AUSA's Army Matters podcast amplifies the voices of the Total Army – one story at a time.
Join hosts LTG (Ret.) Les Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey every other Wednesday as they interview the modern chroniclers of the Army experience to discuss inspiring leadership stories, current issues faced by Soldiers and our military families’ journeys.
How to Use Instagram to Become a Better Leader
When a rumor circulated around Fort Drum, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Mario Terenas took to Instagram to dispel it, racking up tens of thousands of responses. That led him to realize the power of the social media platform to really connect with his soldiers, making him a better leader in the process. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CSM (Ret.) Terenas to discuss Instagram, the story of his abandonment at age sixteen, how to become #mountaintough… and how cleaning toilets can develop leadership skills.
Why America is Talkin' 'Bout These Army Singers
In July of this year millions across the country were blown away when the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus appeared on the talent show America’s Got Talent, impressing the judges and making it to this month’s semifinals. But the Chorus has been around for decades, telling the story of the Army through song and performance. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with two Chorus members, SSG Marcus Gilbert and SGT Damarielis Vargas, to talk about the Chorus, their favorite performances, the intimidating nature of Simon Cowell… and perhaps belt out a tune or two…
How to Split a Playing Card in Half with an Air Rifle
In October of 2022, SGT Alison Weisz won the World Championship in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Competition, becoming the first American woman to win the title since 1979. Not stopping there, she’s currently spending her days training at Fort Moore for a chance at winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with SGT Weisz to discuss how a children’s gun safety course led her to where she is today, how a proper diet affects everything in life, and what advice she’d give to Elmer Fudd in his pursuit of the bunny.
What Does the Next Generation of Army Leaders Think? – Part II
Army recruiting. Climate change. Community service. AI. These are all important issues, and in the second of our special two-part series we continue speaking to four top ROTC and JROTC cadets to get their thoughts on all of these topics – and more.
What Does the Next Generation of Army Leaders Think? – Part I
Many of today’s Army leaders started out as cadets in ROTC or JROTC Well, what do the youth in the program today think about the Army and the world itself? In today’s episode – the first of a very special two-part series – we sit down with four top cadets to get their thoughts on their programs, the benefits and difficulties of service, what the Army could do to improve recruitment, as well as some musings on topics like climate change, mental health, social media and more.
From Draft to All-Volunteer: A Celebration
In July, 1973 then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced the U.S. military would fill its ranks with volunteers, not draftees. In the last fifty years over 11 million volunteers have signed up, making the All-Volunteer Force a model recruitment process for the country. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with General (Ret.) Carter Ham to discuss what it was like being amongst the first to volunteer in that 1973 volunteer class, and then chat with LTG Walter E. Piatt to discuss what the Army is doing this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
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Presented by
Army Matters Podcast Series
Cast
- LTG(R) Leslie C. Smith, Host
- SMA(R) Daniel A. Dailey, Host
- Carrie Varouhakis, Anchor Host
- LaSherryn Duncan, Announcer
Team
- Nzinga Curry, Executive Producer
- LaSherryn Duncan, Senior Producer
- Carrie Varouhakis, Senior Producer
- Anthony Del Col, Producer & Writer
- Andy Bosnak, Supervising Sound Editor
- Edward Kobus, Studio Manager
Chapter Spotlight
Has your Chapter had a great event or an upcoming exciting activity that you want the world to know about? Help us showcase your achievements and upcoming events on AUSA’s Army Matters podcast series. Click below to submit your chapter event or activity.