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For the Zoomies

by Andrew Cormier

The For the Zoomies podcast is hosted by Air Force Academy cadet Andrew Cormier, with the intention of helping anyone who is thinking about commissioning into the United States Air Force by providing insight into what jobs in this branch are like. Every episode is an interview with an Air Force officer asking questions to get a first-hand, in-depth perspective on what different mission sets are like. Tune in for some insight and a war story or two!The views presented are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components

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Episodes

  1. 2nd Lt Andrew Cormier '25 - 8 Lessons I've Learned Over the Past 99 Conversations, Final Episode | Perspective Ep 42

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier winds down the show with a 100 episode recap. He goes into how the show started and how it evolved into what it is today, then candidly covers 8 themes that emerged throughout the past 99 episodes that he learned over the past 3 years. The themes are listed below: • The...

  2. Vishaal "V8" Hariprisad '06 - Distinguishing Laws, Policies, and Regulations is the Key to Cutting Through Bureaucracy! | Perspective Ep 41

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with founder and CEO of the cyber insurance company Resilience V8 Hariprisad to discuss the ins and outs of aligning incentives within an organization and also knowing which rules are okay to break and which ones shouldn't be touched.

  3. Dave Lam '11 - Helping Small Business Owners with Micro Private Equity Buy-Outs | Perspective Ep 40

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with founder of Phalanx Partners Dave Lam '11 to discuss micro private equity and how carrying the core values into the industry helps small business owners boost their businesses.

  4. Brig Gen (R) Dave Stilwell - Beyond TikTok & Taiwan, How is the PRC Threatening the U.S. Way of Life? | Perspective Ep 39

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with China expert Brig Gen (R) Dave Stilwell to discuss more broadly the attack vectors China has on the U.S. way of life, and how despite their thoughtful plan, they lack the American Spirit. We discuss IP theft, influence on Hollywood, the social credit…

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  5. Lt Gen Dale White - Deterrence, Venture Capital, and Measuring Risk in Air Force Acquisition | Perspective Ep 38

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with top AF Acquisition officer Lt Gen Dale White to discuss deterrence in acquisition, the future of procurement with venture capital playing a larger role in defense, and many more topics.

  6. Brig Gen Linell Letendre '96 - A First Principles Approach to Leadership and Multidisciplinary Thinking | Perspective Ep 37

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with current USAFA Dean Brig Gen Lindell Letendre to discuss the intersection of first principles thinking and leadership as well as the application of the widely disliked by cadets core curriculum.

  7. Nick Co - Building the Veteran Transition Timeline, Creating a Simpler Transition/Retirement Process | Perspective Ep 36

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Naval Academy Graduate Nick Co to discuss the challenges he faced with getting out of the military and why he is building the Veteran Timeline, a tool that helps transitioning veterans get out of the military and into their next phase of life. Its never…

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  8. Sarah Broadbent '13 - So Many Travel Opportunities with LEAP, Start Studying a New Language! | Perspective Ep 35

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Language Enabled Airman Sarah Broadbent '13 to discuss her experience in the LEAP program and all the amazing experiences that came along with it.

  9. Alex Lisot '11 - He Pulled Off the 4-Hour Work Week! A Peak Into the Mind of a Digital Nomad | Perspective Ep 34

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with digital nomad Alex Lisot '11 to discuss his experience living all over the world, why its appealing to him, and how he makes it happen financially.

  10. Jazmin Furtado - Using Intrepreneurship to Create Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence | Perspective Ep 33

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Google Technical Program Manager Jazmin Furtado to discuss how she used her skills in ops research to create cool opportunties like working at SpaceX while still on active duty. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily…

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  11. Andrew Costa '11 - Pooling Pro Athletes' & Celebrities' Money to Grow Great Companies | DFM Ep 16

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with partner at RX3 growth equity to discuss getting into private equity and what its like to invest on behalf of athletes and celebrities. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components....

  12. Jack Gendron '15 - Getting Out of the Country to Shift Your Perspective | Perspective Ep 32

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Jack Gendron '15 to discuss how spending some time in Ghana after graduation taught him not to take things in America for granted, his work in intelligence, and his current pursuits. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily...

  13. Phil Cohen '04 & Kevin Harrison '04 - What Are the Differences Between Being Entrepreneur and Climbing the Corporate Finance Ladder? | Perspective Ep 31

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Phil Cohen, a serial entrepreneur, and Kevin Harrison, a CFO, to discuss the major differences between the two life paths including how they see risk, time, and overall impact in their work. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not...

  14. Maj Gordon Broadbent '13 - Integrating Skills and Expertise from Microsoft into the Defense Acquisition Landscape | Perspective Ep 30

    Host of FTZ sits down with the one and only Maj Gordon Broadbent to discuss how he is trailblazing a path to bring expertise from tech companies into the DoD.

  15. Gen (R) Mike Minihan - 7619 Miles of Water to Cover, How Are We Preparing for the Challenge? | Perspective Ep 29

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with former AMC Commander Gen (R) Mike Minihan to discuss the challenges we face in the Pacific. Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠

  16. Casey Wyman - Running a University is Like Running a Small City | Perspective Ep 28

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with the VP of Business affairs and CFO of UNLV Casey Wyman to discuss his path from being a finance officer in the Air Force, to being the CFO of the Air Force Academy, to CFO of UNLV. Andrew Cormier Newsletter: https://forthezoomies-newsletter.beehiiv.com...

  17. Lt Col Graham Auten - Civil Engineering Squadron Commanders Are The Base's Fire Chiefs? Leading a CE Squadron | AFSC Series Ep 39

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Andrews AFB CE Squadron Commander Lt Col Graham Auten to discuss what goes into being the leader of a CE Squadron. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier...

  18. Dr. Chris Howard '91 - What Does a University Executive Vice President Do, and How Do They Get There? | Perspective Ep 27

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Executive Vice President and COO of Arizona Sate University Dr. Chris Howard to discuss his ascent to university leadership. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew...

  19. Capt Garrett Kauppila '19 - How Can Officers Be Smarter With Their Money? | DFM Series Ep 15

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with USAFA investments instructor Capt Kap to discuss his interest in personal finance as well as keeping in mind that having money isn't good in itself. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its...

  20. Maj J Mintzmyer '12 - He Found His Investing Niche in Shipping & Logistics as a Cadet and Has Stuck With It Since! | Perspective Ep 26

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Founder of Value Investor's Edge and RPA pilot Maj J Mintzmyer '12 to discuss his his experience with higher education including Harvard CSAF Phd and how he started writing investment blogs on seeking alpha while he was a cadet. The views expressed are...

  21. Dave Won '10 - Our Money Issues Are Emotional Problems That Can't Be Solved with a Practical Solution | DFM Series Ep 14

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with founder of Dave Won & Co. Dave Won '10 to discuss his journey with teaching behavioral personal finance. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Newsletter:...

  22. Dr. Ravi Chaudhary '93 - The Spirit Missions at USAFA Make the Astro GRs Somewhat Bearable, Keeping Your Head Held High as a Cadet | Perspective Ep 25

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment for the Department of the Air Force, Dr. Ravi Chaudhary '93 to discuss some cadet themes that never seem to go away, spirit missions, and how cadets can feel closer to the…

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  23. Jake Sortor '15 - How Do You Respond to Losing Your Pilot Qualification? Start a Company | Perspective Ep 24

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Jake Sortor, founder of Rehydrate, to discuss his time as a cadet, getting a JDMBA, and his start-up. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Andrew Cormier Newsletter:...

  24. Maj Gen Pierre Real - Bridging Perspectives of Service Academies Across Countries and Cultures | French Air Force Academy Superintendent | Perspective Ep 23

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with French Air and Space Force Academy Superintendent Maj Gen Pierre Real to discuss the military-cultural differences between the French and U.S. Air Force Academies. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of...

  25. Capt Dan Weissenhofer '15 - Acquisitions Officer and Co-Founder of the Ugly Company | DFM Series Ep 13

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Innovation Instructor Capt Dan Weissenhofer to discuss his experience helping to build the Ugly company as well as give a breakdown of what Kessel Run does. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the…

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  26. Loyd Bradley Jr '14 - Financial Managers and Their Role Inside and Out of the Air Force | DFM Series Ep 12

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Goldman Sachs investment banker Loyd Bradley Jr ‘14 to discuss his experience as a financial manager in the Air Force, and how he transitioned to enter the financial services industry. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily...

  27. Kristov George '16 - Who Said Engineers Can't Break Into Finance? Equity Research Analyst at MFS | Perspective Ep 22

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Equity Research Analyst Kristov George '16 to discuss the ins and outs of picking stocks for an investment management firm after spending time as a developmental engineer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:45) Time at the Academy (10:30) Learning how…

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  28. Brian Niswander '90 - Leaving the Military isn't as Easy As You Think, Visit Military-Transition.org | Perspective Ep 21

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with founder of Military-Transition.org Brian Niswander '90 to discuss what it takes to have a successful transition from the military. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (08:20) Time in Active Duty (14:30) What is Military-Transition.org ? (17:00) What data do...

  29. Col Rob Mishev '99 - Remember your ALO? Explore What's Possible as a Reservist | DFM Series Ep 11

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Col Rob Mishev '99 to discuss his time in uniform as a management instructor, ALO, and how as a reservist he utilizes skills from his civilian job. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (05:40) Harvard Business School (10:00) What’s so good about teaching at…

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  30. SA Tobiah Kroskob '14 - NCIS Was Actually Supposed to Be OSI, But the AF Didn't Want to Give Up Tricks of the Trade! | AFSC Series Ep 38

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with OSI Special Agent Tobiah Kroskob to discuss how to become an OSI agent and what it's like to be one. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:02) Washing out of pilot training (08:07) Switching from pilot training to OSI application (10:30) OSI origin story...

  31. Charles Prichard '11 - Weapons School for Acquisitions Officers, The Instructor Course | AFSC Series Ep 37

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Acquisition professional Charles Prichard '11 to discuss maintaining gratitude and the intricacies of the 63A career field. Time Stamps (00:00) introduction (06:10) Going to Kenya for 60 days (09:55) USAFA vs. Kenya (13:32) Carrying gratitude into last…

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  32. Maj Austin McKinney '10 - USAFA Grads Can Wield More Than Military Power! Becoming a Diplomat in the U.S. State Department | DFM Series Ep 10

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Foreign Service Officer Maj Austin McKinney '10 to discuss his path to diplomacy within the US State Department. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:55) Time as a cadet (14:47) Active duty Service Commitment (multiple deployments as an Acquisitions...

  33. David Harris '17 - It's Like Buying Real Estate, but for Businesses, USAFA to Private Equity | DFM Series Ep 9

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with David Harris to discuss his journey from working during 60 days to attending Stanford Graduate School of Business. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (05:15) Be the Best (09:06) Setting sights on Private Equity (PE) (17:15) Similarities & differences…

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  34. Maj Ian MacDonald - Force Support is Way More than just Feeding Airmen! | AFSC Ep 36

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with OLEA member Maj Ian Macdonald to discuss his time as an FSS officer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (06:54) What is FSS all about? (10:54) Force management (15:08) Importance of keeping track of your paperwork (17:46) What is MPF? (Military Personnel...

  35. Brandon Mueller '13 - Wait, Wrestling is your Job? Training for the Olympics in the World Class Athlete Program | AFSC Ep 35

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Investment Banker Brandon Mueller '13 to discuss his path from studying math and physics, training for the Olympics in the World Class Athlete program, to pivoting to Investment Banking with the help of Skill Bridge. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction…

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  36. Forrest Underwood '09 - Solutions to DoD Problems, AFSOC Pilot in Defense Tech Start-Ups | Perspective Ep 20

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with AFSOC Pilot & Venture Capitalist Forrest Underwood to discuss how his operational experience lent himself allocating resources on behalf of the operators. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (08:40) Rundown of time in AFSOC (18:40) What is Defense Tech and…

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  37. Maj Brittany Hannah & Capt Jonathan McClurg - Legal Heroes in Uniform: How JAGs Keep Bases Running and Commanders Out of Trouble | AFSC Ep 34

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Dover AFB JAGs Maj Hannah and Capt McClurg to get a rundown of what an LT can expect as a new JAG officer. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Time Stamps (00:00)...

  38. Jack FitzGerald '10 - The Inventor, Gamma Ray Detection Systems to AI Language Models | Perspective Ep 19

    Host of FTZ sits down with Principal Applied Scientist at Amazon Jack FitzGerald '10 to discuss his time as a nuclear physicist and how he transitioned to work on Amazon's Alexa language models. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or...

  39. Capt Jonathan Reasoner - Clearing Bomb Ranges, Riding ATVs, and Eating Steaks, Check Out EOD! | AFSC Series Ep 33

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with CE/EOD officer Capt Jonathan Reasoner to discuss his experience as an engineer and the path to becoming an EOD officer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:34) Breakdown of CE Squadron (08:50) How to become a CE officer (10:50) Will you do engineering...

  40. Maj Gen (Ret) Heather Pringle - How Can We Empower People to Make Change? Leadership Lessons from Former AFRL Commander | Perspective Ep 18

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with former AFRL commander and now CEO of the Space Foundation Maj Gen (Ret) Heather Pringle to discuss her career in systems engineering and leadership. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (03:52) 1991 Denied recognition for Marine 18 (07:55) Projects worked on…

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  41. Vai Schierholtz - The Post-Commission Example of Requisite Variety, Mr. Doitall | DFM Series Ep 8

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Harvard Business School Graduate and now admissions board member to discuss his path after the Academy, doing everything from investment banking to marketing and sales. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (04:35) Experience in satellite acquisition vs....

  42. Erik Baskin - So I Shouldn't Put My Cadet Loan on a 14-Leg Parlay? Avoid Financial Pitfalls as a Cadet and LT | Perspective Ep 17

    The host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with the host of the BLUF Finance podcast Erik Baskin CFP to continue the conversation around how to be financially responsible as a cadet and young LT. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (05:15) Common cadet financial pitfalls (09:06) Why is whole life...

  43. Maj Jim Behnke - ENEMY AC-130 ABOVE! What does a Combat Systems Officer do? | AFSC Series Ep 32

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Maj Jim Behnke to discuss his experience as a Combat Systems Officer (CSO). We break down the day in the life, what aircraft you can be in, and the future of the AFSC. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (03:12) ROTC commitment (04:56) What is a CSO and what...

  44. Maj Bryce Luken - From Acquiring Satellites to Building Businesses, Its All About How You Spend Your Free Time! | DFM Series Ep 7

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Acquisitions officer and Founder of many start-up companies Maj Bryce Luken where we discuss his time as an acquisitions officer as well as the challenges of founding a start-up company. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (07:24) Experience in Acquisitions...

  45. Majs Zed and Sam Davies - It is not Advisable to have Kids During Pilot Training, How to Raise Happy Kids in the Air Force | Perspective Ep 16

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Majs Zed and Sam Davies to discuss their experience being a mil-mil couple and raising happy kids in the Air Force. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (06:30) How did you meet at the Academy? (09:35) Challenges of marrying right after graduation (11:50) How...

  46. ASFC Matching w/OLEA - Figure out how cadets REALLY get matched to their AFSC | AFSC Series Ep 31

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with representatives of the Office of Labor and Economic Analysis (OLEA) to dispel myths around the old method and explain the new method of matching cadets to AFSCs. Listen and figure out how to improve your chances of getting the AFSC you desire! Time Stamps...

  47. MSgt Josh White - How Can Officers Manage the Intangible Factors of Leadership? | Perspective Ep 15

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with MSgt Josh White to discuss leadership topics like the role of a First Shirt in a squadron and understanding what intangible factors go into being a good officer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (02:54) Why did you enlist? (06:20) Sam Eckholm is an asset…

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  48. Col (Ret) Marc Dippold - You Won't be a Pilot Forever, How Will You Rebrand Yourself? | Perspective Ep 14

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Anders Chair of Economics Col (Ret) Marc Dippold to discuss some case studies of human factors in economics relating to acquisitions as well some life lessons like rebranding and utilizing your network. Time Stamps (08:18) Effects of constant movement on...

  49. Lt Gen Rich Clark - Who Said Football Players Don't Deserve to be at the Academy? | Perspective Ep 13

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier heads up to Harmon Hall to interview the United States Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Rich Clark to discuss his experience as a cadet in the 80s, command experience, and how he does it all exceptionally well. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (08:19) Time as a...

  50. Capt Pete Smith - Bringing Corporate Strategy to Cyber Intelligence with Reserve Service! | AFSC Series Ep 30

    Host of FTZ Andrew Cormier sits down with Cyber Intelligence Officer Capt Pete Smith to discuss his experience as an intelligence officer. Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction (05:15) Story of cadet integrity (09:45) Why was Intel interesting as a cadet and did it ring true? (14:05) Pilot training to...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The For the Zoomies podcast is hosted by Air Force Academy cadet Andrew Cormier, with the intention of helping anyone who is thinking about commissioning into the United States Air Force by providing insight into what jobs in this branch are like. Every episode is an interview with an Air Force officer asking questions to get a first-hand, in-depth perspective on what different mission sets are like. Tune in for some insight and a war story or two!The views presented are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components

HOSTED BY

Andrew Cormier

CATEGORIES

education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does For the Zoomies have?

For the Zoomies currently has 101 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is For the Zoomies about?

The For the Zoomies podcast is hosted by Air Force Academy cadet Andrew Cormier, with the intention of helping anyone who is thinking about commissioning into the United States Air Force by providing insight into what jobs in this branch are like. Every episode is an interview with an Air Force...

How often does For the Zoomies release new episodes?

For the Zoomies publishes regularly with 101 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to For the Zoomies?

You can listen to For the Zoomies on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts For the Zoomies?

For the Zoomies is created and hosted by Andrew Cormier.
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