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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
68 episodes
#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
#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
#051: Blue and Gold
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 tradit...
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Season 2
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Episode 51
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42:42
#50: Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Plebe Summer Terminology Pt 2
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 epis...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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29:16
#049 Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Naval Academy Terminology Pt. 1
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 peri...
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Season 2
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Episode 49
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32:54
#048: Leadership and Resilience: Captain Gervy's Journey as a Surface Warfare Officer
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 48
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55:27
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#047: A Parent's Journey Through the Naval Academy w/ Karl Smith
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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47:46
#046: I-day at the Naval Academy - Preparation and Advice for Parents with AN Shine
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 o...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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1:03:09
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#045 NAPS Preparation and Advice with PJ Roach '23
Preparing for and Navigating Life at the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) with PJ RoachThis episode of the Academy Insider podcast features host Grant Vermeer and guest PJ Roach, a class of 2023 Naval Academy graduate and former b...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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31:44
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#044 Inside the Naval Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps with Andrea Howard
In this episode, Andrea Howard, former commander of the Naval Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps, joins us to recount her musical journey and leadership at this prestigious institution. Listen as we peel back the curtain on D&B.Andrea t...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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43:43
#043 Learning and Understanding the Plebe Summer Organization at the Naval Academy
Sail with us down memory lane as my dear friend Christian Blanchard, a fellow Naval Academy alumnus, and I recount the transformative experience of Plebe Summer. Our conversation charts the course of the program's evolution, the impact of more ...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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1:00:48
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