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 q...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 105
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 S...
Jun 07, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 104
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 Ma...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 103
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 impor...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 102
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, J...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 101
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 is...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 100
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 fat...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 99
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. - Whe...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 98
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 resil...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 97
Kam Smith— - a guy who’s the definition of grit, heart, and HUSTLE. - Hailing from Garner, North Carolina, Kam’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. - Spending many a night throwing a football through a tire, OVER…and OVER…at his local church - From slinging the rock, to shaping young lives as a coach, - now getting his hands dirty in construction, - he’s lived a life that’s anything but ordinary. - Along the way, he’s CAUGHT SOME EXCELLENCE and faced some tough calls—like transferring s...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 96
Ray Biles reflects and explores a life rooted in gratitude, leadership, and purpose. Ray shares how the sacrifices and efforts of others shaped his 43-year career in education and coaching, including 31 years as head football coach and athletic director at Lorena High School. From the lessons learned in the locker room to the profound impact of faith, family, and community, Ray reflects on the powerful conviction: "Someone’s paid it for me." He dives into how this belief inspired him to pay it f...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 95
David Mahoney, a former Navy football class of 2007 (Sr 2006). 4-year starter at outside linebacker, David helped lead Navy to a standard of dominance over other service academies. With a record-breaking career that included the second-most sacks and third-most tackles for loss in Navy history, David’s impact on the field was undeniable – setting the bar high was something he is no stranger to. In this interview, David shares his inspiring journey from nearly quitting at the Naval Academy Prepar...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 94
Chris Izant, former Marine Infantry Officer turned FBI Special Agent, and author of "Final Engagement: A Marine’s Last Mission and the Surrender of Afghanistan." Chris shares his vivid experiences from the frontline in Helmand Province with the Afghan Border Police to the halls of Harvard, offering an honest, ground-level perspective on the complexities of the Afghan withdrawal. As we explore his transition from military to federal law enforcement, Chris discusses the profound leadership challen...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 93
Price of Admission* guest, Wayne Irons—better known to his Navy brothers as “Wayno”— From the foothills of California to the cockpit of F-18s in the Navy Reserves. A Navy Footballer, class of 2005, Wayne shares stories from his time in flight school, his experience at TOPGUN, and how he transitioned from teaching the next generation of fighter pilots to flying A330s as a Delta Air Lines First Officer. Along the way, we dive into his personal life, balancing family, fishing, and even a little gui...
Sep 26, 2024•59 min•Ep. 92
Price of Admission PCast - Ep 91, Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation & Jake Juriga, a fellow Navy linebacker. Awareness of concussions in sports. Critical work being done. Both share personal stories - with Jake discussing his family’s NFL history and Chris reflecting on his wrestling career and brain health journey. We also touch on the new documentary about Tyler Sash – “Concussed: The American Dream.”
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 91
Emmett Merchant -a former safety for Navy Football and Naval Academy graduate (Class of 2011). Emmett and I reminisce about our time playing defense together, reflecting on some of the toughest battles we faced on the field. But Emmett’s story goes far beyond football. We explore his journey from being a standout on the gridiron to navigating life post-Academy. Emmett shares his experiences as a Surface Warfare Officer, where he gained invaluable leadership and operational skills while serving o...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 90
Grant Vermeer - Academy Insider podcast host (And former Navy BBaller) Grant Vermeer shares his Price of Admission. Highlights: Overcoming challenges at the Naval Academy and finding resilience Serving as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer on four submarines Transitioning from military service to a career in real estate Founding Academy Insider, a non-profit supporting the USNA community Juggling multiple roles, including real estate, non-profit leadership, and basketball officiating The value of ser...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 89
Buddy Green, my Navy Football Defensive Coordinator. Buddy shares insights from his 14 seasons at Navy, discussing his coaching philosophy, the challenges of leading the defense during the Midshipmen's resurgence in the 2000s, and the impact he had on his players both on and off the field. Filled with memories, wisdom, and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for Navy football fans and coaching enthusiasts alike.
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 88
Mike McLaughlin and I discuss his co-authored book, "Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security." He is a cybersecurity expert and emerging leader in the field. The conversation explores the complexities of cyber warfare and our nations infrastructure, along with the implications of AI. Michael continues to make significant contributions to the conversation on global cybersecurity threats, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges we face t...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 87
Kyle Lumpkin. Cloud. AI. Microsoft. Space Race. - We discuss his incredible journey from high school football fields to the cutting-edge world of AI and robotics. Kyle shares his fond memories of football, valuable life lessons, and his exciting career in the tech industry. - Kyle dives into the potential and risks associated with AI, exploring its rapid advancements and the dual impact on society. From healthcare innovations to ethical concerns, we cover it all. Discover the critical role of da...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 86
This is Michael Cole. He grew up in Liberty Hill, TX and studied at Tarleton State University. Michael pursued a culinary degree and worked as a chef for five years before starting his own catering business, but something wasn’t quite right for Michael. His career took a GOOD turn when he joined the Army, where he has served as a medic for the past ten years, aiming for a 20-year finish line while getting ready for his “Second Act.”. He reflects on the impact of his wife, Lauren, on his life cho...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 85
Chris Ripoll and 1st Op Seamer Service... Man!, This one was fun → Can seaming technical expertise is a bit of a dying breed. 1st Op Seamer Serviehas some of the best seamer techs in the business. Chris's background - in can manufacturing and filling industry for over 30 years and starting a business, First Op Seamer Service. Chris is creating a flexible and versatile support group that can get things done faster than that of a larger organization. We share memories and insights from time partne...
May 23, 2024•56 min•Ep. 74
Navy football A-Back class of '11, entrepreneur, YouTube music creator. 1. Check out Andre's bi-weekly newsletter here - https://andre-byrd.ck.page/profile 2. Check out Andre's YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@andrebyrd2886/videos Episode Key Highlights * Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities is a challenge, but it can be a rewarding journey. * Vulnerability and authenticity are important in building relationships and supporting others. * Personal growth and learning are o...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 84
Navy Football Class of ’97 Full BACK! Omar shares his journey from a Navy Surface Warfare Officer to a business development leader at Bancroft Architects + Engineers. In this episode, Omar emphasizes the importance of an open mind and robust networking in navigating diverse career paths. He also draws parallels between his BBQ passion and professional life, illustrating how embracing opportunities and adapting to new challenges can lead to unexpected and rewarding career developments, "enjoying ...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 83
Football coach and Marine officer to Amazon and Fanatics. Joe shares insights from coaching at various levels and his transition to the corporate world, emphasizing family, learning from diverse perspectives, and the impact of coaching on growth. The discussion also covers the value of respectful conversations across differing views, and lessons from his Marine Corps experience. This episode offers a concise look into Joe Taylor’s life, highlighting the importance of genuine connections and the ...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 82
Jake Lunday - His insatiable curiosity is evident. He always has an innovative approach to overcoming technical challenges. Jake just seems to seamless integrate his personal interests (like 3D printing) into professional ventures. I loved learning EVEN MORE from him in this episode on the Price of Admission. An engineer in the manufacturing sector, unveils his journey of problem-solving, collaboration, and growth. He dives into his enthusiasm for 3D printing and his venture into a medical devic...
Mar 28, 2024•59 min•Ep. 81
TJ Costello shares his journey from high school to the Naval Academy and his transition from military to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, mental health, and living a life of discipline and gratitude. - TJ discusses the challenges he faced academically and the support he received from his coaches and teachers. - The conversation covers the quiet revolt and intensity within the Navy football team, the contagious questions and change that spread through the team, - We...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 80
Babatunde William Akingbemi. The anchor (nose guard) of the 3-4, NOW an IT Strategy Consultant and Entrepreneur based in Upper Marlboro, MD. Bemi shares his multifaceted journey from the football fields of the Naval Academy to the boardrooms of Atlas Trident Consulting. We get into Babatunde's early life, the impact of his immigrant parents on his values, his athletic and academic experiences at the Naval Academy and Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), and his service in the Navy. We also d...
Mar 07, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 79
Jeremy Jobson shares his professional journey, starting from his early career in a trucking company and transitioning to the financial sector. He highlights the importance of mentorship, learning, and navigating career transitions. Jeremy also discusses his experience in a startup company and the lessons he learned about flexible work schedules and leaning into his strengths. He then shares his time at Elevate, emphasizing the value of transparency and embracing one's authentic self in the corpo...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 78
Lane Jackson → NFB Class of ’05. Senior season of ’04… Navy… Inside… Backer…. Seal Team 8 Leader. Now in Manufacturing industry. A little bit of “You can’t cheat the grind”, “It being hard makes it valuable”, and “There’s not Price in WOULDN’T PAY!” Takeaways Lane Jackson was a key leader in the Navy football team's turnaround (as well as a High School team turnaround). Lane's leadership and preparation had a significant impact on his teammates. Lane's favorite game was against Air Force. Lane's...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 77
