In this episode of The JUNTO Podcast, BFF Chairman Phil Linderman speaks with Albert T. “Al” Gombis, a recently retired U.S. diplomat whose 34-year career at the Department of State spanned 13 offices, three overseas posts, and senior leadership roles advancing global justice and human rights.

From serving on Capitol Hill as a State Department Fellow for the House Foreign Affairs Committee to leading the Office of Global Criminal Justice, Gombis’s career bridges law, policy, and principle. He later earned a master’s degree in Cyber and National Security from the National Defense University, before being appointed by the Trump Administration as Acting Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy & Human Rights.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Gombis reflects on:

• His 34-year journey through diplomacy, law, State Dept., DOD/DOJ and public service
• Lessons learned working across the State Department and Congress
• The influence of the Reagan era on his decision to serve
• What it means to be an effective and principled bureaucrat
• What brought him to The Ben Franklin Fellowship and his response to partisan critics
• True diversity in public service — and the realities of wokeism, DEI, and reform efforts within recent administrations
• An Idealist's path forward for U.S. diplomacy rooted in the national interest

In this thought-provoking discussion with host and fellow former Senior Foreign Service Officer Phil Linderman, Al Gombis offers a rare insider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing America’s foreign policy establishment — and the enduring need to restore mission clarity, moral courage, and accountability to the State Department.

Through his career and example, Al Gombis exemplifies the mission of The Ben Franklin Fellowship: diplomacy rooted in the Republic, and in service to America.

Guest: Stuart Wilson

Host: Phillip Linderman, BFF Chairman

The Ben Franklin Fellowship is proud to present a new episode of The JUNTO Podcast, hosted by BFF Chairman Phillip Linderman, featuring Stuart Wilson, BFF Fellow and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.

With more than three decades in the U.S. Foreign Service, Stuart Wilson has served in some of the most complex and challenging diplomatic posts worldwide — from Moscow to Port-au-Prince to Basrah. He has led U.S. embassies as Chargé d’Affaires on four separate occasions and brings a wealth of experience spanning political and consular work across Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.

In this conversation, Stuart shares:

• The assignments that most shaped his diplomatic approach.
• Unique insights on leading embassies in an acting capacity.
• The patterns he has observed across regions and cultures.
• The pressing challenges and reforms facing America’s visa system today.
• His perspective on restoring accountability and principle in U.S. diplomacy.

Stuart also discusses why he joined The Ben Franklin Fellowship and offers advice for the next generation of American diplomats.

Guest: Dr Mark Skousen

Host: BFF Chairman Phillip Linderman

In this thought-provoking conversation, BFF Chairman Phillip Linderman sits down with Dr. Mark Skousen — renowned economist, author, and direct descendant of Ben Franklin — to explore his latest book: The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World's Most Versatile Genius.

Together, they unpack Franklin’s diversity: diplomat, entrepreneur, philosopher, moralist, disruptor, media mogul, inventor — and a champion of American independence and national interest. Dr. Skousen shares surprising stories and little-known insights that challenge popular myths and reveal why Franklin was not only the oldest of the Founders — but the most visionary.

From trade and technology, to faith, family, and foreign policy, this JUNTO Podcast episode explores why Franklin’s legacy matters more than ever today.