Money & Breakfast

About Money & Breakfast

A podcast featuring interviews and content about public policy, economics, emerging technology and African affairs. Based out of Washington, DC

Publisher

Mike Saunders

Category

government · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Nov 2025

Latest episode

26 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Sept 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 11: Stephen Lande - A Lifetime of Dealmaking

   What does it take to negotiate trade agreements that balance economic growth with geopolitical stability? In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Lande, President of Manchester Trade and former Assistant United States Trade Representative. Often regarded as a key architect behind the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Stephen breaks down the evolution of modern trade policy. We discuss how trade preference programs are adapting to shifting supply chains, the future of U.S.–Africa trade relations, and how emerging markets can maintain leverage in an era of heightened global competition.

2. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 10: Dr. Val Okaru-Bisant - Vitality: Mama Puts, Africa Tech Youth & Water

   Ability Should Not Be Wasted. In this episode of the Money and Breakfast Podcast, Mike sits down with Dr. Val Okaru-Bisant, CEO and founder of Afrocosmo Development Impact, for a deep conversation about trade, capacity building, SME access to finance, and the future of African development. They unpack how “street law” training helps female- and youth-led businesses on the ground, why access to financial capital remains one of the biggest barriers for SMEs, and how policy, advocacy, and due diligence all connect in real-world development work. Dr. Vasant also shares insights on AGOA, the AfCFTA, BRICS, cross-border trade, and why water infrastructure may be one of the most important sectors for the future.

3. 

   28 Jun 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 9: Gilbert Cooper II - Education, Incentives, and Human Meaning

   In this wide-ranging conversation, Mike Saunders sits down with longtime MCPS educator and (champion) boys tennis coach Gilbert Cooper II to explore the deep connections between education policy, classroom reality, technology, and human development. From the unintended consequences of standardized testing and shifting academic benchmarks to the growing influence of AI, smartphones, and short-form content on student attention, Gilbert offers a grounded, boots-on-the-ground perspective shaped by more than three decades in the classroom. The discussion also moves beyond policy into the broader purpose of education: why literature still matters, how reading strengthens both the mind and our shared humanity, and why students need more than vocational training to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world. Gilbert reflects on the role of teacher unions, the pressures facing educators, and the importance of protecting the people responsible for shaping the next generation. The conversation closes on a hopeful note, with Gilbert sharing insights from his coaching career, his upcoming retirement from teaching, and the lasting value of mentorship, teamwork, and showing up with purpose. A thoughtful, honest, and timely episode about what education is becoming — and what it still needs to preserve.

4. 

   9 Jun 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 8 - Dr. Policarpio Soberanis: Trust the Science

   In this insightful interview, Dr. Policarpio Soberanis shares his journey from applied mathematician and systems engineer to a business development leader. He discusses the importance of critical thinking, effective communication, and the future of quantum computing and AI, emphasizing how these technologies can be harnessed for societal benefit. "Trust science because math doesn't lie." "If you want to go far, go together." "Embrace criticism to build better outcomes." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Policarpio Soberanis 01:11 Bridging Engineering and Business Development 06:10 The Role of Mathematics in Engineering 11:49 The Importance of Communication in Engineering 18:06 Education and Exposure in STEM Fields 24:08 Challenges and Innovations in Quantum Computing 28:53 Building Trust in Technology and Science 30:21 Trusting Simulation and Empirical Data 31:37 The Power of ModSIM in Testing 34:21 Quantifying Risk with ModSIM 36:38 Continuous Testing in Innovation 41:40 Digital Integration and Continuous Deployment 44:32 Broader Applications of Quantum Computing 51:16 The Importance of Communication Skills resources Synopsis (Company) - https://www.synopsys.com/ (https://www.synopsys.com/) ANSYS (Software) - https://www.ansys.com/ (https://www.ansys.com/) Bite-Size Brilliance (Educational Initiative) - https://www.bitesizebrilliance.com/ (https://www.bitesizebrilliance.com/) Capitol Hill Space Symposium - https://www.spacesymposium.org (https://www.spacesymposium.org)

5. 

   15 May 2026

   "We Chose to be Ourselves" - Money & Breakfast ep. 7 - H.E Sekou Berthe

   This time on Money & Breakfast, we sit down with the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to the United States, H.E Sekou Berthe. The Ambassador speaks candidly about the geopolitical structures and catalysts that led to the creation of the AES (composed of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), the blocs stalwart charge towards sovereignty, the persistent terrorist threats that the States are fighting off, the development progress that has been made, their move to spearhead a new African foreign policy paradigm, and the foundations of their new geopolitical posture and internal strategy of D3: Diplomacy, Development, and Defense.

6. 

   15 May 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 6 - Dr. Adam Thomas: The Proof in the Policy

   What happens when the rigor of graduate-level research meets the unpredictable reality of human behavior? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adam Thomas, Faculty Director of the MPP program at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. From his pioneering work on the FamilyScape simulation model at Brookings to his deep-dive analysis into the fiscal impacts of social policy, Dr. Thomas specializes in quantifying the "unquantifiable." We explore the intersection of microeconomics and domestic social policy, discussing how evidence-based strategies can move the needle on reproductive health and family formation—and why the "nerve center" of D.C. is still the most vital laboratory for the next generation of policy leaders.

7. 

   19 Mar 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 5 - Alex Allen: AI, Strategy, and Taking it to Market

   Most innovation isn’t about the technology itself. It’s about how fast and how well people iterate, adapt, and build on it. In this eye-opening episode, AI strategist Alex Allen deconstructs the unpredictable race between nations, startups, and individual innovators shaping the future of AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. If you’re wondering how some succeed wildly without conventional credentials — or why building your own AI models beats relying on imported ones — this episode will reshape your perspective on talent, trust, and technological sovereignty. We explore the fascinating loop of AI development where rapid improvements and democratization happen at lightning speed. Alex breaks down what it really takes to succeed in this environment — the importance of testing, failing fast, and cultivating coachability. You’ll discover how countries like China, the US, and smaller nations are stacking their flags with signature models, and why building from scratch often provides the most secure and adaptable approach for governments and private organizations alike.

8. 

   3 Mar 2026

   Money & Breakfast ep. 4- Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce: Trust, Hope, and Progress

   The conversation delves into the impact of decisions on life expectancy, the compression of time in war, solving African problems with African solutions, the influence of culture on outcomes, changing culture and leadership, success stories of Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia, leadership and development progress, the role of institutions in success, the foundation of successful institutions, and the making of Dr. Modupe Taylor-Peirce. The conversation delves into the importance of purpose-driven leadership in Africa, emphasizing the need for empowerment and the eradication of the mindset of inferiority. It also highlights the significance of discipline, the impact of kingmakers in governance, and the characteristics of good leadership. Furthermore, it addresses the need for sustainable development and strategic investments in leadership and capacity development. The conversation delves into the development of African business models, the importance of leadership development, and the exploration of an economic system for Africa. It highlights the need for innovative business models, the role of leadership in transformation, and the necessity of a tailored economic system for African countries. Takeaways Culture determines outcomes Leaders can change culture Institutions require a strong foundation African culture has five aspects that contribute to underdevelopment Success of organizations depends on governance structure and foundation Leadership development in Africa is crucial for the continent's transformation Good leadership is characterized by trust, hope, and progress African leaders need to hold themselves accountable for their own development African Business Models Leadership Development Economic System for Africa Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Decisions on Life Expectancy 14:13 The Influence of Culture on Outcomes 20:26 Success Stories: Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia 34:06 The Role of Institutions in Success 42:17 The Making of Dr. Modupe Taylor-Peirce 51:23 Discipline and Leadership Development 59:59 Kings and Kingmakers 01:05:21 Good vs. Abysmal Leadership 01:17:09 Sustainable Development and Leadership 01:22:57 African Business Models 01:37:20 Economic System for Africa

9. 

   22 Feb 2026

   Money & Breakfast Episode 3 - Ian Lowery: The Art of Debate

   On this episode of the Money & Breakfast podcast, our guest is Ian Lowery, an academic debate coach, researcher, and former professor. The conversation centers this time on the incoming college enrollment cliff, Ian's experience as a professor of young age, the art of rhetoric and how to form an argument, and the benefits of debate as well as Ian's ongoing career as a coach. Don't forget to like, share, and SUBSCRIBE!

10. 

    9 Feb 2026

    Money & Breakfast Episode 2 - Melvin Foote: A lifetime laser-focused on Africa

    In this conversation, I sit down with Melvin Foote, a veteran advocate and leading expert on U.S.-Africa relations with over 4 decades of experience shaping policy, as well as the founder of The Constituency for Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated building coalitions, creating economic networks, and bridging the diaspora with the continent. We dive into the current state of U.S. engagement with Africa under shifting administrations, the legacy of AGOA and why Africa has struggled to maintain consistent political momentum in Washington, the role of diaspora communities and youth in shaping the narrative of Africa’s future, and emerging opportunities and challenges in different economic sectors Whether you're interested in global affairs, African policy, or the intersections of advocacy and power, this episode offers unfiltered perspectives from someone who's been in the rooms where decisions are made. Tune in for a deep, candid look at the past, present, and future of U.S.-Africa ties, and what it means for the next generation.

11. 

    10 Nov 2025

    Money & Breakfast Episode 1 - C.T Unonu: The Education Paradigm

    Technologist, curriculum designer, and educator C.T Unonu sits down with A.M for a wide ranging conversation around education and the curriculum that drives it. The two discuss American literacy scores, how C.T's multi-continent education gives him unique insights into what works as far as instructional design, and C.T's case for re-prioritizing the humanities as part of a complete STEM (really, STEAM) based instruction.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

19 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.