USNA MidMoms and More Podcast: Recent Episodes
AN Shine
Join AN Shine, author of A USNA Mom‘s Journal, as she seeks to empower and equip USNA parents to navigate their journey successfully.
Copyright 2021, MidMoms and More, LLC. All rights reserved. Content, in whole or in part, pertaining to this podcast series may not be used, copied - in whole or in part, changed, revised, or distributed without the written permission of AN Shine, MidMoms and More, LLC.
My guest, Gary Sinise, has made it his mission to support and serve those who serve — not just in words, but just like our USNA Mids, and Naval and Marine Corps Officers, by taking action. Join me for a wonderful conversation with Gary, who exemplifies the values of the Naval Academy - Honor, Courage, Commitment. I invite you to find out more about the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journey - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay.
Join me for PART 2 of this incredible conversation centered around 50 years of Women 1976-2026 at military academies, focusing on USNA, with special Alumnae guests, Linda "Postie" Postenrieder '82, USNA Women President; Marie Burris '86, Program Manager For 50 years; Adrienne Maeser Mills '06 Marketing Director, Kristi Bickel '07 Communications Director. These accomplished grads think back on their time at the academy, about coming together, offer advice to USNA parents, and so much more!
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and Navy Online - A USNA Mom's Journal
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"The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U. S. Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, the Department of War, or the U. S. Government."
NOTE: Because our conversation was densely layered, a lot of audio was left on the cutting floor. Can you find my "Easter Egg"?
Join me for PART 1 of this incredible conversation centered around 50 years of Women 1976-2026 at military academies, focusing on USNA, with special Alumnae guests, Linda "Postie" Postenrieder '82, USNA Women President; Marie Burris '86, Program Manager For 50 years; Adrienne Maeser Mills '06 Marketing Director, Kristi Bickel '07 Communications Director. These accomplished grads think back on their time at the academy, about coming together, offer advice to USNA parents, and so much more!
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and Navy Online - A USNA Mom's Journal
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"The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U. S. Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, the Department of War, or the U. S. Government."
NOTE: Because our conversation was densely layered, a lot of audio was left on the cutting floor. Can you find my "Easter Egg"?
Join me and my special guest, Kim Parker (USNA '91) as we talk about her Navy journey 35 years in the making, and as we discuss the conference this weekend (April 16-19, 2026) 50 Years of Women at USNA. Based on my book A USNA Mom's Journey available at the MIdstore. https://usnamidmomsandmore.org.
"The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U. S. Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, the Department of War, or the U. S. Government."
Join me for this episode with Kristi Bickel (USNA '2007), as we discuss life on the Yard and in Fleet, her journey as an author, and 50 years of Women at USNA. Don't miss this crucial conversation! You can find Kristi at: https://www.memotherwasamermaidbooks.com/ and on IG at @memotherwasamermaidbooks. My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journey available at the Midstore and on my website: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org.
"The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U. S. Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, the Department of War, or the U. S. Government."
Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal available at the Midstore, I invite you to join me for my episode with the adorable Ziggy Rex and Miss Sondra, as we talk about her job at the Naval Academy Museum, her work as a mentor to Midshipmen, and her past life as an army enlisted soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U. S. Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, the Department of War, or the U. S. Government."
I invite you to explore the US Naval Academy Museum at: https://www.usna.edu/Museum/index.php and to visit my website and Etsy shop at https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for this special episode with my friend, Haley, who is a Navy spouse, as she offers insights, advice, on deployments and separation, and life as a Navy spouse, how parents can offer support, and much more! This is a great listen for parents of Firsties to learn about what their Mids will need to do and how to prepare for moving to their first duty stations after Commissioning, especially if there are wedding plans in their future. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, Your Ultimate Guide to Survive and Thrive Four Years by The Bay And yes, #Dads Need this, too! I invite you to read the accompanying blog post on my website, https://usnamidmomsandmore.org.
Join me for episode 57 of my USNA MidMoms and More podcast with special guest, '24 Grad, ENS Andrew Mazza, as we explore USNA and the Med Corps Career path. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal: Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay - Dads You Need This, Too! Andrew's very informative article is posted with this podcast episode on my website, https://usnamidmomsandmore.
Recorded live while walking on the Yard. Some things to think about during PPW. By AN Shine, based on the bok A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Guide to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay.
https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for an eye opening conversation with my special guest Karl Smith as we talk about how USNA trains parents to transition for Fleet Life. This is Part 2 of a two part podcast. My Mission is to Equip and Empower USNA parents for Success in the Journey. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay #Dads Need this, too!, available at the Midstore and on my website, https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for an eye opening conversation with my special guest Karl Smith as we talk about how USNA trains parents to transition for Fleet Life. This is Part 1 of a two part podcast. My Mission is to Equip and Empower USNA parents for Success in the Journey. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay #Dads Need this, too! Available at the Midstore and on my website, https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me as I am interviewed by my husband jeff about my Navy roots and why I "pay it forward" to my Navy family, with special guest AN Shine.
usnamidmomsandmore.org
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by The Bay - Dads Need This, Too! available exclusively at the Mdistore. Join me, AN Shine, for my special episode with guests Katrina McIntosh and Brandy Hoot of the BLB USNA Class of 2029 Facebook page, as we discuss this year's special logistics, changes, and give advice to prepare for I-Day, Plebe Summer. and much more! Visit my website for more information: http://usnamidmomsandmore.org
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by The Bay - Dads Need This, Too! available exclusively at the Mdistore. Join me, AN Shine, for my special episode with guests Katrina McIntosh and Brandy Hoot of the BLB USNA Class of 2029 Facebook page, as we discuss this year's special logistics, changes, and give advice to prepare for I-Day, Plebe Summer. and much more! Visit my website for more information: http://usnamidmomsandmore.org
The USNA journey is unique and is not always easy. Join me as I have a candid conversation with Academy Insider, Grant Vermeer, as we discuss the rollercoaster of emotions that is I-Day and the beginning of this transformational path of service. You can also listen to prior episodes #36 & 37 with Grant. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Your Ultimate Playbook to Survive and Thrive Four Years by the Bay #Dads Need This, Too!, exclusively available at the Midstore. Find out more about my book, blog, podcast, & shop here: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for Part 2 of my conversation with Scott McBride, Author of the children's book series, Connor the Cutter, and USNA 1998 grad, as we talk about his service, the twists and turns in his journey and how he faced them, and his sage advice for Mids and parents. Based on my Book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Dads, You Need This, Too! Find out more - visit https://usnamidmomsandmore.org.
Join me for a long awaited new episode! My guest is a USNA grad, U.S. Coast Guard Officer, and Children's Book Author Scott McBride (USNA '98). He tells us about his unique journey from Midshipman, to Naval Officer, to Coast Guard PAO and Children's Book Author. He shares all about his path, Forged by the Sea, that culminated with writing his book series for children, Connor the Cutter. Find out more on https://usnamidmomsandmore.org. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Dads You Need This, too!
in this episode, I am live from Notre Dame, where I am taking summer classes. I read from my book, which is currently sold out, for Plebe parents as they prepare for their First Call. Personal insights and additional anecdotes are added as I read from my manuscript, Section 9 - Getting Ready for the Call...
Join me for an animated conversation with Karl Smith, Susan Weisberg, and Steve Wade, as we talk about writing, reminisce about our Navy journeys, and ask each other the questions we have always wondered about each other! This is Part 1 of a two part episode. My podcast is based on my book, USNA Mom's Journal (Dads, you need this too!) available on my website, at the Midstore, and on Kindle and Apple Books. Find out more here: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
The Class of 2024 is on my heart. I remember well that after Commissioning of our second Midshipman this prayer came to me as I looked at what was ahead for newly minted Officers and their parents alike. Now that they are away from the safety of Mother B and in the Fleet or Marine Corps, things change and my prayers requests had to adapt - Semper Gumby, right?
Here is my prayer not only for my kids for for all Mids as they Commission and take their rightful place in the Fleet and Marine Corps.
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available on my website https://usnamidmomsandmore.org, at the Midstore, on Kindle, and on Apple Books.
IG @usnamidmomsandmore
Join me for this episode that is literally close to many hearts as we hear about how the life of one Mid has been instrumental in bringing awareness and saving many other Mids' lives. My special guests are Kabrina (USNA '27 Mom) and Jennifer Carillo (USNA '22 Mom). Find out more about the Duke Cariilo Foundation. My USNA MidMoms and More podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal - Plebe Summer through Commissioning: Everything you Need to Know, available on my website: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org; at the Midstore; and on my Etsy shop.
Join me for a candid and honest conversation about faith, the role that it plays in the USNA journey, and Robert and Cathy's 16-year journey. You can find out more about my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, on my website - USNA Mid Moms and More. If you are a USNA parent interested in finding out more about this prayer ministry, the prayer group meets virtually on the third Sunday of every month. Please note due to privacy and to maintain the safety of our Midshipmen and officers, this is a closed prayer group for USNA parents only. You can sign up on this link: pray4usna.
Join me for my conversation with USNA Grad Kristin Cronic creator of Easel on Stribling (USNA '11) as we discuss her beautiful artwork of the Yard and life at Navy, what inspires her, life as a Mid and an Officer, and her new book, A Midshipman's Journey.
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, exclusively available at the Midstore and on my Etsy shop - https://usnamidmomsandmore.org.
Intro Credit: N Shine
Join me and my very special guest, Tisha Wright, as we explore her Mid's journey from enlisted Marine to Napster to USNA Midshipman, and future Navy/Marine Corps Officer. My podcast is based on my book, A USNa Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and on my Etsy shop. Please visit usnamidmomsandmore.org for more information.
After 17 deployments, my special guest, Elaine Brye, author of Be Safe, Love Mom, returns for a second installment of advice and a wealth of information and guidance for parents. This is a MUST listen for Firstie and Fleet parents alike! In honor of this episode, I will be launching my RED line. To find out more, please visit my website, usnamidmomsandmore.org.
My podcast is based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal available exclusively at the Midstore and on my website.
Academy Insider's Grant Vermeer, is back!! He joins me for a candid conversation filled with invaluable insights, stories, and advice for Mids, Officers, and parents alike. A MUST listen! Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and on my website: usnamidmomsandmore.org. (Note: Academy Insider is a registered non profit organization with a pending 501c3 status).
Academy Insider's Grant Vermeer, is back!! He joins me for a candid conversation filled with invaluable insights, stories, and advice for Mids, Officers, and parents alike. A MUST listen! Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and on my website: usnamidmomsandmore.org
You asked, we answered! Join me and my special guests, Katrina Ahlquist McIntosh (NAPS and USNA)and Nancy Hilden (NASP and Coast Guard Academy) who help me to answer parent questions about NAPS. https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
It is finally here - Plebe Parent Weekend! You will get to see and spend precious time with your Plebe. Thoughts about this special time together. https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me and my special guests Katrina McIntosh, Karl Smith, Jeff Shyne, and Steve Wade for an in-depth look at I-Day, what to pack, what to expect, what the day is like, what to do or not to do, where to catch a glimpse of your Plebe, the Oath, and much more! Great insights and unique advice from varied perspectives. https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for a heartwarming conversation with Susan Weisberg, author of the Chester Midshipmouse book series, as we talk about the last third of the Midshipmouse Academy journey. Cliffhangers and insight about what went into writing the last installment of this wonderful, imaginative, and inspiring story.
Join me for Part 2 of this must-listen-to series with special guests, USNA 2022 MidMoms Janna, Stacy, and Paula, who offer their advice and insights as 2/C and Firstie parents look toward Commissioning planning, Commissioning Week highlights, and how to handle the unexpected during this special time of celebration and accomplishment. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore. Read my blog, listen to podcast episodes, visit my Etsy shop at https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for Part 1 of this three part this must-listen-to series with special guests, USNA 2022 MidMoms Janna, Stacy, and Paula, who offer their advice and insights as 2/C and Firstie parents look toward Commissioning planning, Commissioning Week highlights, and how to handle the unexpected during this special time of celebration and accomplishment. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available exclusively at the Midstore and on my website: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for Part 2 of my latest Podcast episode with Micaela Gordon Lee (USNA 2000) and Heidi Huerter Lenzini (USNA '95) as we discuss what they wish they knew going in, what they learned, and how their experience at USNA shaped their lives and their careers. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available at the Midstore and on my website: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for my latest Podcast episode with Micaela Gordon Lee (USNA 2000) and Heidi Huerter Lenzini (USNA '95) as we discuss what they wish they knew going in, what they learned, and how their experience at USNA shaped their lives and their careers. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available at the Midstore and on my website: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org
Join me for Part 2 of a conversation with my good friend, USAFA Alumna, and four-time N*avy Mom, Julie Haller, as we discuss the highlights and what to expect in 2/C and Firstie Years, Commissioning planning, and an overview of service communities in the Fleet and Marine Corps. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available on my website, https://usnamidmomsandmore.org, and at the Midstore.
Join me for Part 1 of a conversation with my good friend, USAFA Alumna, and four-time N*avy Mom, Julie Haller, as we discuss the highlights and what to expect in 2/C and Firstie Years, Commissioning planning, and an overview of service communities in the Fleet and Marine Corps. Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal, available on my website, usnamidmomsandmore.org, and at the Midstore.
Join me for a conversation with special guest Jennifer Herring Carrillo, USNA Mom of three Mids, classes of USNA '22 and '23. I invite you to listen as she courageously shares her story about her family's indescribable loss, finding hope, and moving forward with the Duke Carrillo Foundation, whose mission is to Live Like Duke. Find out about this remarkable Mid and his family and how they have coped and found light amid great loss.
For more information about the MIDN Duke Carrillo Foundation, please visit: https://dukecarrillofoundation.org/
A great conversation with author Robert Stewart about his new book, No Greater Duty, and the lives of the central characters that intersect at the US Naval Academy and explore Mid-life and life in the Fleet and Marine Corps.
I invite you to join me for a fun podcast with two special guests, USNA and USAFA Dad and author of My Kid the Mid blog, Karl Smith (USNA '20), and my hubby Jeff (USNA'17 & '20), as they discuss their journey from a Dad's point of view and offer advice to USNA Dads on surviving the journey.
Based on my book, A USNA Mom's Journal available at the MIdstore, on my site: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org/shop-navy and on Kindle and AppleBooks.
Join me for Part 2 of a great conversation with my good friend Julie, a 2024 Mom who shares all the lessons learned about navigating I-Day, Plebe Summer, Plebe ACYear, and into Youngster year. Invaluable insight and advice based on my book, "A USNA Mom's Journal: Plebe Summer through Commissioning - What You Need to Know!", available at the USNA Midstore, as an ebook on Kindle and iBooks, and at: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org/shop-navy.
Join me for a great conversation with my good friend Julie, a 2024 Mom who shares all the lessons learned about navigating I-Day, Plebe Summer, Plebe ACYear, and into Youngster year. Invaluable insight and advice based on my book, "A USNA Mom's Journal: Plebe Summer through Commissioning - What you need to know!", available at https://usnamidmomsandmore.org/shop-navy.
Our Mids are getting ready to Commission or may still be on their journey. Join me for this Episode for fellow N*avy parents about time, finding a new purpose, Tiger Cruises, and More.
Join me for this podcast episode as I have a candid and enlightening conversation with my dear friend Jess, a 15-year USMC enlisted spouse, who offers her opinion, insights, and a different perspective on military life. She is a wealth of information on leadership, surviving deployments, and life in the Fleet and Marine Corps from the flip side.
Join me for my interview with fellow Navy parent, blogger, and now fellow N*avy author Steve Wade (USNA '22). Find out the latest gouge on his latest project, his thoughts on the journey, and what he has discovered as a USNA parent that has inspired his writing.
So what does the decision to scramble (or shuffle) Plebes (and sometimes Mids) mean for them? Listen to the latest podcast episode based on my blog post "The Deja Vu of Scrambling and Shotgunning... Why do they matter?" available at USNAMidMomsandMore.org/my-blog
Join AN Shine and her special guest, Karl Smith, Navy Dad - USNA '20, author, and blog writer, as they discuss the Dark Ages, what they mean to our Mids and some strategies to bring some sunshine in!
Join AN for another podcast episode as she gives an overview of Commissioning week - to dos and not to dos, planning tips, and what you need to know to make this a memorable week for you and your Mid! AN's book, A USNA Mom's Journal, Commissioning Resources, and other invaluable information are available at: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org - under Shop Navy and Resources>When in Annapolis. (Recorded in Dec '21).
The USNA Journey can be difficult but friendships, courage, and vision help us and our Mids to overcome obstacles and navigate the journey. Join me for my last Episode of 2021: "Together We Are Stronger: On Friendship, Courage, and the USNA Journey | Episode 12", with my three very special guests from the Class of 2022, Heather, Stacy, and Betty.
What are Service Assignments? How do assignments work? What are the different communities? What happens when the first choice is not an option? Join me and my very special guest MCPO Jeff Kirby, (USN, Ret.) as he shares his opinion and his 30+ years of experience as we talk about: "The Moment They Have been Waiting for - Service Assignments | Episode 11".
A candid conversation about being a USNA parent and riding the roller coaster of shifting and evolving relationships and emotions during the four years at USNA and beyond. This episode will tie together various aspects from Episodes 1, 2, 5, 7, and 9, with special guest, my husband Jeff.
Join me for a great conversation with my Dad and his "Band of 11th Co Brothers", the Club Eleven Class of 1959, that include his roommates and BFFs from his time at the Naval Academy. Funny memories, full disclosures, and some advice for today's Plebes and Mids.
As the Brigade approaches six week exams, join me for a candid conversation with special guest Julie Haller, "Making the Grade and Things to Think about: AC Year Highlights | Episode 9", as we talk about setting the right expectations, AC Year challenges, communication glitches, things to celebrate, and remaining Semper Gumby as CoVid continues, and things to consider while supporting your Plebe, Youngster, 2/C, or Firstie through this N*ot College journey.
Photographer and USNA sponsor Bob Peterson shares his photographic perspectives as he talks about the Yard, Mids, and his breathtaking pictures of USNA.
https://www.bob-peterson-photography.com/
Join me and my special guest Elaine Brye, one of my biggest mentors during Plebe Year, as we talk about many topics from my book, A USNA Mom's Journal. From Plebe Summer through Commissioning and the Fleet, you will not want to miss Elaine's words of wisdom and her invaluable advice. She is the author of "Be Safe, Love Mom" available at https://besafelovemom.com
What goes on behind the walls at Bancroft Hall? I this episode we will get insight into the world of Bancroft Hall, Midshipmen, and the mice that have lived there since the beginning, with special guest Susan Weisberg, USNA Mom and author of the beloved book Chester Midshipmouse. We discuss life, writing, our journey, Mother B, and being a USNA Mom.
In this episode, you will hear all about Sponsors and PPW with special guest, Kathleen Rohrs, USNA Mom (2011), spouse (USNA '79), and Mid Sponsor for 30+ years. She offers her varied and invaluable perspectives on being a MidMom, a Sponsor, and indispensable advice for PPW and the journey.
Karl Smith, Dad of USNA 2020 and USAFA 2025, author, and blogger joins me as we discuss life on the Yard, being a USNA author, his blog, and his story as a USNA and USAFA Dad.
USNA trailblazer Janie Mines (USNA '80), a member of the first class of women and also the first Black female to Commission from the U.S. Naval Academy joined me for a candid conversation in spring of 2020, to talk about her experience, grit, courage, faith, and determination. Her autobiography, No Coincidences, is available at https://nocoincidencesbook.com. You can also read my blog post on my website at: https://usnamidmomsandmore.org/2021/03/28/janie-mines-usna-80-honoring-a-trailblazer-womens-history-month
Join me, An Shine, with special guest Julie Haller, USAFA '88 and USNA Mom (‘14, ‘16, ‘19, and ‘23), as she offers her seasoned perspectives and insights on I-Day, Plebe Summer, preparing for the journey, supporting your Plebes, and more. A "must listen" for new parents!
Inaugural episode with me, AN Shine, author of A USNA Mom's Journal, and husband Jeff as my special guest, in a candid conversation about our Mids, surviving Plebe Summer, Aha! moments, advice received and given, things we learned, and some memorable moments as USNA parents.