Shows
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#136 LIVE Podcast from I-Day at the Naval Academy with John Schofield of The Sing Second PodSend us Fan MailYour plebe has been gone for a few hours and your brain is already filling in the blanks. We get it. From a live recording on Main Street in Annapolis on U.S. Naval Academy Induction Day, we walk through what’s actually happening right now inside Bancroft Hall, why the first interactions can feel jarring, and how to think about those first emotional check-ins before the oath.Grant Vermeer brings the on-the-ground midshipman perspective, including what plebes are doing in the early churn of I-Day and why the smallest “rules” can fe...
2026-06-3048 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#111 Inside Naval Academy Medical And Dental Services - On The Yard (006)Send a textWhat Every Naval Academy Parent Should Know About BMU and Medical CareWorried about what happens if your midshipman gets sick or injured while at the Naval Academy? Concerned about medical care during leave periods? This episode provides essential insights into the comprehensive healthcare system supporting midshipmen throughout their Academy experience.As someone who navigated this system firsthand, I'm excited to share practical knowledge about medical and dental care at the Naval Academy. We'll explore everything from routine checkups to emergency situations, giving you the confidence...
2025-11-3031 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#094 Navy Formula SAE - Building Cars and CharacterSend us Fan MailDid 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
Gardening Your Life (GYL)An Interview with Gabrielle Llewellyn (Part 2)Dr. Heidi Vermeer-Quist continues her conversation about Grounding with clinician Gabrielle Llewellyn, T-LMFT.Heidi Vermeer-Quist, Psy.D.Psychologist, Director of Heartland Christian Counseling, and author of Gardening Your Life
2025-07-1818 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#093 - The Academy Families Travel NetworkSend us Fan MailAre 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#092 - Naval Academy 101, Understanding Foundational InformationSend us Fan MailEver wondered what it's like to be part of a world where college life meets military discipline? Welcome to the unique realm of the United States Naval Academy, where tradition, education, and service blend seamlessly.In this episode, we peel back the layers of the Naval Academy experience, offering you an insider's view of this extraordinary institution. From the bustling campus known as "the Yard" to the intriguing history behind the term "midshipman," we're covering it all.The Naval Academy: More Than Just a Campus...
2025-07-0613 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#091 - Welcome Aboard for the Class of 2029Send us Fan MailAs a Naval Academy graduate, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of this institution. In this episode, I share insights on what makes the Naval Academy truly exceptional, especially in light of current world events that may be causing anxiety for incoming plebes and their families.Drawing from my personal journey - from nearly leaving during Plebe summer to embracing the unique opportunities the Academy offers - I explore three key factors that set the Naval Academy apart:The Power of Being a MidshipmanLearn how the...
2025-06-2314 min
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience#090 Season 2 Wrap Up & Preparing for 2025!Send us Fan MailTo stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedInThe mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the f...
2025-02-2305 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 Fan MailAre 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 Fan MailIn 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 Fan MailAre 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...
2025-01-2648 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 Fan MailWarning: 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 Fan MailAre 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 Fan MailDiscover 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...
2025-01-0557 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 Fan MailWhat 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 Fan MailJoin 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...
2024-12-2251 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 Fan MailCaptain 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 04
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 Fan MailEver 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 Fan MailA 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#078 Big Decks: Behind the Scenes of a Military Comedy ClassicSend us Fan MailJoin 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...
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 AcademySend us Fan MailUnravel 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...
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 LeadersSend us Fan MailCommand 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 Fan MailDiscover 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#074 Ask G 05 - What is the Back Shaft?? Learn more Bancroft Hall Terminology!Send us Fan MailCurious 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 N...
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 AcademySend us Fan MailBrayden 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#072 Ask G 04: Is Off-Shore Sailing a year round sport? And where do they sail to?Send us Fan MailReady 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...
2024-10-3004 min