Best Rotc Podcasts (2025)

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System Shock and Survival: Your Strategic Roadmap to Crushing the Academy 13:57

Play Pause

7d ago13:57

13:57

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Perspectives from Kathleen Hicks - Former Deputy Secretary of Defense 20:38

8d ago20:38

20:38

Join Elan Baumgarten on an interview with former Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. A unique perspective on the United States Military, opportunities for youth, and the importance of the military in our society. Welcome back to Beyond the Uniform!By Elan Baumgarten

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Ibogaine, Psychedelics, Trauma, And A New Path For Military Veterans & First Responders 1:14:07

9d ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Shoot me a message! We sit down with Andrew of Freedom Ibogaine to unpack addiction, PTSD, and why some veterans find hope in medically supervised psychedelic care in Mexico. We cover safety, screening, longer stays for integration, and how community turns a reset into a real change. • why ibogaine can reduce cravings and quiet fight or flight • li…

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Episode 71: USAF Lt Dominion Etsegbe, Fight for Yourself 51:01

15d ago51:01

51:01

Send us a text If you want something, you have to go for it. It will not just be set on your lap. Dominion and I wanted to become an officer. We did not have the path laid out, we went out and laid the path. Ohhh I like that!! Another social media Tik Tok connection and they keep getting better. Leadership lessons we discuss: Transparency Lead by e…

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The Defense Innovation Unit with Guest Doug Beck 25:02

22d ago25:02

25:02

The first episode in the Beyond the Uniform limited series! A huge thank you to Doug Beck for joining us and sharing his experiences with the Defense Innovation Unit.By Elan Baumgarten

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Burnout, Military Brotherhood, And Being Honest with Joshua Mach aka JMach Podcast 1:03:29

29d ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Shoot me a message! We sit down with Joshua “JMach” Mach to talk burnout, identity after service, and how honest conversations can save a life. From raising resilient kids to setting standards in mentorship and sobriety, we unpack what it means to lead at home and in the community. • asking twice to get real answers • social media masks versus real…

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Service Academy vs ROTC: Choosing Your Path to Commission 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Episode 70: USN Chief Josh Mackey: No Fat Chiefs 1:09:36

1M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

Send us a text When you bring two amazing mustaches together you get an unbearable power. I am lucky the internet did not crash when this happened. Seriously Josh and I had a good relationship going in to the call and we just had a good conversation about leadership. Some topics we cover: What they see is how they act Competition breeds greatness L…

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Jenna Carlton: How A Millennial Navy Veteran Turned Pain Into Purpose 1:04:18

1M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Shoot me a message! We trace a raw, hopeful route from burnout and impostor syndrome to practical community, women veterans’ needs, and real-world resources that work. Jenna shares why “moderate” matters, how to face trolls, and what it takes to turn service into daily service. • bridging service, leadership, transition, and civilian readiness • cr…

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ROTC Scholarship Updates for the 2025 Government Shutdown 13:47

1M ago13:47

13:47

Concerned about the ROTC scholarship process with this year's government shutdown? Here’s the truth. ROTC programs are strained but operational. Cadre are backfilling furloughed civilian roles, Army slid its October board about two weeks, Navy is pushing candidates to later boards, and Air Force is largely on schedule with fewer boards. If you’re a…

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ATHLETE: Think Varsity Is Enough? Why Academies Say “Prove It” 35:36

1M ago35:36

35:36

Are you assuming “I’m a varsity athlete, so the Athlete piece is handled”? That assumption can cost you an appointment. For the Service Academies, being “athletic” isn’t just team participation—it’s quantifiable performance, leadership, and a smart plan to crush the CFA. In this Academy-focused episode of our Scholar • Athlete • Leader series, reti…

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2025 Government Shutdown Update: Academy Nominations & ROTC Scholarship Boards 13:07

2M ago13:07

13:07

*Special Episode* Worried the shutdown will derail your academy nomination or ROTC scholarship file? Take a breath. Academy admissions are operating close to normal. The friction is mainly in some congressional offices scheduling interviews and a few ROTC processing slowdowns at undermanned units and headquarters. If you are applying to both, here …

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Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, candidates are getting s…

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Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0 21:01

2M ago21:01

21:01

"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, ca…

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Service Academy Destiny: Why It's the Optimal Path for Elite Leaders 12:44

2M ago12:44

12:44

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Elite Strategy for Acing the CFA: Scoring Tactics 13:10

2M ago13:10

13:10

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Acing the Academy Interview: Master the STAR Method, Nail Your Story 13:58

2M ago13:58

13:58

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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How to Conquer the CFA and DoDMERB: The Two Non-Negotiable Gates 13:38

2M ago13:38

13:38

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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How the ROTC Scholarship board views Athletics - Scholar, Athlete, Leader Series 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

Are you a varsity athlete who assumes you have the "Athlete" portion of the ROTC scholarship application locked down? That assumption could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. For ROTC scholarships, being "athletic" isn't just about being on a team—it's about quantifiable leadership and proven physical readiness. In this episode of our Scholar, …

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From Military Spouse to True Crime: A Case, A Calling, A Community with Rietta Boksha 1:07:41

2M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Shoot me a message! We trace the unresolved death of Heather Turner through verifiable facts, while exploring how a military spouse-turned-host balances advocacy, intuition and family life. Along the way we talk stress, functional medicine, compound grief and why facts must lead feelings. • military life rhythms and finding stability during moves •…

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Honor Code to Overload: Mastering Ethical Choice and Strategic Academics 10:33

2M ago10:33

10:33

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Service Academy Crunch Time: Maxing Your Whole Candidate Score 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Episode 68: DET 905 ROTC Cadet Isaac Daniels: Be the best at not giving up 55:29

2M ago55:29

55:29

Send us a text Isaac reached out to me on Tik Tok and we started talking leadership and fitness. As part of the ROTC podcast episodes Isaac talk about a lot of early struggle he had in ROTC and how he has bounced back and kept working for his overall goal. Topics we cover: Bounce back Passion for your goals Purpose Two books we recommend Isaac: War…

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Episode 69: Round table with ROTC Cadets about Leadership and Flying 1:04:02

2M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Send us a text Special episode with a group of ROTC cadets where I answer questions they have about flying, air force life, leadership, and much more. Just an awesome opportunity to chat with future leaders. Don't forget to leave a review of what you took from the episode, rate the episode, and reach out for any feedback or connection IG https://ww…

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Episode 67: ROTC 250 Cadet Travis Greene. Locked in and future in sight 1:08:42

2M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Send us a text On this episode we continue down the ROTC path with an amazing leader in his detachment. Travis and I met through Social Media doing patch swaps and I reached out to hear his story and how ROTC is shaping the future leaders. Topics we cover: Adversity Getting comfortable being uncomfortable Focus on future Aways be learning You can r…

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From Applicant to Appointment: Nailing the Academy Nomination Process 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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How Your NJROTC CO Role Maximizes Service Academy Admission 11:55

2M ago11:55

11:55

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Whole Candidate Strategy: How to Offset a Lower GPA and Nail Selection 12:05

2M ago12:05

12:05

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Turning Job Uncertainty into Strategic Strength: You Don't Have to Have ALL the Answers 11:33

2M ago11:33

11:33

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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The 8000-Point Formula: How Your ACT Score Banks the Big Win 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Service Academy Admissions Unlocked: Leveraging Balance and Rigor 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Gatekeeper to Officer: Service Academy Nomination Strategy and Interviews 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Military Cyber Warfare Roadmap: Matching Your Technical Genius 12:48

2M ago12:48

12:48

Explore the evolving world of military cyber careers in this episode designed for high-achieving STEM students like Taft. Discover what it actually means to serve as a Cyber or Information Warfare Officer across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. We break down daily missions, paths to leadership, core technica…

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Engineering Leadership at the Service Academies: Taft’s Guide to Military STEM Careers 12:40

3M ago12:40

12:40

This episode is a personalized deep dive for Taft, exploring the engineering and STEM career pathways available at one of the U.S. military service academies. We break down what life is like at the academy, how engineering majors connect to specific officer communities, and the hands-on leadership and technical challenges graduates face. From day-t…

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Coast Guard: Maritime Engineering—STEM Leadership at the Coast Guard Academy 10:32

3M ago10:32

10:32

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Merchant Marine: Navigating STEM—Engineering Futures at the Merchant Marine Academy 10:25

3M ago10:25

10:25

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Army: STEM Leaders at West Point—Exploring Engineering Careers 11:18

3M ago11:18

11:18

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Air Force: Innovation in Action—Air Force Academy STEM and Engineering Careers 10:19

3M ago10:19

10:19

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Navy: Technical Excellence at the Naval Academy—STEM Pathways for Officers 13:23

3M ago13:23

13:23

Discover how the U.S. service academies prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This episode is tailored for high-achieving students exploring military pathways, breaking down the unique STEM and engineering officer roles found at each federal academy. Learn about admissions, technical majors, hands-…

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Aggressively Proactive: Master the Military Academy Nomination Process 13:24

3M ago13:24

13:24

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Decoding the Five Service Academies: Why Your Specific Choice Matters 10:28

3M ago10:28

10:28

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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THE Single Best Education in America: Why Service Academies Are Your Optimal Path 11:55

3M ago11:55

11:55

A tactical guide through your service academy application journey. Each episode breaks down the admissions process—Whole Candidate Score components, nomination interviews, leadership narratives, physical fitness preparation, and file completion deadlines—with direct application to your specific profile: 32 ACT, NJROTC Commanding Officer, civic lead…

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Breaking Barriers: Marine Vet Leo Fuentes Launches His Own Law Firm 1:13:50

3M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

By KP

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Mission Ready - Why This Matters Now 11:53

3M ago11:53

11:53

By Dr. Melissa L. Brown

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Guard Your Circle: Lessons from the Parade Deck Controversy 14:56

3M ago14:56

14:56

Shoot me a message! The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values. • Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military pod…

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Combat Veteran Insight: Finding Purpose in a Divided Nation 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

Shoot me a message! A combat veteran shares his perspective on America's growing political division and makes an impassioned plea for unity following recent political violence. Drawing from military experience and personal sacrifice, he argues that service to others provides meaning in life while highlighting the dangers of forming opinions solely …

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Steel Sharpens Steel: Combat Veteran Shares Leadership Lessons with SFC Alexander Stewart 1:28:34

4M ago1:28:34

1:28:34

Shoot me a message! SFC Alexander Stewart returns to share insights on leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy, exploring how military experience shapes character and the universal lessons we can learn from service. • Stewart is preparing for a 22-mile ruck march for Hick Strong, a nonprofit providing free counseling for service members …

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The 69 Most Competitive Congressional Nomination Districts for Getting Into West Point 14:49

4M ago14:49

14:49

Discover which congressional districts in America are the most competitive for securing a nomination to West Point. In this in-depth analysis, LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the data on 69 of the toughest districts, exploring how geography, income, military presence, and local culture shape the nomination process. Learn about the four main …

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Episode 66: 15 minutes of straight talk and Q&A w/Manny 13:08

4M ago13:08

13:08

Send us a text On this episode I sit down with myself and answer a few amazing questions and also drop a little knowledge on my leadership journey and my philosophy to leadership. This is to help you move that needle a little more in the positive direction to becoming a better leader. If you have any leadership questions please reach out and I will…

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Service Academy Medicals: Self Reporting is Over? DoDMERB Just Changed EVERYTHING with DMACS 2.0 13:48

4M ago13:48

13:48

The era of self-reporting your medical history to DoDMERB is officially over. The new DMACS 2.0 system now connects to civilian medical and prescription databases, and they are no longer just taking your word for it. In this urgent update, we expose the biggest change to the Service Academy medical clearance process in a generation. We break down e…