Overview

The Topic of Conversation highlights the life of Stephen Bailey Friedheim as he travels from Joplin, Missouri, on a route that takes him through various career choices that are presented to him along the way. He punctuates his travels with a few poems that reflect his private thoughts as he encounters life. Friedheim's life and adventures combine to inspire those who want a productive and fun experience, never giving up and finding the rainbow at the end of the rain. Throughout his life, he meets and greets and introduces the reader to various characters that influence and help shape his basic attitudes and beliefs, which center on his premise that you can do whatever you set out to do -- give it your all. Steve is a man of the people who delights in mixing with the dedicated and non-so-dedicated folks, which makes his life interesting. Since his marriage to Jan in 1984, they have traveled the world with at least one international trip a year with friends and family under the Friedheim Globetrotters banner. His life's story includes episodes of these journeys as he leads the group into new and unfamiliar territories. Stories of his many of his journeys will add a chuckle to the reader's enjoyment.

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Reviews

Dr. Barry Ryan Higher Education Professional Former President of West Coast University A brief review of Steve Friedheim's autobiography: Be prepared; Dr. Stephen B. Friedheim's autobiography, Topic of Conversation: Exploring a Life and an Occasional Poem, is extraordinarily difficult to put down. You will be hooked from the very beginning! But to say that it is well-worth your time and attention is a gross understatement. It is a remarkable accomplishment, one I found thought-provoking and prompting reflections on my own life as well. As I completed Steve's work, though, my mind turned immediately to Shakespeare. No, not because of the content or literary elements or anything you might expect from such a comment. Rather, I thought of one of the great monologues in history, in As You Like It, which begins ""All the world's a stage"" and goes on to include ""And one man is his time plays many parts."" Shakespeare's work was penned just over four centuries ago, but it incredibly appropriate to describe Steve's life, which is movingly and beautifully recounted in his autobiography. I finished it and thought ""exactly how many lives has Steve crammed into one human lifetime?"" And all whose lives have been touched by this remarkable man are so glad he did! The story flows essentially in chronological order, with a pleasing number of sidetracks and backtracks that only add to the story. As it does so, it takes us through most of the 20th century and now through the first quarter of the 21st.The great events of that sweeping history are woven together with Steve's observations and experiences, recalling so much of the American story from one well-placed individual's perspective. Steve's paths have crossed and intersected with those of innumerable figures who helped write that story. In the entertainment world these included greats like Larry Luckinbill and Lucie Arnaz, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Richard Chamberlain, and many more. In the world of notoriety for very diverse reasons, he met and often interviewed the likes of Jackie Robinson, Episcopal Bishop James Pike, and Dr. Christiaan Barnard, as well as political figures, including Robert F. Kennedy and Hilary Clinton. His own entertainment bug was evident from childhood and youth (as was an interest in pursuing the ministry and Episcopal priesthood!). Unusually, it flourished during his service in the U.S. Army. And that story alone is worthy of an entire book! Stage, broadcasting, television were all media for Steve's talents and his making the best of unexpected opportunities. From the world of entertainment to that of Washington DC, Steve moved adeptly into the unique world of Associations. He excelled in that world as well, and his experiences are creatively and engagingly recalled. That pathway led into another new world, the ever-changing and challenging one of higher education. Interspersed with so many fascinating stories are tales of travel (don't miss the Haiti story!) and, unusually for an autobiography, numerous poems! Having no poetic ability whatsoever, I found myself impressed, amused and inspired by Steve's artful and appropriately contextualized poetry. In both the narrative and the poems, the reader encounters life lessons, gently and thoughtfully presented, falling, rising again, without malice (see his Lincoln story), even toward those whose unwarranted actions toward Steve were inexplicably mean-spirited. His enthusiasm and optimism permeate every page, even in what seems to the reader to be dire and potentially discouraging circumstances. Infused with love for people and organizations that can make a difference, the recurring message is that a successful life is all about relationships! And there is no more compelling or significant relationship in this beautiful story than that of Steve and Jan. By word and deed, their love has transformed their lives and families and friends, in ways we could all only hope to emulate! This is a book, a story, a person you will never forget. With admiration and affection, 2025 Dr. Jack Yena Highter Education Professional Former Chairman, Board of Trustees Johnson & Wales University Have just finished reviewing your book.....and in word .WOW!! What a life! In so many respects, you have lived the American dream! In many ways ... you have also written a history (identifying the movers and shakers) of the proprietary school sector ... particularly the Career College Association (now CECU). You credit many others for your success ... which is admirable, but I believe that it is your zest for life, belief in others, and unbounded optimism along with your great sense of humor that clearly propelled you through life. Your unbridled enthusiasm often ""carried the day"" in getting many projects launched at both at AICS and CCA. And ... it was that enthusiasm that was the most powerful driver in the continuation of projects. Upon finishing the book ... one idea resonates as a theme throughout the book ... ""FAILURE CAN BE THE STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS AND NEW BEGINNINGS"". Surely ... you re-invented yourself numerous times following life-altering circumstances. I particularly (and selfishly) enjoyed reliving some of the episodes you describe in the book that I had the pleasure (and often the pain) of experiencing along with you. You have identified several individuals who have had a profound effect on you and contributed to your growth and development. On the other hand ... you understate the many individuals whose lives were enhanced by knowing you and organizations that prospered under your leadership. You ... could possibly be ... the biggest mover and shaker in the entire history of the proprietary sector of higher education. Your fingerprints are all over the growth and maturity of the sector! 2025 John Campbell President/Founder Campbell Communications Stephen Friedheim's new autobiography is remarkable, readable, and rewarding on so many levels -- for those who don't know him and especially those of us who do. We grew up in the same part of the country, 47 miles apart -- I in Vinita, Oklahoma, and Steve in Joplin, Missouri. We didn't meet until 1976 in Washington, D.C. As president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools, Steve engaged my public relations firm, Campbell Communications, and me to help AICS enhance the image and reputation of proprietary schools in higher education. We developed PR seminars, national spokesperson tours, media training, special appearances, and other programs to improve press and public awareness and offset what the sector had experienced. However, as the book illustrates, Steve's career covered so much more in education and business over many years. It also involved AICS and many other organizations and government agencies. The book reports on many remarkable leaders in education and business who, along with Steve, have contributed so much to American society. I have felt fortunate to know a number of them. In addition to his professional adventures, Steve traveled extensively here and abroad. He created a large travel group known as the Friedheim Globetrotters. For 38 years, the group annually made voyages around the globe, involving more than 135 friends, family, and colleagues. When he retired from his position in Washington and moved to Dallas, I engaged him as the Senior Vice President of Campbell, where he has served our firm and our clients admirably. Steve's outstanding autobiography is an excellent example for others. Wow. There are so many people, achievements, and events throughout that I had forgotten and was glad to remember. 2025 Henry Herzing, Ph.D. (hc), MBA, MSEE President, Herzing College, Chancellor Emeritus, Herzing University -A review of Topic of Conversation, a autobiography of Stephen B. Friedheim: -Travel through nine decades where there's something for everyone including poetry. Fond memories of the 40s and 50s. The challenges and rewards of live theatre directing and starring. The vicissitudes of serving in the Army and directing its radio recruitment efforts. The challenges of National Association leadership. The unique services of the private career sector which Steve witnessed as both the president of the National Association, operating a career college, and then as Board Chair of combined national associations, culminating in his unique recognition with a national award in his name. -There are many interesting and sometimes poignant anecdotes regarding the hundreds of important and in many cases famous people with whom he interacted. -Steve --It was a delight to travel through history with your book and vicariously share in your many experiences, some of which I had experienced in the career education sector. Hank.

Author Information

Stephen B. Friedheim's career spans work experience as a disc jockey, reporter, radio-TV program producer and director, Army officer, and association executive in Washington, D.C., and Houston, as well as many years as a college president in Dallas, TX. With twenty-three years of experience in leadership roles as a staff member of three national professional associations, plus another forty-plus years as a volunteer member, Steve has traveled on both sides of an association's management structure. In the process, he was recognized as a Certified Association Executive by the American Society of Association Executives (CAE). As an association executive, Friedheim joined the ranks of hundreds of skilled individuals who lead local, state, national, and international organizations. Nearly every professional in America belongs to one or more such groups. There are organizations that appeal to individuals and others that attract businesses or clubs. Friedheim led both types. Friedheim provides operational examples from his years of leadership and involvement. Having trained for a career in the theatre at the University of Arkansas, he found the skills he learned easily translated into a successful career in association management. N/A

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