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The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families. Through the perspective of a community of former graduates and Naval Academy insiders, this podcast will help you learn about life at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Through our shared experiences, Academy Insider guides families through the anxiety and frustration caused by lack of understanding, misinformation, and confusion. This platform is designed to better relationships between midshipmen and their loved ones. This podcast is not affiliated with the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy or Department of Defense. The thoughts and opinions are exclusively those of your host and his guests.
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Send us a text Exploring ROTC and Academy Experiences Are you considering a career as a naval officer but unsure whether to pursue the Naval Academy or ROTC path? In this episode, we explore the key differences between these two commissioning routes with Lisa Hillhouse, an Air Force ROTC graduate and former Air Force Academy admissions staff member. Navigating the ROTC vs. Naval Academy Decision We discuss: • The structure and components of NROTC programs• Scholarship opportunities and appli...
Send us a text From Dawn to Dusk The Midshipmans Daily Journey UnveiledAs the academic year kicks off at the United States Naval Academy, I'm excited to share insights into the daily life of midshipmen, especially for our new plebes. In this episode, we'll explore the significant changes from plebe summer to the academic year, providing context and perspective for parents and supporters. What You'll Discover in This Episode • The daily schedule and battle rhythm in Bancroft Hall• New developm...
Send us a text Forge Your Future Are you passionate about serving your country and seeking a top-tier education? In this episode, I sit down with two remarkable Naval Academy graduates who are on a mission to help aspiring service academy and ROTC candidates achieve their dreams. Meet Hersh and Mateo, founders of Forge Your Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free application assistance to high school students interested in attending U.S. Service Academies or pursuing RO...
Send us a text Navy Football Saturdays in Annapolis Get ready for an insider's look at Navy football game day! As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm excited to share the unique experience of Midshipmen on these special Saturdays in Annapolis. Behind the Scenes of Navy Game Day The week-long build-up, including march-on practiceSaturday morning routines and formationsThe march through downtown AnnapolisMidshipmen during the gamePost-game traditions and potential libertyTailgating Traditions a...
Send us a text Ever wonder what the Naval Academy Alumni Association really does? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on this vital organization that supports both midshipmen and graduates throughout their careers and beyond. As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I'm thrilled to share an inside look at how the Alumni Association and Foundation are evolving to meet the needs of today's midshipmen and alumni. We'll explore: Key Insights on the Alumni Association's Impact How philanthropic e...
Send us a text Navigating 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, di...
Send us a text The 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 person...
Send us a text In 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 ...
Send us a text As 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 abo...
Send us a text Discover 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 lea...
Send us a text Did 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, offeri...
Send us a text Are 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 lifelin...
Send us a text Ever 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....
Send us a text As 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 Ac...
Send us a text To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families. Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball tea...
Send us a text Are 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 (MC...
Send us a text In 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 impor...
Send us a text Are 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 li...
Send us a text Warning: 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 lou...
Send us a text Are 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 ...
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