The Longest Four Years of My Life with Deric Gilliard

CHICAGO - Sept. 23, 2025 - PRLog -- Champagne Connection and host Dr. Stephanie E. Wilson-Coleman (a.k.a., the Empowerment Doctor) are proud to announce a powerful new episode in which retired federal leader and author Derek Gilliard takes listeners behind the scenes of his extraordinary 25-year career in U.S. government communications, serving under five presidents—from Clinton to Biden—and witnessing the shifting tides of American policy and culture firsthand.

This gripping episode opens with the compelling vocals of singer Terisa Griffin, setting the tone for a conversation filled with truth, resilience, and hope. Stephanie and Derek delve deep into the complexities of public service, especially as an African American navigating the corridors of power. Derek, the acclaimed author of The Longest Four Years of My Life: A View from the Field by a Black Fed in the Trump Administration, shares his unique perspective on integrity, survival, and purpose amid shifting political winds.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Lessons in Leadership: Derek candidly discusses how each administration brought its own challenges and required career officers to quickly adapt. He opens up about the personal and professional cost—and the moments that most tested his principles.
• A Firsthand Account of History: From implementing the Affordable Care Act in Southern states to weathering the storm of the Trump years, Derek recounts the highs and lows, the obstacles faced by working-class Americans, and the strength of coalitions that made real change possible.
• The Importance of Storytelling and Legacy: Derek's storytelling, shaped by his time at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, underscores the necessity of remembering hard-won progress, teaching the next generation, and staying vigilant for the future of democracy.
• Inspiration and Advocacy: The episode closes with a stirring call-to-action from Stephanie, urging listeners to "trust your greatness and embrace your power"—reminding all that life is too short for anything less than your very best (and, of course, for drinking cheap champagne).

The Longest Four Years of My Life and Derek's earlier book, Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and Sheroes Who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., can be found at www.derekgilliard.com and on Amazon.

Tune in to this episode of Champagne Connection for a reflection on history, service, and the courage to tell your story, even when it shakes the room.

Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

For media requests, interviews, or more information, please contact: Stephanie E. Wilson-Coleman, PhD Host, Champagne Connection Podcast, sewc@champagneconnection.com

About Champagne Connection:
Champagne Connection is dedicated to inspiring listeners through unfiltered, candid interviews with powerful voices across industries, encouraging all to live boldly and savor life—with the best metaphorical bottle in hand.