Ben Rhodes author photo

Ben Rhodes

Born: November 14, 1977 – New York City, New York, United States

Ben Rhodes is an American writer and commentator whose work centers on U.S. foreign policy, democracy, and the Obama presidency. A former Obama speechwriter and deputy national security adviser, he wrote the New York Times bestseller The World as It Is and After the Fall, extending his influence from policymaking into public debate.

Quotes

quote
A year later, America is stronger because of the President’s leadership
-A Year Taking on Unprecedented Challenges Abroad
quote
Like the Iron Curtain of the 20th century, an Electronic Curtain is descending as the Iranian regime attempts to control what its citizens see
-On Nowruz, President Obama Speaks to the Iranian People
quote
From these young leaders may well come the next Nelson Mandela or Steve Jobs
-500 of Africa’s Most Promising Young Leaders Arrive for the First Washington Fellowship
quote
Enlisting the power of our democratic values strengthens our ability to counter terrorism, and is critical to keeping America secure and the American people informed
-The President Signs H.R. 553, The Reducing Over-Classification Act
quote
The President takes no decision more seriously than the use of military force
-Airstrikes in Iraq: What You Need to Know
quote
Talking and diplomacy is often seen as a concession in America, in a way that it is not in other places
-Ben Rhodes: ‘Obama has a serenity that I don't. I get more exercised’
quote
The blob is a phrase I coined, perhaps unintentionally, but basically I was making a point
-Chapter 10: The Blob
quote
Instead of leading the free world, Trump was trying to dismantle it, along with everything I believed in
-1. Trumpism

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Books Recommended by Barack Obama
BOOKS

Books Recommended by Barack Obama

Explore Barack Obama’s most recommended books spanning literature, history, and politics—revealing the stories and ideas that shaped his worldview and leadership.

BeFreed team

US foreign policy and international relations

US foreign policy and international relations

LEARNING PLAN

US foreign policy and international relations

This plan provides a vital lens for understanding how the US navigates global power shifts and historical crises. It is ideal for aspiring diplomats, political analysts, or anyone seeking to decode today's headlines through the lens of geopolitics and strategy.

2 h 36 m4 Sections
Explore the ideas of John Gray

Explore the ideas of John Gray

LEARNING PLAN

Explore the ideas of John Gray

John Gray is one of the most provocative political philosophers of our time, offering a vital corrective to modern secular myths of inevitable progress. This plan is essential for students of political science and philosophy who want to move beyond ideological idealism toward a more grounded, realistic understanding of global coexistence.

3 h 4 m4 Sections
Think like Nassim taleb

Think like Nassim taleb

LEARNING PLAN

Think like Nassim taleb

In an increasingly volatile world, traditional linear thinking often leads to catastrophic failure. This plan is essential for decision-makers, investors, and strategists who want to move beyond mere resilience and learn to profit from uncertainty.

3 h 11 m4 Sections
politica,

politica,

LEARNING PLAN

politica,

This comprehensive political education is essential for anyone seeking to understand how power shapes our world—from local governance to global conflicts. It's ideal for aspiring policy professionals, journalists, activists, business leaders navigating political risk, or engaged citizens who want to move beyond headlines to grasp the deeper forces driving political events and decisions.

2 h 29 m4 Sections
Int'l Relations, Economics & Diplomacy

Int'l Relations, Economics & Diplomacy

LEARNING PLAN

Int'l Relations, Economics & Diplomacy

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the intersection of power and capital is essential for navigating global shifts. This plan is designed for aspiring diplomats, policy analysts, and business leaders who need to master the strategic frameworks governing international affairs.

2 h 49 m4 Sections
JFK

JFK

LEARNING PLAN

JFK

This plan provides a comprehensive look at John F. Kennedy's life, moving beyond the myth to examine his strategic leadership and controversial alliances. It is ideal for history enthusiasts and aspiring leaders who want to understand power dynamics during the height of the Cold War.

2 h 25 m4 Sections
Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer

Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer

LEARNING PLAN

Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer

This plan bridges the gap between human experience and scientific advancement, offering a unique look at how personal stories and neural architecture shape our world. It is ideal for curious minds, tech professionals, and lifelong learners eager to understand the future of the mind and machine.

2 h 29 m4 Sections

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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comments
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likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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37
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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
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4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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201
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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star
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star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
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