Introducing: Why Am I Telling You This?

President Bill Clinton is a master at using storytelling to explain complex issues and highlight our common humanity. To hear him tell it, this comes from growing up in a family where everyone had a story, but in order to tell one, you first needed to listen. In this new podcast, hear President Clinton share stories and ideas with some of the most fascinating people of our time as they make sense of the issues and events that continue to shape our interconnected world.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, This is Bill Clinton, and welcome to Why am
I telling you this? Why am I telling you this
because it is your future on the line? Or why
am I telling you this? Why am I telling you that?
Why am I telling you this tonight? Not to take
you down, but to keep you looking up. Growing up
in Arkansas after World War Two, in a family that
didn't have a lot of money and didn't have a

(00:21):
television until I was ten, most of our entertainment revolved
around storytelling. From listening to my relatives and neighbors around
the kitchen table or at my grandfather's store, I learned
that everyone has a story, and that everyone's story has value.
Once you've heard a person's hopes and fears, where they've been,
and where they want to go, your difference is sort

(00:44):
of slip away, and you become people first. My interest
in storytelling is also meant I'm always loved radio. Hearing
dramatic plays and newscasts and sports events from far away
places helped me as a boy to learn about the
world and a part of a community larger than my own. Later,
as president, I always look forward to my weekly radio address,

(01:07):
Good morning, This week, We've seen inspiring examples. I thought
about the people listening and try to make sure that
whatever I had to say would help give them hope
for a better tomorrow and understanding about today. That's what
I hope to do with my podcast. I'll share stories
and conversations with some of the most interesting people I know,

(01:27):
and I get to be a fan and talk with
some of my favorite authors, artists, and athletes about their lives.
We'll talk about ideas that deserve more attention, about how science, technology,
and design are improving our lives, and why we should
all be hopeful and optimistic about our future. If you're
listening at home, or in your car or on your phone,

(01:48):
I hope you'll enjoy this journey with me and learn
something new along the way. Starting February fourth, listen to
Why Am I Telling You This on the I Heart
Radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
HM