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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.
102 Episodes
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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 ...
Send us a text Discover 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 significa...
Send us a text What 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 a...
Send us a text 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 ...
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