Culture & Heritage
Amb. Christos Panagopoulos (Greece)
This week, Dennis Wholey speaks with Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to the United States. Their conversation focuses on how Greece has navigated its recent struggles and the ways in which it is firmly moving forward
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part III – Culture In Oman
At the annual Culture Festival in Muscat, host Dennis Wholey explores the traditions, heritage, music, art, culture and history of Oman. Dennis talks with the Chairman of Muscat Municipality, His Excellency Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy and the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Rowas.
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part II – Royal Opera House Muscat
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part II – Royal Opera House Muscat
Host Dennis Wholey visits what is called the Royal Opera House Muscat, which combines traditional design reflecting the region’s history and culture and today’s state of the art technology. Dennis talks with Project Director Hamid Ghazali, members of the Board of Directors including His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahad al Said and Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, and Director of Education and Outreach, Dr. Nasser Al Taee.
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part I (Oman’s Foreign Policy)
In Muscat, Oman, host Dennis Wholey learns about the pillars of Oman’s Foreign Policy and the country’s historic relationship with the United States. Dennis speaks with His Excellency Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs and Her Excellency Hunaina Al Mughairy, Ambassador of Oman to the United States.
Amb. Dino Patti Djalal (Republic of Indonesia)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia. Ambassador Djalal explains many aspects of his country, including the fact that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, the biggest economy in Southeast Asia and a tremendously diverse and complex population.
Amb. Gudmundur Árni Stefánsson (Iceland)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of Iceland, Gudmundur Árni Stefánsson. Their conversation explores the unique perspectives of the Icelandic people, Iceland’s economic collapse and recovery, as well as their neutrality and focus on equal rights.
Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae (Japan)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae. Their discussion focuses on the crucial role Japan plays in Asia and the world, the rise of China and the unique challenges Japan faces as a country.
Lessons From The World
This week’s program explores the important lessons that we learned throughout 2012 by visiting a variety of interviews from the past year. Past guests from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and the United States all explain interesting aspects of their respective cultures and weigh in on the most crucial concerns of the day. Guests include Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong; Former Ambassador to the United States from Kazakhstan and current Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov; Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski and many more.
Ambassador Harold Forsyth (Republic of Peru)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of Peru, Harold Forsyth. Dennis and Ambassador Forsyth discuss the rising presence of Latin America and the various ways in which Peru has managed to become one of the fastest growing countries in the world.
Ambassador Manuel Sager (Switzerland)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of Switzerland, Manuel Sager. Dennis and Ambassador Sager discuss the many ways in which Switzerland has solidified its status as a highly competitive, successful and neutral country in the very heart of Europe.
Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the world renowned Professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Dr. Nasr explains the fundamental aspects of Islam, the ways in which is it misunderstood and his convictions regarding the role of Islam in the world today.
Amb. Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif: PART II
Amb. Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif: PART I
In part one of this two part interview, Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of the League of Arab States, Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif. Dennis and the Ambassador discuss the history and importance of the Arab League and explore how it orients towards a variety of issues in the Arab World today.
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan: Highlights
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan: Highlights
Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal: Muslim Women’s Assocation
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal, President of the Muslim Women’s Association. On behalf of her Association, Dr. Djalal explains the difference between religion and culture and that the two are not the same.
Ambassador Tebelelo Seretse (Republic of Botswana)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Ambassador Tebelelo Mazile Seretse who is serving as Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States. Ambassador Seretse explains how Botswana was once the one of the poorest countries on earth and is now a model of success on the African continent.
Ambassador Gabriel Silva (Colombia)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Ambassador Gabriel Silva, who is serving as Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia the United States. Ambassador Silva explains how Colombia has transformed itself over the years and has become a prominent player on the global field.
Amb. Ebrahim Rasool (Republic of South Africa)
International Summit on the Teaching Profession Part III
International Summit on the Teaching Profession Part III
This week Dennis Wholey travels to the International Summit on the Teaching Profession in New York City to speak with leaders in education from around the world. Guests include Hekia Parata, Minister of Education from New Zealand; Dennis Van Roekel, President of the National Education Association; Mark Nieker, President & CEO of the Pearson Foundation and Jerry Weast, Founder & CEO of the Partnership for Deliberate Excellence. Conversations explore the significance of the Summit as well as how various countries approach education and what the world can learn from their success.
South Korea: Green Korea
THIS IS AMERICA visits the city of Seoul, South Korea to learn more about the country’s inspiring commitment and dedication to Green Growth and Eco tourism. A featured interview is the Minister of The Environment Lee Maan-ee.
Petra, Jordan
This week on THIS IS AMERICA visits the Arab World we visit Petra, in southern Jordan. Dr. Chris Tuttle of the American Center of Oriental Research explains the history and importance of this breathtaking site. Petra is truly a unique visual experience as the ruins of buildings seem to blend together with the mountains.
1 Minute Worldview – United Arab Emirates
THIS IS AMERICA & THE WORLD
ONE MINUTE WORLDVIEW: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Sally Bedell Smith
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with renowned biographer, Sally Bedell Smith about her recent best selling biography, Elizabeth The Queen, The Life of a Modern Monarch. Mrs. Bedell Smith explores the life, character and importance of one of the most recognizable women on the planet, Queen Elizabeth II.
U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens
Dennis Wholey and Ambassador Stephens discuss her long history with South Korea, and the future of the growing country.
This Is America Visits Oman
This week’s program focuses on the Sultanate of Oman. The country is celebrating its 40th anniversary under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said who has guided Oman into its current renaissance. In addition to visiting modern and historic sites, Dennis Wholey learns about the country by talking with a variety of guests including The Minister of Information, H.E. Hamed bin Mohammed Al Rashdi and State Council member, Rahila Al Riyamiya.
Qubad Talabani
Dennis Wholey speaks with Qubad Talabani, who serves as the Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq to the United States. Together Dennis and Mr. Talabani discuss the unique character of the Kurdish people, the region, as well as the importance of Mr. Talabani’s role in the United States.
Dr. James Zogby, “Arab Voices”
Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. James Zogby about his new book “Arab Voices”. Dr. Zogby, who is also President of the Arab American Institute, discusses the need for the west to listen to what the Arab World has to say, and to understand that the lives of people around the world are not as different as many in the west believe.
Voices From The United Arab Emirates
This week THIS IS AMERICA visits the United Arab Emirates to explore the many facets of progress, culture and politics within the Emirates. The program includes interviews with Ibrahim Al Abed, Director General of the National Media Council, H.E. Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, and H.E. Hanif Hassan Al Qassimi, Minister of Health.
Carlos Gutierrez
Join host Dennis Wholey as he discusses relations between the U.S. and Cuba with Carlos Gutierrez, who formerly served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and is now Vice Chairman of the Institutional Clients group at Citigroup.
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan, Pt. III
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey discusses the past, present and future of Kazakhstan. From oil to the growing film industry Dennis learns about the many different ways Kazakhstan is developing. Interviews include Minister of Oil & Gas, Sauat Mynbayev; Minister of Agriculture, Assylzhan Mamytbekov; Vice Minister of Tourism & Sports, Murat Omarov.
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan, Pt. II
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey looks into different aspects of life in Kazakhstan and explores the dynamic culture of the country. To learn more, Dennis speaks with the Vice-Minister of Culture, Gaziz Telebayev and visits different museums and important Kazakh sites.
Ambassador Erlan Idrissov (Kazakhstan)
This week on THIS IS AMERICA, Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov. Ambassador Idrissov explains Kazakhstan’s past and future, as well as the unique traditions and characteristics of its people
This Is America Visits The Ancient World
This week Dennis Wholey visits three historical locations in Southern Europe and the Middle East. The program explores the biblical location of the Pillar of St. Paul in Cyprus, the desert city of Petra in Jordan and the Pyramids of ancient Egypt
This Is America Visits The Republic of Cyprus Pt. I
This week THIS IS AMERICA visits the Mediterranean island country of the Republic of Cyprus. This program includes interviews with Presidential Commissioner, George Iacovou, the Mayor of the capital city of Nicosia, Eleni Mavrou and visits to historical sites in the capital city. This program is the first installment of a three part series focused on exploring the Republic of Cyprus.
THIS IS AMERICA Visits Kazakhstan Pt. I
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kenneth J. Fairfax and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yerzhan Kazykhanov to learn about the unique past and bright future of the young country in Central Asia
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS SINGAPORE Pt. III
This week Dennis Wholey learns about what it is like to live in Singapore. The program explores Singapore’s creative ways of addressing education, public housing and the unique struggles that such a country faces. Interviews include, Minister of Education, Heng Swee Keat, CEO of the Housing Development Board, Dr Cheong Koon Hean, and the Chief Executive of Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, Khoo Teng Chye.
This Is America Visits The Republic of Cyprus Pt. II
While in the Republic of Cyprus, Dennis Wholey travels to the Troodos mountains to visit 1,000 year old monasteries and churches that are acknowledged as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In addition, Dennis Wholey speaks with the following Cypriot leaders; Antonis Paschalides, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Andreas Demetriou, Minister of Education and Culture as well as Ambassador Nicholas Emiliou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This program is the second installment of the three part series, THIS IS AMERICA VISITS CYPRUS.
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS SINGAPORE Pt. IV
This week Dennis Wholey explores the many different ways Singaporeans relax, enjoy and express themselves through food, fun and modern Singaporean culture. Interviews Aw Kah Peng of the Singapore Tourism Board, food guru KF Seetoh, and Mak Swee Wah of Singapore Airlines
This Is America Visits The Republic Of Cyprus Pt. III
While in the Republic of Cyprus, Dennis Wholey learns about over 2,000 years of history by visiting a variety of locations that range from a Crusader castle built in the 15th century to tombs from the 3rd century B.C. In addition, Dennis Wholey learns about the unique character and history of the Cypriot people from the following guests; His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II, Tom W. Davis, Ph.D, Director of the Cyprus American Archeological Research Institute, Iaonnis A. Eliades, Director of the Byzantine Museum and Art Gallery. This program is the third installment of the three part series, THIS IS AMERICA VISITS CYPRUS.
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS SINGAPORE Pt. II
This week Dennis Wholey explores the importance of Singapore as a critical location for global business. Interviews include, Minister of Trade Lim Hng Kiang, Michael Zink of Citibank, and George Tanasijevich, CEO of the Marina Bay Sands interrgrated resort complex
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS SINGAPORE Pt. I
While in the Republic of Singapore, Dennis Wholey speaks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore David Adelman. In these and other interviews Dennis Wholey learns about modern life in Singapore and discusses plans for the future of the small but progressive country