Rad Grads Podcast

At 13 years old, Antoine Hood II was diagnosed with lymphoma and told he may have only three months to live.He survived.Then he went back to basketball.What followed was a journey that took him from riding the bench in high school to becoming one of the top players in Texas, earning an opportunity at the United States Air Force Academy, helping lead Air Force Basketball through one of the greatest stretches in program history, playing in March Madness, and eventually working out alongside and against NBA-caliber talent.But Antoine's story is much bigger than basketball.In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, Antoine opens up about his experience at the Air Force Academy, the opportunities he believes were lost between military service and professional basketball, workouts with organizations including the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs, and the difficult realization that success often involves a "game within the game."He also discusses his 17-year military journey, assignments involving Air Force Special Operations Command and Global Strike Command, helping establish the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies, his transition into civilian life and entrepreneurship, and his continued pursuit of an NBA opportunity well into his 40s.But some of the most powerful moments in this conversation have nothing to do with a scoreboard.Antoine speaks candidly about cancer, divorce, trauma, therapy, relationships, faith, fatherhood, emotional health, failure, healing, and learning that accomplishments don't automatically make someone whole.His philosophy today is simple:Control what you own. Keep moving. And don't let someone else decide when your dream is over.This is one of the most raw, unpredictable, and thought-provoking conversations we've had on Rad Grads.

🎙 Episode Timeline00:00 — Welcome to Rad Grads & introducing Antoine Hood II
 05:02 — Diagnosed with lymphoma at 13 and given months to live
 10:07 — Returning to basketball after cancer and becoming obsessed with improvement
 18:43 — From benchwarmer to standout recruit and USAFA basketball
 24:54 — Academy life, character, and the Honor Code
 31:05 — Air Force Basketball’s rise and March Madness
 38:29 — Transfer opportunities and what might have been
 47:17 — The NIT controversy and a “Rad Grads exclusive”
 52:02 — NBA opportunities, coaching, and lost chances
 1:03:19 — Discovering the “game within the game” of professional sports
 1:11:47 — Repeated attempts to pursue the NBA while serving
 1:22:07 — Training with the Denver Nuggets after graduation
 1:34:34 — San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich, and NBA validation
 1:43:34 — Air Force Special Operations Command and military leadership
 1:49:00 — Helping stand up the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies
 1:54:23 — Divorce, trauma, therapy, healing, and emotional health
 2:14:34 — Transitioning out of the military and rebuilding a career
 2:18:36 — Entrepreneurship, Laundration, and multiple income streams
 2:24:01 — Chasing an NBA opportunity in his 40s
 2:28:57 — Haters, big dreams, faith, and refusing to quit

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In this powerful episode of Rad Grads, CJ Thomsen sits down with fellow United States Air Force Academy graduate Ryan Twedell for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, failure, reinvention, and the courage to keep moving forward. Ryan shares his journey from growing up in Arlington, Texas, to earning an appointment to the Air Force Academy, where he discovered the value of being a well-rounded leader rather than excelling in just one discipline. After graduating in 2007, Ryan entered pilot training and eventually flew the C-130J, completing more than 100 combat missions in Afghanistan. He reflects on the highs of commanding aircrews in combat and the life-altering aircraft mishap that ended his flying career. With remarkable honesty, Ryan recounts the accident, the investigations that followed, and the difficult process of accepting responsibility while learning to forgive himself. His story offers a rare look into accountability, leadership under pressure, and the support of mentors who helped him navigate one of the most challenging chapters of his life. Ryan then discusses his transition from military service into acquisitions, satellite programs, and eventually civilian life. After earning his MBA from UC Berkeley during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he bet on himself and pursued a career in technology sales. Leveraging the Air Force Academy network and an unwavering commitment to growth, Ryan rose from an entry-level sales position to one of the top-performing leaders at Qualtrics, earning multiple promotions and recognition as a top manager. This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, humility, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a military transition, overcoming setbacks, or searching for your next chapter, Ryan's story demonstrates that success is often found on the other side of failure—and that the lessons learned through adversity can become your greatest strengths.

Episode Timeline:
00:30 Introduction and Background09:18 Experiences at the Air Force Academy20:13 Life Lessons and Regrets
25:42 Unique Opportunities and Experiences
31:47 Transitioning to Pilot Training: The Navy Experience
38:55 Navigating Challenges in Pilot Training
46:56 From Training to Operations: The Shift in Mindset
52:26 A Life-Altering Combat Mission Experience
01:04:16 Reflections on a Life-Changing Event
01:05:51 The Hand of God and Resilience
01:20:03 Navigating Career Transitions
01:32:39 Embracing Change and New Opportunities
01:39:10 Navigating Career Changes During COVID-19
01:44:34 Finding Success in Tech Sales
01:50:36 Embracing Challenges in a New Industry
01:57:04 Reflecting on Military Experience and Personal Growth\
02:01:58 Constructive Thinking and Future Aspirations
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On this episode of the RadGrads Podcast, CJ Thomsen sits down with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and A-10 combat pilot David Befort for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, military service, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. 
David shares the story of growing up in small-town Kansas, discovering the Air Force Academy as a teenager, and overcoming setbacks—including vision limitations that initially kept him from receiving a direct appointment. From the Prep School to pilot training, David reflects on the mindset that carried him through adversity, including injuries, family hardships, and the intense demands of cadet life during the post-9/11 era.The conversation dives deep into David’s operational Air Force career flying the legendary A-10 Warthog in combat over Afghanistan, where he discusses close air support, deployment experiences, and the lessons combat taught him about humility, confidence, and leadership under pressure.
But David’s journey didn’t end in uniform. After leaving active duty, he transitioned into corporate America, real estate investing, commercial aviation, and eventually financial education and entrepreneurship. David opens up about the 2008 financial crisis, how it reshaped his thinking about money, and why he became passionate about the Infinite Banking Concept and building long-term financial strength outside traditional retirement models.
Today, David is the co-founder and CEO of CoSpark, co-host of the Wealth Warehouse Podcast, and founder of the upcoming David Befort Show. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for military members, aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, pilots, and anyone looking to take greater control of their future.

Episode Timeline
00:30 Introduction to David Beffert's Journey
02:42 Early Aspirations and the Path to the Air Force Academy
10:30 Experiences at the Prep School
17:20 Challenges Faced During Cadet Life
21:46 Deciding to Become a Pilot
24:33 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations
27:46 Pilot Training: The Journey Begins
30:39 Navigating the Challenges of Pilot Training
33:00 First Deployment: A Combat Experience
37:42 Lessons from Combat: Confidence and Humility
41:33 The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Military Perspective
48:41 Deciding to Leave the Air Force: A Personal Journey
53:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
59:11 Finding Fulfillment in New Career Paths
01:05:31 The Infinite Banking Concept Explained
01:11:23 Real Estate Ventures and Financial Independence
01:17:30 Building a Business Around Financial Education
01:23:31 Challenging Conventional Financial Wisdom
01:26:39 The Banking System and Control of Capital
01:32:55 The Importance of Financial Control
01:37:51 Building a Community with CoSpark
01:43:50 Launching the David Befort Show
Email:[email protected]
 
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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]