Intersections
Hosted by Kyle Waldrep and Tom Leppert, Intersections is a multi-generational look at the critical issues facing America.
Episodes
Dan Hunt on Bringing the World Cup to Dallas
Dan Hunt, President of FC Dallas and one of the key leaders behind Dallas’ successful World Cup 2026 bid, joins Intersections to discuss the journey that brought the world’s biggest sporting event back to North America. Dan reflects on the legacy of his father, Lamar Hunt, whose vision helped shape professional soccer in the United States, and shares stories from growing up in one of America’s mos
Former Fed President, Rob Kaplan, on America’s K-Shaped Economy
Rob Kaplan returns to Intersections for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping America’s economic future. Drawing on his experience as Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs, former President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, and Harvard Business School professor, Kaplan explores workforce shortages, immigration policy, AI adoption, inflation, federal debt, leadership, and the growing divide between
The Steel Magnolia of Banking: Elaine Agather’s Story of Grit and Grace
Elaine Agather is the Global Vice Chair and Chairman of the Dallas Region for JPMorgan Chase, where she has spent nearly five decades building one of the most respected careers in banking. From growing up in Sherman, Texas with a bulldozer-operator father to working in New York, London, San Francisco, and eventually returning home to Texas, Elaine shares the personal and professional experiences t
From the White House to Cooperstown: Dale Petroskey on Leadership & Relationships
Dale Petroskey has lived one of the most fascinating careers imaginable—from the Reagan White House to the Baseball Hall of Fame, National Geographic, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Regional Chamber. In this episode, Dale shares the leadership lessons, relationships, and defining moments that shaped his journey. He reflects on growing up in a close-knit family of nine children, working alongsid
How Todd Wagner Built Watermark Into a Megachurch — and Why He Left
Todd Wagner joins Intersections for an in-depth conversation covering faith, doubt, church leadership, apologetics, and the rise of Watermark Community Church. Todd reflects on growing up in a nominally religious home in St. Louis, struggling with isolation and identity as a teenager, and eventually encountering authentic Christianity through Young Life relationships that changed the trajectory of
Inside 9/11 Diplomacy: The Man Who Rebuilt U.S.–Saudi Relations
In Part 2 of this conversation, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan shares a firsthand account of stepping into one of the most complex diplomatic roles in modern history—just as the world changed on September 11th.Jordan reflects on navigating U.S.–Saudi relations amid suspicion, fear, and global uncertainty, while working closely with President George W. Bush, senior U.S. offici
Insider Look at the Iran Conflict with Ambassador Robert Jordan
This episode features a timely conversation with Ambassador Robert Jordan, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Drawing on firsthand experience, he unpacks the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East—focusing on the growing influence of China and Russia, shifting alliances, and the erosion of U.S. dominance.The discussion dives into the current conflict involving Iran, the strategic
EnCap Founder David Miller on Winning in Business and Leading SMU Forward
David Miller shares the story behind his journey from a college basketball player at SMU to a pioneering force in private equity within the oil and gas industry. He reflects on the importance of resilience, especially after a career-threatening injury, and how that mindset carried into entrepreneurship. Miller dives into the founding of Mays Exploration, the lessons learned from its challenges, an
Betting on the future of golf – and winning
Blake Walker, Founder & CEO of Arcis Golf, shares how he built one of the largest and most innovative golf course portfolios in the country. Broadcasting from Augusta during the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the conversation explores how golf is evolving beyond the course into a full lifestyle experience.Blake breaks down Arcis’ “four pillars” strategy—combining golf, hospitality, wellness
From JP Morgan to Texas Capital: A Bold Bet on Home
Rob Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO of Texas Capital, joins Intersections to talk about one of the most dramatic turnarounds in regional banking. After a 31-year career at JPMorgan Chase, Rob came back to Texas to lead a bank he says was in worse shape than he originally realized. He shares how cancer, COVID, and a major career pivot changed his perspective on leadership, candor, accountabili
Mark Cuban on Buying the Mavs, 2011 NBA Championship, and the Luka Trade
Mark Cuban reflects on his path from early entrepreneurial experiments to building and selling multiple companies, including Broadcast.com. He shares lessons on recognizing opportunity during industry change, managing risk, and staying disciplined through uncertainty. Cuban also discusses what it took to reshape the Dallas Mavericks into a championship organization, emphasizing culture, accountabi
Inside SMU’s Big Bet: Dallas, the ACC, and the Future of College Sports
SMU President Jay Hartzell shares his journey from growing up in Oklahoma to leading two major universities—first at the University of Texas and now at SMU. He reflects on the differences between large public institutions and smaller private schools, the complexities of leadership during times of crisis, and the evolving landscape of higher education.Hartzell offers a behind-the-scenes look at nav
The Future of the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA
Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and a Hall of Fame NBA executive, joins Intersections to discuss the future of the Mavericks and the role the franchise plays in the city of Dallas.Welts shares stories from his 57-year career in professional basketball—from starting as a ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics to helping shape the modern NBA through innovations like All-Star Weekend and global
$111k to $66 Million: Craig Hall’s Wildest Bet
Craig Hall had built an empire by 35 — 70,000 apartment units, billions in assets, and national recognition as one of the largest private real estate sponsors in the country. Then it unraveled.In this candid conversation, Craig walks through the early hustle that started with $4,000 saved as a kid, the bold bets that built his fortune, the savings and loan crisis that nearly wiped him out, and the
Lucy Billingsley on the Future of Downtown Dallas, North Texas Growth, & Real-Estate Development
Lucy Billingsley, co-founder of Billingsley Company, shares how she stepped out from under a legendary last name to build her own path in real estate. From launching a travel business to developing landmark master-planned communities like Austin Ranch and Cypress Waters, Lucy explains why fear can be fuel, integrity is non-negotiable, and long-term ownership wins.She also tackles big-picture quest
Bee Business to Big Impact: A Candid Talk with Nate Sheets
Entrepreneur and former honey mogul Nate Sheets—best known for founding Nature Nate’s, the #1 honey brand in America—joins the show as he runs for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. From humble beginnings with a single beehive to full-time ministry to launching the “I Am Second” campaign, Nate shares how faith, food, and service intersect in his journey. He gets real about the collapse of mid-sized f
Former CEO of Blockbuster and 7-Eleven - Jim Keyes
In this episode, Tom and Kyle sit down with Jim Keyes — former CEO of both 7-Eleven and Blockbuster — for a wide-ranging conversation that spans humble beginnings, corporate leadership, and his deep-rooted passion for education. Jim shares stories from his rural Massachusetts childhood, reflects on lessons from McDonald’s that shaped his business acumen, and unpacks why he believes "education
Wildcatters, Blowouts & Big Bets with Bill and Liz Armstrong
Bill and Liz Armstrong are the definition of true wildcatters—oil explorers who bet big and drill deep. From meeting in a geology class at SMU to navigating oil booms, busts, and blowouts, their journey is one of guts, grit, and a whole lot of geology. In this episode, they unpack wild stories from Alaska’s North Slope, how a gas well made front-page news, and why they’ve never taken on debt in th
Lessons on Purpose Beyond Profit from Dallas Real Estate Icon Chuck Anderson
Chuck Anderson went from small-town Nebraska to becoming one of the most respected names in Dallas real estate. In this wide-ranging episode, Chuck shares his path from college basketball to building Bandera Ventures, his time at Trammell Crow, and the spiritual transformation that redefined his life. From early career wins to painful losses, Chuck offers candid insights on partnership, leadership
Will Cain Unfiltered: Faith, Politics, and the Future of America
From small-town Texas roots to interviewing presidents on Fox News, Will Cain has worn many hats—sports commentator, political analyst, entrepreneur, and now national news host. In this episode, Tom and Kyle dive deep with Will about the journey that shaped his worldview. They cover everything from ESPN hot takes and Fox News culture wars to the future of conservatism, media trust, masculinity, AI
Pro Footballer Daryl Johnston on What it Takes to Succeed in the NFL and Life.
Former Dallas Cowboys fullback and current NFL Broadcaster Daryl “Moose” Johnston joins the show to talk grit, leadership, and the journey from small-town roots to NFL glory. From being overlooked to redefining the fullback position, Moose shares how preparation, work ethic, and accountability shaped his life. He dives into lessons from Jimmy Johnson, the early days with Emmitt and Troy, and how a
From Texas to D.C. — Margaret Spellings on Education, Policy & Progress
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings joins Kyle and Tom for a deep dive into the state of American education—past, present, and future. From her early days in Texas politics to shaping national education policy under President George W. Bush, Spellings reflects on landmark legislation like No Child Left Behind, the power of bipartisanship, and the current crisis in K–12 learning.
Randall Wallace: The Man Behind Braveheart and the Stories That Move Us
Randall Wallace—writer of Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, and Secretariat—joins Tom and Kyle for a moving conversation about storytelling, faith, resilience, and the pursuit of truth. From growing up in the South to studying religion and Russian literature, to making one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, Wallace traces the through-line of love, sacrifice, and transformation. He shares how faith carr
Dr. Geoffrey Ling on Neurotech, DARPA & Why the Military Backed a Real-Life Luke Skywalker Arm
Dr. Geoffrey Ling is a neurologist, neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, military veteran, entrepreneur, and all-around force of nature. In this deep-dive conversation, he takes us through his journey from Johns Hopkins to the battlefield, to DARPA and beyond—leading the charge in trauma medicine, brain health innovation, and prosthetics that literally read your mind. He reflects on his time with the G
How Ray Washburne Built a Dallas Icon — And He Isn't Done.
Ray Washburne—entrepreneur, real estate mogul, restauranteur, and former head of OPIC—joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of Dallas, the economics of restaurants, and how he bought Highland Park Village in the middle of a financial crisis. From starting a newspaper as a kid to expanding global fuel distribution, Ray shares hard-won insights on spotting trends, trusting ins
Running a City, Raising Kids & Dodging Partisan Chaos: Meet Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker
Mayor Mattie Parker joins the show to talk about Fort Worth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country—and how she’s leading it with both strategy and soul. From working behind the scenes in Texas politics to becoming one of the youngest mayors of a top-10 U.S. city, Mattie shares her journey, the challenges of balancing motherhood with leadership, and what it really takes to keep a city
What Every 25-Year-Old on Wall Street Needs to Hear
Bob Doll, longtime investment manager and current CEO/CIO at Crossmark Global Investments, joins the show for a deep dive into markets, faith, and leadership. With a career spanning Merrill Lynch, BlackRock, Nuveen, and now a faith-based investing firm, Bob shares how he integrates values into portfolio management. He unpacks his quantitative approach to stock picking, reflects on getting “cancele
The Business of Winning: The Story Behind the NFL and Chiefs' Dynasty
Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt sits down with Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging conversation about family legacy, sports business strategy, and leadership driven by faith. From his grandfather H.L. Hunt’s oil empire to his father Lamar Hunt’s formation of the AFC and eventually the Super Bowl , Clark shares how visionary thinking runs in the family. He dives deep into building the Chiefs’ moder
Nextdoor, Shondaland, and Raising Good Humans with Nirav & Megha Tolia
Tom and Kyle sit down with dynamic couple Nirav and Megha Tolia to dive into what it's like to partner in life and leadership. Nirav, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Nextdoor, and Megha, former President and COO of Shondaland, share their personal and professional journeys—from small-town Texas and LA roots to global business impact. The two talk about family values, cultural identity, raising
Capitalism, Socialism, and the TikTok Economy
In this episode, Kyle and Tom dive deep into the generational divide over capitalism, the changing nature of work, and what younger Americans misunderstand about economic systems. From rising distrust in corporate America to the evolution of the creator economy, they unpack how shifts in education, wages, and political narratives are shaping economic opinions today. They also discuss the rise of s
Talking Across the Divide: A Lost Art?
Kyle and Tom sit down for a one-on-one to unpack the generational shifts in how we view education, engage in public discourse, and access information. From their first concerts (The Beatles vs. late 90s pop) to debates about cancel culture and campus free speech, they explore how younger generations are being shaped by digital consumption, ideological echo chambers, and a declining interest in his
Building Trust, Capital & Culture in Commercial Real Estate with Jody Thornton
Jody Thornton, Executive Chairman of Capital Markets, Americas at JLL, joins the show to unpack his decades-long journey in commercial real estate—from starting out as an accountant to helping lead the growth and IPO of HFF, and its eventual merger with JLL. Jody shares invaluable lessons on work ethic, client-first culture, mentorship, the evolution of capital markets, and why faith and relations
Pete McCanna’s Mission to Fix America's Healthcare Mess
Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, joins Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about transforming healthcare. From starting out in finance to leading one of the nation’s largest health systems, Pete walks us through his career, the system’s biggest flaws, and how Baylor is flipping the script—focusing on customer-centric care, embracing AI, and challengin
Rob Walters on the Executive Overreach, Big Tech, and the Future of the Judiciary
Rob Walters is a lawyer’s lawyer—an antitrust expert, constitutional scholar, and courtroom veteran with a long record of public and private sector impact. In this episode, Rob shares insights from landmark cases (like AT&T-Time Warner and LIV Golf), breaks down today’s antitrust landscape, and explains the legal tension between the executive and judicial branches. With experience ranging from
The Man Behind the Tagline: Clay Cooley on Cars, Culture & Competition
In this episode, we sit down with Clay Cooley—a Dallas-born entrepreneur and automotive powerhouse who went from sacking groceries to owning 22 car dealerships and employing thousands. Known for his “Shop Me First, Shop Me Last, Either Way Come See Clay” slogan, Clay unpacks his journey of hustle, hard knocks, reinvention, and relentless growth. We talk entrepreneurship, failure, family business,
How Cynt Marshall Rewrote the Mavericks’ Playbook and Her Apporach to Leadership
Cynt Marshall, the first Black Female CEO in the NBA and former AT&T executive, shares her incredible journey from growing up in public housing to leading major organizations with a philosophy grounded in joy, integrity, and people-first leadership. She opens up about her early lessons, personal losses, and how she transformed a workplace in crisis into a national model of inclusion and cultur
Golf, Grit, and Creating Opportunity with Fred Perpall
Fred Perpall is not just the CEO of The Beck Group and the President of the USGA—he’s a powerhouse of purpose, grit, and vision. From humble beginnings in The Bahamas to becoming a national leader in architecture and golf, Fred shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his leadership philosophy, and why golf is more than just a game. This episode explores how he built a meaningful life by
Betting on Yourself with Ken Hersh
Ken Hersh, energy entrepreneur and current CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, shares his unconventional journey from liberal arts major to pioneering a whole new industry in energy private equity. From early business failures and bold pivots to investing with Richard Rainwater and creating Natural Gas Partners, Ken breaks down the highs, lows, and lessons learned. He also dives into pu
Football, Legacy, and the Future of Higher Ed with Gerald Turner
In this conversation, we take a deep dive into R. Gerald Turner’s remarkable 30-year run as president of Southern Methodist University. We cover everything from faith and small-town values to high-stakes athletics and billion-dollar fundraising campaigns. Turner reflects on leadership decisions, including firing a popular football coach at Ole Miss, building SMU’s academic and athletic infrastruct
Education, Infrastructure, and Racial Equity with John Wiley Price
Commissioner John Wiley Price, often dubbed “Our Man Downtown,” sits down with Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging conversation on his four decades of service in Dallas County. As the longest-serving commissioner in Texas—and possibly the nation—Price offers a unique, unfiltered perspective on the intersection of policy, race, faith, and leadership.The episode digs deep into the structural issues that
Monetary Policy, Mentorship & The Future of America with Rob Kaplan
Rob Kaplan, former President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, takes us through his remarkable journey across three major arenas: finance, academia, and public service. From his days on the Goldman Sachs management committee to shaping U.S. monetary policy, Kaplan shares powerful lessons on leadership, economic foresight, mentoring future leaders, and the strategic risks facing the U.S. economy today
When Generations Collide - Building Intersections
Kyle and Tom take a step back to tell the story of their friendship and what sparked the Intersections podcast. What began as bi-weekly breakfasts evolved into a deep friendship spanning generations, perspectives, and life experiences. From entrepreneurship to public service, from personal struggles to professional milestones, they share the story behind the mic—and why this podcast aims to humani
Fighter Jets, Fukushima & Global Leadership with Admiral Pat Walsh
Admiral Pat Walsh, the only person to serve as both a Blue Angel and a four-star admiral, joins the show to share wisdom forged in the skies, at sea, and through global crises. From commanding the Pacific Fleet during the 2011 Japan earthquake and Fukushima disaster to leading major educational reform today, Pat’s story is one of humility, service, and mission-driven leadership. Whether flying fig
Baseball, Identity, and the Long Game with Chris Young
Chris Young, President of Baseball Operations for the Texas Rangers, shares a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the state of the game. A Dallas native who went from Highland Park to Princeton, from player to exec, Chris opens up about navigating setbacks, building a winning culture, and the 2023 World Series run. He also reflects on his faith, family, and wh
Loss, Leadership, and Service with Chief David Brown
Chief Brown is the former Police Chief of Dallas and the former Police Superintendent of Chicago. His career spans 30+ years with a commitment to viewing his work through the lens of truth and grace. Chief Brown grew up in Dallas and was the first police chief to utilize an explosive armed robot to eliminate a suspect during the deadly July 7th, 2016 attack that killed 5 DPD officers. Chief Brown
What is Intersections?
We’re Kyle and Tom—two guys from two very different generations, sitting down to talk about the issues shaping our country. From business to politics to sports, Intersections is all about getting a multi-generational perspective on what matters most. We've got a great lineup of recognizable guests from Chief David Brown to Chris Young (President of the Texas Rangers) —leaders with real stories
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