In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, CJ sits down with Dr. Alexander Layendecker, a 2008 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, whose career has spanned space operations, combat rescue aviation, and groundbreaking academic research. After initially being turned down by the Academy, Alex attended the New Mexico Military Institute on a Falcon Scholarship—an experience he credits with maturing him and sharpening his leadership skills before entering USAFA. He shares candid reflections on basic training, academic missteps, and lessons in time management, along with his perseverance through medical disqualification from pilot training due to vision issues. Determined to fly, Alex later underwent PRK surgery, transitioned to the reserves, and ultimately earned his wings as an HH-60G rescue helicopter pilot, deploying to places like Somalia and flying hurricane and medical rescue missions—all while balancing an intense academic journey that included earning multiple advanced degrees.
Beyond his military service, Dr. Layendecker has become a leading voice in the emerging field of human reproduction and sexuality in space. With a doctorate in Human Sexuality focusing on Astrosexological Research, he founded the Advanced Space Life Research Institute (ASRI) to tackle one of humanity’s most complex frontiers: enabling safe, multi-generational life beyond Earth. In the episode, he explores the biological challenges of pregnancy and child development in space—from radiation exposure to microgravity—and outlines ASRI’s bold goal of achieving the first full human pregnancy in space by 2055. The conversation blends leadership, resilience, science, and vision, showcasing Alex’s unique journey from cadet to combat rescue pilot to pioneering space researcher determined to help shape humanity’s future among the stars.

🎙 Episode Timeline

00:00 – Space Career and Research Journey
 Dr. Layendecker’s background, USAFA graduation (2008), space operations, HH-60G pilot experience, and introduction to his academic work and ASRI.
10:42 – Alternative Path to the Air Force Academy
 Falcon Scholarship, New Mexico Military Institute experience, and lessons learned before entering USAFA.
18:35 – Air Force Academy Training Experiences
 Prep school, iDay, basic training, Jack’s Valley, obstacle course, and early cadet life.
28:10 – Academic Planning and Time Management
 Freshman year struggles, major selection reflections, and advice for cadets on maximizing Academy opportunities.
36:50 – Overcoming Vision Challenges in Aviation
 Medical disqualification, PRK surgery, transition to the reserves, and persistence in pursuing pilot training.
46:15 – A Captain’s Journey Through Pilot Training
 IFT, UPT, personal challenges, aircraft transition struggles, and SERE training experience.
58:40 – Leadership Lessons in Pilot Training
 Serving as Senior Ranking Officer (SRO), managing 60 peers, earning trust, and leadership growth.
1:09:25 – HH-60G Helicopter Training and Rescue Missions
 60 pipeline at Kirtland AFB, 301st Rescue Squadron, hurricane missions, medical rescues, and Somalia deployment.
1:21:10 – From Military Pilot to Academic Researcher
 Master’s in Public Health, dual doctorates, dissertation on sex and space, and balancing academia with military service.
1:34:30 – The Challenges of Human Reproduction in Space
 Radiation, microgravity, fetal development concerns, and the biological barriers to multi-generational space settlement.
1:46:05 – The Space Pregnancy Research Initiative and the Future of Humanity
 Founding ASRI, the 2055 full human pregnancy goal, research roadmap, funding challenges, and vision for humanity’s future in space.
Email:[email protected]
 
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In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, we sit down with retired Air Force Colonel Michelle Ruehl, PhD—a combat pilot, professor, White House fellow, and now community leader. From flying C-130s and MC-12s in Afghanistan to shaping national defense strategy at NORAD and advising two U.S. presidents, Michelle’s career is a powerful testament to resilience, service, and leadership.She shares her journey from being inspired by her grandfather’s World War II stories, to overcoming setbacks on her path to the Air Force Academy, to serving in combat and later guiding policy at the highest levels of government. We also dive into her experiences mentoring future leaders, her humanitarian work, and her perspective on Afghanistan and leadership beyond the military.This is an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on persistence, purpose, and service to others.
📌 Episode Timeline00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Rad Grads Podcast and introduction of guest, Colonel (Ret.) Michelle Ruehl.
02:30 – Early Inspiration
Michelle reflects on her grandfather’s influence, aviation dreams, and first steps toward the Academy.
07:00 – The Academy Journey
From rejection to acceptance, ROTC experiences, and the challenges of in-processing day (“I-Day”) and basic training.
15:00 – Academic Path & Service Commitment
Choosing English over engineering, the impact of 9/11 on her class, and the weight of commitment to serve.
25:00 – Flight Training & Naval Flight School
Transitioning to Pensacola, lessons from the Navy “Big Kid Program,” and discovering her passion for crew aircraft.
35:00 – Deployments & the MC-12 Mission
Flying reconnaissance in Afghanistan, tracking threats, supporting elections, and teaching Afghan students during deployments.
50:00 – Reflections on Afghanistan
Balancing the hope of progress with the reality of withdrawal, and the ongoing impact on veterans’ mental health.
01:05:00 – White House Fellow & Leadership at the Highest Levels
Advising during the Trump and Biden administrations, crisis communications during COVID, and being at the table during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
01:20:00 – Service Beyond the Uniform
Transition to reserve service, family life, nonprofit work, and candidacy for the Colorado Springs School Board.
01:30:00 – Closing Thoughts
Lessons on resilience, leadership, and why empowering the next generation matters.

Email:[email protected]

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Marty Medve grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, and graduated from Centennial High School in 1980. He went on to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School, followed by the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1985. 

Listen in, as we embark upon Marty's journey from his early years before the Academy to his new career as Delta Air Lines Captain and owning and operating Trident Home Loans.

Episode Timeline:
00 - Highlights
:55 - Intro
1:52 - Marty's Bio
4:14 - Early Years
10:11 - USNA
13:26 - Pilot Training
19:10 - EA-6Bs Combat Aviator 
35:06 - A-4 Instructor
35:46 - Military Transition to Civilian
40:09 - Delta Air Lines
48:28 - Break
49:54 - Trident Home Loans
1:31:45 - Rapid Fire Questions
1:38:39  - Shoutouts

Email: [email protected]

Jimmy Chad Smith graduated from the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2008. He Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on to be an Aircraft Maintenance OIC serving multiple assignments and deployments for 11 years on Active Duty before his transition to the civilian world. 

Listen in, as we embark upon Jimmy's journey from his early years before the Academy to his new career as Owner/Operator of the Laundromat - Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Timeline
Jimmy's Bio - 1:23
Why Serve? - 3:03
Challenges to Getting in - 5:40
Inspiration - 9:34
I-Day Experience - 13:33
Were you prepared? - 19:13
D-1 Football - 23:52
Infamous "Apple" Prank - 25:54
USAFA Graduation - 33:30
2d Lt Smith - 37:30
Deployment - 58:11
Transition from Active Duty to Real Estate - 1:08:38
Fears & Advice for trading in the Uniform - 1:14:16
The Laundromat Business - 1:24:45
The Financial Numbers - 1:37:40
Advice for Entrepreneurs - 1:44:27
Rapid Fire Questions - 1:55:50

Email: [email protected]

If you are catching us at the beginning or this is your first time listening to us and want to know what we are all about, check out this quick introduction.

Rad Grads interviews U.S. Service Academy graduates from all five Service Academies that have graduated, served, and transitioned to the civilian sector. Listen in to hear their amazing stories and just maybe you'll leave feeling inspired and motivated. 

Your Host, CJ Thomsen, is a United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2008 graduate who went on to serve in the Active Duty Air Force as a C-130 H/J Instructor and Evaluator pilot and now in the Reserves as an Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer. CJ presently flies the Airbus 320 for a commercial airline and is a Residential Mortgage Loan Originator. 

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E-mail: [email protected]