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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
100 episodes
#099 Sharp Leadership: Life Lessons from a Marine Aviator
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 effect...
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Season 3
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Episode 99
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45:10

#098 Crucibles: The Naval Academy Transformative Rite of Passage
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 "
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Season 3
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Episode 98
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45:54

#097 From USNA to the MLB: Serving America While Chasing Big League Dreams (Part 2)
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 97
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27:06

#096 From USNA to the MLB: Serving America While Chasing Big League Dreams (Part 1)
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 jo...
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Season 3
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Episode 96
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35:00

#095 A Global Perspective: The Olmsted Scholarship Experience
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 milit...
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Season 3
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Episode 95
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1:02:58
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#094 Navy Formula SAE - Building Cars and Character
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.<...
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Season 3
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Episode 94
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59:50
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#093 - The Academy Families Travel Network
Are you a Naval Academy family struggling with the high costs of visiting Annapolis for special events? Or perhaps you're a midshipman looking for a safe place to stay during your travels? The Academy Families Travel Network might be the soluti...
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Season 3
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Episode 93
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33:22
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#092 - Naval Academy 101, Understanding Foundational Information
Ever wondered what it's like to be part of a world where college life meets military discipline? Welcome to the unique realm of the United States Naval Academy, where tradition, education, and service blend seamlessly.In this episode, we...
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Season 3
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Episode 92
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13:26
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#091 - Welcome Aboard for the Class of 2029
As a Naval Academy graduate, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of this institution. In this episode, I share insights on what makes the Naval Academy truly exceptional, especially in light of current world events that may be c...
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Season 3
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Episode 91
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14:29

#089 Decoding the Navy Cryptologic and Cyber Communities: Your Guide to the Information Warfare Community
Are you considering a career in the Navy's Information Warfare Community? As a former cryptologic officer, I'm here to provide an insider's perspective on this rapidly evolving field.In this episode, I break down the various designators ...
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Season 2
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Episode 89
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40:23
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#088 Defining Your Leadership Philosophy: Insights from Naval Academy Graduate Eric Dyson
In this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, we dive deep into the art of developing a robust leadership philosophy with Eric Dyson, a 1983 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.Eric shares invaluable insights from his time as a...
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Season 2
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Episode 88
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51:10

#087 Lessons from the Admiral: Navigating the Waters of Military Leadership and Insight for Rising Officers
Are you curious about the inner workings of military leadership and the valuable lessons that can shape a young officer's career? In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, I sit down with Mark C. Fava, author of the soon-to-be-released bo...
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Season 2
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Episode 87
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46:02

#086 Healing Out Loud: A Naval Academy Mother's Journey Through Loss, Healing, and Mental Health Advocacy
Warning: Today's episode will discuss very sensitive topics, including death by suicide.In this powerful episode of the Academy Insider podcast, we tackle a crucial yet often overlooked topic: mental health and suicide awareness within ...
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Season 2
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Episode 86
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43:17

#085 Supporting Service Academy Grads on the Outside: Why Veterans Make Exceptional Teammates in Any Workplace
Are you a midshipman wondering how to prepare for life after the Naval Academy? Or perhaps you're a junior officer contemplating your next steps? In this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, I sit down with Brendan Aronson, Naval Academy gra...
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Season 2
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Episode 85
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58:10

#084 The Importance of Sleep at the Naval Academy: Insights from Dr. John Cordle on Performance and Safety
Discover the transformative power of sleep with insights from Dr. John Cordle, a Naval Academy graduate and former nuclear surface warfare officer. Dr. Cordle shares his journey from unexpected Academy acceptance to becoming a leading advocate ...
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Season 2
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Episode 84
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55:03

#083 The Military World Games: Insights on the Importance of Military Sports
What if military sports could unlock leadership potential and foster international diplomacy? Join us as we uncover this intriguing prospect with our special guest, Eli Bremer, an accomplished Air Force Academy graduate, Olympian, and Military ...
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Season 2
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Episode 83
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48:14

#082 Annapolis to Harvard: The Fleet Scholar Education Program (FSEP) with Rex Willis (USNA '17 & HBS '24)
Join us as Rex Willis, a Naval Academy graduate and former cyber operations major, takes us on his inspiring journey from College Park, Georgia, to Harvard Business School. Through the Fleet Scholar Education Program (FSEP), Rex exemplifies how...
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Season 2
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Episode 82
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49:01
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#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
