Guests: Phillip Linderman, Matthew Boyse, and Simon Hankinson

Host: John McCally, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Media, BFF

In this foundational episode of the JUNTO Podcast, host John McCally sits down with the three co-founders of The Ben Franklin Fellowship — Phillip Linderman, Matthew Boyse, and Simon Hankinson — for a rare joint conversation about the future of American diplomacy, the origins of the Fellowship, and why now is the time to revive the America-First spirit of 1776.

Each guest brings decades of diplomatic experience and a deep commitment to restoring traditional, constitutional values to U.S. foreign affairs. Together, they discuss:

The inspiration behind launching BFF — and why Benjamin Franklin’s legacy still matters

The current crisis of confidence and clarity inside the State Department

How BFF’s Eight Guiding Principles offer a clear alternative to ideological drift

Why the JUNTO Outreach Initiatives including events, fellowships, and this podcast — arecentral to engaging the next generation of reform-minded foreign affairs professionals

A bold vision for U.S. diplomacy ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026

Whether you're a career diplomat, a student of international affairs, or simply a citizen who believes in America’s founding values, this conversation offers a powerful blueprint for change — and a hopeful call to action.

🎧 Listen now to hear how the Ben Franklin Fellowship is reimagining the future of U.S. diplomacy—rooted in the Republic, in service to America.