In this crossover episode, I discuss the concept of "escape velocity".

Escape velocity is the point at which your child has accumulated enough smarts, skills, tools, relationships, wherewithal, and experience, to forge their own way in the world.

Learn the steps that will help you guide your child to this ultimate demonstration of freedom and competence.

In this week's episode, we discuss the long-established training concept known as "purposeful overload".

Some of what you see on TV and the movies is true.

The service academies and ROTC programs have their share of yelling, screaming, and unrealistic expectations.

What's the point of this practice and how does it help?

In this episode, I cover 4 critical questions that your child needs to answer during high school. Their answers to these questions will dictate their trajectory in college and beyond.

Each of these questions needs to be answered by a particular time in high school.

In today's episode, I urge families to re-think what it means to find a "best-fit" college. In my experience, when students, parents, and counselors talk about "fit", they really mean "comfort".

Is this the best way to approach the college search?

Are you looking for a college experience that is comfortable -- or challenging?

Today's episode focuses on the importance of your GPA. Not your high school GPA, but your college GPA. How much does your college GPA matter based on whether you attend a service academy, ROTC program, or traditional college.

In this episode, I reflect on my first Army-Navy football game. Hear about the unique experiences and traditions that make this one of the best competitions in the country.

In this episode, I discuss the long-term benefits of being part of a service academy network.

In this episode, I discuss how students who attend service academies or ROTC programs (IMO) are tripling their chances of succeeding in life, compared to students who attend traditional colleges.

The leverage they gain comes from 3 things:

1. Professional training and education in STEM

2. An unparalleled financial package

3. Real-world, leadership experience

How so some students select their branch of service? Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine?

Why do some people hesitate to consider service academies and ROTC programs?

- I don't understand what they are

- I want a "real" college experience

- My child is not disciplined enough

- My child is not interested in combat

- My daughter has ADHD

Listen to the counterpoints to some of these commons friction points when it comes to these unique opportunities.