Shows
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#099 Sharp Leadership: Life Lessons from a Marine AviatorSend us a textNavigating Storms With Naval Academy GritLeadership isn't just about titles or positions - it's about making a positive impact on those around you. In this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, we explore the essence of effective leadership with Carl Sharperson, a Naval Academy graduate, Marine aviator, and executive coach.Carl's journey from Virginia to the Naval Academy, through his military career, and into the corporate world offers a wealth of insights on leadership, diversity, and personal growth. He shares how his upbringing and experiences at...
2025-08-1747 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#098 Crucibles: The Naval Academy Transformative Rite of PassageSend us a textThe United States Naval Academy's crucible experience has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to new generations while maintaining its core purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Admiral Jim McNeal, author of the new book "Crucibles," to explore how the Academy's transformative journey shapes future naval leaders.We delve into the essence of what makes a crucible experience effective and how the Naval Academy has refined its approach. Admiral McNeal shares personal insights from his plebe year, offering a unique perspective on the changes and constants in the Academy's...
2025-08-1047 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#097 From USNA to the MLB: Serving America While Chasing Big League Dreams (Part 2)Send us a textIn this compelling continuation of our conversation with Mitch Harris, we explore the profound impact of faith, resilience, and the Naval Academy experience on overcoming life's toughest challenges.Mitch shares his raw, honest journey of rediscovering faith after a moment of crisis, offering hope to those facing similar struggles. His story resonates deeply with junior officers and midshipmen grappling with their own spiritual doubts amidst the rigors of service.Key Insights from Mitch's Journey:The power of returning to core beliefs during times of uncertaintyHow seemingly coincidental moments...
2025-08-0328 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#096 From USNA to the MLB: Serving America While Chasing Big League Dreams (Part 1)Send us a textAs a Naval Academy graduate, professional baseball player, and author, Mitch Harris brings a unique perspective to the challenges of balancing military service and personal aspirations. In this compelling two-part episode, we explore Mitch's journey from Annapolis to the major leagues, and the unexpected obstacles he faced along the way.Mitch's story isn't just about athletic achievement; it's a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. From his initial uncertainty about the Naval Academy to becoming a surface warfare officer and eventually pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, Mitch's path...
2025-08-0136 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#095 A Global Perspective: The Olmsted Scholarship ExperienceSend us a textDiscover the transformative power of cultural immersion through military service with submarine officer Sean Fitzmaurice. In this episode, Sean introduces us to the Olmsted Scholarship Program a prestigious opportunity for military officers to study abroad, gain language fluency, and immerse themselves in a new culture while remaining on active duty.This unique path has shaped distinguished leaders and it continues to prepare the next generation of globally minded military leaders.What Is the Olmsted Scholarship Program?The Olmsted Scholarship Program selects just 15–20 of...
2025-07-271h 04
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#094 Navy Formula SAE - Building Cars and CharacterSend us a textDid you go watch Brad Pitt in the F1 movie?! Did you know the United States Naval Academy has a Formula team? The Naval Academy Formula SAE Team is a unique capstone project that combines automotive engineering with leadership development.In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Burnett, a former midshipman turned USNA instructor and officer representative for the Navy Formula SAE team. Kevin shares his journey from the Academy to the Civil Engineer Corps and back again, offering invaluable insights into this exciting program.What is Formula...
2025-07-201h 01
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#093 - The Academy Families Travel NetworkSend us a textAre you a Naval Academy family struggling with the high costs of visiting Annapolis for special events? Or perhaps you're a midshipman looking for a safe place to stay during your travels? The Academy Families Travel Network might be the solution you've been searching for.In this episode, we sit down with Marnie and Paula, the creators of this incredible service that connects Academy families across the nation. They share how this network of generous hosts has become a lifeline for midshipmen, cadets, and their families, offering free accommodations and support...
2025-07-1335 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#089 Decoding the Navy Cryptologic and Cyber Communities: Your Guide to the Information Warfare CommunitySend us a textAre you considering a career in the Navy's Information Warfare Community? As a former cryptologic officer, I'm here to provide an insider's perspective on this rapidly evolving field.In this episode, I break down the various designators within the Information Warfare Community, with a special focus on opportunities for those interested in cyber operations. From meteorology to intelligence, and from cryptologic warfare to the newly established Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer (MCWO) role, we explore the diverse paths available.Key Insights:Understanding the differences between cryptologic warfare, MCWO, and...
2025-02-0942 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#088 Defining Your Leadership Philosophy: Insights from Naval Academy Graduate Eric DysonSend us a textIn 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...
2025-02-0253 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 OfficersSend us a textAre 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...
2025-01-2647 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 AdvocacySend us a textWarning: 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 f...
2025-01-1945 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 WorkplaceSend us a textAre 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...
2025-01-121h 00
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 SafetySend us a textDiscover 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...
2025-01-0556 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#083 The Military World Games: Insights on the Importance of Military SportsSend us a textWhat 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...
2024-12-2950 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)Send us a textJoin 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 Na...
2024-12-2250 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#081 Foreign Area Officers - the Hidden Gem of Military Officer Careers!Send us a textCaptain 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...
2024-12-151h 03
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 EducationSend us a textEver 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. F...
2024-12-081h 03
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 NetworkSend us a textA 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...
2024-12-0140 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#076 Insights from Command Master Chief Anthony Amato on Forging Future Naval LeadersSend us a textCommand 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 insi...
2024-11-1749 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 AcademySend us a textDiscover 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 t...
2024-11-1047 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 AcademySend us a textBrayden 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...
2024-11-0341 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 AcademySend us a textLearn 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...
2024-10-2742 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 AcademySend us a textWhat 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...
2024-10-2056 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#068 Semper Deep: Insight into Life as a Navy Submarine OfficerSend us a textEver 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...
2024-10-1358 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 PilotSend us a textLieutenant 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...
2024-10-0653 min