Today on The Life of Phys Podcast, we sit down with Pete Souza — the man behind some of the most iconic photographs in modern American history.
Pete isn’t just any photographer. He served as Chief Official White House Photographer for both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, giving him a front-row seat to history. From high-stakes meetings in the Situation Room to candid moments in the Oval Office, his images revealed the humanity, leadership, and truth of two very different presidencies.
Before his time at the White House, Pete worked as a staff photographer for the Chicago Tribune, shot for National Geographic, and traveled the world documenting stories that matter. He’s the bestselling author of Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents, and has been inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame. He has also taught visual communication at Ohio University, further shaping the next generation of storytellers.
In this episode, we dive into:
Pete’s experiences photographing Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama
The role of photography in truth, leadership, and legacy
Behind-the-scenes stories from the White House
How powerful storytelling can shape history
If you’ve ever seen a photo that gave you chills, there’s a good chance Pete Souza took it. This is a rare conversation with one of the greatest documentary and presidential photographers of our time.
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Music: C-Trox Kyrie Irving (Instrumental)
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