Episodes
-
MyLinh and Mark Shattan - Raising Athena
In this episode of the Old Grad Podcast, I sit down with fellow West Point Class of 1991 graduates MyLinh and Mark Shattan to reflect on family, service, sacrifice, and the bonds that connect us 35 years after graduation. MyLinh shares the inspiration behind her book, Raising Athena, a powerful...
-
Grant Goldsmith (D-1)
Grant Goldsmith shares his interesting story from being a Prep School Tac Officer to negotiating for the release of hostages subject to a insurance policy that he managed. Grant is leading the efforts for our 35th reunion coming up in October of this year. Bad to the bone.
-
AOG Leadership Conference Review
In this episode I talk to Shaun Green, Rich Meehan and Bret Petkus who were all recent attendees at the Association of Graduates Leadership Conference. The AOG leadership conference brings together a cross section of the West Point community - Parents groups, West Point Societies, the Admissions...
-
Lance Ashworth (A2)
Lance Ashworth chronicles his journey as a dedicated public servant from his time as a cadet, to Army Officer, FBI agent and now non-profit executive. www.fishkillsupplydepothistoricsite.org
-
Scott Clemenson - Episode 91. Born to be Alive
This was recorded in January 2026. Scott and Jamie discuss class gift plans, reunion plan and other class business. The conversation also gets very "real" discussing Scott's Cancer journey into full remission and his perspectives on life.
-
Dave Knellinger (B4) - Because we can
Joined by co-host and B4 company-mate Vu Pearson, we sit down with Dave Knellinger to trace his remarkable journey from Baltimore, Maryland, to West Point and through a multi-decade Army career. Dave reflects on his years teaching mathematics at the Academy— including the unforgettable morning of...
-
The Ladies of E-4: Lucie Deile Kroettinger, Kami Iannaco Hall, Kirsten Howe Johnson
Lucie Deile Kroettinger, Kami Iannaco Hall, and Kirsten Howe Johnson revisit the journey that bound them together at West Point. Over four years, they balanced academic pressure, military discipline, athletic commitment, and the emotional weight of simply trying to survive and thrive. Through…
more -
Kevin Guidry (D4) - Rakkasans to Kharkiv
Kevin has spent the last several years volunteering in Ukraine, supporting frontline medical evacuations, and bearing witness to the human cost of a war that continues to reshape the world. His reflections—on drone warfare, trauma, courage, moral clarity, and the resilience of the Ukrainian...
-
Lisowski Brothers - Legacy of Service
Matt and Mike Lisowski take listeners through the arc of their lives—from childhood as a Gold Star family in Georgia and Germany after losing their father, to the diverging but ultimately converging paths that led them to West Point. Mike’s detour through prep school and Matt’s start in college…
more -
Jim Walsh (A3) - We're on a road to nowhere
Jim Walsh talks about his journey from West Point, to the Army, to senior leadership in the State Department. He fought off the Talaban, drug cartels and cancer in his 35+ year career. He talks about being the middle child of 3 West Pointers, and the emotional toll of career transitions. Co…
more -
Hung Nguyen (F2) - Tôi đã cuộc sống giấc mơ Mỹ.
Tôi đã cuộc sống giấc mơ Mỹ. - translated from Vietnamese to English means "I have lived the American Dream" Hung Nguyen’s indomitable spirit has carried him through life—from escaping the fall of Saigon to currently confronting his battle with liver cancer. His journey is inspiring. You can view...
-
D-1 Ducks Remember Brian Kleyensteuber
Fellow D-1 Ducks Tom Blake and Kevin Kearns fondly remember our fall classmate Brian Kleyensteuber who passed away April 23rd, 2025. Tom, Kevin and Brian all branched engineers and became members of the small but mightly community of US Army Divers. Tom and Kevin reflect on the great loss to our...
-
Steve Havel (B-1) Let it Be
Steve Havel (B1) talks about the challenges of fatherhood and supporting family members with addiction and substance abuse problems. Steve's bravery is discussing this important topic will undoubtedly be of service to some members of our class.
-
Mark and Holly West (A4 / B2)
In this repeat episode, we revisit with Mark and Holly West who are our local West Point ambassadors. We hear about their passion for serving the community of West Point and Highland Falls with their exciting venture Westy's - Where Craft Meets Community.
-
John Cook (H-4)
In this episode, co-host and companymate Tony Wizner joins John Cook as he shares his remarkable life journey. From his roots in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to his time at prep school, West Point, and his distinguished 30-year Army career, John offers an inspiring look into his experiences. Together…
more -
2024 Reflections / 2025 Intentions
Reflections on OGP and Intentions moving Forward. Name of deceased GraduateCompanyProject Leader Michael A. Aguilar F4 Shannon D. Beebe I3 Timothy H. Burnham E2 Andrew F. Clements A4 Kimberly L. Daffern B3 Russell A. Davidson E4 Anthony J. Detoto A3 Kenneth A. Evans H3 Carl T. Every E2 Todd D....
-
Dede (Broderick) Gibby (I-3) and Brian Gibby (I4'91 / E2'93)
Dede and Brian met at Beast in 1987 while in the same India Company for Cadet Basic Training. After our yearling year, Brian left to complete a mission with Church of Latter-Day Saints while Dede finished with our class. Today they are stationed at West Point and Brian is the Deputy Department…
more -
Jason Marquith (I1) "Nothing Else Matters"
In this episode we talk about Jason Marquith's journey from barely being 17 years old as a plebe at West Point to a lifetime of service to the Nation. We talk about the unique experience he had transporting his father across the country to meet his great granddaughter for the first time in his...
-
Mark Livesay (H2) "Let it Go"
Mark Livesay was joined by fellow company mate Norine D'Arcy Walker. We talk about the great experience in company Happy 2 and reminisce about barracks antics they called "Capers." Mark leads a team of people at Google and his internal bio reads as follows: Helping awesome people do amazing…
more -
Dave Dadich (H-4)
Dave Dadich joined by fellow Hog co-host John Cook. We talk about living every day like it could be your last. Sign up for our class tailgate: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usma-class-of-1991-football-weekend-tickets-970995693257
-
Tony Wizner (H-4)
Tony served 30 years in the Army and retired at the rank of Colonel. He was commissioned as an Armor officer and then transitioned into acquisitions following his company grade time. He supported special operations command in that capacity which included multiple deployments in some unique...
-
Mark Cramer (B2) and AAR of our Mini Reunion
Mark Cramer commissioned FA upon graduation and served in Hawaii after attending DLI for Turkish. After the Army, he went to B-School at Thunderbird (U-Arizona) and worked in technology for a number of years before transitioning to residential real estate where he works with his wife Lisa. They...
-
Ron Lukow (I3)
Ron Lukow served 26 years in the Army as an aviator. In this podcast, he chronicles his journey from growing up in Mattoon Illinois (the youngest of five children in a military family) to West Point, the Army, and now at BAE Systems. He and his wife Kathy reside in Northern Virginia and have 2...
-
Brian Turner (I2)
Brian Turner serves as the Associate Deputy Director of the FBI. He details his story from humble beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the 2nd most senior official in the FBI today. Despite his meteoric rise through the ranks of our government, BT remains true to his roots and…
more -
Mini Reunion Q&A Session
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OuArapr-keE5JtpyPZ3e7bp-fnSPO60s__QrM_IMba0/edit Class of 91 Mini Reunion Lexington KY 18-21 April 2024 Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa 1800 Newtown Pike Lexington, Kentucky 40511 Critical Links: Hotel Room Block: Activity Sign Up Link: What’s...
-
Chuck Poche (F1) "Send Lawyers Guns and Money"
Chuck served 30 years of active duty following graduation from West Point and retired as a Colonel. He now works as counsel for The Defense Threat Reduction Agency. DTRA is both a defense agency and a combat support agency within the United States Department of Defense for countering weapons of...
-
Chris Hartley - G4 - Continuing to shape tomorrow’s leaders
Chris Hartley, formerly a law department professor at West Point, retired from active duty after his last assignment there. He is currently serving as a company tactical officer at the Citadel in Charleston, SC, where he finds immense fulfillment in shaping tomorrow's leaders through his role.
-
Goat Stealing Stories
On this call we have Ted Russ, Andy Iliff, Major General Jim Isenhower, Mr. Iliff Senior, Ron Massey and Holly West all sharing their stories of stealing the goat.
-
LTG Jon Braga - Stealing the Goat
In this episode we discuss the Goat Heist of 1990 with Jon Braga and Andy Iliff.
-
Chris Barden (G1) - and The Blood Lady
Chris Barden laid down a challenge for the Old Grad Podcast. "You get the blood lady on, and I'll do OGP".... Challenge accepted. Along with Co-Host Brian Sharpe (F1) we hear from Ms. Jeannie Kays what it was like being the blood lady. We then interview Chris Barden about his journey. Along the…
more -
Kenner Gill (I-4) - Back in Black
Keener Gill, company I-4 is a member of the Class of 91 who was with us at West Point all the way until our Firstie year. He comes from a military family split between the Marine Corps and the Army. After leaving West Point under duress, he was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer through...
-
COL (r) Vince Lindenmeyer (B2) ”Half a Sorrow”
Vince introduces a good friend Dennis Gillan who brings forward an important message of suicide prevention. We also talk about Vince's Army career starting with his experience at West Point and culminating with a multi-decade career serving our country. Vince continues to serve to this day…
more -
Rob Blomquist (H3) ”Should I Stay or Should I Go?”
Rob currently lives in West Hartford, CT with his wife, son and daughter. He reflects on his journey through West Point which included two summers of STAP and a whole lot of fun as a member of the H3 Hurricanes. He served a total of 26 years as active duty and reserve Army officer. Rob was an...
-
Vonnette Couch Monteith (H1) ”Say what you mean, Do what you Say”
Vonette served over 24 years as an Army Officer following graduation. She currently lives in Watertown NY in an 1800's vintage building that she bought while stationed at Fort Drum. She owns and operates a restaurant that occupies the downstairs of her multi-story building: Empire Square…
more -
Karen Walsh (G4) ”I get by with a little help from my friends”
Following her active duty Army time, Karen Walsh served 21 years as an FBI special agent focusing on a number of areas including violent sex crimes, human trafficking, and domestic terrorism. She spent nearly 2 years in a deep undercover role to expose a domestic terrorist threat and bring those...
-
MG Johnny Richardson, H3.”Leading with Trust”
John Richardson (H-3) is currently serving as the Division Commander of the 1st Cavalry Division. He is our first guest to actually sing their walkup song "I want to be in the Cavalry." We talk about the importance of personal connections in leading soldiers, and the importance of building a...
-
Craig Peterson D-2. ”Teen Spirit, Here we are now, entertain us.”
Craig Peterson is surrounded by teenagers. He works as a high school teacher in Duluth MN and is a father to 6 children. He shares his journey starting with a recruiting call in 1986 that led to 4 years at West Point and several years of service in the Army. In company D-2 he roomed with fallen...
-
Introducing - Through the Gray
I coincidentally came across this other podcast - Through the Gray. It follows a similar format to Old Grad Podcast, but is about the class of 2001. I was struck by the similarities and even more struck by the differences. Listen to my conversation with Joe Harrison who is the creator of this...
-
Trent Price (G3)- Enjoy Life and Do the Right Thing
Trent has been battling a brain tumor since 2016. He relocated to Florida during the pandemic to have better access to medical care. He continues to live life to the fullest including riding his motorcycle two days after brain surgery. A highlight of this episode is at minute 48 when he talks…
more -
Greg Mogavero (B2) - ”Ita Fitta Fine”
After a 23-year career in the Army, Greg Mogavero is back at West Point working in the physics department. He picked his theme song from Sanford and Son because he loves to tinker with things whether it be fixing up his century-old house in Cornwall, or a high-power telescope for the cadets - he…
more -
Clay Lowe C3 / C2
Clay Lowe lives in the UK and has only been back to the US once in the past 20 years. In this episode, we hear about his life as an ExPat, a crazy camping trip that included experimentation with magic mushrooms, and his "Gap Year" at West Point after a self-reported honor transgression. Clay is a...
-
Old Grad Podcast Highlights - End of 2022
As we end 2022, these are some of my favorite clips from OGP. I am committing to do at least 12 episodes in 2023. Thank you to all who have continued to push me to keep doing this. Happy New Year All.
-
Ovi Alfaro (B-2)
Ovi lives in the Philadelphia area and is currently COO for the American Bible Society. An interesting fact is that the very first graduate of West Point Joseph Swift also worked for the Bible Society. He took on this assignment following a successful career in the oil and gas industry. Ovi is…
more -
Kenny Walks Across America
Interview with Kenny Mintz and Co-host Bernard Seeger. We interview Kenny as he gets ready to depart on April 1st, 2022 to walk across America. We discuss his motivation for taking on such a big audacious goal. Kenny will be walking to support three charities. LINK to charity links - In addition…
more -
Bret Petkus
Warning - this is a LONG episode. We just had a great time talking through West Point, the Army and Life - Bret lives in Texas with his wife and 4 children. His eldest son Lou is an incoming plebe with the class of 2026. Bret reflects on the ups and down of his journey and makes critical...
-
Heather Burruss (I-4)
Heather Burruss was a chemistry major at West Point and was commissioned as a Military Police officer. She and the 5 other classmates who branched MP (all female) had to report to OBC in June of 1991 after only a few short weeks of graduation leave. She served on active duty for 5+ years and…
more -
BG (ret.) Mike Eastman (E-2)
BG (ret.) Mike Eastman reflects on his transition to civilian life over the past two months after service to our nation culminating with service in Afghanistan charged with shutting down Bagram Airfield. His operational assignments included a range of artillery and fire support positions with the...
-
General Bramlett
General Bramlett talks about his 38-year career, his own personal cadet experience, and his memorable time being the Commandant of Cadets.
-
Alex Rodgers (I4)
Alex Rodgers commissioned a Field Artillery Officer and served 5 years at Ft. Still and Ft. Bragg. We talk about the role of West Point in his life. We talk in detail about his experiences as a black man at West Point, in the Army and in the business world.
About this show
Unscripted long-form interviews with members of the class of 1991.
Hosted by
Jamie Schleck
Categories