Best U.S. Air Force Academy Association Podcasts (2025)

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The NEW Gradcast - Connecting the USAFA Community 48:00

Play Pause

2h ago48:00

48:00

In this episode of Air Force Gradcast, hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P’17 and Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius ’00 congratulate the most recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn a Silver Star; they discuss exceptional cadet athletes and scholars; and you’ll hear about the various Association of Graduates giving …

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The Lesson I Didn't Expect - Rebecca Gray ’94 31:50

3d ago31:50

31:50

When Rebecca Gray ’94 arrived at her first duty station, she thought she was ready to lead — until a senior master sergeant told her to get a coffee cup and led her away from the safety of her desk. “You’ve got to know who people are, so that you know how to relate to them,” he told her. That simple moment became the foundation of her entire leader…

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NEW Focus on Leadership - To be Well is to Lead Well - Tanji Johnson Bridgeman ’97 1:03:26

21d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

From aircraft maintenance officer to professional fitness champion to executive coach, Tanji Johnson Bridgeman ’97 has exhibited leadership on many stages. SUMMARY In the premiere episode of Focus on Leadership, she joins host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 to share how resilience, self-care and feedback transform challenges into growth — an…

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Welcome to the New and Enhanced Air Force Gradcast! 38:46

1M ago38:46

38:46

Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius '00 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial groundbreaking, introduce the new Chapter Check-ins and welcome special guest Karl Falk ’98, CEO of Botdoc. Karl reflects on leadership, teamwork and the enduring legacy of Air Force athl…

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Leading at the Edge of Innovation - Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85 1:09:03

1M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

The path to progressing as a leader isn’t always linear. SUMMARY Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott shows how a childhood dream can evolve into a lifetime of impact—from commanding in uniform to leading innovation in healthcare and national defense. Hear more on Long Blue Leadership. Listen now! SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK MIKE'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS …

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Beyond the Sidelines - a Gradcast Special Presentation Featuring Coach Troy Calhoun '89 20:30

2M ago20:30

20:30

Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field. Hear how playing football for the Falcons was just the beginning of his U.S. Air Force Academy journey. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT…

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Running Toward the Fire - Dave "Big D" Harden ’95 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

From the Pentagon on 9/11 to keeping service members safe through timely innovation, Dave Harden ‘95 embodies what it means to run toward the fire. SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership with host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, hear how adversity, gratitude and courage forged a leader others would follow anywhere. From his harrowin…

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A Leader's Five F's - Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service? SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85 discusses his journey from cadet to commanding the White House Communications Agency. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices…

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The Gratitude Edge - Capt. Garrett "Kap" Kauppila ’19 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

By U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

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One Leader - One Million Acts - Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount ’08 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. SUMMARY Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount ’08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership. For Col. Mount, becoming a pilot was a major milestone, but becoming a husband and father had…

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Cadets of Summer, Reunions and Tailgates, Grads in the News and More! 27:55

3M ago27:55

27:55

The Cadets of summer, tailgates, reunions, grads in the news and more — September’s Air Force Gradcast is packed! Join hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 as they highlight the incredible summer research cadets did, hear how graduates are stepping into major national roles, and don’t miss updates on the Next of Kin prog…

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Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A 59:31

4M ago59:31

59:31

In this special presentation, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares an inside look into cadet development and answers graduate questions. Hosted by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, this episode dives into the Academy’s mission and how it is preparing our nation’s future warfighters. FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest:…

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Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A 59:31

4M ago59:31

59:31

In this special edition of Air Force Gradcast, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares an inside look into cadet development and answers graduate questions. Hosted by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, this episode dives into the Academy’s mission and how it is preparing our nation’s future warfighters. SPECIAL THANKS…

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Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars 16:13

4M ago16:13

16:13

Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 joins us from orbit! From cadet to astronaut, she shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons space learned in the space program about leadership and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up re-shapes one's call to serve. The Air Force Gradcast is pres…

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Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars 16:13

4M ago16:13

16:13

Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 joins us from orbit! SUMMARY From cadet to astronaut, she shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons space learned in the space program about leadership and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up re-shapes one's call to serve. SHARE THIS EPISODE LIN…

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Truman Scholars, USAFA Players in the NFL, an Unusual Sandwich, and More! 20:39

4M ago20:39

20:39

Truman Scholars, USAFA players in the NFL, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich. They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line Weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more. Naviere Walkewicz in her North Dakota studio …

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Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective 29:24

5M ago29:24

29:24

Season 3 of the Long Blue Leadership podcast is a wrap! From established national leaders to rising stars, this season features inspiring stories from U.S. Air Force Academy graduates. SUMMARY This season's guests included Dr. Heather Wilson ’82, former Secretary of the Air Force; Dr. John Torres ’82, NBC News Senior Medical Correspondent; Maj. Gen…

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I-Day, a New Day for the Association & Foundation, Talking with the North TX AOG, and More! 40:07

5M ago40:07

40:07

Your July Air Force Gradcast is here! In this episode, the Class of 2029 arrives and brings a record-breaking crowd; the Academy releases new security info for non-military ID holders; USAFA athletes are exhibiting excellence on a national level, and we share an informational, motivational and emotional conversation with Rick Wright ’74, AOG North …

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Leadership from a Global Perspective - Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95 1:05:06

5M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

What does it take to lead at every level and shape the leaders of tomorrow? SUMMARY Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packe…

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Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82 48:29

6M ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent. SUMMARY Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his fami…

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A Gradcast Special Presentation - Distinguished Service Award Recipients 23:05

6M ago23:05

23:05

In this special feature of the Air Force Gradcast, we spotlight the most recent recipients of the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award—exceptional graduates whose lives and careers reflect the highest ideals of service, leadership, and integrity. ----more---- Through thoughtful conversation, they share what shaped their paths, how they continue to…

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2025's Tossing of the Hats, Drumroll Please, Class of ’76 Echelon Project, and Much More 23:48

6M ago23:48

23:48

Your June Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17, along with special guest Steve Lincoln, the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's senior development writer and editor. They discuss the Class of 2025 graduation, Athletics Hall of Fame nominees, a big fundraising win, the Class…

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Elevating Leadership - Jemal Singleton '99 52:56

6M ago52:56

52:56

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we’re exploring the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word. SUMMARY Jemal Singleton ’99 is a mentor, a motivator and has mastered the grind. From the military to NFL locker rooms, he has forged a path rooted in service, streng…

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Chad Hennings ’88 Leadership Mindset, Mission, and Moral Courage 45:03

7M ago45:03

45:03

From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field, and now—through character-based leadership.----more---- SUMMARY In the latest episode of Long Blue Leadership, Chad shares pivotal lessons from two leadership crucibles: flying in combat and transitioning from military life to the NFL. We al…

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Leadership from Battlefield Grit to Start-Up Guts 54:39

7M ago54:39

54:39

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talks with Emma Przybyslawski ’10, an Air Force Academy graduate whose path has taken her from the front lines of tactical special operations in combat zones to the founder’s chair at Strike Solutions. SUMMARY With 1,634 confirmed kills, and personal threats from ISIS, Emma knows w…

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Graduation Day, Honoring Distinguished Service, a Day of Giving and More 32:09

7M ago32:09

32:09

In this edition of Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 and their special guests, Mr. John Martinson and Mr. Randy Helms, Distinguished Service Award wrecipients as they discuss how the Academy honors distinguished service. In news, updates, and events, graduation day for cadets and the prep school; a…

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2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 - Leadership on and Off the Mat 52:49

8M ago52:49

52:49

A view of leadership and character development through the eyes and actions of a world-class athlete. SUMMARY For NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling champion and newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24, what happens on the mat informs how he manages conflict, planning, strategy and tactics, and most importantly, his development as a lea…

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A USAFA Wrestler Wins Big, Hotel Polaris Scores 4 Stars, Events and More 24:08

8M ago24:08

24:08

Your April Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on a big win for a USAFA wrestler, 4 shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet & greet with a Super Bowl winner, events across the country and much more! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT! Air For…

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Jake DeRuyter ’15 - A Leader's Ups and Downs 38:08

8M ago38:08

38:08

Jake DeRuyter, a 2015 Air Force Academy graduate, shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation. ----more---- SUMMARY Initially aspiring to be a pilot, Jake faced a critical moment when back surgery disqualified him from his dream career, forcing him to quickly choose a new Air Force Specialty Code …

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Christian Evans ’08 - A Leader's Exceptional Spirit 28:44

9M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Christian Evans shares his journey from a jovial cadet to a dedicated leader focused on uplifting others. SUMMARY Christian reflects on transformative experiences during his time at the Air Force Academy, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of community engagement. Christian discusses navigating car…

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NCLS Special Coverage - Sullenberger Award for Courage 42:34

9M ago42:34

42:34

The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation just dropped a special episode of Long Blue Leadership, featuring our continuing coverage of the 32nd National Character and Leadership Symposium. ----more---- Bryan Grossman, senior director of strategic communications and managing editor of Checkpoints magazine, speaks with this year’s…

U.S. Air Force Academy Association Podcasts

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AIR FORCE GRADCAST

U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation

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THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

1
The NEW Gradcast - Connecting the USAFA Community 48:00

1
The Lesson I Didn't Expect - Rebecca Gray ’94 31:50

1
NEW Focus on Leadership - To be Well is to Lead Well - Tanji Johnson Bridgeman ’97 1:03:26

1
Welcome to the New and Enhanced Air Force Gradcast! 38:46

1
Leading at the Edge of Innovation - Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85 1:09:03

1
Beyond the Sidelines - a Gradcast Special Presentation Featuring Coach Troy Calhoun '89 20:30

1
Running Toward the Fire - Dave "Big D" Harden ’95 42:27

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A Leader's Five F's - Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85 41:49

1
The Gratitude Edge - Capt. Garrett "Kap" Kauppila ’19 41:34

1
One Leader - One Million Acts - Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount ’08 53:10

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Cadets of Summer, Reunions and Tailgates, Grads in the News and More! 27:55

1
Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A 59:31

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Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A 59:31

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Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars 16:13

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Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars 16:13

1
Truman Scholars, USAFA Players in the NFL, an Unusual Sandwich, and More! 20:39

1
Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective 29:24

1
I-Day, a New Day for the Association & Foundation, Talking with the North TX AOG, and More! 40:07

1
Leadership from a Global Perspective - Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95 1:05:06

1
Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82 48:29

1
A Gradcast Special Presentation - Distinguished Service Award Recipients 23:05

1
2025's Tossing of the Hats, Drumroll Please, Class of ’76 Echelon Project, and Much More 23:48

1
Elevating Leadership - Jemal Singleton '99 52:56

1
Chad Hennings ’88 Leadership Mindset, Mission, and Moral Courage 45:03

1
Leadership from Battlefield Grit to Start-Up Guts 54:39

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Graduation Day, Honoring Distinguished Service, a Day of Giving and More 32:09

1
2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 - Leadership on and Off the Mat 52:49

1
A USAFA Wrestler Wins Big, Hotel Polaris Scores 4 Stars, Events and More 24:08

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Jake DeRuyter ’15 - A Leader's Ups and Downs 38:08

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Christian Evans ’08 - A Leader's Exceptional Spirit 28:44

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NCLS Special Coverage - Sullenberger Award for Courage 42:34