『Rad Grads Podcast』のカバーアート

Rad Grads Podcast

Rad Grads Podcast

著者: CJ Thomsen
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Welcome to the Rad Grads Podcast, where we spotlight the incredible journeys of U.S. Service Academy graduates who have successfully transitioned from distinguished military service to thriving civilian careers. Each episode, we dive into the stories of these remarkable individuals as they navigate the challenges of leaving the uniform behind and embrace new opportunities in industries ranging from business and technology to the arts and public service.
Through candid conversations, we uncover the skills, experiences, and values that have propelled these leaders to excel beyond their time in the armed forces. Whether you're a Service Academy grad considering your next chapter, a veteran exploring civilian career options, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and transformation, Rad Grads offers valuable insights and motivation for your own journey.
Join us as we celebrate the unique achievements of those who have worn the uniform with honor and now make their mark in the civilian world. Tune in to the Rad Grads Podcast—where military roots meet civilian triumphs.
マネジメント・リーダーシップ リーダーシップ 経済学
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  • 04. Col (Ret) Michelle Ruehl, PhD, USAFA ’03, Pilot, White House Fellow/Speechwriter, Life Coach, D-11 School Board Candidate
    2025/10/02
    In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, we sit down with retired Air Force Colonel Michelle Ruehl, PhD—a combat pilot, professor, White House fellow, and now community leader. From flying C-130s and MC-12s in Afghanistan to shaping national defense strategy at NORAD and advising two U.S. presidents, Michelle’s career is a powerful testament to resilience, service, and leadership.She shares her journey from being inspired by her grandfather’s World War II stories, to overcoming setbacks on her path to the Air Force Academy, to serving in combat and later guiding policy at the highest levels of government. We also dive into her experiences mentoring future leaders, her humanitarian work, and her perspective on Afghanistan and leadership beyond the military.This is an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on persistence, purpose, and service to others.📌 Episode Timeline00:00 – Introduction Welcome to Episode 4 of the Rad Grads Podcast and introduction of guest, Colonel (Ret.) Michelle Ruehl.02:30 – Early Inspiration Michelle reflects on her grandfather’s influence, aviation dreams, and first steps toward the Academy.07:00 – The Academy Journey From rejection to acceptance, ROTC experiences, and the challenges of in-processing day (“I-Day”) and basic training.15:00 – Academic Path & Service Commitment Choosing English over engineering, the impact of 9/11 on her class, and the weight of commitment to serve.25:00 – Flight Training & Naval Flight School Transitioning to Pensacola, lessons from the Navy “Big Kid Program,” and discovering her passion for crew aircraft.35:00 – Deployments & the MC-12 Mission Flying reconnaissance in Afghanistan, tracking threats, supporting elections, and teaching Afghan students during deployments.50:00 – Reflections on Afghanistan Balancing the hope of progress with the reality of withdrawal, and the ongoing impact on veterans’ mental health.01:05:00 – White House Fellow & Leadership at the Highest Levels Advising during the Trump and Biden administrations, crisis communications during COVID, and being at the table during the Afghanistan withdrawal.01:20:00 – Service Beyond the Uniform Transition to reserve service, family life, nonprofit work, and candidacy for the Colorado Springs School Board.01:30:00 – Closing Thoughts Lessons on resilience, leadership, and why empowering the next generation matters.Email:Radgrad@allthomsen.comAdvertisement: 10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD
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    1 時間 52 分
  • 01. Prologue - What is Rad Grads?
    2025/02/05
    If you are catching us at the beginning or this is your first time listening to us and want to know what we are all about, check out this quick introduction.Rad Grads interviews U.S. Service Academy graduates from all five Service Academies that have graduated, served, and transitioned to the civilian sector. Listen in to hear their amazing stories and just maybe you'll leave feeling inspired and motivated. Your Host, CJ Thomsen, is a United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2008 graduate who went on to serve in the Active Duty Air Force as a C-130 H/J Instructor and Evaluator pilot and now in the Reserves as an Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer. CJ presently flies the Airbus 320 for a commercial airline and is a Residential Mortgage Loan Originator. Like, Subscribe and Follow for new episode notifications. E-mail: Radgrad@allthomsen.com
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    2 分
  • 02. Jimmy Chad Smith, USAFA '08, Owner/Operator - The Laundromat, Fort Walton Beach, FL
    2025/04/23
    Jimmy Chad Smith graduated from the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2008. He Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on to be an Aircraft Maintenance OIC serving multiple assignments and deployments for 11 years on Active Duty before his transition to the civilian world. Listen in, as we embark upon Jimmy's journey from his early years before the Academy to his new career as Owner/Operator of the Laundromat - Fort Walton Beach, FL.TimelineJimmy's Bio - 1:23Why Serve? - 3:03Challenges to Getting in - 5:40Inspiration - 9:34I-Day Experience - 13:33Were you prepared? - 19:13D-1 Football - 23:52Infamous "Apple" Prank - 25:54USAFA Graduation - 33:302d Lt Smith - 37:30Deployment - 58:11Transition from Active Duty to Real Estate - 1:08:38Fears & Advice for trading in the Uniform - 1:14:16The Laundromat Business - 1:24:45The Financial Numbers - 1:37:40Advice for Entrepreneurs - 1:44:27Rapid Fire Questions - 1:55:50Email: RadGrad@allthomsen.com
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    2 時間 6 分
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