Leadership stories told by the leaders who live them.
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U.S. Air Force Association Of Graduates & Foundation Podcasts

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Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A
59:31
59:31
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59:31In 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. Col. Nichole Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars
16:13
16:13
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16:13Lt. 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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Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
29:24
29:24
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29:24Season 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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Leadership from a Global Perspective - Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95
1:05:06
1:05:06
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1:05:06What 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
48:29
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48:29In 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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Elevating Leadership - Jemal Singleton '99
52:56
52:56
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52:56In 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
45:03
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45:03From 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
54:39
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54:39In 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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2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 - Leadership on and Off the Mat
52:49
52:49
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52:49A 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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Jake DeRuyter ’15 - A Leader's Ups and Downs
38:08
38:08
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38:08Jake 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
28:44
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28:44In 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
42:34
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42:34The 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…
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NCLS 2025 - Warfighters to Win Special Coverage
47:08
47:08
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47:08In this special episode of Long Blue Leadership, we present our Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of National Character and Leadership Symposium 2025. ----more---- SUMMARY The theme for this year’s symposium was “Warfighters to Win.” Cadets heard from leaders who model the warrior spirit of our Air Force and Space Force. Host, Ted Robertson, …
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Dr. Heather Wilson ’82 - Integrity, Service and Excellence for Leaders
41:53
41:53
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41:53Dr. Heather Wilson, a 1982 Air Force Academy graduate, formerly the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, and first USAFA graduate to hold the position, discusses her unexpected journey to the role, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service, and leadership. ----more---- SUMMARY Dr. Wilson shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the importa…
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UNSCRIPTED LIVES: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
41:55
41:55
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41:55In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Co-Hosts Naviere Walkewicz and Wyatt Hornsby reflect on the leadership lessons shared by accomplished graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy over the first two seasons. SUMMARY The hosts highlight key moments and insights from various guests, emphasizing the importance of personal connections, resilience, a…
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Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field ’79 - 5 Values for Leaders
45:04
45:04
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45:04In Episode 10 of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field ’79, now president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, discusses his leadership philosophy, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, family, and the five core values by which he lives. Listen now! SUMMARY Burt Field, a retired Lieutena…
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Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski ’96 - How Leader's Defy Life's Gravity
40:08
40:08
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40:08Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski ’96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career. ----more---- A SHOW NOTE: There are two ways to learn from Col. Malachowski's leadership journey. - If you're short on time, the audio version delivers the …
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C1C Andrew Cormier - Service Before Self, Lessons in Leadership
1:06:57
1:06:57
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1:06:57In this episode of the Long Blue Leadership Podcast, Cadet First Class Andrew Cormier opens up about his inspiring journey from growing up in Massachusetts to becoming a squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He reflects on the early influences that shaped his values, the value of community service and service before self, sharing the le…
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The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary ’93 - Leading Through Great Power Competition
49:17
49:17
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49:17Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Installations and Environment, is a leader who has taught his team to, "Eat no for breakfast." He lives by a value he learned from his mother at an early age: "If you do your full duty, the rest will take care of itself." SUMMARY In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. Chaudha…
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Brian Campbell ’08 - A Journey of Growth
1:02:17
1:02:17
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1:02:17Brian Campbell, Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development at the University of Miami, shares his journey from growing up in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a leader in athletics fundraising, his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, the challenges he faced, and the resilience he developed. SUMMARY In this conversation, Brian Campbel…
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Jason Kim ’99 - Inspired by Heroes, Moved to Lead
53:26
53:26
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53:26While a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Jason Kim ’99 experienced the “pedestal effect” and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust and mutual respect. SUMMARY Jason Kim, a USFA class of '99 and CEO of Firefly Aerospace, discussed his leadership journey and experiences. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, compassion, and mutua…
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2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 - Leading with Empathy
50:08
50:08
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50:08A conversation with 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23, the first active duty military member to be crowned Miss America 2024, about her background, leadership experiences, transition to Harvard Kennedy School, and key lessons on empathetic leadership and following one's passions. SUMMARY Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, the first active-duty military membe…
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Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks - Making Day-1 Leaders
1:15:13
1:15:13
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1:15:13Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks ’96 discusses the absolute importance of standards and integrity in leadership, and how a new, more rigorous approach at the Academy will build that in to cadets making them Day-1 leaders. SUMMARY Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks, Commandant of the Air Force Academy, shares his journey from being a young man in Atlanta, Georg…
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Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 - Know Your Craft and Your People Well
54:28
54:28
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54:28Perhaps best known for his accomplishments on the field, at its core, Coach Troy Calhoun's work is about building athletes in to leaders of character.----more---- SUMMARY In this conversation, Coach Troy Calhoun discusses his journey from childhood to becoming the head football coach of the Air Force Falcons. He talks about his upbringing in a fami…
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A conversation with Sam Eckholm ’18 about his unique path and work to inspire the next generation of military leaders through social media and content creation.----more---- SUMMARY In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, is talking with Sam about his journey from the three times he landed on the “footpri…
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