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The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience
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.
Episodes
82 episodes
#081 Foreign Area Officers - the Hidden Gem of Military Officer Careers!
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 a...
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Season 2
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Episode 81
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1:02:06
#080 A Comparison of West Point and Annapolis: The Transformative Path of a Service Academy Education
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 80
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1:01:14
#079 Military Service to Defense Innovation: Insights into the Power of the Service Academy Network
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 accom...
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Season 2
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Episode 79
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38:55
#078 Big Decks: Behind the Scenes of a Military Comedy Classic
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 termin...
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Season 2
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Episode 78
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20:14
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#077 Learn About the Company Mate of the Deck (CMOD) at the Naval Academy
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 77
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3:05
#076 Insights from Command Master Chief Anthony Amato on Forging Future Naval Leaders
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 e...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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47:52
#075 Behind the Scenes of the Service Assignment Process at the US Naval Academy
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 Optimi...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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45:50
#074 Ask G 05 - What is the Back Shaft?? Learn more Bancroft Hall Terminology!
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, v...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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3:08
#073 Pro-Know!! Learn about the Professional Knowledge Program at the United States Naval Academy
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 opportunit...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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39:14
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#072 Ask G 04: Is Off-Shore Sailing a year round sport? And where do they sail to?
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 daught...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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3:38
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#071 EXAM WEEK!! Six and Twelve Week Exams at the U.S. Naval Academy
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 office...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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40:22
#070 Ask G 03: Standing Watch at the Naval Academy: Roles, Responsibilities, and Realities
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 break...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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4:17
#069 The Profession of Leadership: David Albritton's Journey of Leadership and Resilience at the Naval Academy
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 69
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54:14
#068 Semper Deep: Insight into Life as a Navy Submarine Officer
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 68
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56:07
#067 Top Gun Maverick Behind the Scenes: Inside Information from a Navy Jet Pilot
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. Am...
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Season 2
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Episode 67
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51:33
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#066 From Naval Academy to City Hall: Mayor Phillip Jones's Journey of Leadership
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 ser...
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Season 2
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Episode 66
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33:05
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#065 Commanding the Best Damn Ship in the Navy: Reflections on a Combat Deployment
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....
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Season 2
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Episode 65
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1:04:31
#064 Varsity Athletics at the Naval Academy: An Insight into the Life and Schedule of Varsity Athletes
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 64
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51:13
#063 Ask G 002: Bancroft Hall Terminology: Understanding the Midshipmen Living Area
"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 t...
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Season 2
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Episode 63
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3:42
#062 Spirit Spot Update: Direct from Rylan Tuohy
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 K...
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Season 2
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Episode 62
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11:51
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#061 The Classroom Experience at the Naval Academy: Insight into USNA Academics
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 f...
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Season 2
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Episode 61
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1:01:33
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#060 Ask G 001: Insight into Midshipmen Ranks at the US Naval Academy
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 Acade...
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Season 2
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Episode 60
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4:28
#059 Creating Naval Academy Spirit: Rylan Tuohy's Journey to being King of the Spirit Spot
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 59
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35:25
#058 Inside PLEBE YEAR: Learn about Plebe Signature Sheets with Nicki DeGuzman
Did you hear your Plebe say they have to complete their signature sheet and you have no idea what that means? Join Nicki DeGuzman and I as we unravel the humor and camaraderie behind this quirky tradition. However here is a ⚠️ WARN...
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Episode 58
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59:27
#057 Finding Identity and Purpose Through the Storm at the Naval Academy
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 a...
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Season 2
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Episode 57
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48:43
