How To Guard
How to Guard is your inside guide to life in the Air National Guard. Hosted by members of the New York Air National Guard, this podcast gives listeners a clear and honest look at what it means to serve. We break down the process of joining, but we also go far beyond recruiting.
Each episode explores the opportunities that make the Guard unique. Career fields, special missions, education benefits, part time and full time roles, deployments, leadership paths, community involvement, and the experiences of Airmen across every specialty. You will hear real stories, real advice, and real insight into how the Guard helps people build skills, find purpose, and create a future that works for them.
Whether you are considering military service or simply want to understand the wide range of possibilities the Guard offers, How to Guard gives you a clear picture of what is available and how to make the most of it.
New episodes will be released regularly on Buzzsprout and all major podcast platforms
How To Guard
Latest Episodes
Airman, Navigator, and Wing Commander!
In this episode of How To Guard, we sit down with Colonel Slosek, Commander of the Airlift Wing, to talk about leadership, experience, and what it really takes to rise through the ranks in the Air National Guard.From his early days servi...
An Air National Guard Legend!!
In this episode of How To Guard, we sit down with an Air National Guard legend, CMSgt (Retired) Denny Richardson. We talk leadership traits that actually work, what setting the standard looks like day to day, and the mindset that separates good...
Benefits Explained! Paid College Tuition, Bonuses, and More!
In this mega episode of the How to Guard Podcast, we sit down with MSgt Lewis, our Retention Office Manager, to answer one of the biggest questions people have. How does the New York Air National Guard pay for college tuition? We br...
Enlisted to Commissioned. Becoming an Officer!
In this episode of the How to Guard Podcast, we sit down with 1st Lt Cappadora, a maintenance officer whose career started on the enlisted side before earning a commission.Lt Cappadora shares what it was really like coming in as enlisted...
Military & Family Readiness Programs!
In this episode of the How to Guard podcast, we sit down with Colleen Casey, our Military Family and Readiness Program Manager. Colleen shares her career journey, breaks down the roles and responsibilities of the Military Family and Readiness P...
Fan Mail
I am not normally one to write reviews or send messages, but I just wanted to send some feedback to say that this podcast has already been insightful and I hope you continue it! I enlisted with the 109th on Dec. 9th, 2025 and hearing about the missions and opportunities out there has made me even more confident in my decision to join and excited to see what my career will bring. Thank you, Stephen Russo.
Gloversville, New York