DiscoverThe Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience
The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience
Claim Ownership

The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience

Author: GRANT VERMEER

Subscribed: 17Played: 235
Share

Description

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. 

67 Episodes
Reverse
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...
What is class actually like at the Academy? How do midshipmen take notes? What resources are there for midshipmen who may be struggling with academics?In this episode I sit down with Sarah Riley, who shares her unique path from the courts to the classroom. Sarah, former submarine Junior Officer of the year onboard USS John Warner, talks about her transition back to the Academy as a faculty member. The episode is peppered with humorous anecdotes, including pranks on her forme...
Curious about the Rank Structure at the United States Naval Academy?In this episode we answer Bonnie's question: "Can you explain the Midshipmen ranks? Are there are any differences from the Navy Ranks?"This episode of the Academy Insider Podcast is your definitive guide to understanding midshipman ranks. From the initial days as a plebe to the heights of becoming a firstie, Grant unpacks the journey of a Naval Academy student with clarity and insight. He not only explains the distinctions be...
What if you could turn a simple idea into a beloved tradition that unites an entire community? Join us as we chat with Rylan Tuohy, the creative genius behind the Naval Academy's iconic Spirit Spots. Raised in rural Kentucky with dreams of film school, Rylan's journey from midshipman to viral video creator is nothing short of inspiring. He shares the origins of his first hit, "Game for the Real Players," and reflects on how that led to the creation of multiple videos that have become a staple...
From navigating the rigorous demands of Plebe Summer to leading with compassion and resilience, Cam Kinley’s journey from Memphis to the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of inspiring. This episode features Cam, a former Navy football player and current Navy intelligence officer, as he shares his unique experiences at the Naval Academy. Discover how playing for the Navy football team instilled a deep sense of brotherhood and collective pride, and learn about the pivotal moments that defined ...
Unlock the secrets behind the transformative leadership development program at the United States Naval Academy with our remarkable guest, Jim McNeal, a 1986 Naval Academy graduate. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge from his military career as a supply corps officer to his civilian role in executive search, and now, as an adjunct professor teaching ethics and leadership. Learn how he coaches Navy Sprint Football and the stories behind his book, "Herndon Climb," which vividly captures the histor...
Have you ever wondered how sailing can shape future Navy leaders? This episode promises to show you the behind the scenes of how the United States Naval Academy's comprehensive sailing program trains midshipmen. Join us as we welcome Andrew Shea, a 2013 graduate and former skipper of the Navy varsity offshore sailing team, who shares his remarkable journey and the unique experiences that define the sailing program.We'll explore everything from the initial sailing training every plebe undergoe...
Ever wondered what "gray space" is and how it fits into the life of a midshipman at the Naval Academy? Join Christian Blanchard, Jeremiah Harding, and me as we peel back the layers of our Navy journey, bringing you an inside look at the unscheduled yet pivotal moments of Plebe Summer. From the hilariously chaotic to the profoundly impactful, our stories will give you a fresh perspective on how these less structured times shape a midshipman's path.We share the why behind seemingly trivial task...
What if mastering military drill could transform you into a more disciplined and confident leader? Tune in to our enlightening discussion with First Sergeant Beth Abbott, better known to me as Gunny Abbott, as she shares her inspiring journey from Blanchard, Michigan to becoming the brigade drill master at the United States Naval Academy. You'll hear firsthand experiences of the crucial role military drill plays during Plebe Summer, from the intricacies of formations and parades to the intens...
What exactly is "gray space" and why does it have such a profound impact on a plebe's daily life? In this episode, we uncover the origins of this term, tracing it back to Excel spreadsheet color-coding, and explore its implications through firsthand accounts. Hear Troy share vivid memories of spontaneous training sessions and intense workouts that turned unplanned time slots into pivotal moments of Plebe Summer. Whether it leads to impromptu learning opportunities or strenuous physical challe...
#051: Blue and Gold

#051: Blue and Gold

2024-07-1042:42

Ever wondered what it’s like to transition from a novice plebe to a seasoned leader at the Naval Academy? Get ready to learn from the experiences of Jake, a Naval Academy graduate and current P-8 pilot, who takes us through the cherished tradition of "blue and gold" sessions during Plebe Summer. With a family deeply rooted in military service, Jake’s journey to the Academy is both inspiring and enlightening. Listen in as he shares his unique perspective on mentorship, leadership, and the inva...
Can you imagine the profound impact a simple posture correction technique can have on discipline? Brace yourselves as Ricky, Troy, and I unpack the unique terminologies and practices of Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy. This episode dives into the physical and emotional rollercoaster of "bracing up," reveals the secrets behind the mnemonic "ditties," and decodes the meaning of "sticking out a paw." Our discussion sheds light on how these seemingly small practices play a critica...
Ever wonder what the heck your son or daughter is talking about in their letters home or during phone calls as a Plebe at the Naval Academy? Join us as we break down the unique terminology and traditions that define this intense initiation period, Plebe Summer. With insights from Troy Thompson, a 2017 graduate and active duty Naval officer, and Rick Conlin, a 1999 graduate and author, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving language and customs that have shaped the Pleb...
In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, Captain Gervy shares his captivating journey from his roots as the son of a Navy Chief to attending the Naval Academy to commanding three different warships. Captain Gervy outlines his path marked by leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. Listen to how his experiences commanding multiple warships and mentoring junior officers (JOs) have shaped his perspective on service and leadership. Plus, get a rare glimpse into t...
How do you navigate the emotional roller coaster of parenting a midshipman? Karl Smith, a two-time Service Academy parent, shares his heartfelt journey with us. From his son Noah's intense Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy to his current role as a Lieutenant JG on the USS Florida, Carl provides a reflective and invaluable perspective. We also draw comparisons with his daughter Katie's experiences at the Air Force Academy. Tune in as Carl opens up about the evolving dynamics between pare...
This episode of the Academy Insider Podcast promises to offer invaluable insights and heartfelt advice from Annie Shyne, a mother of two Naval Academy graduates. With her unique perspective, Annie guides us through the emotional rollercoaster of I-Day, Plebe Summer, and beyond, sharing personal anecdotes and practical strategies that every Naval Academy parent can benefit from.Throughout our conversation, Annie, the author of "A USNA Mom's Journal," illustrates the importance of letting go an...
loading