Rad Grads Podcast
Claim This Podcastby CJ Thomsen
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Podcast Overview
<div>Welcome to the Rad Grads Podcast, where we spotlight the incredible journeys of U.S. Service Academy graduates who have successfully transitioned from distinguished military service to thriving civilian careers. Each episode, we dive into the stories of these remarkable individuals as they navigate the challenges of leaving the uniform behind and embrace new opportunities in industries ranging from business and technology to the arts and public service.</div><div><br>Through candid conversations, we uncover the skills, experiences, and values that have propelled these leaders to excel beyond their time in the armed forces. Whether you're a Service Academy grad considering your next chapter, a veteran exploring civilian career options, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and transformation, Rad Grads offers valuable insights and motivation for your own journey.</div><div><br>Join us as we celebrate the unique achievements of those who have worn the uniform with honor and now make their mark in the civilian world. Tune in to the Rad Grads Podcast—where military roots meet civilian triumphs.</div>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/5/2025
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Recent Episodes
May 29, 2026
07. Ryan Twedell, USAFA ’07, C-130J Aircraft Commander, Enterprise Account Director
In this powerful episode of Rad Grads, CJ Thomsen sits down with fellow United States Air Force Academy graduate Ryan Twedell for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, failure, reinvention, and the courage to keep moving forward. Ryan shares his journey from growing up in Arlington, Texas, to earning an appointment to the Air Force Academy, where he discovered the value of being a well-rounded leader rather than excelling in just one discipline. After graduating in 2007, Ryan entered pilot training and eventually flew the C-130J, completing more than 100 combat missions in Afghanistan. He reflects on the highs of commanding aircrews in combat and the life-altering aircraft mishap that ended his flying career. With remarkable honesty, Ryan recounts the accident, the investigations that followed, and the difficult process of accepting responsibility while learning to forgive himself. His story offers a rare look into accountability, leadership under pressure, and the support of mentors who helped him navigate one of the most challenging chapters of his life. Ryan then discusses his transition from military service into acquisitions, satellite programs, and eventually civilian life. After earning his MBA from UC Berkeley during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he bet on himself and pursued a career in technology sales. Leveraging the Air Force Academy network and an unwavering commitment to growth, Ryan rose from an entry-level sales position to one of the top-performing leaders at Qualtrics, earning multiple promotions and recognition as a top manager. This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, humility, and perseverance. Whether you're navigating a military transition, overcoming setbacks, or searching for your next chapter, Ryan's story demonstrates that success is often found on the other side of failure—and that the lessons learned through adversity can become your greatest strengths.Episode Timeline:00:30 Introduction and Background09:18 Experiences at the Air Force Academy20:13 Life Lessons and Regrets25:42 Unique Opportunities and Experiences31:47 Transitioning to Pilot Training: The Navy Experience38:55 Navigating Challenges in Pilot Training46:56 From Training to Operations: The Shift in Mindset52:26 A Life-Altering Combat Mission Experience01:04:16 Reflections on a Life-Changing Event01:05:51 The Hand of God and Resilience01:20:03 Navigating Career Transitions01:32:39 Embracing Change and New Opportunities01:39:10 Navigating Career Changes During COVID-1901:44:34 Finding Success in Tech Sales01:50:36 Embracing Challenges in a New Industry01:57:04 Reflecting on Military Experience and Personal Growth\02:01:58 Constructive Thinking and Future AspirationsEmail:Radgrad@allthomsen.com Advertisement: 10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD
May 20, 2026
06. Lt Col (Ret) David Befort, USAFA ’03, A-10 Pilot, Infinite Banking, CEO of CoSpark
On this episode of the RadGrads Podcast, CJ Thomsen sits down with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and A-10 combat pilot David Befort for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, military service, entrepreneurship, and financial independence. David shares the story of growing up in small-town Kansas, discovering the Air Force Academy as a teenager, and overcoming setbacks—including vision limitations that initially kept him from receiving a direct appointment. From the Prep School to pilot training, David reflects on the mindset that carried him through adversity, including injuries, family hardships, and the intense demands of cadet life during the post-9/11 era.The conversation dives deep into David’s operational Air Force career flying the legendary A-10 Warthog in combat over Afghanistan, where he discusses close air support, deployment experiences, and the lessons combat taught him about humility, confidence, and leadership under pressure.But David’s journey didn’t end in uniform. After leaving active duty, he transitioned into corporate America, real estate investing, commercial aviation, and eventually financial education and entrepreneurship. David opens up about the 2008 financial crisis, how it reshaped his thinking about money, and why he became passionate about the Infinite Banking Concept and building long-term financial strength outside traditional retirement models.Today, David is the co-founder and CEO of CoSpark, co-host of the Wealth Warehouse Podcast, and founder of the upcoming David Befort Show. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for military members, aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, pilots, and anyone looking to take greater control of their future.Episode Timeline00:30 Introduction to David Beffert's Journey02:42 Early Aspirations and the Path to the Air Force Academy10:30 Experiences at the Prep School17:20 Challenges Faced During Cadet Life21:46 Deciding to Become a Pilot24:33 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations27:46 Pilot Training: The Journey Begins30:39 Navigating the Challenges of Pilot Training33:00 First Deployment: A Combat Experience37:42 Lessons from Combat: Confidence and Humility41:33 The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Military Perspective48:41 Deciding to Leave the Air Force: A Personal Journey53:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life59:11 Finding Fulfillment in New Career Paths01:05:31 The Infinite Banking Concept Explained01:11:23 Real Estate Ventures and Financial Independence01:17:30 Building a Business Around Financial Education01:23:31 Challenging Conventional Financial Wisdom01:26:39 The Banking System and Control of Capital01:32:55 The Importance of Financial Control01:37:51 Building a Community with CoSpark01:43:50 Launching the David Befort ShowEmail:Radgrad@allthomsen.com Advertisement: 10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD
February 13, 2026
05. Alexander Layendecker, PhD, USAFA ’08, HH-60G Pilot, Director/Founder ASRI
In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, CJ sits down with Dr. Alexander Layendecker, a 2008 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, whose career has spanned space operations, combat rescue aviation, and groundbreaking academic research. After initially being turned down by the Academy, Alex attended the New Mexico Military Institute on a Falcon Scholarship—an experience he credits with maturing him and sharpening his leadership skills before entering USAFA. He shares candid reflections on basic training, academic missteps, and lessons in time management, along with his perseverance through medical disqualification from pilot training due to vision issues. Determined to fly, Alex later underwent PRK surgery, transitioned to the reserves, and ultimately earned his wings as an HH-60G rescue helicopter pilot, deploying to places like Somalia and flying hurricane and medical rescue missions—all while balancing an intense academic journey that included earning multiple advanced degrees.Beyond his military service, Dr. Layendecker has become a leading voice in the emerging field of human reproduction and sexuality in space. With a doctorate in Human Sexuality focusing on Astrosexological Research, he founded the Advanced Space Life Research Institute (ASRI) to tackle one of humanity’s most complex frontiers: enabling safe, multi-generational life beyond Earth. In the episode, he explores the biological challenges of pregnancy and child development in space—from radiation exposure to microgravity—and outlines ASRI’s bold goal of achieving the first full human pregnancy in space by 2055. The conversation blends leadership, resilience, science, and vision, showcasing Alex’s unique journey from cadet to combat rescue pilot to pioneering space researcher determined to help shape humanity’s future among the stars.🎙 Episode Timeline00:00 – Space Career and Research Journey Dr. Layendecker’s background, USAFA graduation (2008), space operations, HH-60G pilot experience, and introduction to his academic work and ASRI.10:42 – Alternative Path to the Air Force Academy Falcon Scholarship, New Mexico Military Institute experience, and lessons learned before entering USAFA.18:35 – Air Force Academy Training Experiences Prep school, iDay, basic training, Jack’s Valley, obstacle course, and early cadet life.28:10 – Academic Planning and Time Management Freshman year struggles, major selection reflections, and advice for cadets on maximizing Academy opportunities.36:50 – Overcoming Vision Challenges in Aviation Medical disqualification, PRK surgery, transition to the reserves, and persistence in pursuing pilot training.46:15 – A Captain’s Journey Through Pilot Training IFT, UPT, personal challenges, aircraft transition struggles, and SERE training experience.58:40 – Leadership Lessons in Pilot Training Serving as Senior Ranking Officer (SRO), managing 60 peers, earning trust, and leadership growth.1:09:25 – HH-60G Helicopter Training and Rescue Missions 60 pipeline at Kirtland AFB, 301st Rescue Squadron, hurricane missions, medical rescues, and Somalia deployment.1:21:10 – From Military Pilot to Academic Researcher Master’s in Public Health, dual doctorates, dissertation on sex and space, and balancing academia with military service.1:34:30 – The Challenges of Human Reproduction in Space Radiation, microgravity, fetal development concerns, and the biological barriers to multi-generational space settlement.1:46:05 – The Space Pregnancy Research Initiative and the Future of Humanity Founding ASRI, the 2055 full human pregnancy goal, research roadmap, funding challenges, and vision for humanity’s future in space.Email:Radgrad@allthomsen.com Advertisement: TryHolo -- hololtuab.sjv.io/radgrad 10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Rad Grads Podcast?
<div>Welcome to the Rad Grads Podcast, where we spotlight the incredible journeys of U.S. Service Academy graduates who have successfully transitioned from distinguished military service to thriving civilian careers. Each episode, we dive into the stories of these remarkable individuals as they navigate the challenges of leaving the uniform behind and embrace new opportunities in industries ranging from business and technology to the arts and public service.</div><div><br>Through candid conversations, we uncover the skills, experiences, and values that have propelled these leaders to excel beyond their time in the armed forces. Whether you're a Service Academy grad considering your next chapter, a veteran exploring civilian career options, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and transformation, Rad Grads offers valuable insights and motivation for your own journey.</div><div><br>Join us as we celebrate the unique achievements of those who have worn the uniform with honor and now make their mark in the civilian world. Tune in to the Rad Grads Podcast—where military roots meet civilian triumphs.</div> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 6 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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