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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.
114 Episodes
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Send us a text What Happens When Midshipmen Stay Behind During Winter BreakAs we wrap up an incredible 2025 season, I'm reflecting on what an amazing year it's been for the Naval Academy community. From the football team's outstanding achievements to the daily dedication of midshipmen preparing for finals, there's so much to celebrate as we head into winter break. In this final episode of the season, I'm sharing some exciting updates about what's coming next for Academy Insider and how we're ...
Send us a text Why Army Week at the Naval Academy Becomes Pure Chaos Every December Army Week has arrived at the Naval Academy, and if you've ever wondered what all the chaos and excitement is about, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most legendary weeks in Annapolis. As someone who lived through the absolute mayhem of Army Week during my time as a midshipman, I'm sharing the inside story of what makes this week so special - and so completely wild. From the tactical pranks in...
Send us a text What Every Naval Academy Parent Should Know About BMU and Medical Care Worried 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 t...
Send us a text Why Struggling at Annapolis Doesn't Define Your Future Success Struggling academically at the Naval Academy? You're not alone, and this episode proves that your worth isn't defined by your class rank. Stefan Simkovic, Class of 2009, graduated in the "Comma Club" – the very bottom of his class – yet went on to build a thriving international business that's now working with billion-dollar companies. As we approach the 12-week exam period when academic stress peaks, this conversa...
Send us a text Why Naval Academy Midshipmen Can't Simply Take Time Off Like Everyone Else Ever wondered why upperclass midshipmen sprint back to campus at 11:55 PM on Friday nights? In this episode, we break down the crucial distinctions between leave and liberty at the Naval Academy—two terms that sound similar but carry vastly different meanings for midshipmen and their families. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm excited to share the insider knowledge about how these policies actually work ...
Send us a text Why Good Humans Make the Best Warriors According to Naval Commander Will Spears What happens when ancient philosophy meets modern military leadership? In this fascinating episode, we explore how stoicism serves as a cornerstone of warrior development and ethical leadership at the Naval Academy. I'm joined by Commander William Spears, a Naval Academy graduate, submarine commander, and author of the upcoming book "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." As a prior enlisted sailor who...
Send us a text From Chopping to Chow Calls: Decoding the Secret Language of Plebes Ever wondered what it's really like to be a plebe at the United States Naval Academy? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the unique aspects of plebe life that go beyond academics and physical training. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm excited to share insights into the daily rituals, responsibilities, and challenges that shape the plebe experience. We'll explore: Key Elements of Plebe LifeThe conce...
Send us a text Ever wonder what it's like to be at the helm of one of the largest athletic departments in the country? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Navy Athletics with an exclusive interview featuring the new Naval Academy Athletic Director, Michael Kelly. As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I'm thrilled to share an insider's look at how Navy Athletics is evolving to meet the challenges of modern collegiate sports while staying true to its core mission. We explore: Key Insight...
Send us a text Ever wondered about the intricacies of Naval Academy uniforms? As a former midshipman, I'm excited to pull back the curtain on this iconic aspect of life at Annapolis. From working blues to summer whites, we're diving deep into the world of midshipman attire. The Uniform Breakdown Working blues: The most common uniform and why they're called "blues" when they're actually blackNWUs (Navy Working Uniforms): When and how they're wornSummer whites: The iconic "Top Gun" uniform and ...
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...
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