07. Ryan Twedell, USAFA ’07, C-130J Aircraft Commander, Enterprise Account Director

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 Background 09:18 Experiences at the Air Force Academy 20:13 Life Lessons and Regrets 25:42 Unique Opportunities and Experiences 31:47 Transitioning to Pilot Training: The Navy Experience 38:55 Navigating Challenges in Pilot Training 46:56 From Training to Operations: The Shift in Mindset 52:26 A Life-Altering Combat Mission Experience 01:04:16 Reflections on a Life-Changing Event 01:05:51 The Hand of God and Resilience 01:20:03 Navigating Career Transitions 01:32:39 Embracing Change and New Opportunities 01:39:10 Navigating Career Changes During COVID-19 01:44:34 Finding Success in Tech Sales 01:50:36 Embracing Challenges in a New Industry 01:57:04 Reflecting on Military Experience and Personal Growth\ 02:01:58 Constructive Thinking and Future Aspirations Email: Radgrad@allthomsen.com   Advertisement:  10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD

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 Timeline 00:30 Introduction to David Beffert's Journey 02:42 Early Aspirations and the Path to the Air Force Academy 10:30 Experiences at the Prep School 17:20 Challenges Faced During Cadet Life 21:46 Deciding to Become a Pilot 24:33 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations 27:46 Pilot Training: The Journey Begins 30:39 Navigating the Challenges of Pilot Training 33:00 First Deployment: A Combat Experience 37:42 Lessons from Combat: Confidence and Humility 41:33 The 2008 Financial Crisis: A Military Perspective 48:41 Deciding to Leave the Air Force: A Personal Journey 53:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 59:11 Finding Fulfillment in New Career Paths 01:05:31 The Infinite Banking Concept Explained 01:11:23 Real Estate Ventures and Financial Independence 01:17:30 Building a Business Around Financial Education 01:23:31 Challenging Conventional Financial Wisdom 01:26:39 The Banking System and Control of Capital 01:32:55 The Importance of Financial Control 01:37:51 Building a Community with CoSpark 01:43:50 Launching the David Befort Show Email: Radgrad@allthomsen.com    Advertisement:  10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD

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 Timeline 00:00 – 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

04. Col (Ret) Michelle Ruehl, PhD, USAFA ’03, Pilot, White House Fellow/Speechwriter, Life Coach, D-11 School Board Candidate

In this episode of the Rad Grads Podcast, we sit down with retired Air Force Colonel Michelle Ruehl, PhD—a combat pilot, professor, White House fellow, and now community leader. From flying C-130s and MC-12s in Afghanistan to shaping national defense strategy at NORAD and advising two U.S. presidents, Michelle’s career is a powerful testament to resilience, service, and leadership. She shares her journey from being inspired by her grandfather’s World War II stories, to overcoming setbacks on her path to the Air Force Academy, to serving in combat and later guiding policy at the highest levels of government. We also dive into her experiences mentoring future leaders, her humanitarian work, and her perspective on Afghanistan and leadership beyond the military. This is an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on persistence, purpose, and service to others. 📌 Episode Timeline 00:00 – Introduction Welcome to Episode 4 of the Rad Grads Podcast and introduction of guest, Colonel (Ret.) Michelle Ruehl. 02:30 – Early Inspiration Michelle reflects on her grandfather’s influence, aviation dreams, and first steps toward the Academy. 07:00 – The Academy Journey From rejection to acceptance, ROTC experiences, and the challenges of in-processing day (“I-Day”) and basic training. 15:00 – Academic Path & Service Commitment Choosing English over engineering, the impact of 9/11 on her class, and the weight of commitment to serve. 25:00 – Flight Training & Naval Flight School Transitioning to Pensacola, lessons from the Navy “Big Kid Program,” and discovering her passion for crew aircraft. 35:00 – Deployments & the MC-12 Mission Flying reconnaissance in Afghanistan, tracking threats, supporting elections, and teaching Afghan students during deployments. 50:00 – Reflections on Afghanistan Balancing the hope of progress with the reality of withdrawal, and the ongoing impact on veterans’ mental health. 01:05:00 – White House Fellow & Leadership at the Highest Levels Advising during the Trump and Biden administrations, crisis communications during COVID, and being at the table during the Afghanistan withdrawal. 01:20:00 – Service Beyond the Uniform Transition to reserve service, family life, nonprofit work, and candidacy for the Colorado Springs School Board. 01:30:00 – Closing Thoughts Lessons on resilience, leadership, and why empowering the next generation matters. Email:Radgrad@allthomsen.com Advertisement: 10% OFF -- Lineageprovisions.com/RADGRAD

03. Marty Medve, USNA '85, Naval Aviator & Broker/Owner of Trident Home Loans

Marty Medve grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, and graduated from Centennial High School in 1980. He went on to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School, followed by the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1985.  Listen in, as we embark upon Marty's journey from his early years before the Academy to his new career as Delta Air Lines Captain and owning and operating Trident Home Loans. Episode Timeline: 00 - Highlights :55 - Intro 1:52 - Marty's Bio 4:14 - Early Years 10:11 - USNA 13:26 - Pilot Training 19:10 - EA-6Bs Combat Aviator  35:06 - A-4 Instructor 35:46 - Military Transition to Civilian 40:09 - Delta Air Lines 48:28 - Break 49:54 - Trident Home Loans 1:31:45 - Rapid Fire Questions 1:38:39  - Shoutouts Email: radgrad@allthomsen.com