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

Send us Fan Mail 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 Kickstarter campaign. With overwhelming support from the Navy community, alumni, and fans, Ryland is on the cusp of meeting his $5...

Send us Fan Mail 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 from the courts to the classroom. Sarah, former submarine Junior Officer of the year onboard USS John Warner, talks about her transition back to the Academy...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Academy Insider Podcast is your definitive guide to understanding midshipman ranks. From the initial days as a plebe to the heights of becoming...

Send us Fan Mail 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 school, Rylan's journey from midshipman to viral video creator is nothing short of inspiring. He shares the origins of his first...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ Much of what you'll hear in this episode is no longer continuing at USNA.  Tasks associated with earning a signature are no longer allowed....

Send us Fan Mail 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 and current Navy intelligence officer, as he shares his unique experiences at the Naval Academy. Discover how playing for the Navy football...

Send us Fan Mail 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 supply corps officer to his civilian role in executive search, and now, as an adjunct professor teaching ethics and leadership. Learn how h...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Shea, a 2013 graduate and former skipper of the Navy varsity offshore sailing team, who shares his remarkable journey and the unique expe...

Send us Fan Mail 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 unscheduled yet pivotal moments of Plebe Summer. From the hilariously chaotic to the profoundly impactful, our stories will give you a f...

Send us Fan Mail 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 from Blanchard, Michigan to becoming the brigade drill master at the United States Naval Academy. You'll hear firsthand experiences of...

Send us Fan Mail 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 firsthand accounts. Hear Troy share vivid memories of spontaneous training sessions and intense workouts that turned unplanned t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tradition of "blue and gold" sessions during Plebe Summer. With a family deeply rooted in military service, Jake’s journey to the Acade...

Send us Fan Mail 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 episode dives into the physical and emotional rollercoaster of "bracing up," reveals the secrets behind the mnemonic "ditties,&q...

Send us Fan Mail 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 period, Plebe Summer.  With insights from Troy Thompson, a 2017 graduate and active duty Naval officer, and Rick Conlin, a 1999 graduate and au...

Send us Fan Mail 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 marked by leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of duty.  Listen to how his experiences commanding multiple warships and mentoring junior off...

Send us Fan Mail 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 role as a Lieutenant JG on the USS Florida, Carl provides a reflective and invaluable perspective. We also draw comparisons with his daught...

Send us Fan Mail 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 of I-Day, Plebe Summer, and beyond, sharing personal anecdotes and practical strategies that every Naval Academy parent can benefit from. Th...

Send us Fan Mail Preparing for and Navigating Life at the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) with PJ Roach This episode of the Academy Insider podcast features host Grant Vermeer and guest PJ Roach, a class of 2023 Naval Academy graduate and former battalion commander at the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). The discussion provides insight into the experiences at NAPS, including the indoctrin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 takes us through the high notes of her tenure—performing at international spectacles and rousing sporting events, where the D&B's pre...

Send us Fan Mail 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 intimate company sizes, and the intimate bonds that last a lifetime. Whether you're a proud parent of a midshipman or simply fasc...

Send us Fan Mail Generational Changing Opportunity - The United States Naval Academy In this special episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, host Grant Vermeer is joined by Troy Thompson, a class of '17 graduate, for a deep dive into the transformative impact of the United States Naval Academy on its midshipmen and graduates. They share their personal experiences, touching on the challenges a...

Send us Fan Mail The Herndon Climb Tradition at the United States Naval Academy Rear Admiral James McNeal joins me to narrate the saga of the Naval Academy's Herndon Climb. The Herndon Climb has long been seen as a milestone event for fourth class midshipmen (freshmen or “plebes”) at the Naval Academy. Demonstrating the teamwork and perseverance they have learned during their first year at th...

Send us Fan Mail Insights from a Command Master Chief's Time at the Naval Academy.  A conversation with Jeff Kirby:  In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, the host is joined by Jeff Kirby, a retired Command Master Chief who served at the Naval Academy. Kirby recounts his 33-year Navy career, highlighting his roles in mentorship and leadership, especially his time at the Naval Academ...

Send us Fan Mail Step inside the rigorous world of Plebe Summer with Commander Mike Murnane as we unravel the threads of leadership and mentorship that define the Naval Academy's transformational journey. This episode is your ticket to understanding the intense preparation and selection of the upperclassmen detailers, who are pivotal in molding incoming plebes into the future leaders of the N...

Send us Fan Mail Naval Academy Life and Tradition: The Star Series and Letter Sweaters This episode of the Academy Insider podcast, hosted by Grant from The Vermeer Group , kicks off its second season focusing on the life and experiences at the United States Naval Academy. The podcast, aimed at Naval Academy graduates, midshipmen, future midshipmen, and their families, features a conversation with...