Captain 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 embra...
Ever 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 dist...
A 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 te...
Join 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, ...
Unravel 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 ...
Command 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, illustr...
Discover 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 m...
Curious 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 ...
Brayden 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 nig...
Ready 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...
Learn 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 ...
Ever wondered what it truly means to "stand watch" at the Naval Academy? Join us on a fascinating journey as we uncover the intricate responsibilities that come with this military duty. With personal stories from midshipmen and a detailed breakdown of roles like CMOD, ACDO, and CDO, this episode promises an insightful exploration into how standing watch is an essential component of life at the academy. Discover the structured environment and the critical duty associated with keeping order and...
What 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 experi...
Ever 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...
Lieutenant 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 deplo...
How does a Naval Academy graduate go from the Marine Corps to leading a large city? Mayor Phillip Jones of Newport News shares his remarkable journey on this episode of Academy Insider. From his rigorous training at the Naval Academy to his service as a Marine Corps officer, Mayor Jones reveals the foundational experiences that crafted his leadership skills, including the pivotal mentors within his military service. Discover how these early influences continue to shape his approach to leading...
Ever wondered what it's like to command one of the most powerful warships in the world? Join us as Captain Hill, callsign Chowdah, takes us on a gripping journey from his days in the ROTC program at Tufts University to leading the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Captain Hill shares his riveting experiences from a recent combat deployment in the Red Sea, engaging Houthi rebels, and the rigorous preparation that naval aviators undergo to become commanders. His stories offer invaluable insights for Na...
How do varsity athletes at the United States Naval Academy juggle the relentless demands of sports, academics, and military training? Join Shakir Robinson, a former Navy football player, as he sits down with me, a former basketball player, and Crystan, a former track and field athlete, to unravel the complex tapestry of their daily lives. From early morning workouts to late-night study sessions, we explore the intricate schedules and unwavering resilience required to thrive as a Division I at...
"What is the layout of Bancroft Hall? I hear the terms wing, deck, and P-way amongst others, but I really don't know what that means."If you've ever wondered or asked that question then check out this episode!!What exactly are the unique terms and layout secrets of Bancroft Hall that every midshipman must master? Dive deep into the heart of the United States Naval Academy with us as we unravel the fascinating structure and terminology of Bancroft Hall, thanks to a great question from Sarah in...
What does it take to gather nearly $43,000 in just one week? Discover the incredible journey of Rylan Tuohy, the "King of Spirit Spots" and Naval Academy Class of 2016 graduate, as he shares the exhilarating progress of his latest Spirit Spot Kickstarter campaign. With overwhelming support from the Navy community, alumni, and fans, Ryland is on the cusp of meeting his $50,000 goal. Hear first-hand about the nerves, excitement, and unwavering commitment behind this ambitious project.Join us wh...