THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST
Leadership stories told by the leaders who live them.
Episodes
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 can shape a lifetime of leadership. The full episode is now available.
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As a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, now-Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila ’19 experienced a life-changing moment involving his older brother. SUMMARY
That trial taught him success doesn’t involve rank — it’s about being present, showing gratitude and supporting others. Hear his powerful story on Long Blue Leadership. Listen today and be a better leader tomorrow!
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"KAP'S" LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
...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 the biggest impact. Don’t wait, listen today and become a better leader tomorrow.
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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: Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91 | Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.)Navire Walkewicz ’99
N...
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.
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COL. AYERS' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
- Seeing Earth fro...
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. Thomas Sherman ’95, Vice Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and 2nd L...
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 packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.
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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 family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival trainin...
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, strength and success. Learn more about masterful game planning and get ready to be inspir...
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 also talk about his work today helping others lead with moral courage, through busines...
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 what high-stakes leadership looks like.
She opened up about her transition to the...
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 leader.
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WYATT'S TAKEAWAYS
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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 within just one hour. Despite the uncertainty, he remained calm and strategic, ulti...
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 career transitions, the power of giving back, and the significance of leading with love...
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 Sullenberger Award for Courage recipients. “Atomic,” “Batman,” “Guns,” and “Royal” ...
In 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, Multimedia and Podcast Specialist for the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates...
Dr. 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 importance of integrity, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. She refl...
In 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, and the role of mentorship in leadership. They discuss...
In 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 Lieutenant General and CEO of the Air and Space Forces As...
Col. (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.
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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 highlights of her stories in 40 minutes. Her leadership bites, takeaways, keys to l...
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