Joe Solmonese is a fighter. Just ask President Obama.

The ManTalks Podcast - 63: Joe Solmonese

Joe Solmonese is a fighter. Just ask President Obama (we talk about this in the interview).

Under Joe Solmonese's leadership, the Human Rights Campaign (the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the United States) became the model other organizations look toward to create effective social and political change. By using the anger raging from the social injustices he was witnessing, the anger of his adversaries and his followers, HRC was instrumental in passing landmark national legislation such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act; repealing “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”; and passing marriage equality acts in eight states.

How did Solmonese do it?

In our interview Solmonese tells Roger that for him, the key to success was learning to harness his anger. Essentially it's just a form of energy. Channeled, it can keep you moving forward on a long journey. But uncontrolled, it can blow everything up.

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Some questions Roger asks:

• What is Joe’s defining moment as a man? (18:56)
• What was in your past that lead you to fight for these causes? (21:11)
• Can you describe your book? (24:39)
• Did you have a time in your life when anger was proving to be detrimental in your life? (28:42)
• How can you channel your anger when you fail? (47:59)
• How is the world dealing with anger in our present day? (54:03)
• What's the legacy you want to leave? (58:03)

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Thank You to the Team:

Editing & Mixing by: Aaron Johnson Theme music by: Parlange & Latenite Automatic

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