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, Jeremy opens up about his belief that "some of the best lessons we will learn come through suffering." He discusses his legal challenges, the role of faith and resilience in his life, and how he has transformed personal hardships into a mission of service and healing. This episode dives deep into leadership, personal growth, and the importance of listening during life’s most difficult moments.

Join us for a conversation that will challenge your perspective, inspire your journey, and redefine how you think about the price we pay for growth.

🎙️ Key Topics Include:

• The transformative power of suffering.
• Lessons learned from military service and advocacy.
• Balancing personal accountability with leading a nonprofit.
• Faith, family, and the pursuit of purpose.
• Jeremy’s "Price of Admission" and his advice to "hang tight and just listen."

⠀Tune in and discover how adversity can shape you into the person you’re meant to be.

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 isolation is the enemy of growth.

With humor, honesty, and faith, Jared dives into:
* Life after the Navy and rediscovering purpose.
* Breaking free from the stigma of mental health struggles.
* Why community and connection are essential for healing.
* The hilarious—and surprising—side of body hair management (trust us, it’s worth the listen!).

⠀If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your path, this episode is packed with experience and practical takeaways to inspire your own thing. #priceofadmission #podcast #military #transition #identity

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 father of four and a youth sports coach.

Mike's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and brotherhood. Whether you're a fan of Navy Football, a veteran navigating life after service, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode delivers powerful insights and unforgettable stories.

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.
- Whether he’s connecting with teammates, guiding the next generation of leaders, or dedicating himself to his faith and family,
- Drew is a living… example of what it means to EMBODY strength … and grace in ALL areas of this life.
- Today, we HIT on the EXPERIENCES that shaped him,
- the relationships that defined him,
- and the lessons he carries as a man deeply committed to his earthly team and eternal purpose.

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 resilience, sacrifice, and accountability, providing a lens into Shun's leadership philosophy and life lessons. We explore:

• Navigating Change: How Shun overcame career-defining decisions, like leaving behind NFL dreams for family and service.
• Lessons from the Field: The impact of mentorship, discipline, and a "team wins" mindset instilled by iconic coaches like Paul Johnson.
• The Power of Accountability: Insights on holding oneself and others to high standards, a critical topic in today's evolving leadership landscape.
• Work-Life Balance: Shun's journey in managing the demands of a high-stakes military career while staying true to himself and his family.

Shun’s reflections on authenticity, perseverance, and the price he’s paid to achieve his goals will resonate deeply with listeners striving to balance personal ambition and service to others. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that blends sports, service, and the human spirit.

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 schools, riding the rollercoaster of coaching changes, and even pushing through a major surgery early in his career.

- But through every challenge, Kam has leaned into brotherhood… found purpose within the grind, and showed what it means to truly pay the price.

- This is a story about finding strength in struggle and building something meaningful, no matter what life throws at you.

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 forward and leave a lasting legacy.

Get ready for stories of humble beginnings, a championship mindset built on hard work, and the incredible leadership that helped a “bunch of average guys getting after it” achieve more.

Whether you're a coach, mentor, or just someone looking to leave a positive mark, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder that life’s best runs are often made possible by those who came before us.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Effort Will Beat Talent: Building a culture of perseverance.

Paying It Forward: How gratitude fuels leadership.

Faith, Family, and Legacy: Balancing priorities for an enhanced life.

Lessons from the Field: Leadership that inspires beyond the game.

👉 Don’t miss this conversation with a coaching legend whose story is as impactful as his leadership.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from the Price of Admission podcast!

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 Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, to becoming a leader on and off the field later in all things. We dive deep into his experiences in football, the military, and beyond, exploring the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that have shaped his life and how he thinks.
With both Army and Navy football teams currently undefeated and ranked in the top 25, David’s story is more relevant than ever. We discuss the keys to the success – Kind of like the keys to of service academy football programs catching an edge over bigger and more attractive programs to the young recruit out there—great coaching, strong team cohesion, and the unique brotherhood that sets these teams apart from other Division I schools.
🏈 Highlights include:

• David’s role in Navy’s football dominance

• The Army-Navy rivalry and what makes these teams excel

• Insights into the leadership and teamwork that drive success

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of grit, sacrifice, and service!
#DavidMahoney #NavyFootball #ArmyNavyRivalry #PriceOfAdmission #Leadership #Teamwork #FootballPodcast #CommanderInChiefsTrophy #FourthTurning #Perseverance