Presented by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, Frontline Voices brings you raw, real, and unfiltered conversations with American veterans and changemakers who are leading from the front, long after they hang up the uniform. Hosted by IRON Mike Steadman, Marine Corps Infantry Officer turned social entrepreneur and Hoover Veteran Fellow, this show explores the intersections of service, leadership, and impact in a world full of uncertainty.
Frontline Voices is part of the Veteran Fellowship Program. To learn more, click the following link
https://www.hoover.org/veteran-fellowship-program
From Lowell to Kabul: One Veteran’s Fight for Afghan Allies | Frontline Voices
Veteran John Smith shares his impactful journey from Kabul to community leadership, advocating for Afghan allies in this interview with host Jane Doe.
25 Jul 2025
Hilarious and Healing: How One Veteran Is Using Stand-Up to Save Lives | Frontline Voices | Veteran Fellowship Program | Hoover Institution
Veteran Fellow Robin Phoenix Johnson discusses her transition from military service to stand-up comedy, highlighting how humor aids mental health and helps veterans reframe trauma through laughter in this interview.
24 Jun 2025
AI Literacy Is the New Literacy | Frontline Voices | Veteran Fellowship Program | Hoover Institution
Host Mike interviews Chris McKay, founder of Maginative, about the critical importance of AI literacy across all communities as AI transforms work, education, and daily life, emphasizing the power of asking the right questions.
10 Jun 2025
Firestorm Economics: How Veterans Are Battling Wildfire Risk In California | Frontline Voices | Veteran Fellowship Program | Hoover Institution
Hoover Fellows Dave Winnacker and Donnie Hasseltine, both Marine Corps veterans, analyze California's wildfire crisis, emphasizing outdated strategies and rising insurance costs, suggesting micro-level action and community coordination as solutions in this interview.
27 May 2025
Why Every Kid Deserves A Chance: Lessons From Principal Trevor Clayton | Frontline Voices | Veteran Fellowship Program | Hoover Institution
Principal Trevor Clayton discusses how his military service informs his leadership at a Title I school, where he cultivates confidence and equitable opportunities for students in this interview.
13 May 2025
Beyond The Uniform: Dr. Condoleezza Rice On Legacy, Mentorship, And The Next Greatest Generation
In this inspiring episode of Frontline Voices, Dr. Condoleezza Rice joins the show to discuss the origins of the Hoover Institution’s Veteran Fellowship Program and the themes from her book Extraordinary, Ordinary People. She reflects on the power of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why every veteran, regardless of background—deserves a seat at the table. Dr. Rice also opens up about her upbringing in segregated Birmingham, the enduring values of faith, family, and education, and the responsibility of lifting others as we climb. This episode is a call to action for anyone committed to service, leadership, and legacy.
Recorded on April 29, 2025.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Condoleezza Rice is the Director of the Hoover Institution and a Senior Fellow in Public Policy at Stanford University. She served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush, becoming the first Black woman to hold each role. A longtime Stanford professor and former provost, Dr. Rice has authored several best-selling books and remains active in public service, business, and education. She is a founding partner at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC and serves on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice holds a Ph.D. in political science and over 15 honorary doctorates.
29 Apr 2025
Leading with Heart: Chief Steve Drew on Community, Crisis, and Courage
In this powerful episode of Frontline Voices, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew shares the realities of community policing, leadership under crisis, and the long road to building trust. From the heartbreaking response to a school shooting to managing protests after George Floyd’s death, Chief Drew reflects on lessons learned, the role of youth engagement, and the urgent need for collective responsibility. His approach reminds us that real public safety isn't built overnight, it’s earned block by block, conversation by conversation. This episode is a masterclass in service, empathy, and resilient leadership.
Recorded on April 14, 2025.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Chief Steve Drew is the Chief of Police for Newport News, Virginia, with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. Known for his deep commitment to community policing, youth engagement, and building trust through service, Chief Drew has led the Newport News Police Department through major challenges, including national crises and critical incidents. His leadership philosophy centers on empathy, partnership, and proactive community involvement, believing that true public safety starts with strong relationships.
15 Apr 2025
The Hardest Fight: Veteran Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, And Building Chimney Trail
In this powerful and personal episode of Frontline Voices, IRON Mike Steadman sits down with Matthew Brown, Navy veteran and founder of Chimney Trail Health, to talk about the often invisible battle veterans and high performers face: mental health. They unpack the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the hidden costs of unresolved trauma, and the real-world impact of suicide in their communities. Mike shares a vulnerable story about personal loss and how it pushed him to seek help. Together, they discuss how to reframe thoughts, find sparring partners for the mind, and train like your life depends on it, because sometimes it does. Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or someone struggling silently, this episode is a lifeline.
Recorded on April 8, 2025.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Matthew Brown is the president and CEO of Chimney Trail, a mental health organization focused on preventing anxiety, depression, and suicide through cognitive behavioral therapy. A 2005 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in key operational and strategic roles across the Navy, including command of the USS Scout. His military service and leadership experiences inspired the creation of Chimney Trail, now a trusted resource for the Department of Defense and Fortune 500 companies. He lives in Colorado with his wife and three daughters.
RELATED SOURCES:
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam
Website: Bowling Alone
FOLLOW THE GUEST ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
LinkedIn: Matthew Brown
1 Apr 2025
Leading with Grit: From the Naval Academy to Newark's Frontlines
From the boxing ring to Hoover, Mike shares his journey and the mission behind Frontline Voices.
Who has been a guest on Frontline Voices
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
John Smith
Robin Phoenix Johnson
Chris McKay
Dave Winnacker
Donnie Hasseltine
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
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