When the Performance Burns Off - w/ Bakari Fucuals, Whitney Fabian, Rebekah Riordan, & Jim Bottomley

Strip away the urgency.Remove the spotlight.Kill the momentum.
What survives?
In this episode, I reconnect with former teammates who saw me operate at full throttle inside a high-demand plant environment. They saw the intensity. They saw the cracks. And they’re still here.
We talk about:

• Performative intensity vs. real credibility
• How collapse reveals your default actions
• Why quiet seasons feel threatening
• The difference between confusion and decision

⠀If you go backwards after a realization like this, it isn’t confusion. It’s a choice.
This episode is about what remains when everything performative burns.

In this episode of Price of Admission, host Tony Haberer reconnects with Navy XO and former teammate John “Big John” McCauley. From football fields and boxing gyms in Western Pennsylvania to executive leadership in the U.S. Navy, John's story is rooted in grit, faith, and fatherhood.

He shares what it means to raise a son with American values, what he’s learned from leading sailors, and how his time on the Navy football team shaped more than just his toughness — it shaped his legacy.

💬 Final question? “What is your Price of Admission?”
 
🎧 Tune in for a deeply human episode about the values worth living for.

John Stanikzai: From Afghan Interpreter to Proud U.S. Citizen 🇺🇸

In this powerful episode of Price of Admission, host Tony Haberer reconnects with John Stanikzai—an Afghan-born translator who risked everything during the war in Afghanistan and later became a proud American citizen.

John shares his remarkable journey:
➡️ From growing up in Kabul under conflict
➡️ To working as a combat interpreter for the U.S. Marine Corps
➡️ To legally immigrating and becoming a police officer in Washington State

Together, they unpack John’s views on:
🔹 The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
🔹 What it really takes to earn U.S. citizenship
🔹 His legal immigration path
🔹 How faith, identity, and service shaped his second chance at life

This episode is a raw and inspiring story of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism—and a reminder of why America still matters to those who choose it.

👉 Subscribe to the channel for more veteran voices, leadership stories, and life lessons from those who’ve paid the Price of Admission.

#ImmigrantStory #VeteranVoices #AmericanDream #AfghanistanToAmerica #LegalImmigration #ServiceAboveSelf #USCitizenship #PoliceStory #PriceOfAdmissionPodcast

I sit down with three of my Navy Football brothers to have an honest and unfiltered conversation we’ve ever had about sobriety and health—including the shift toward living with more discipline and clarity.


How does giving up alcohol change your mindset? Your relationships? Your perspective on life? We dive deep into the habits we’ve broken, the lessons we’ve learned, and why this shift has been one of the most powerful moves we’ve ever made.

🔹 **Featuring:** Austin Milke, Corey Finnerty, and Matt Nechak

🔹 **Topics Covered:** Sobriety, personal growth, and leadership.

🔹 **Key Takeaway:** Winning in life is about discipline, not just motivation—on and off the field


Drop a comment below—what’s one habit you’ve changed that made a huge impact on your life? 👇

Jeremiah McCloud, a USNA grad of 09, Mustang Marine Corps veteran, and advocate for resilience and healing. Jeremiah shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming PTSD, alcohol addiction, and personal loss through the transformative power of ibogaine and other plant-based medicines.

Jeremiah opens up about his struggles after military service, the breakthroughs he experienced through expanded consciousness, and how revisiting past traumas helped him move forward. He also reflects on the importance of having a trusted support system during his journey and how these experiences have reshaped his outlook on life, leadership, and self-discovery.

**Topics Covered:**
* Jeremiah’s path from enlisted Marine to Naval Academy graduate.
* How PTSD and addiction shaped his post-service struggles.
* The role of ibogaine and psychedelics in his healing process.
* Exploring expansive consciousness and revisiting past experiences.
* Jeremiah’s mission to help others through coaching, leadership, and advocacy.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that resilience can emerge from life’s greatest challenges.

Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

In this powerful episode of The Price of Admission, we sit down with Jeremy Harrell, a combat veteran, nonprofit leader, and advocate for change, to explore how suffering can be a profound teacher. Jeremy shares his incredible journey, from his military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom to founding Veteran’s Club Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit providing innovative programs like equine therapy and transitional housing for veterans and first responders.

Through candid reflections, Jeremy opens up about his belief that "some of the best lessons we will learn come through suffering." He discusses his legal challenges, the role of faith and resilience in his life, and how he has transformed personal hardships into a mission of service and healing. This episode dives deep into leadership, personal growth, and the importance of listening during life’s most difficult moments.

Join us for a conversation that will challenge your perspective, inspire your journey, and redefine how you think about the price we pay for growth.

🎙️ Key Topics Include:

• The transformative power of suffering.
• Lessons learned from military service and advocacy.
• Balancing personal accountability with leading a nonprofit.
• Faith, family, and the pursuit of purpose.
• Jeremy’s "Price of Admission" and his advice to "hang tight and just listen."

⠀Tune in and discover how adversity can shape you into the person you’re meant to be.

In a milestone 100th episode of *Price of Admission*, I sit down with Navy veteran and business owner Jared Smearman.  Jared opens up about his journey from the Naval Academy to navigating identity crises, battling OCD, anxiety, and substance abuse, and rebuilding relationships with his family.

Now a successful entrepreneur in dog training, Jared shares hard-earned lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of asking for help. He reminds us that vulnerability is a strength and that isolation is the enemy of growth.

With humor, honesty, and faith, Jared dives into:
* Life after the Navy and rediscovering purpose.
* Breaking free from the stigma of mental health struggles.
* Why community and connection are essential for healing.
* The hilarious—and surprising—side of body hair management (trust us, it’s worth the listen!).

⠀If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your path, this episode is packed with experience and practical takeaways to inspire your own thing. #priceofadmission #podcast #military #transition #identity

Mike Stukel, a Jacksonville native and Navy Football Senior of 20011, Class of 2012. 

We discuss:

• His transition from quarterback to A-back and the unforgettable moments of ‘Team Wins’.
• Life-saving experiences that highlight his courage and composure under pressure.
• Lessons from Marine Corps deployments, including eye-opening perspectives gained in Djibouti.
• The transition to civilian life and his career in medical device sales.
• How he balances the demands of his career with being a dedicated father of four and a youth sports coach.

Mike's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and brotherhood. Whether you're a fan of Navy Football, a veteran navigating life after service, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode delivers powerful insights and unforgettable stories.

Andrew Thompson— Navy Football’s 1995 Defensive team Capt... a Defensive Back …USNA class of ’96.  

- Known to many as Drew, he’s a STANDOUT… figure in the the Navy Football Brotherhood and a KEY… character in the renowned book "A Civil War" by John Feinstein…
- Drew’s story is not about what he accomplished on the field but MOST.. about… the profound impact he’s had as a leader, mentor, and friend.
  - So many examples of Servant leadership in this one.  There is no greater passion for Drew T. 
- Whether he’s connecting with teammates, guiding the next generation of leaders, or dedicating himself to his faith and family, 
- Drew is a living… example of what it means to EMBODY strength … and grace in ALL areas of this life. 
- Today, we HIT on the EXPERIENCES that shaped him, 
  - the relationships that defined him, 
  - and the lessons he carries as a man deeply committed to his earthly team and eternal purpose.

Shun White, a Memphis native, record-setting Navy football star, and seasoned Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). Shun shares his journey from the streets of North Memphis to the gridiron of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he left a legacy as Navy's sixth all-time leading rusher. Beyond his athletic achievements, Shun delves into his transition from professional football aspirations to a decorated career in the Navy, including seven diverse and challenging tours.

This episode touches on themes of resilience, sacrifice, and accountability, providing a lens into Shun's leadership philosophy and life lessons. We explore:

• Navigating Change: How Shun overcame career-defining decisions, like leaving behind NFL dreams for family and service.
• Lessons from the Field: The impact of mentorship, discipline, and a "team wins" mindset instilled by iconic coaches like Paul Johnson.
• The Power of Accountability: Insights on holding oneself and others to high standards, a critical topic in today's evolving leadership landscape.
• Work-Life Balance: Shun's journey in managing the demands of a high-stakes military career while staying true to himself and his family.

Shun’s reflections on authenticity, perseverance, and the price he’s paid to achieve his goals will resonate deeply with listeners striving to balance personal ambition and service to others. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that blends sports, service, and the human spirit.