# Tell Me Why Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do? Wonder no more! Welcome to the "Tell Me Why" podcast, a series that talks about the "why" behind the decisions we make or the approach we take at the company. Page: Feed: --- ## [S9:E4 — ‘The American product is something people want to buy’](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s9-e5-the-american-product-is-something-people-want-to-buy) _2026-06-17_ In this episode of Tell Me Why , Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper reflects on nearly three decades in the airline industry — including a surprising family tie to American’s earliest roots — and explains the “commercial virtuous circle” that guides how we build our network, elevate the customer experience and strengthen revenue and loyalty. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/ead1b60f-f5f9-4ee5-8f31-8a6594b88586.mp3) ## [S9:E2 — ‘Our technology focus is to enable the goals of the airline’ — Ganesh Jayaram](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s9-e2-tell-me-why-our-technology-focus-is-to-enable-the-goals-of-the-airline-ganesh-jayaram) _2026-03-12_ In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, American’s Chief Digital and Information Officer Ganesh Jayaram joins Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo to talk about the priorities for American’s IT team, how technology is helping to improve the team member and customer experience and how American is leveraging AI to build a more efficient airline. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4875f3ae-9b16-4d6d-b708-14c6d7919831.mp3) ## [S9:E1 — ‘We need to make sure we’re investing in technologies‘ — Larry Culp](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s9-e1-we-need-to-make-sure-were-investing-in-technologies-larry-culp) _2026-02-19_ In the first episode of Season 9 of Tell Me Why, GE Aerospace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Culp joins Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo to talk about the decades-long relationship between American and GE Aerospace and how GE and CFM’s fuel-efficient engines power American’s aircraft. Larry emphasized GE Aerospace’s commitment to deliver best-in-class engines to help American… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/75a91b0c-1de0-4d2c-9578-4cce6d04178a.mp3) ## [S8:E7 — ‘It’s about who you walk and run with’— Jerry Jones](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/tell-me-why-its-about-who-you-walk-and-run-with-jerry-jones) _2025-11-17_ In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones joins Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo at The Star in Frisco, Texas, to talk about the power of partnership and what it means to build something enduring. Jerry reflects on the Cowboys’ long-standing relationship with American Airlines, the shared pursuit of excellence and how customer… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/7221470e-9384-4036-b546-fa56fc1033bd.mp3) ## [S8:E6 — ‘oneworld is extremely important for us’ — Turkka Kuusisto](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s8-e6-tell-me-why-oneworld-is-extremely-important-for-us-turkka-kuusisto) _2025-10-06_ In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto discusses the importance of one world and the Atlantic Joint Business. He also discusses Finnair’s recent centennial, improvements to the customer experience and the airline’s focus on sustainability. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/034f9a30-8017-4501-b3b9-a0e932160bdf.mp3) ## [S8:E5 — ‘We opened some amazing new routes’ — José Freig](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s8-e5-tell-me-why-we-opened-some-amazing-new-routes-jose-freig) _2025-09-30_ In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, José Freig, Vice President, International and Inflight Dining Operations, discusses American’s newest international routes and the exciting new products the airline is rolling out to support these markets. José also highlights the excitement of international team members as American heads into its centennial year. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/171e0ce2-243f-4e07-a19c-9d4a9841aa51.mp3) ## [S8:E4 — ‘The future of aviation is radically changing’ — Secretary Sean Duffy](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s08e04-the-future-of-aviation-is-radically-changing-secretary-sean-duffy) _2025-08-22_ U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy discusses the evolving future of transportation and the work being done to build a state-of-the-art air traffic control system. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1b0f6ad1-5b9f-4a4a-aca6-c2c932811879.mp3) ## [S8:E3 — ‘What are the best routes for us to add’ — Brian Znotins](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s8-e3-what-are-the-best-routes-for-us-to-add-brian-znotins) _2025-08-14_ Brian Znotins, SVP of Network Planning, discusses the newly announced international routes and the reasoning behind the selected destinations. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f662f0a5-d3f4-4323-86b3-705a27029e8f.mp3) ## [S8:E2 — ‘Modernizing our digital customer experience' — Ganesh Jayaram](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s8e2-modernizing-our-digital-customer-experience-ganesh-jayaram) _2025-06-23_ In the latest episode of Tell Me Why, Chief Digital and Information Officer Ganesh Jayaram joins Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo to discuss the critical role IT plays in enhancing the operation and customer experience. From app redesigns to new technologies supporting operations and customer interactions, the team is working hard to deliver a seamless digital journey. [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2b2ef379-a8a0-401e-91af-38f11819978b.mp3) ## [AI QA That Opens Fix PRs (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/OhQsFuHNisKB) _2025-06-23 · **Sponsored**_ Runs browser QA, files issues with repro evidence, and opens fix PRs. ## [S8:E1 — 'Focusing on the entire customer journey' — Heather Garboden](https://tell-me-why.captivate.fm/episode/s8-e1-tell-me-why-focusing-on-the-entire-customer-journey-heather-garboden) _2025-05-22_ On the season 8 debut of Tell Me Why, Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden joins Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo to talk about the renewed focus on the customer experience and how the Customer Experience organization is keeping customers at the center of decisions being made. From new lounges and a redesigned mobile app to complimentary Wi-Fi for AAdvantage® members, sponsored by AT&T,… [Listen](https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/18700a21-cbb0-4d65-83bb-96fad691d4fe.mp3)