The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience

Send us Fan Mail What Happens When Midshipmen Stay Behind During Winter Break As we wrap up an incredible 2025 season, I'm reflecting on what an amazing year it's been for the Naval Academy community. From the football team's outstanding achievements to the daily dedication of midshipmen preparing for finals, there's so much to celebrate as we head into winter break. In this fi...

Send us Fan Mail Why Army Week at the Naval Academy Becomes Pure Chaos Every December Army Week has arrived at the Naval Academy, and if you've ever wondered what all the chaos and excitement is about, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most legendary weeks in Annapolis. As someone who lived through the absolute mayhem of Army Week during my time as a midshipman, I'm shari...

Send us Fan Mail Why Struggling at Annapolis Doesn't Define Your Future Success Struggling academically at the Naval Academy? You're not alone, and this episode proves that your worth isn't defined by your class rank. Stefan Simkovic, Class of 2009, graduated in the "Comma Club" – the very bottom of his class – yet went on to build a thriving international business that&ap...

Send us Fan Mail Why Naval Academy Midshipmen Can't Simply Take Time Off Like Everyone Else Ever wondered why upperclass midshipmen sprint back to campus at 11:55 PM on Friday nights? In this episode, we break down the crucial distinctions between leave and liberty at the Naval Academy—two terms that sound similar but carry vastly different meanings for midshipmen and their families. As a Nav...

Send us Fan Mail Why Good Humans Make the Best Warriors According to Naval Commander Will Spears What happens when ancient philosophy meets modern military leadership? In this fascinating episode, we explore how stoicism serves as a cornerstone of warrior development and ethical leadership at the Naval Academy. I'm joined by Commander William Spears, a Naval Academy graduate, submarine comman...

Send us Fan Mail From Chopping to Chow Calls: Decoding the Secret Language of Plebes Ever wondered what it's really like to be a plebe at the United States Naval Academy? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the unique aspects of plebe life that go beyond academics and physical training. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm excited to share insights into the daily rituals, responsibi...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what it's like to be at the helm of one of the largest athletic departments in the country? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Navy Athletics with an exclusive interview featuring the new Naval Academy Athletic Director, Michael Kelly. As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I'm thrilled to share an insider's look at how Navy Athletics is evolving...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the intricacies of Naval Academy uniforms? As a former midshipman, I'm excited to pull back the curtain on this iconic aspect of life at Annapolis. From working blues to summer whites, we're diving deep into the world of midshipman attire. The Uniform Breakdown Working blues: The most common uniform and why they're called "blues" when t...

Send us Fan Mail Exploring ROTC and Academy Experiences Are you considering a career as a naval officer but unsure whether to pursue the Naval Academy or ROTC path? In this episode, we explore the key differences between these two commissioning routes with Lisa Hillhouse, an Air Force ROTC graduate and former Air Force Academy admissions staff member. Navigating the ROTC vs. Naval Academy Decision...

Send us Fan Mail From Dawn to Dusk The Midshipmans Daily Journey Unveiled As the academic year kicks off at the United States Naval Academy, I'm excited to share insights into the daily life of midshipmen, especially for our new plebes. In this episode, we'll explore the significant changes from plebe summer to the academic year, providing context and perspective for parents and supporte...

Send us Fan Mail Forge Your Future Are you passionate about serving your country and seeking a top-tier education? In this episode, I sit down with two remarkable Naval Academy graduates who are on a mission to help aspiring service academy and ROTC candidates achieve their dreams. Meet Hersh and Mateo, founders of Forge Your Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free applicatio...

Send us Fan Mail Navy Football Saturdays in Annapolis  Get ready for an insider's look at Navy football game day! As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm excited to share the unique experience of Midshipmen on these special Saturdays in Annapolis. Behind the Scenes of Navy Game Day The week-long build-up, including march-on practice Saturday morning routines and formations The march through dow...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what the Naval Academy Alumni Association really does? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on this vital organization that supports both midshipmen and graduates throughout their careers and beyond. As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I'm thrilled to share an inside look at how the Alumni Association and Foundation are evolving to meet the needs of today&apo...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating Storms With Naval Academy Grit Leadership 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 effective leadership with Carl Sharperson, a Naval Academy graduate, Marine aviator, and executive coach. Carl's journey from Virginia to the Nav...

Send us Fan Mail 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 " Crucibles ," to explore how the Academy's transformative journey shapes future naval leaders. We delve into the essence of wh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 rediscovering faith after a moment of crisis, offering hope to those facing similar struggles. His story resonates deeply with junior offic...

Send us Fan Mail 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 journey from Annapolis to the major leagues, and the unexpected obstacles he faced along the way. Mitch's story isn't just abo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 military officers to study abroad, gain language fluency, and immerse themselves in a new culture while remaining on active duty. This unique path has shaped di...

Send us Fan Mail 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. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Burnett, a former midshipman turned USNA instructor and officer representative for the Navy Formula SAE...

Send us Fan Mail 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 solution you've been searching for. In this episode, we sit down with Marnie and Paula, the creators of this incredible service that co...

Send us Fan Mail 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 peel back the layers of the Naval Academy experience, offering you an insider's view of this extraordinary institution. From the bustl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 causing anxiety for incoming plebes and their families. Drawing from my personal journey - from nearly leaving during Plebe summer to e...

Send us Fan Mail To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families. This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative...

Send us Fan Mail 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 within the Information Warfare Community, with a special focus on opportunities for those interested in cyber operations. From met...

Send us Fan Mail 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 midshipman, his career as a Naval officer, and his experiences in the civilian world. He breaks down his seven-step leadership philosophy, offer...