Stay ConnectedWhat are you reading? is a podcast dedicated to inspiring a culture of scholarship and lifelong learning in the Armed Forces. This podcast is in partnership with DODReads.com
The views presented in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
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This is the final episode of the DODReads: What are you Reading? podcast. Thank you for listening!
In Episode 63, host Tim Bettis interviews General Stanley McChrystal, USA (Ret.) on risk, learning from history, and the importance of language skills. General McChrystal is an Army Ranger who led Joint Special Operations Command and Commanded the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and United States Forces - Afghanistan before his retirement in 2010. He is the Founder of the McChrystal Group and is a senior fellow at Yale's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Check out his newest book - Risk: A User's Guide.
As always, head to DODReads.com for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 62, host Bryan Wittmeyer interviews retired U.S. Army General George Casey, the 36th U.S. Army Chief of Staff and the commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq from 2004 to 2007. The two discuss General Casey's philosophy on leadership and the skills leaders need today to succeed in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.
Book Recommendations:
The Revolution Trilogy, Rick Atkinson
The Liberation Trilogy, Rick Atkinson
The Mitch Rapp Saga (fiction), Vince Flynn
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914, David McCullough
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads.com for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 60, Julie Stabile interviews Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Resilience, Richard Kidd. They discuss how to develop climate literacy, the role of junior leaders in the response to climate change, and how to manage a diverse portfolio. The DOD’s Climate Adaptation Plan discussed was released on October 7, 2021 and is linked below.
Recommendations
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Operation Barbarbossa and Germany’s Defeat in the East by David Stahel
Dream Catchers by Philip Jenkins
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Summary for Policy Makers from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
All Hell Breaking Loose by Michael Klare
Under the Sky We Make by Kimberly Nicholas
Drawdown by Paul Hawken
Scatter, Adapt, and Remember by Annalee Newitz
This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust
The Rise and Fall of Great Powers by Paul Kennedy
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 59, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Rear Admiral Kenneth Bernard of the U.S. Public Health Service. They discuss the ability of government agencies to respond to a public health crisis, future biosecurity threats that may affect readiness, and how to plan for future challenges.
Book Recommendations:
Warnings, R. P. Eddy and Richard A. Clarke
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 58, Julie Stabile interviews Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz, USCG (Ret.), the author of Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass. They discuss character development, lifelong learning, and how to continually grow as a leader.
Book recommendations:
Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard
Make Your Bed, Admiral William McRaven
The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown
How Women Rise, Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
The One-Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you’d like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 57, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Lieutenant General Michael Plehn, USAF the President of the National Defense University. They discuss higher education opportunities, the value of working with periphery allies, and the future of joint and interagency cooperation.
Book Recommendations:
-How the Word is Passed, Clint Smith
-Hungry Ghosts, Jasper Becker
-Arms and Influence, Thomas Schelling
-The Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton Christensen
-Silver, Sword and Stone, Marie Arana
-Neptune's Inferno, James Hornfischer
-Eagle Down, Jessica Donati
-One Day Too Long, Timothy Castle
-A Dawn Like Thunder, Robert Mrazek
-Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 56, host Tim Bettis interviews retired Air Force Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the Inaugural Director of the Department of Defense's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC). The two discuss graduate school, the implications of AI for international relations, and why reading broadly is crucial for leader development.
Book Recommendations:
-The Long Game, Rush Doshi
-The Myth of Artificial Intelligence, Erik Larson
-Atlas of AI, Kate Crawford
-A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence, Michael Wooldridge
-Debunking the AI Arms Race Theory, Paul Scharre
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 55, Ryder Ashcraft and Phoebe Kotlikoff interview Admiral James Foggo, USN (Ret). They discuss working with allied partners, the importance of building relationships on the peripheries, and operating in the Arctic in an era of Great Power Competition.
Admiral Foggo Book Recommendations:
-Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat, Robert Goralski and Russell W. Freeburg
-The War Lords and the Gallipoli Disaster: How Globalized Trade Led Britain to Its Worst Defeat of the First World War, Nicholas Lambert
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 54, Bryan Wittmeyer interviews Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, USA (Ret.) the Pershing Chair for Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), an organization dedicated to ensuring a strong and enduring transatlantic alliance rooted in democratic values and principles. He served 38 years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, commanding at every level from Platoon to Brigade Commander, including three operational deployments.
They discuss challenges facing the NATO alliance, key areas where we can strengthen the NATO alliance after COVID and why, his most influential lessons as a military leader, and the importance of taking responsibility.
LTG(R) Hodges Recommended Reading:
-Cathrine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie
-Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie
-Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer
-Defeat into Victory by Field-Marshall Sir William Slim
-George C. Marshall: Defender of the Republic by David L. Roll
-Grant and Sherman Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant and W.T. Sherman
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 53, the Season 3 kickoff, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Ambassador Kristie Kenney, the former Ambassador to Ecuador, the Philippines, and Thailand. They discuss the first month of leadership at a new posting/command, the importance of interagency operations during crisis management, and the relevance of Asia in foreign policy.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
Book Recommendations:
-His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham
-Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
-The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J Mazzeo
-The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Thanks for a wonderful Season 2! DODReads: What are you Reading? will be back in July 2021 with new content and new voices for Season 3! If you haven't already, please take the time to leave us a review. Now is the perfect time to give us feedback, contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 52, Brigid Calhoun interviews Deborah Lee James. From December 2013 through January 2017, Ms. James served as the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force with responsibility for 660,000 military and civilian personnel and a budget of nearly $140 billion. She was the second woman to ever lead a military service in the United States. Prior to this role, she served as President of Science Applications International Corporation’s (SAIC) Technical and Engineering sector. Ms. James is the author of the book Aim High: Chart Your Course and Find Success.
Ms. James discusses "going on the offense for mentorship," four steps to become a more ethical leader, and why "being a grandma is the best thing yet!"
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 51, Ryder Ashcraft is joined by Ambassador Nicholas Burns, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. They discuss the relationship between the Department of Defense and the Department of State, the challenges the United States faces from the Great Power Competition, and the importance of alliances in a changing threat environment.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 50, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Dr. Nancy Sherman, a Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University, where she specializes in ethics, the history of moral philosophy, moral psychology, military ethics, and emotions. They discuss Dr. Sherman's experience as the inaugural Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the United States Naval Academy and her work creating the ethics program and Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. They also discuss her new book, Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience, and how lessons from ancient texts from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca can influence the application of stoicism in military profession.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 49, Ryder Ashcraft sits down with Major General Bruce Scott, United States Army (Ret.). MG Scott is the president and CEO of the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, a scholarship program that sends active duty officers overseas for a cultural immersion tour. They discuss the benefits of earning a graduate degree abroad and the military's diplomatic mission.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 48, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Admiral Mike Rogers, USN (Ret.), the former head of the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command. They discuss how a lifelong commitment to reading influenced his career, the future of U.S. cyber capabilities, and implications for collaboration between the government and private sector in the cyber domain.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 47, Brigid Calhoun interviews Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, author of the New York Times bestsellers Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield and The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. Ashley’s War is currently being developed into a major motion picture at Universal Studios. Her most recent book, The Daughters of Kobani: A Story of Rebellion, Courage and Justice, tells the story of Kurdish women who served as America’s ground force partners in the fight to defeat ISIS in Syria.
They discuss women’s role in combat, working “by, with, and through” allies, and how women can strike the balance between careers and motherhood.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 46, Eugene Yang interviews Mr. Brian Murphy of the Department of Homeland Security. They discuss his depth of experience in counterterrorism both abroad and domestic, the intersection of law enforcement and the Intelligence Community, and the importance of continued education throughout a career. Before being appointed to the Senior Executive Service of the Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Murphy spent 20 years as a Special Agent in the FBI.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 45, Brigid Calhoun interviews Lieutenant General Tom Spoehr, USA (Ret.) director of the Center for National Defense at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. They discuss LTG Spoehr’s baptism by fire as a platoon leader in Grenada in 1983, his role in the 2011 U.S. troop drawdown in Iraq, and David L. Roll’s biography George Marshall: Defender of the Republic.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 44, Eugene Yang interviews General David Petraeus, United States Army (Retired). General Petraeus served at the highest levels of the military during crucial periods of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including as the commander of ISAF, Commander, US Forces - Afghanistan, US Central Command, and as Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq. After the military he served as the Director of the CIA, and is now a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 43, Ryder Ashcraft interviews Lieutenant Colonel Rebecca Patterson, United States Army (Retired). LTC Patterson is the Associate Director of the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University.
They talk about topics such as gender and disability, overseas service, and the history of nation building in the United States Army. Listeners can also check out LTC Patterson's book, Challenge of Nation-Building: Implementing Effective Innovation in the U.S. Army from World War II to the Iraq War.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 42, Brigid Calhoun interviews Father Dominic Legge, a Catholic priest in the Dominican Order of Preachers. Fr. Dominic is an Army veteran, former DOJ lawyer, and director of the Thomistic Institute in Washington, D.C. They discuss the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas and how philosophy can help with military decision-making and taking care of people.
Thomistic Institute: https://thomisticinstitute.org
Aquinas 101: https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 41, Brigid Calhoun interviews Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Michael A. Grinston. SMA Grinston was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army on August 9th, 2019. He has held every enlisted leadership position in artillery, ranging from cannon crewmember to command sergeant major. He is a native of Jasper, Alabama and enlisted in the Army in 1987.
They discuss the enlisted side of the Army Talent Management Program, why Soldiers should be life-long learners with "growth mindsets," and how the Army adapted its recruiting strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 40, Eugene Yang and Ryder Ashcraft interview the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Russell Smith, as part 2 of our 3-part series interviewing Senior Enlisted Leaders from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
They cover topics such as the recent changes to the Sailor of the Year promotion allocations, Navy talent management, and how to learn from different perspectives within our ranks.
Follow MCPON Russell Smith on Twiter @NavyMCPON
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 39, Justin Haan and Eugene Yang interview Sergeant Major Troy Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. They discuss the challenges and conflicts that the next generation of Marines will face, the importance of lifelong education, and the future of Marine Corps talent management.
Follow the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps here on Twitter.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 38, Ryder Ashcraft and Eugene Yang interview Mickey Bergman, the Executive Director at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. Mickey is a former paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his work in fringe diplomacy and negotiating the return of American hostages from countries like Iran and North Korea.
They discuss some of Mickey's experiences in the IDF as a paratrooper deployed to South Lebanon, the importance of developing emotional intelligence as a young leader in the military, and steps that one can take to strengthen their own emotional intelligence.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 37, Brigid Calhoun interviews Colonel Kevin W. Farrell, USA (Ret.) president and CEO of Battlefield Leadership, LLC, a consulting firm that prepares today’s business leaders for tomorrow’s challenges through the lessons of history. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Army as an Armor officer, commanding at the platoon, company, and battalion levels during combat in three different wars.
They discuss what we can learn from military history, why discipline and standards matter, and what it was like advising Brad Pitt on the set of the film Fury.
Listeners can also check out COL Farrell’s book, The Military and the Monarchy: The Case and Career of the Duke of Cambridge in an Age of Reform.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 36, Justin Haan interviews Mr. Robert Richer, currently a senior partner at International Advisory Partners.
Mr. Richer served for over 40 years in the national security apparatus as a Marine officer and in the CIA. He retired in 2004 as the Assistant Deputy Director of Operations for the CIA after 20 years in the national clandestine service. Mr. Richer has been an advisor to every President since Ronald Reagan and remains actively engaged in the formulation and execution of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
Connect with him here on LinkedIn.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
Thanks for a wonderful Season 1! DODReads: What are you Reading? will be back in February 2021 with new content and new voices for Season 2! If you haven't already, please take the time to leave us a review. Now is the perfect time to give us feedback, contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 35, Eugene Yang interviews Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, USAF, Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy. They discuss the benefits of all types of conflict, fostering effective environments for facilitating conversations on diversity and inclusion, and the future of the Air Force and the Air Force Academy.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 34, Eugene Yang interviews Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, USN, Commandant of Naval District Washington. They discuss Naval District Washington's recent webseries "Listen, Learn, and Lead," the importance of diversity for the future force, and the positive impact of good mentors in the profession of arms.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 33, Eugene Yang interviews MG John Ferrari, USA (Ret.) who is currently a Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Chief Administrative Officer of QOMPLX, a data analytics and cybersecurity firm. They discuss the importance of indirect leadership, the future of acquisitions and user engagement for DoD projects, and the importance of intellectual curiosity for leaders and analysts.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 32, Jacqueline Parker interviews Shannon Huffman Polson - author, speaker, founder of The Grit Institute and former Army Apache Helicopter pilot. They discuss learning from failure, the importance of mentorship, and why sharing stories is so important. Check out Shannon's books and leadership institute here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 31, Eugene Yang interviews MG Patrick Donahoe, Commanding General of the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. They discuss the future of the conventional force, maneuver in the information environment, and how to utilize Twitter as a professional development platform as military leaders.
Follow MG Donahoe on Twitter @PatDonahoeArmy
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 30, Eugene Yang sits down with Captain Bill Hamblet, USN (Ret.) to discuss military authorship, the importance of fiction for creative thinking, and the challenges of gray zone warfare. Bill Hamblet is the Director of Periodicals and Editor-in-Chief of Proceedings, the flagship publication of the US Naval Institute.
Be sure to check here for the essay winners of the CIMSEC and US Naval Institute Short Story Fiction Contest in December! Also check out the Commandant of the Marine Corps' article on the role of Marines in the decisive undersea fight.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 29, Eugene Yang sits down with Dr. Aaron O'Connell, USMCR to discuss how to appropriately use history to inform the future, the next era of U.S.-China relations, and how the Marine Corps has marketed itself through the ages.
Dr. O'Connell is a colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and an Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin and the Director of Research at the Clements Center. He teaches courses in military history, U.S. foreign policy, U.S. military culture, and the U.S.’s role in the world since 1898. Previously, he served as Director for Defense Policy & Strategy on the National Security Council at the White House.
Dr. O’Connell is the author of Underdogs: The Making of the Modern Marine Corps and editor of Our Latest Longest War: Losing Hearts and Minds in Afghanistan.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 28, Eugene Yang sits down with Colonel John Tien, USA (Ret.) to discuss the recent large organizational shifts in the military post-Cold War and post-9/11, the importance of diversity for developing agile thinking, and how to optimize broadening tours when away from the conventional operating forces.
John Tien is currently a Managing Director at Citigroup. He served for over 24 years on active duty including 3 combat deployments to Iraq. He was a senior national security advisor to both President Obama and President Bush as part of the National Security Council staff, and a White House Fellow during the Clinton Administration. John is a 1987 graduate of West Point and was the first Asian-American First Captain. He received his Master's Degree from Oxford University where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar and was a National Security Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School. He is the co-head of the Citi Salutes program, and is a board member for multiple foundations and nonprofits. He recently co-founded DiversityPop, a mobile app designed to grow the individual leadership quotient of any person through their own diversity discoveries.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 27, Eugene Yang sits down with Brigadier General Kim Field, USA (Ret.) to discuss the role of the military in interagency endeavors, the importance of education and critical thinking for leadership, and how to ask good questions to solve future complex scenarios.
Kim Field is currently a Professor of Practice at the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service: https://bush.tamu.edu/faculty/kfield/
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 26, Eugene Yang sits down with Lieutenant General John Wissler, USMC (Ret.) to discuss leadership development for junior officers, the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and the practice of individual reflection to sharpen personal leadership competencies and moral courage.
LtGen Wissler is the Distinguished Chair of Leadership at the United States Naval Academy Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Visit his site at:
https://www.jpw-solutions.com/ or connect with him on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wissler-4877a22b/
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 25, Eugene Yang sits down with Dr. John Nagl, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.), to discuss how organizations react to new challenges, from the current pandemic to counterinsurgency. Dr. Nagl reflects on his start in professional military writing and the importance of education for America's next generation of leaders.
Dr. Nagl is currently the ninth Head of School at The Haverford School in Pennsylvania. You can follow him on Twitter @drjohnnagl.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 24, I sit down with Marine Colonel Maria "MJ" Pallotta to discuss how stoicism can help us weather the pandemic, why the classics are critical for leaders, and the importance of studying leadership and ethical philosophy.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 23, Jackie sits down with Army Lieutenant Colonel Laura Weimer to discuss learning from failure, how to reconcile leadership responsibility with doubts over the mission, and the importance of finding purpose.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 22, I sit down with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Harold Davis. Dr. Davis is a graduate of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and a veterinary pathologist who served 20 years in the United States Air Force. After retiring from Active Duty, Dr. Davis worked as a veterinary pathologist in the private sector and served as the first and only Black president of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 21, I sit down with retired Air Force Brigadier General Paula Thornhill to talk military history, force structure and design strategy, and the importance of writing for professional development. BGEN Thornhill's book is available here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 20, I sit down with retired Marine turned business leader and author, Mike Ettore to talk PME, leadership as an NCO versus as a junior officer, and how the business world differs from the military. Check out the Fidelis Leadership Podcast, Mike's own show here. His book is available for purchase here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 19, host Eugene Yang sits down with Army Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency, to discuss leadership development, lifelong learning, and the relative merits of subject matter expertise and generalism.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 18, host Jacqueline Parker sits down with retired Army Colonel and serving California State Guard Brigadier General Denton Knapp, to discuss lessons in leadership, failure, and transition.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 17, Josh sits down with Lieutenant General Richard Newton, USAF (Ret.), former Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff to discuss current reads, the importance of writing, and how to execute a smart transition out of the military.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 16, I sit down with General Lori J. Robinson, USAF (Ret.), former Commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the first female Combatant Commander in U.S. history.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 15, I sit down with the first Navy Chief Learning Officer, Mr. John Kroger, to discuss Proust, physical courage, and the future of Navy professional military education.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 14, retired Marine Colonel Christopher Woodbridge describes the importance of considering history from multiple perspectives in order to better understand institutions, reveals a deep love of science fiction, and describes the role of the Marine Corps Gazette. You can submit essays for publication to gazette@mac-marines.org and reach out directly to Col. Woodbridge at c.woodbridge@mca-marines.org. General Berger's essay on change in the USMC is published here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 13, retired Brigadier General Maureen LeBoeuf and host Jackie Parker discuss leadership challenges, personal failure, and the origins of the title Master of the Sword. Her book is available for purchase here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 12, retired LCDR Reuben Keith Green and I discuss his book "Black Officer, White Navy" and how to have hard conversations on race with peers, superiors, and subordinates. His book is available to purchase here and you can read his article on renaming the USS John C. Stennis here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 11, Brookings President and retired Marine General John R. Allen talks history, democracy, and leadership.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 10, Former Under Secretary of the Army, Honorable Patrick Murphy talks social media, equality, and the embarrassment of the USMA football team.
His book is available here and you can get in touch with him on twitter @patrickmurphyPA or on his website.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 9, Phoebe (USNA '13) and Nathalie (USNA '20) interview Ms. Janie Mines (USNA '80) on being a member of the first class of women at USNA, being the first black woman to graduate, and her book "No Coincidences" available on her website https://nocoincidencesbook.com/.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In episode 8, co-host Jackie Parker interviews retired Army Brigadier General Rebecca Halstead on reading, cheeseburgers, and learning from failure.
Her book is available here and you can get in touch with BGEN Halstead through her website.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In this special bonus episode co-host Joshua Bowen interviews Ghost Fleet authors P.W. Singer and August Cole on their new book, Burn In (available TODAY!) as well as the importance of science fiction for predicting the future of conflict.
Find them on Twitter @peterwsinger and @august_cole for Ghost Fleet and Burn In moments of the day. #BurnInBook
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReadsPodcast or podcast@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 6 former Army Arabic Linguist Kayla Williams of the Center for a New American Security talks women in war, her own writing, and how to stay connected to service after leaving Active Duty.
Make sure to check out the CNAS State Veteran Benefit Finder. Ms. Williams is the author of two books on her time in service: Love my Rifle More Than You and Plenty of Time When we Get Home. For those looking for short form reading, she recommends The Atlantic, Discover Magazine, and Smithsonian Magazine for nerdy military history. Let her know how you enjoyed the episode at @kwilliams101.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact me @DODReadsPodcast or Phoebe@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 5 retired Marine General James E. "Hoss" Cartwright provides his insight into future technological development, how to keep pace in a rapidly changing world, and how imagination contributed to the design of the Space Force.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact me @DODReadsPodcast or Phoebe@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 4 we get a lesson on the language of leadership from Captain David Marquet, USN (Ret.), former submarine Commanding Officer, notable speaker, and author of "Turn the Ship Around!" Let Captain Marquet know how you enjoyed his interview @ldavidmarquet on Twitter, facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Check out his newest book "Leadership is Language" for sale here.
Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact me @DODReadsPodcast or Phoebe@dodreads.com.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 3, Admiral Klein, USN (Ret.) and I discuss reading for ethical decision making. You can find one of her go-to ethical reads here: Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot by Jim Stockdale. Let her know how you enjoyed the episode at margaret.klein@usnwc.edu.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In Episode 2 Major General William Mullen III, USMC describes how he reads every day, the importance of PME, and the most influential works on his list of 2600 books read. His book, Fallujah Redux, is available for purchase here and on Amazon.
Check out MajGen Mullen's video PME on PME and two great articles: "A Warrior's Mind" and "Advanced Reading Skills" and let him know how you enjoyed the episode at wfmullen@earthlink.net.
Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors.
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
In our first episode, I speak with retired Admiral James Stavridis on the importance of reading fiction, lessons from history, and leadership through failure. Check out a print interview on his book "The Leader's Bookshelf" at DODReads.com.
Reach out to Admiral Stavridis and let him know how you enjoyed the episode!
Twitter: @stavridisj
Linked In: Admiral James Stavridis
Facebook: James Stavridis
Website: https://admiralstav.com
Book link: https://admiralstav.com/sailing_truenorth/
The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.
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