The Trident Room Podcast

Join us as CDR Alanna Youngblood concludes her two-part conversation with retired Commander Bobby Jones, exploring leadership beyond the uniform, the challenges facing the next generation, and the enduring lessons of service. Drawing on a career that spanned global military operations, peacekeeping missions, command at sea, and strategic leadership, CDR Bobby Jones (Ret) reflects on how those expe...

Trident Room Podcast host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood interviews one of her mentors, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bobby Jones, discussing the unexpected yet invaluable lessons in life, leadership, and service that emerged throughout his distinguished naval career. From U.S. Naval Academy class 'anchor’ to commanding forces around the world, Jones reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and chara...

In Part II of this two-part episode of the Trident Room podcast, host LT Tony Castillo continues his conversation with Rear Admiral Mattis. Building on themes from Part I, the discussion explores literature, leadership, cognitive bias, artificial intelligence, and technological transformation across history. Rear Admiral Mattis reflects on the influence of mentors and literature, shares lessons fr...

The Trident Room Podcast’s TRP Unfiltered series delivers authentic, unedited conversations by a round table of TRP hosts, students and guests on a submitted topic … In this episode, the TRP team discusses the unexpected leadership challenges that come with a promotion and the associated increase in responsibilities.------ In the latest episode of the Trident Room Podcast’s Unfiltered series, show...

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of the Trident Room Podcast, TRP host Lt. Anthony Castillo interviews Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis. The conversation explores Rear Admiral Mattis's diverse background, from his upbringing in Fullerton, California, to his expansive naval career and his educational experiences at the U.S. Naval Academy and Oxford University. The discussion delves deep into his passi...

The Trident Room Podcast’s TRP Unfiltered series delivers authentic, unedited conversations by a round table of TRP hosts, students and guests on a submitted topic … In this episode, the TRP team discusses their experiences at NPS, and how some longstanding naval traditions while underway have changed over the years. ------ In the latest episode of the Trident Room Podcast’s Unfiltered series, sho...

The Trident Room Podcast sits down with NPS STEM Director Dr. Jennifer Carson for a conversation on her journey from astrophysics research to science outreach, the challenges and rewards of making complex ideas accessible to the public, and the role of STEM in inspiring the next generation. She also shares what’s ahead for this year’s Discovery Day and how the event connects Naval Postgraduate Sch...

The Trident Room Podcast sits down with NPS STEM Director Dr. Jennifer Carson for a conversation on her journey from astrophysics research to science outreach, the challenges and rewards of making complex ideas accessible to the public, and the role of STEM in inspiring the next generation. She also shares what’s ahead for this year’s Discovery Day and how the event connects Naval Postgraduate Sch...

Join us as TRP host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood sits down with Dr. Martin Mandelberg to discuss his experience working with Dr. Richard Hamming as his one, and only, PhD student. Dr. Mandelberg recounts all his trials, tribulations, and challenges in working with a personality such as Dr. Hamming as well as the special, cherished connection he shared with his mentor. He states that it was this “chosen...

In part two of this episode, TRP host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood continues her discussion with Dr. Martin Mandelberg on working with legendary mathematician Dr. Richard Hamming as his PhD student. Dr. Mandelberg recounts all his trials, tribulations, and challenges in working with a personality such as Dr. Hamming, and the special, cherished connection he shared with his mentor. -----------

In part one of this episode, TRP host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood sits down with Dr. Martin Mandelberg to discuss his experiences working with Dr. Richard Hamming as the iconic mathematician’s one, and only, PhD student. Dr. Mandelberg recounts all his trials, tribulations, and challenges in working with a personality such as Dr. Hamming, and the special, cherished connection he shared with his mentor...

The Trident Room Podcast’s TRP Unfiltered series delivers authentic, unedited conversations by a round table of TRP hosts, students and guests on a submitted question … In this episode, the TRP team welcomes two new NPS students to the table for a discussion on career paths to NPS, what lies ahead, and much more.

In part two of this episode, TRP hosts Colleen Wilmington and Anthony Castillo continue their discussion on leadership, undersea warfare, and nuclear deterrence with NPS Hall of Fame alumnus retired U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil Haney. Insightful and plainly spoken, Haney’s advice, empowered by 50+ years of distinguished public service, can be assimilated across the full spectrum of leadership.

Lt. Cmdr. Colleen Wilmington and Lt. Anthony Castillo met with retired Adm. Cecil Haney to discuss his outlook on leadership, submarine warfare, and nuclear deterrence in a changing world during his visit to NPS in March 2025 for the Winter Commencement. Spanning over 50 years of governmental service in the military and private sectors, Admiral Haney maintained a strict adherence to core values an...

In the latest episode of the Trident Room Podcast’s Unfiltered series, show hosts and guests Elaura and Anthony sit around a table in the Trident Room Rose Garden to discuss this week's topic. The views expressed during the Trident Room Podcast are those of the hosts, and do not represent official policy of the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Department of Defense.

In this episode, Senior Producer Alanna Youngblood picks the brain of NPS’ Director of International Graduate Programs Mr. Danial Pick. In this interview they both explore topics and concepts ranging from Language, Culture, and Diplomacy to Special Operations and Counterterrorism Insights to Personnel and Career reflections. Strap in for quite the adventure!

The Trident Room Podcast’s TRP Unfiltered series delivers authentic, unedited conversations by a round table of TRP hosts, students and guests on a submitted question … In this episode, the team is challenged to share a guilty pleasure, such as the artists on their favorite playlists that they’d rather not admit to!

In part one of this two-part episode, the Trident Room Podcast sits down with NPS Director of International Graduate Programs retired Army Col. Danial “Dino” Pick for a conversation on his career in special operations and foreign affairs, critical lessons from history that cannot be forgotten, and the invaluable role of allies and partners in U.S. national security.

The Trident Room Podcast’s new series, TRP Unfiltered, delivers authentic, unedited conversations by a round table of TRP hosts, students and guests on a submitted question … In this episode, team members get nostalgic, sharing stories of unique foods from their pasts that inspire memories and connect families.

In the latest episode of the Academic Arsenal series, host Lt. Cmdr. Colleen Wilmington talks with two NPS students graduating through the Bowman Scholarship program for high-performing U.S. Naval Academy graduates pursuing assignments in the nuclear Navy.

Trident Room Podcast Hosts Elaura and Alanna sit around a table in the Trident Room Rose Garden to discuss this week’s topic, personal perspectives on the value of engaging through Social Media. The views expressed during the Trident Room Podcast are those of the hosts, and do not represent official policy of the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Department of Defense.

In part two of this two-part episode, Trident Room Podcast hosts Alanna Youngblood and Colleen Wilmington sit down with NPS Dean of Students and SEAL Community Bullfrog U.S. Navy Capt. Eric J. Skalski for a conversation on leading NPS’ unique student body, his advice and insights to current and prospective students, and the value of NPS’ industry partners for students. Today’s podcast may sound fa...

Trident Room Podcast Hosts Anthony, Elaura, Josh, and Alanna sit around a table in the Trident Room Rose Garden to discuss this week’s topic: “What is something you hope people remember you for, and what's one thing you hope they forget?"

In part one of this two-part episode, the Trident Room Podcast hosts Alanna Youngblood and Colleen Wilmington sit down with NPS Dean of Students Capt. Eric J. Skalski for a conversation on lessons learned over four decades of service, the importance of educating warfighters, and the challenges and opportunities in serving NPS’ diverse, international student community. Today’s podcast may sound fam...

Trident Podcast Host Anthony Castillo, Elaura Hastings, Colleen Wilmington, and Alanna Youngblood sit around a table in the Trident Room Rose Garden to discuss this week’s topic: “What is there to do here in Monterey?”