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Podcast: Abstract Essay
Episode: Abstract Essay, in its sixth season, features Christopher Rivers, discussing The Real Story Behind You Shouldn’t Have to Kill to Get Ahead and How We Rebuild the American Dream as my guest. In this episode, Christopher shares thought-provoking insights on ambition, ethics, and redefining success, while exploring how individuals and communities can rebuild opportunity, purpose, and hope in today’s evolving American landscape.
Description: Christopher RiversThe Real Story Behind You Shouldn’t Have to Kill to Get Ahead — and How We Rebuild the American DreamI grew up in a working‑class family that did everything right but still struggled to get ahead. At seventeen, I enlisted in the Army and went on to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. After my first deployment, I earned my degree from West Point, returned to serve again, and later completed graduate studies at Georgetown.Across those years — from combat zones to diplomatic work to corporate strategy — I kept seeing the same p...