Price of Admission

In this episode of Price of Admission, host Tony Haberer reconnects with Navy XO and former teammate John “Big John” McCauley. From football fields and boxing gyms in Western Pennsylvania to executive leadership in the U.S. Navy, John's story is rooted in grit, faith, and fatherhood.He shares what it means to raise a son with American values, what he’s learned from leading sailors, and how his time on the Navy football team shaped more than just his toughness — it shaped his legacy.💬 Final question? “What is your Price of Admission?” 🎧 Tune in for a deeply human episode about the values worth living for.

John Stanikzai: From Afghan Interpreter to Proud U.S. Citizen 🇺🇸In this powerful episode of Price of Admission, host Tony Haberer reconnects with John Stanikzai—an Afghan-born translator who risked everything during the war in Afghanistan and later became a proud American citizen.John shares his remarkable journey:➡️ From growing up in Kabul under conflict➡️ To working as a combat interpreter for the U.S. Marine Corps➡️ To legally immigrating and becoming a police officer in Washington StateTogether, they unpack John’s views on:🔹 The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan🔹 What it really takes to earn U.S. citizenship🔹 His legal immigration path🔹 How faith, identity, and service shaped his second chance at lifeThis episode is a raw and inspiring story of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism—and a reminder of why America still matters to those who choose it.👉 Subscribe to the channel for more veteran voices, leadership stories, and life lessons from those who’ve paid the Price of Admission.#ImmigrantStory #VeteranVoices #AmericanDream #AfghanistanToAmerica #LegalImmigration #ServiceAboveSelf #USCitizenship #PoliceStory #PriceOfAdmissionPodcast

I sit down with three of my Navy Football brothers to have an honest and unfiltered conversation we’ve ever had about sobriety and health—including the shift toward living with more discipline and clarity.
How does giving up alcohol change your mindset? Your relationships? Your perspective on life? We dive deep into the habits we’ve broken, the lessons we’ve learned, and why this shift has been one of the most powerful moves we’ve ever made.🔹 **Featuring:** Austin Milke, Corey Finnerty, and Matt Nechak
🔹 **Topics Covered:** Sobriety, personal growth, and leadership.
🔹 **Key Takeaway:** Winning in life is about discipline, not just motivation—on and off the field
Drop a comment below—what’s one habit you’ve changed that made a huge impact on your life? 👇

Jeremiah McCloud, a USNA grad of 09, Mustang Marine Corps veteran, and advocate for resilience and healing. Jeremiah shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming PTSD, alcohol addiction, and personal loss through the transformative power of ibogaine and other plant-based medicines.Jeremiah opens up about his struggles after military service, the breakthroughs he experienced through expanded consciousness, and how revisiting past traumas helped him move forward. He also reflects on the importance of having a trusted support system during his journey and how these experiences have reshaped his outlook on life, leadership, and self-discovery.**Topics Covered:*** Jeremiah’s path from enlisted Marine to Naval Academy graduate.* How PTSD and addiction shaped his post-service struggles.* The role of ibogaine and psychedelics in his healing process.* Exploring expansive consciousness and revisiting past experiences.* Jeremiah’s mission to help others through coaching, leadership, and advocacy.This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that resilience can emerge from life’s greatest challenges.Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

In this powerful episode of The Price of Admission, we sit down with Jeremy Harrell, a combat veteran, nonprofit leader, and advocate for change, to explore how suffering can be a profound teacher. Jeremy shares his incredible journey, from his military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom to founding Veteran’s Club Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit providing innovative programs like equine therapy and transitional housing for veterans and first responders.Through candid reflections, Jeremy opens up about his belief that "some of the best lessons we will learn come through suffering." He discusses his legal challenges, the role of faith and resilience in his life, and how he has transformed personal hardships into a mission of service and healing. This episode dives deep into leadership, personal growth, and the importance of listening during life’s most difficult moments.Join us for a conversation that will challenge your perspective, inspire your journey, and redefine how you think about the price we pay for growth.🎙️ Key Topics Include:The transformative power of suffering.Lessons learned from military service and advocacy.Balancing personal accountability with leading a nonprofit.Faith, family, and the pursuit of purpose.Jeremy’s "Price of Admission" and his advice to "hang tight and just listen."⠀Tune in and discover how adversity can shape you into the person you’re meant to be.

In a milestone 100th episode of *Price of Admission*, I sit down with Navy veteran and business owner Jared Smearman.  Jared opens up about his journey from the Naval Academy to navigating identity crises, battling OCD, anxiety, and substance abuse, and rebuilding relationships with his family.Now a successful entrepreneur in dog training, Jared shares hard-earned lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of asking for help. He reminds us that vulnerability is a strength and that isolation is the enemy of growth.With humor, honesty, and faith, Jared dives into:* Life after the Navy and rediscovering purpose.* Breaking free from the stigma of mental health struggles.* Why community and connection are essential for healing.* The hilarious—and surprising—side of body hair management (trust us, it’s worth the listen!).⠀If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your path, this episode is packed with experience and practical takeaways to inspire your own thing. #priceofadmission #podcast #military #transition #identity

Mike Stukel, a Jacksonville native and Navy Football Senior of 20011, Class of 2012. We discuss:His transition from quarterback to A-back and the unforgettable moments of ‘Team Wins’.Life-saving experiences that highlight his courage and composure under pressure.Lessons from Marine Corps deployments, including eye-opening perspectives gained in Djibouti.The transition to civilian life and his career in medical device sales.How he balances the demands of his career with being a dedicated father of four and a youth sports coach.Mike's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and brotherhood. Whether you're a fan of Navy Football, a veteran navigating life after service, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode delivers powerful insights and unforgettable stories.

Andrew Thompson— Navy Football’s 1995 Defensive team Capt... a Defensive Back …USNA class of ’96.  - Known to many as Drew, he’s a STANDOUT… figure in the the Navy Football Brotherhood and a KEY… character in the renowned book "A Civil War" by John Feinstein…- Drew’s story is not about what he accomplished on the field but MOST.. about… the profound impact he’s had as a leader, mentor, and friend.  - So many examples of Servant leadership in this one.  There is no greater passion for Drew T. - Whether he’s connecting with teammates, guiding the next generation of leaders, or dedicating himself to his faith and family, - Drew is a living… example of what it means to EMBODY strength … and grace in ALL areas of this life. - Today, we HIT on the EXPERIENCES that shaped him,   - the relationships that defined him,   - and the lessons he carries as a man deeply committed to his earthly team and eternal purpose.

Shun White, a Memphis native, record-setting Navy football star, and seasoned Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). Shun shares his journey from the streets of North Memphis to the gridiron of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he left a legacy as Navy's sixth all-time leading rusher. Beyond his athletic achievements, Shun delves into his transition from professional football aspirations to a decorated career in the Navy, including seven diverse and challenging tours.This episode touches on themes of resilience, sacrifice, and accountability, providing a lens into Shun's leadership philosophy and life lessons. We explore:Navigating Change: How Shun overcame career-defining decisions, like leaving behind NFL dreams for family and service.Lessons from the Field: The impact of mentorship, discipline, and a "team wins" mindset instilled by iconic coaches like Paul Johnson.The Power of Accountability: Insights on holding oneself and others to high standards, a critical topic in today's evolving leadership landscape.Work-Life Balance: Shun's journey in managing the demands of a high-stakes military career while staying true to himself and his family.Shun’s reflections on authenticity, perseverance, and the price he’s paid to achieve his goals will resonate deeply with listeners striving to balance personal ambition and service to others. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that blends sports, service, and the human spirit.

Kam Smith—- a guy who’s the definition of grit, heart, and HUSTLE. - Hailing from Garner, North Carolina, Kam’s story is one of resilience and reinvention.   - Spending many a night throwing a football through a tire, OVER…and OVER…at his local church - From slinging the rock, to shaping young lives as a coach, - now getting his hands dirty in construction, - he’s lived a life that’s anything but ordinary. - Along the way, he’s CAUGHT SOME EXCELLENCE and faced some tough calls—like transferring schools, riding the rollercoaster of coaching changes, and even pushing through a major surgery early in his career. - But through every challenge, Kam has leaned into brotherhood… found purpose within the grind, and showed what it means to truly pay the price. - This is a story about finding strength in struggle and building something meaningful, no matter what life throws at you. 

Ray Biles reflects and explores a life rooted in gratitude, leadership, and purpose. Ray shares how the sacrifices and efforts of others shaped his 43-year career in education and coaching, including 31 years as head football coach and athletic director at Lorena High School.From the lessons learned in the locker room to the profound impact of faith, family, and community, Ray reflects on the powerful conviction: "Someone’s paid it for me." He dives into how this belief inspired him to pay it forward and leave a lasting legacy.Get ready for stories of humble beginnings, a championship mindset built on hard work, and the incredible leadership that helped a “bunch of average guys getting after it” achieve more.Whether you're a coach, mentor, or just someone looking to leave a positive mark, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder that life’s best runs are often made possible by those who came before us.🔑 Key Takeaways:Effort Will Beat Talent: Building a culture of perseverance.Paying It Forward: How gratitude fuels leadership.Faith, Family, and Legacy: Balancing priorities for an enhanced life.Lessons from the Field: Leadership that inspires beyond the game.👉 Don’t miss this conversation with a coaching legend whose story is as impactful as his leadership.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from the Price of Admission podcast!

David Mahoney, a former Navy football class of 2007 (Sr 2006).  4-year starter at outside linebacker, David helped lead Navy to a standard of dominance over other service academies. With a record-breaking career that included the second-most sacks and third-most tackles for loss in Navy history, David’s impact on the field was undeniable – setting the bar high was something he is no stranger to.In this interview, David shares his inspiring journey from nearly quitting at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, to becoming a leader on and off the field later in all things. We dive deep into his experiences in football, the military, and beyond, exploring the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that have shaped his life and how he thinks.With both Army and Navy football teams currently undefeated and ranked in the top 25, David’s story is more relevant than ever. We discuss the keys to the success – Kind of like the keys to of service academy football programs catching an edge over bigger and more attractive programs to the young recruit out there—great coaching, strong team cohesion, and the unique brotherhood that sets these teams apart from other Division I schools.🏈 Highlights include:David’s role in Navy’s football dominanceThe Army-Navy rivalry and what makes these teams excelInsights into the leadership and teamwork that drive success🔔 Subscribe for more stories of grit, sacrifice, and service!#DavidMahoney #NavyFootball #ArmyNavyRivalry #PriceOfAdmission #Leadership #Teamwork #FootballPodcast #CommanderInChiefsTrophy #FourthTurning #Perseverance

Chris Izant, former Marine Infantry Officer turned FBI Special Agent, and author of "Final Engagement: A Marine’s Last Mission and the Surrender of Afghanistan." Chris shares his vivid experiences from the frontline in Helmand Province with the Afghan Border Police to the halls of Harvard, offering an honest, ground-level perspective on the complexities of the Afghan withdrawal. As we explore his transition from military to federal law enforcement, Chris discusses the profound leadership challenges he faced and the personal resolve required in times of national and personal crises.

Price of Admission* guest, Wayne Irons—better known to his Navy brothers as “Wayno”— From the foothills of California to the cockpit of F-18s in the Navy Reserves. A Navy Footballer, class of 2005, Wayne shares stories from his time in flight school, his experience at TOPGUN, and how he transitioned from teaching the next generation of fighter pilots to flying A330s as a Delta Air Lines First Officer. Along the way, we dive into his personal life, balancing family, fishing, and even a little guitar-playing. 

Price of Admission PCast - Ep 91, Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation & Jake Juriga, a fellow Navy linebacker. Awareness of concussions in sports. Critical work being done. Both share personal stories - with Jake discussing his family’s NFL history and Chris reflecting on his wrestling career and brain health journey. We also touch on the new documentary about Tyler Sash – “Concussed: The American Dream.”

Emmett Merchant -a former safety for Navy Football and Naval Academy graduate (Class of 2011). Emmett and I reminisce about our time playing defense together, reflecting on some of the toughest battles we faced on the field. But Emmett’s story goes far beyond football.We explore his journey from being a standout on the gridiron to navigating life post-Academy. Emmett shares his experiences as a Surface Warfare Officer, where he gained invaluable leadership and operational skills while serving on ships. He also discusses his transition to civilian life, where he's taken on roles such as General Manager at Alto and Director of Operations at Deep Imaging, leveraging the discipline and resilience he honed during his time in the Navy.Throughout our conversation, we dive into the lessons Emmett has learned about leadership, sacrifice, and perseverance. From managing teams and navigating challenges in his professional life to serving as a mentor and officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Emmett’s story is one of relentless dedication.Join us as we unpack his ‘Price of Admission'—a journey defined by brotherhood, grit, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Grant Vermeer - Academy Insider podcast host (And former Navy BBaller) Grant Vermeer shares his Price of Admission.Highlights: Overcoming challenges at the Naval Academy and finding resilienceServing as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer on four submarinesTransitioning from military service to a career in real estateFounding Academy Insider, a non-profit supporting the USNA communityJuggling multiple roles, including real estate, non-profit leadership, and basketball officiatingThe value of service, leadership, and giving back to others

Buddy Green, my Navy Football Defensive Coordinator. Buddy shares insights from his 14 seasons at Navy, discussing his coaching philosophy, the challenges of leading the defense during the Midshipmen's resurgence in the 2000s, and the impact he had on his players both on and off the field. Filled with memories, wisdom, and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for Navy football fans and coaching enthusiasts alike.

Mike McLaughlin and I discuss his co-authored book, "Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security." He is a cybersecurity expert and emerging leader in the field.  The conversation explores the complexities of cyber warfare and our nations infrastructure, along with the implications of AI. Michael continues to make significant contributions to the conversation on global cybersecurity threats, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges we face today.A fellow 2010 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Michael has spent time in the intelligence community. Beyond his professional accolades, Michael is remembered by friends as a steadfast and generous individual, always fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories, whether through his welcoming nature at an Army-Navy game or during adventurous summer trainings. His deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, coupled with his ability to connect with people on a personal level, has made him a respected figure both in his field and among his peersMike’s Price of Admission… guided by the concept of "Ikigai” - finding balance and purpose in what he loves, what he's good at, what the world needs, and what he can be paid for.

Kyle Lumpkin. Cloud. AI. Microsoft. Space Race.   - We discuss his incredible journey from high school football fields to the cutting-edge world of AI and robotics. Kyle shares his fond memories of football, valuable life lessons, and his exciting career in the tech industry.- Kyle dives into the potential and risks associated with AI, exploring its rapid advancements and the dual impact on society. From healthcare innovations to ethical concerns, we cover it all. Discover the critical role of data and GPUs in AI development and why companies like Microsoft are leading the charge.- We also delve into Kyle's personal experiences, highlighting the importance of mentorship, balancing work and family, and being present in the moment. Kyle candidly shares his biggest failures and struggles, offering insightful lessons on personal and professional growth.**Key Topics:*** High school football memories and lessons* Journey into the tech industry* Excitement and concerns in AI and robotics* The dual nature of AI: potential and risks* The rapid pace of technological advancement* The role of data and GPUs in AI development* Competition among tech companies to build GPUs* The importance of execution in AI development* Microsoft: leading in the AI space* Balancing work and family