Washington, D.C. is as divided as it has ever been, and it has become difficult to set politics aside and get things done. But fortunately the Pickens Plan benefited from a bipartisan team that came together to promote a plan that has our nation’s best interests in mind.

For the latest episode of the Pickens Podcast, I sat down with Rich Galen, a columnist and former press secretary for U.S. Senators Dan Quayle (R-IN) and Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), and Amy Weiss, former White House Deputy Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton and press secretary and campaign manager for U.S. Rep Mike Synar (D-OK). These two have reached across the aisle to help make the Pickens Plan work. It just goes to show how successful you can be when you can look past personal politics to focus on a mission.

It’s that time of year again. College and high school graduates across the country celebrate and look to the future. When I reflect back on my life to this very moment, I know I would not have accomplished half as much without my degree from Oklahoma State University.

Now, some might believe that the country has changed since I set out on my own. The truth is, there’s more opportunity for success in America today than ever. I’d trade a whole lot to be in that position today.

So, here’s some free advice on how to make the most of it.

Tammy Haddad and Heather Lauer have helped get out the word about the Pickens Plan since I was drawing it up on whiteboards and restaurant napkins. Now, they’ve moved out from behind the scenes to tell stories from nine years of the plan and to discuss the success we’ve had since my idea in the summer of 2008.

We recall meetings with Gov. Sarah Palin, Gov. George Pataki and Mike Bloomberg in New York. We discuss how the plan has grown and become a success, thanks to support from all ages and both sides of the aisle.

I have preached my whole life about the importance of building a great team. So here is the first in a series of podcasts with the people who actually make the Pickens Plan run. Joining me for this episode are Jay Rosser, who has been my right hand man for 15 years and serves as my VP, Public Affairs, and seasoned political expert Tom Synhorst, who served as the Campaign Manager.

A decade ago, T. Boone Pickens, through his T. Boone Pickens Foundation, contributed $18.4 million to help start the first hospice and palliative care center in Dallas. Yesterday, the fruits of that contribution were evident in the official opening of that facility now named in Boone’s honor.