Pursuing Meaning and Purpose

Let’s face it: Life is stressful. Life in the military perhaps even more so. Add a worldwide pandemic and it has become even more overwhelming. On this episode host Holly Dailey (along with co-hosts Maria McConville and Alexandra Grinston) talk to Chaplain (MG) Thomas Solhjem and COL Samuel Preston about the Army’s holistic health and fitness program, how Covid shines a spotlight on problems that already exist, and get some practical tips on what to do when life feels unmanageable. 

• Guests: 
  • Chaplain (Major General) Thomas L. Solhjem, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains
  • Colonel Samuel L. Preston, Chief, Behavioral Health Division Health Care Delivery, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army
• Hosts: 
  • Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness 
  • Maria McConville, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Army
  • Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army

Resources: 

Army Chaplain Corps
Website: https://www.army.mil/chaplaincorps

Chaplain – Army Recruiting
Website: www.goarmy.com/chaplain

Social Media Handles:

YouTube: @US Army Chaplain Corps
Facebook: @ArmyChaplainCorps
Instagram: @ArmyChaplainCorps
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-chaplain-corps/

Chaplin Podcast:
Community Conversations Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1610608825

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

For a Strong Culture, Build Rivers not Lakes

It seems obvious but is so often overlooked: Trust is perhaps the most important element of any organization’s culture. Host Colonel (retired) Scott Halstead sat down with Colonel Brian Ducote and Command Sergeant Major Mark Eckstrom of the fabled 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division just prior to their departure to Iraq and Syria to discuss how to create a strong culture, how the analogy of building a river is what leaders should aim for, and... what it would take to coax Scott to come out of retirement to join their mission.

• Guests from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army:
  • COL Brian Ducote, Commander
  • CSM Mark Eckstrom, Command Sergeant Major
• Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead

Resources:

1^st Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division
U.S. Army Fort Drum
Web: https://home.army.mil/drum/index.php/units-tenants/1st-BCT

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

How an NCO From Idaho Became NATO’s Soldier of the Year

It’s a question every NCO asks themselves at some point: What can I actually do to make a difference? Sgt. 1^st Class Aaron M. Welch, stationed in Valencia, Spain, answered that question and his subsequent efforts have led to him being named NATO’s Soldier of the Year. Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Troy Welch interviews Aaron about his work in helping to set up Spain’s first sniper school, sharing his experiences at conferences, and how Aaron’s view of NATO has changed during his time in Spain. (And yes, Aaron is Troy’s nephew, so expect many “proud uncle” moments.)

• Guest: SFC Aaron M. Welch, 2021 NATO Force Structure Top Soldier of the Year
• Host: CSM (Ret) Troy Welch

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

“When the Nation Calls on Their Army, We Need to be Ready.”

After years of planning and consultation, the Army has just implemented a brand-new Army Combat Fitness Test for everyone across all levels. SMA Michael Grinston visits to describe the new plan to Army Matters host SMA (retired) Dan Dailey, detail how it will make the Army ready for the future, and also explain the most important thing that he believes separates the U.S. military from the Russian one. 

• Guest: SMA Michael Grinston, 16th Sergeant Major of the Army
• Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey

Resources:

Sergeant Major of the Army
Web: https://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/
Twitter: @16thSMA

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

A Candid Analysis of Russia’s Military Woes

In his years as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Ben Hodges was known to be candid and unafraid to tell the truth. In today’s episode, host Colonel (Ret) Dan Roper speaks to Hodges about why most experts – including himself – overestimated the strength of the Russian Army.  They also assess the impact of US military training of Ukrainian troops, and how this conflict is likely to shape the future of the U.S. Army, NATO, and the ongoing strategic competition with China.

• Guest: LTG (Ret) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis

• Host: COL (Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA’s Director of National Security Studies

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

From the Jungles of Vietnam to the Deserts of Iraq (A True Story)

Colonel Jesse L. Johnson is one of the most decorated American veterans of all-time, with his forty-plus career involving intense battles in the jungles of Vietnam to fighting Al Qaeda in the deserts of Saudi Arabia (and more). Host Joe Craig talks to him and co-author Alex Holstein about Johnson’s new memoir, Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man and the Colonel’s various escapades, including the origins of Delta Force, saving NATO Commanders from terrorists, and personally welcoming the Emir of Kuwait back after the Gulf War.

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

• Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director

• Guests: 
• Colonel Jesse L. Johnson, author of Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man
• Alex Holstein, co-author of Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man

Resources: 

Rowman & Littlefield:

Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man 

Credits:

Opening Dramatization

Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs

Script: Anthony Del Col

Sound Design: Andy Bosnak

Book

Johnson, Jesse L., and Alex Holstein. Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2022.

What is a “Money Nerd” and How to Become One?

It’s a topic we all think about, yet so many people are scared to even discuss it. Yes, we’re talking about personal finances. On this episode host Holly Dailey (along with guest co-hosts Maria McConville and Alexandra Grinston) find out from Justin Hall of the Department of Defense’s Office of Financial Readiness how easy it is to master your wallet. Whether you’re just starting out, planning for college, stuck in a mountain of debt, looking to buy a home or perhaps thinking about retirement, Justin will impart some wisdom and tips that can easily turn you into a “money nerd”. To learn more please check out this episode and the resource section below. 

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

• Hosts:

• • • Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness
    • Maria McConville, Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Army
    • Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army
• Guests: 
  • • Justin Hall, Strategic Communications Manager, Office of Financial Readiness
    • Cindy A. Risch, Military Spouse 

Resources: 

MilSpouse Money Mission

Website: https://www.milspousemoneymission.org/

Social Media Handles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilSpouseMM/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milspousemoneymission/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilSpouseMM

How a $40 Request Led to a Lifelong Leadership Lesson

The 1st Infantry Division has a heralded reputation, having played major roles from World War I onwards. Its current Commander, Major General D.A. Sims, over the last two years has modernized the division with some groundbreaking techniques. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead sits down with D.A. to discuss early leadership lessons, the value of leading mental health initiatives by example, and their shared time at West Point. 

• Guest: MG D.A. Sims, Commanding General, 1^st Infantry Division and Fort Riley

• Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center of Leadership

Resources:

1^st Infantry Division and Fort Riley
Web: https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

This is How We Brew It: An Entrepreneur Veteran’s Story

How hard is it to turn a hobby into a successful business? Former Army Captain Kevin Ryan decided that rather than look for a new job he’d create one – and realized he wanted to turn his home brewing hobby into a real-life business. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey sits down for a drink (or two) with Kevin at Service Brewing in Savannah, GA to discuss Kevin’s Army career, the ins-and-outs of the brewery business, and most importantly… what his top beer is.  

• Guest: Kevin Ryan, former U.S. Army Captain and CEO & Co-Founder, Service Brewing, Co. 
• Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs 

Resources: 

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs 
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers 
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA  

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

The Tales of Four Real-Life American Superheroes

Of the countless heroes from World War II, four men in particular inspired acclaimed author Alex Kershaw (The Liberator) to devote years researching their lives and tales of survival. Host Joe Craig talks to Alex about his book Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II, the men he chose to profile, the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome, and how one fights Nazis from a burning tank destroyer. Check out the resource section below for more book details.

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org. 

• Guest: Alex Kershaw, author of Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

• Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director

Resources: 

Penguin Random House: 

Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

Podcast Credits

Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs

Kershaw, Alex. “Chapter 1.” Essay. In Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II. New York: Random House Large Print, 2022.