Shows
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#088 Defining Your Leadership Philosophy: Insights from Naval Academy Graduate Eric DysonIn this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, we dive deep into the art of developing a robust leadership philosophy with Eric Dyson, a 1983 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.Eric shares invaluable insights from his time as a midshipman, his career as a Naval officer, and his experiences in the civilian world. He breaks down his seven-step leadership philosophy, offering practical advice for aspiring leaders at every stage of their journey.Key Takeaways:The importance of defining and refining your purposeStrategies for identifying and nurturing talent within your teamHow to set and...2025-02-0251 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#087 Lessons from the Admiral: Navigating the Waters of Military Leadership and Insight for Rising OfficersAre you curious about the inner workings of military leadership and the valuable lessons that can shape a young officer's career? In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, I sit down with Mark C. Fava, author of the soon-to-be-released book "Lessons from the Admiral," to explore the unique insights gained from his time as a flag aide.Mark's experience offers a fascinating perspective on leadership development for junior officers navigating the complexities of military life. We delve into the critical role of a flag aide and the competitive nature of this position, shedding light on how...2025-01-2646 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#086 Healing Out Loud: A Naval Academy Mother's Journey Through Loss, Healing, and Mental Health AdvocacyWarning: Today's episode will discuss very sensitive topics, including death by suicide.In this powerful episode of the Academy Insider podcast, we tackle a crucial yet often overlooked topic: mental health and suicide awareness within the Naval Academy community. Our guest, Tonia Lott, courageously shares her personal journey following the loss of her son, Julian, a Naval Academy graduate and submarine officer, to suicide.Tonia discusses her mission to "heal out loud" and her book, "My Beautiful Black Son Died by Suicide." Her journey offers valuable lessons for parents, friends, and loved ones o...2025-01-1943 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#085 Supporting Service Academy Grads on the Outside: Why Veterans Make Exceptional Teammates in Any WorkplaceAre you a midshipman wondering how to prepare for life after the Naval Academy? Or perhaps you're a junior officer contemplating your next steps? In this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, I sit down with Brendan Aronson, Naval Academy graduate, Marine Corps veteran, and now CEO of The Military Veteran.We explore the unique value that veterans bring to the civilian workforce and discuss strategies for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Brendan shares insights from his journey, from his time at the Academy to his current role in executive search and venture capital.2025-01-1258 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#084 The Importance of Sleep at the Naval Academy: Insights from Dr. John Cordle on Performance and SafetyDiscover the transformative power of sleep with insights from Dr. John Cordle, a Naval Academy graduate and former nuclear surface warfare officer. Dr. Cordle shares his journey from unexpected Academy acceptance to becoming a leading advocate for sleep management in the Navy. Explore the cultural shift within the Navy, moving away from glorifying sleep deprivation to understanding its catastrophic impact on performance and safety. Learn how tragic incidents catalyzed significant policy changes, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing crew endurance and effective watch rotations.Uncover how wearable technology is revolutionizing sleep awareness and management, even within the demanding 24/7...2025-01-0555 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#083 The Military World Games: Insights on the Importance of Military SportsWhat if military sports could unlock leadership potential and foster international diplomacy? Join us as we uncover this intriguing prospect with our special guest, Eli Bremer, an accomplished Air Force Academy graduate, Olympian, and Military World Games competitor. We explore Eli's captivating journey from a two-sport athlete at the Academy to earning global recognition. Together, we shine a light on the often-overlooked avenues for service academy graduates to extend their athletic dreams beyond their academic years, through remarkable programs such as the Armed Forces Sports Program.The World Military Games aren't just about sports—they're a grand sp...2024-12-2948 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#082 Annapolis to Harvard: The Fleet Scholar Education Program (FSEP) with Rex Willis (USNA '17 & HBS '24)Join us as Rex Willis, a Naval Academy graduate and former cyber operations major, takes us on his inspiring journey from College Park, Georgia, to Harvard Business School. Through the Fleet Scholar Education Program (FSEP), Rex exemplifies how a service academy education can unlock unparalleled educational and career opportunities—even while serving as a surface warfare officer. We highlight the transformative impact of these initiatives, illustrating how they enable personal and professional growth beyond traditional military pathways.We shine a light on the importance of effective leadership and mentorship within the Navy, drawing from Rex's personal experience of...2024-12-2249 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#081 Foreign Area Officers - the Hidden Gem of Military Officer Careers!Captain Suzanna Brugler's journey from a small Ohio town to a distinguished career as a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) is nothing short of inspirational. Hear how her parents' visit to the Naval Academy ignited a passion that led her to Annapolis and beyond. As one of the pioneering women enrolling at the Academy in the late '90s, Suzanna has navigated a traditionally male-dominated institution with resilience and poise, offering invaluable insights into seizing leadership opportunities and embracing diverse career paths.Join us as we unravel the complexity of the FAO role in the Navy. These global...2024-12-151h 02
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#080 A Comparison of West Point and Annapolis: The Transformative Path of a Service Academy EducationEver wondered what life is really like West Point or Annapolis? Join us as Captain Kelvin White, a proud West Point alum and Army Ranger, shares his unique experiences, from football fields to the battlefield. Kelvin opens up about his journey through military training and his upcoming career shift to pursuing an MBA at the University of Notre Dame, offering a rare glimpse into the transformative power of service academy education. Prepare to be amazed as we compare the rigorous yet distinct training programs of West Point and the Naval Academy. From weapons qualification and land navigation a...2024-12-081h 01
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#079 Military Service to Defense Innovation: Insights into the Power of the Service Academy NetworkA West Point grad investing in a Naval Academy grad?! Unearth the secrets of entrepreneurship and innovation within the Service Academy Network as we prepare for the much-anticipated Army-Navy game. Join us as we welcome Brad Harrison, an accomplished West Point graduate and managing partner of Scout Ventures, alongside Paul Lwin, a Naval Academy alumnus and CEO of Havoc AI. These remarkable guests share their journeys from military academies to the forefront of venture capital and defense technology, illustrating how their unique backgrounds and the robust support of the Service Academy Network have paved the way for groundbreaking collaborations...2024-12-0138 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#078 Big Decks: Behind the Scenes of a Military Comedy ClassicJoin us on the Academy Insider Podcast as we welcome back Rylan, the comedic genius behind "Big Decks." This episode promises a hearty laugh as Rylan recounts the hilarious journey of his latest video project. With clever use of nautical terminology and grounding humor, Rylan’s storytelling captures the unique spirit of the Army-Navy game in a way that's both entertaining and pride inducing. We share the thrill, challenges, and ultimate triumph of this year-and-a-half-long creative endeavor, where Rylan creates the most epic spirit spot of all time.Ever wondered what it takes to film a high-tech mi...2024-11-2420 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#077 Learn About the Company Mate of the Deck (CMOD) at the Naval AcademyUnravel the mysteries of military life as we explore the concept of "CMOD" at the Naval Academy through the concerned eyes of Lorianne, a mother from Boston. CMOD, or Company Mate of the Deck, is more than just an acronym; it's a crucial watch position that plebes hold, introducing them to the vital practice of standing watch. Hear how this role shapes the lives of plebes, equipping them with essential skills for their Naval careers, and why it might sound daunting to outsiders. Through this explanation, we aim to ease the worry and illuminate the structured and disciplined life...2024-11-2003 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#076 Insights from Command Master Chief Anthony Amato on Forging Future Naval LeadersCommand Master Chief Anthony Amato joins us for an insightful discussion on the Academy Insider Podcast, where we uncover the essential dynamics between junior officers and senior enlisted leaders in the Navy. Learn how Anthony’s journey from enlisting in 2001 to becoming the Chief of the Boat (COB) on the USS John Warner has shaped his leadership philosophy. He provides a unique perspective on the crucial role of mentorship and communication between the chief’s mess and the wardroom, illustrating how these relationships are pivotal in molding the leaders of tomorrow. Gain exclusive insights into his responsibilities and the coll...2024-11-1747 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#075 Behind the Scenes of the Service Assignment Process at the US Naval AcademyDiscover the intricacies of the United States Naval Academy's service assignment process with two remarkable Navy officers, Tim Leonardi and Max Vidaver. Tim, a 2004 USNA graduate and the current chairman of Officer Accessions and Talent Optimization, walks us through his impressive career from E-2 Hawkeye mission commander to pivotal roles on the USS Ronald Reagan. Max, a 60 Romeo pilot with an intriguing career shift from civil engineering to Navy aviation, sheds light on what it takes to maneuver the complexities of service selection and the diverse Navy communities midshipmen can enter. Learn about the journey of becoming a Surface W...2024-11-1045 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#074 Ask G 05 - What is the Back Shaft?? Learn more Bancroft Hall Terminology!Curious about why upper-class midshipmen at the Naval Academy prefer the elusive "back shaft" rooms in Bancroft Hall? Uncover the secrets behind this unique living preference as we answer Rachel's question from Massachusetts. Our host, Grant, ventures into the layout of Bancroft Hall, illustrating how the back shaft provides a small removal from the bustling main passageway frequented by staff and officers. Exciting news as we launch season two of the Academy Insider podcast, crafted by our nonprofit organization focused on supporting midshipmen and their families. This season promises to connect Naval Academy graduates and affiliates through e...2024-11-0603 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#073 Pro-Know!! Learn about the Professional Knowledge Program at the United States Naval AcademyBrayden Scharfe, USNA '26, shares insight into the power of professional knowledge, or "pro-know," as we explore its impact on shaping resilient, informed military leaders. Discover how the Naval Academy's rigorous exams and training opportunities serve as a launching pad for future military careers, setting the stage for lifelong learning and friendships.Learn about "come arounds," where midshipmen get quizzed by the upperclass midshipmen in preparation for the pro-know quizzes on Sunday nights. But most of all, learn about why the professional knowledge program is so important. We talk about how it's the foundation for establishing mentor re...2024-11-0339 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#072 Ask G 04: Is Off-Shore Sailing a year round sport? And where do they sail to?Ready to navigate the thrilling world of Naval Academy sailing? Join us as we unravel the opportunities and adventures that await those who become part of this elite team. Listener Nick Veldhouse from Boise, Idaho has questions about his daughter's new commitment to the Naval Academy's offshore sailing team, and we’ve got the answers. This episode covers everything from the team’s year-round schedule and prestigious East Coast regattas to their exhilarating international voyages, including an intriguing trip to Bermuda. Plus, if you're keen on firsthand insights, episode 55 with former skipper Andrew Shea comes highly recommended.As w...2024-10-3003 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#071 EXAM WEEK!! Six and Twelve Week Exams at the U.S. Naval AcademyLearn about Academic Reserve Weeks at the United States Naval Academy as we explore the intricacies of the Academy’s unique examination structure. Join us alongside Langston Goldenberg, a midshipman first class and the brigade operations officer, who shares his insight into this unique aspect of life in Annapolis. This episode promises to illuminate the distinct six-week, 12-week, and final exam schedule that defines the midshipmen's rigorous yet rewarding educational experience.Discover how midshipmen navigate the demanding exam weeks, balancing military obligations, academics, and athletics. Langston provides insights on how the X period exams level the playing fi...2024-10-2740 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#070 Ask G 03: Standing Watch at the Naval Academy: Roles, Responsibilities, and RealitiesEver wondered what it truly means to "stand watch" at the Naval Academy? Join us on a fascinating journey as we uncover the intricate responsibilities that come with this military duty. With personal stories from midshipmen and a detailed breakdown of roles like CMOD, ACDO, and CDO, this episode promises an insightful exploration into how standing watch is an essential component of life at the academy. Discover the structured environment and the critical duty associated with keeping order and representing authority at various stages, from plebe to first-class midshipman.Balancing military duty with everyday life can be...2024-10-2304 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#069 The Profession of Leadership: David Albritton's Journey of Leadership and Resilience at the Naval AcademyWhat pivotal lessons can transform a young person into a distinguished Naval Academy graduate and successful civilian leader? Join us for an inspiring conversation with David Allbritton, a 1988 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, as he recounts his journey from Philadelphia to achieving significant milestones in both military and corporate sectors. David shares captivating stories from his time at the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) and the Academy itself, revealing how these experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and resilience.Discover the essence of authentic leadership and the critical role of mentorship in David's career. From handling...2024-10-2054 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#068 Semper Deep: Insight into Life as a Navy Submarine OfficerEver wondered what life is truly like beneath the ocean's waves? Join us as we feature Andrea Howard, an esteemed submarine officer and influential member of the Academy Insider Advisory Board. From her beginnings in Atlanta to her double major in political science and Arabic at the Naval Academy, and her advanced studies in the UK, Andrea's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She offers a firsthand account of her experiences aboard different types of submarines, including the USS OHIO and her current role on a fast attack submarine. This episode is packed with invaluable insights into the terminology...2024-10-1356 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#067 Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes: Inside Information from a Navy Jet PilotLieutenant Commander Amy Heflin, callsign BACON, joins us to share her incredible journey from West Texas to the cockpit of an F-18. Discover what it was like to fly jets with actors in the backseat during the filming of Top Gun 2: Maverick. Amy's dedication and skill shine through as she takes us through her rigorous training in Pensacola and her exhilarating experiences as a Navy aviator stationed in Japan.Get ready to explore the life of a Navy jet pilot with Amy's vivid portrayal of deployment challenges, the thrill of catapult launches, and the camaraderie that defines...2024-10-0651 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#066 From Naval Academy to City Hall: Mayor Phillip Jones's Journey of LeadershipHow does a Naval Academy graduate go from the Marine Corps to leading a large city? Mayor Phillip Jones of Newport News shares his remarkable journey on this episode of Academy Insider. From his rigorous training at the Naval Academy to his service as a Marine Corps officer, Mayor Jones reveals the foundational experiences that crafted his leadership skills, including the pivotal mentors within his military service. Discover how these early influences continue to shape his approach to leading a vibrant city of nearly 200,000 people.Mayor Jones recounts the challenges and triumphs of his military career, offering...2024-09-2933 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#065 Commanding the Best Damn Ship in the Navy: Reflections on a Combat DeploymentEver wondered what it's like to command one of the most powerful warships in the world? Join us as Captain Hill, callsign Chowdah, takes us on a gripping journey from his days in the ROTC program at Tufts University to leading the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Captain Hill shares his riveting experiences from a recent combat deployment in the Red Sea, engaging Houthi rebels, and the rigorous preparation that naval aviators undergo to become commanders. His stories offer invaluable insights for Naval Academy parents, prospective students, and anyone fascinated by naval service.The October 7th Hamas invasion...2024-09-221h 04
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#064 Varsity Athletics at the Naval Academy: An Insight into the Life and Schedule of Varsity AthletesHow do varsity athletes at the United States Naval Academy juggle the relentless demands of sports, academics, and military training? Join Shakir Robinson, a former Navy football player, as he sits down with me, a former basketball player, and Crystan, a former track and field athlete, to unravel the complex tapestry of their daily lives. From early morning workouts to late-night study sessions, we explore the intricate schedules and unwavering resilience required to thrive as a Division I athlete in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.Grant and Crystan offer a raw and unfiltered look at...2024-09-1551 min