racist actions that desires to negate such positive movement. Well, I've listened to you and on this this solo episode, I will touch somewhat lightly but significantly about race, especially discourse between Black people and White people.  I do hope you listen not in judgment of the other, but in understanding the justifiable disappointment Black people often feel when our nation stumbles to live up to its promise, which it often does just as there is demonstrable progress.  Also, it's important for Black people to acknowledge and appreciate that not all White people are practitioners of racism or oppression.