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
76 episodes
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#056 Transforming Leaders: Inside the Naval Academy's Leadership and Ethics Development Program with Jim McNeal
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 56
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1:01:42
#055: Navigating Leadership: Insights about the Naval Academy's Sailing Program with Andrew Shea
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 She...
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Season 2
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Episode 55
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52:26
#054 Inside the Naval Academy: An Insight into Gray Space During Plebe Summer
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 unsched...
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Season 2
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Episode 54
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1:04:19
#053: From Marine Corps Drill Instructor to the Naval Academy: Learning About Drill with First Sergeant Beth Abbott
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 f...
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Season 2
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Episode 53
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50:34
#052: Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Plebe Summer Terminology Pt 3
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 firs...
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Season 2
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Episode 52
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33:27