PODCAST · news
Stars Forever
by Ryan and Cliff
Through candid conversations, we explore how "stars" shape our military effectiveness and personal beliefs-both positively & negatively. Stars Forever is a nod to the Stars & Stripes of the US and the US military, while also examining how perceived "stars" in politics, sports, and entertainment seek to influence our opinions and actions. We're not politicians, academia, or a think tank. We're everyday Americans who have served-or are serving-in the US military. We aim to reflect on our experiences, challenge assumptions, and inspire practical ways to create positive change in our country!
Episodes
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Fractured Alliance: How the Iran Conflict Is Testing U.S. & NATO Unity
As tensions with Iran escalate, the biggest story might not be happening on the battlefield—but within the alliance itself. We break down how the conflict is exposing cracks between the U.S. and NATO, why key allies are hesitating to get involved, and what it could mean for the future of global...
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How the New U. S. Defense Strategy Focuses on Self-Reliance and Strategic Alliances
In this episode, Cliff and Ryan provide clear insights into the U.S. National Defense Strategy, focusing on homeland defense, rapid military tech development, and increased ally contributions. They discuss the strategic omission of specific regions, the vital role of secrecy in military planning,...
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Not a Goodbye, Just a See You Later!
Join Cliff and Ryan in this episode of the Stars Forever podcast as they reflect on their journey and the impact they've made in raising awareness on military issues. With a focus on authenticity and community, they discuss the decision to pause the podcast, inviting listeners to share feedback…
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Ryan's Quick Listener Response
Tune in this week as Ryan solos a short episode responding to a listener comment from last week's episode on the now infamous video released by 6 Democratic senators regarding military orders. Listen to the original episode on the page and don't miss hearing Ryan's response!
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Sedition or Safety: The Debate on Military Obedience
The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding military orders, particularly focusing on the risky video posted by 6 Democratic senators and the challenges it creates for young officers and enlisted personnel in discerning lawful orders from unlawful ones. It highlights the importance…
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Coast Guard Security: A Growing Concern
In this episode of Stars Forever, Ryan and Cliff discuss recent developments in naval aviation, including the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to Venezuela and the implications of recent aircraft crashes. They also address security concerns at Coast Guard bases, particularly…
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College Sports is Out of Control!
In this episode, Cliff and Ryan discuss the recent military buildup in the Caribbean, highlighting the strategic implications and the concept of 'gunboat diplomacy.' They then transition to the evolving landscape of college sports, focusing on the impact of NIL and the increasing salaries and...
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Navigating New Waters: Drug Trafficking in the Caribbean
In this episode, Ryan and Cliff discuss the evolving landscape of drug trafficking and interdiction in the Caribbean, particularly in light of recent policy changes under the Trump administration. They explore the shift in military engagement rules, the role of the Coast Guard and Navy, and the...
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Breaking Down Secretary Hegseth's Military Speech
In this episode, we break down Secretary Hegseth’s recent speech to senior military leaders — unpacking the key themes, strategic directives, and underlying messages shaping the future of defense leadership. From readiness and modernization to culture and command accountability, our panel…
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Navigating Change: Army Aviation's New Direction
In this episode, Ryan and Cliff discuss the significant changes occurring in Army aviation, particularly the shift towards drone technology and the implications for pilots and crew members. They explore the cultural impacts of these changes, comparing Army aviation with Coast Guard practices, and...
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A News Recap!
Join Cliff and Ryan as they revisit a variety of previous topics from the podcast to see what predictions they got right and what they were off the mark on. Let us know any that we missed!
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Sabre Rattling...Just a Term or a Risk for the Future?
Cliff and Ryan spar in this episode over the effectiveness and risks associated with President Trump's alleged use of sabre-rattling techniques in foreign and domestic policy situations...which side do you agree with?
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NIL and Revenue Sharing...Is It Good or Bad?
In this engaging episode, Cliff and Ryan with special guest, Andy, dive into the complex world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and revenue sharing in college athletics. They explore how recent changes in policy are reshaping the landscape, empowering student-athletes to monetize their...
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S5E4 - What Generals and Admirals Should Be!
Tune in to another episode of Stars Forever as Cliff and Ryan discuss a Military.com article about the retiring Air Mobility Command general and the important traits we hope to see in generals and admirals taking over new positions in the DOD in the near future. Do you agree with our list? We…
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S5E3 - Military News Update
Cliff and Ryan delve into the critical need for streamlining military operations by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing drone utilization, and increasing overall lethality. Discussion emphasizes the strategic advantages of adopting advanced technologies and efficient processes, which can lead to a…
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S5E2 - The Big Beautiful Bill Military Funding Breakdown
Join Cliff and Ryan as episode 2 of this season breaks down the non-partisan military impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill that was passed by Congress on July 3rd. Did we miss anything? We do not own any music rights!
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S5 Opening - The Morning After the Strike on Iran
Welcome to season 5 of Stars Forever! Following a very hectic last week of news with Israel and Iran and the US strike, tune in to hear Cliff and Ryan's take on where we go from here! What do you think? WE DO NOT OWN ANY MUSIC
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S4 Finale - Fighting Contracts and the Corporate Base
Tune in for the season 4 finale episode as Cliff and Ryan answer a listener question and break down what the DOD needs to do to start winning contract "battles" again! Let us know what you think! Check out the merch site: https://327700-3.myshopify.com/ WE DO NOT OWN ANY MUSIC
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S4E16 - A Compilation of Military News!
Tune in to Cliff and Ryan as they break down a collection of the biggest news of the military and what that means for the future - especially the news that ties in with previous podcasts. Listen in today to hear a breakdown and let us know if we missed anything! We don't own any music rights!
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S4E15 - Improving the Standards of the National Guard and Reserves
Cliff and Ryan answer a question posed by a listener after last week's episode: with the Pentagon changing standards for active duty, what about the Reserves and National Guard? Tune in today to hear the answer and let us know what you think! WE DO NOT OWN MUSIC RIGHTS
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S4E14 - SECDEF's Memo on a New Army
Tune into another episode of Stars Forever as Cliff and Ryan discuss the SECDEF's new memo directing the Secretary of the Army to implement major streamlining changes to the future of the Army. Listen to our opinion and let us know what you think! WE DO NOT OWN ANY MUSIC
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S4E13 - CG Icebreakers, Logan Act, and More...
Cliff and Ryan break down a multitude of topics, including a potential Logan Act violation, a suspected Signal chat issue, and the potential for solving the Coast Guard's icebreaker problems! Tune in today! We do not own the rights to any music!
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S4E11 - A Recap Episode!
Check out Cliff and Ryan's newest episode - a rehashing of older topics to see how they apply now! A lot has changed in the past few months around the world, tune in to see what are the biggest things highlighted!
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S4E10 - DOGE to the DOD!
DOGE and the DOD announced over $800 million in savings so far, and Cliff and Ryan break down what they think that money should be re-invested into. Do you agree with the recommendations??
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S4E9 - How to Modernize the USCG with NATO Changes
Tune in as Cliff and Ryan continue the discussion on NATO from last week given the latest events in the Middle East and Europe. Plus, they break down what the Coast Guard needs to do to meet a modern problem if given the expanded budget they need. What do you think?
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S4E8 - The Future of NATO?
Cliff and Ryan return from a week hiatus to break down the future of NATO...does it need to change? Should the US leave or stay? Tune in today for our opinions!
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S4E7 - The Scary Future of Low Cost Drones
This week Cliff and Ryan break down the very scary reality that is low cost FPV drones, and how they are being weaponized in today's combat zones. Listen in as they discuss the real dangers of these new weapons and the difficulties in defending against them. What do you think?
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S4E6 - The Importance of Physical Fitness in the Military
Tune in this week as Ryan and Cliff discuss the important news of a potential budget increase for the Coast Guard, as well as the new importance being placed on physical fitness by the Hegseth-led DOD and how it can improve lethality across all the branches!
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S4E5 - The Pitfalls of Support Staff Shortages
Tune in this week to Stars Forever as Ryan and Cliff break down a rarely discussed topic: the severe shortage in staffing for US Navy civilian support mariners and shipyard workers. Solutions are hard to come by...what do you think of the problem at hand?
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SF S4E4 - How to Improve Military Aviation!
Tune in today as Ryan and Cliff discuss the recent tragic collision near Reagan National Airport and what lessons need to be taken away from the incident. They break down an unsettling report of aviation mishaps in the military and how to buck the trends. Do you agree?
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The Coast Guard's Direction Under a New Administration!
Fresh off an episode last week discussing the direction of DOD and with a new commandant, Cliff and Ryan discuss the direction of where the Coast Guard needs to go and how to capitalize on a golden opportunity! Check it out and let us know what you think!
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S4E2 - Nominee Hearings + DOD Direction
Tune in as Cliff and Ryan break down the confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem, as well as what direction we hope to see the Department of Defense go in 2025! Do you agree?
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S4 E1 - The Numbers Game
Cliff and Ryan are back from the holidays with a podcast breaking down the debate over shipbuilding competition with China. Do we need to catch up, or how can the US maintain their edge? What do you think?
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What It Means to Be a Kentucky Fan!
In the last podcast of 2024 for Stars Forever, Cliff and Ryan dive into what it means to be a University of Kentucky fan...the ups, downs, and everything in between! Don't miss it!
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The Next Military Conflict: By the Numbers!
Cliff and Ryan break down the numbers between the US and other adversaries like China, along with what those numbers mean for a future conflict. Plus, check out Cliff and Ryan's answer to a listener question from last episode!
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The Constitutional Mandate for National Security
Cliff and Ryan return to break down the latest news coming out of the new administration's policy and personnel decisions, and what these mean for the future of the military and DHS. They also explain the Constitution's legal mandate for Congress to establish national security, and what we need…
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Repost Episode: Pete Hegseth Interview with Shawn Ryan!
*WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS INTERVIEW* Tune in to Shawn Ryan interviewing the Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth on his podcast! Cliff and Ryan will be reacting to this and more news from the new presidential administration next week!
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Post Election - Our Military Advice to the New Admin!
Cliff and Ryan open up following the Nov 5 election to give their takes on the top 5 things the new administration needs to address immediately to get the military back on track! Do you agree with what they suggest?
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S3E7 - What Makes an Effective Leader?
Ryan and Cliff first discuss the Air Force's new concept of the Agile Combat Environment and how it relates to what they brought up last episode! But, the biggest story of this episode is Ryan and Cliff's discussion of what does and does not make an effective leader, and how the need for…
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Beating the Stagnation of Today's Military!
Tune in to Ryan and Cliff as they discuss their keys to reinvigorating the military and fixing funding/recruiting shortfalls. Is combining training bases and restructuring for mission effectiveness the answer? Do you agree with what they have to say?
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S3E5 - The Downfall of College Sports with NIL
Tune in to Cliff and Ryan breaking down the ugliness of how NIL has affected college sports for the worse. A lack of regulation has made it the wild west, but what else do Ryan and Cliff have to say?
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Veteran Mental Health Resources and Advice
Take a listen as Ryan and Cliff discuss a very important topic: veteran mental health and suicide rate. Ryan and Cliff try to offer their support and advice, as well as resources available to those struggling or those who know someone struggling. Groups such as Mission 22 and phone numbers like…
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S3E3 - How To Fix the Military's Training School Problem
Check out Ryan and Cliff discussing the Navy sidelining 17 ships, just as the two recommended for the Coast Guard. But, the real part of this episode is Ryan and Cliff's plan for how the military can fix their training school backup and reinvigorate new recruits to stay engaged with the military....
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S3E2 - The Common Sense Test
Listen to Cliff and Ryan as they discuss the failure of common sense in the military and how it affects not only retention, but the every day lives of the junior enlisted and officers. Also, let's hear your stories of good and bad leaders you've encountered!
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Season 3 - The 2% and The Fight Against Imposter Syndrome
Listen to Cliff and Ryan as they discuss a tough topic... the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome amongst the 2% - those who chose to serve our country. Let the episode be a reminder to reach out with kindness to a veteran, let's reduce the 22 A Day to zero!
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Episode 28 - Avoiding the Curse of "Gullible"
Listen in to Ryan and Cliff discuss the risks of being gullible in a world full of misinformation and quick news, instead recommending to do more research into topics. Additionally, Ryan and Cliff break down how a loss of meritocracy in the military and corporations has caused the downfall of a…
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Episode 27: Military PCS - The Process and the Why!
Merch Store Link: https://327700-3.myshopify.com/ Cliff and Ryan praise the real stars of the PCS process: the military spouses and children! Plus, a discussion of the different PCS timelines for the branches and their specific jobs, and why they are the way they are. Plus tune in to listen to…
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Episode 26 - Kentucky Basketball
Listen to a joint episode with Stars Forever and Big Blue Nation Insider as we discuss the importance of a new culture of Kentucky basketball less focused on "stars" and more on effort and intensity. We break down the impact new head coach Mark Pope has had on creating a winning mindset and how...
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Episode 25 - Season 1 Recap Pt 2!
Listen in to Cliff and Ryan discussing some questions received from the first recap episode, along with multiple other previous topics! This includes the risk of a government shutdown, hwo the military's priorities align with what we previously thought, and what the transfer portal has done to...
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Episode 24 - Recap of Prior Episodes!
Listen in to Cliff and Ryan as they get back into the podcast following some life events and recap previous episodes to update where the topics are compared to what we originally talked about!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Through candid conversations, we explore how "stars" shape our military effectiveness and personal beliefs-both positively & negatively. Stars Forever is a nod to the Stars & Stripes of the US and the US military, while also examining how perceived "stars" in politics, sports, and entertainment seek to influence our opinions and actions. We're not politicians, academia, or a think tank. We're everyday Americans who have served-or are serving-in the US military. We aim to reflect on our experiences, challenge assumptions, and inspire practical ways to create positive change in our country!
HOSTED BY
Ryan and Cliff
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stars Forever have?
Stars Forever currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stars Forever about?
Through candid conversations, we explore how "stars" shape our military effectiveness and personal beliefs-both positively & negatively. Stars Forever is a nod to the Stars & Stripes of the US and the US military, while also examining how perceived "stars" in politics, sports, and entertainment...
How often does Stars Forever release new episodes?
Stars Forever has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Stars Forever?
You can listen to Stars Forever 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 Stars Forever?
Stars Forever is created and hosted by Ryan and Cliff.
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