Chief Richardson recounts the guests he had during season 2.Season 3 coming soon!

In the final episode of season 2, Chief Richardson travels to the 106th Rescue Wing to interview PJ Samuel Roda.The two talk about his journey to becoming a PJ and how surrounding yourself with motivated, high achieving people can help you live up to what they believe you can be.The two also discuss the importance of prioritizing family and Roda shares his thoughts that there are always a lot of opportunities, the hard part is deciding what you want- that you can do anything you want if you decide the sacrifice is worth it.

Senior Amn Karlie Foster, a member of the Civil Support Team based at the 109th, joins Chief Richardson to talk about being the top graduate from basic training, how crucial it is to set goals an advice she gives to other Airmen looking to succeed (hint- it includes setting goals and finding mentors!)

Chief welcomes MSgt "Oz" to the podcast from the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara, New York. They discuss the value of experience and friendship and how the Guard becomes family over time, the challenge of taking care of your people by asking for help and opinions and being open to them.Why it is important to adapt, adjust and find the good in things even when they don't always work out.Stay tuned for the end when Chief gets asked a couple of questions- including his top three book recommendations that he thinks benefit people the most.

Failure is not failing.This is what Tony German wants others to understand.  Chief welcomes his first retiree to the podcast, former Adjutant General for New York State, Major General (Ret.) Tony German.German gives his background, including his failures that led him to the where he is today. Chief and the retired general also discuss the difference between hearing and listening, mentoring and lecturing- and having the confidence in your leadership ability to change  and adapt without sacrificing your standards.Also, the importance of being able to do the things you ask others to do and to take the time being happy in the job you are doing before trying to move on to something else.The two also discuss book recommendations.Tony German spent 36 years in the military and spent many of his years at the 109th Airlift Wing as a navigator and commander before leading the entire New York National Guard.

Chief Richardson welcomes SSgt Jessica Cruz, N.Y.  ANG  Airman of the Year for 2022 and Air Transportation Specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing.The pair discuss how to thrive when you have a big personality and the importance that your reputation can have.  She also talks about why she never gives up- even when she knows she might fail.

In this episode, Chief Richardson travels to the 174th Attack Wing Syracuse, New York to talk with SMSgt Christine Wiesen, the Host Aviation Resource Manager for the unit. The pair discuss football (Wiesen used to play woman's tackle football!) what is a Chiweenie!? How Wiesen came to be in the Air Guard after serving on Active Duty, some book recommendations, what enlisted troops need from leaders (listening and no judgements) and why everyone should make an effort to know their people and make sure they feel heard.

Chief travels to the 106th Rescue Wing in Long Island to interview TSgt Jacquelyn Fisher, a Communications Specialist who works full-time on State Active Duty.The pair discuss future plans, rumor control, the importance of family support and resources when serving as a single parent, learning to say "yes" and move beyond your comfort zone and bucket list items!

Chief travels to the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara, New York to interview A1C Harry Hartman. Hartman is currently a Security Forces Airman who just returned from a deployment in Africa.  He has been selected to be a RPA pilot.The two discuss why first impressions matter and how  followership and having a character is fundamental to success.

In this episode, Command Chief Denny Richardson has  Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead and ANG Command Chief Maurice Williams as guests.This episode  focuses more on what is expected of senior leaders (empathy, communication, lead by example not exception) and how to define your own career path (educate yourself, utilize your development and be involved in where your career takes you)There are still plenty of leadership philosophies and advice on how to grow as a leader, what is expected of you and how to best take care of the Airmen you are leading.

The tables have turned!  Get to know the man behind the mic.Chief Richardson welcomes back some previous guests to ask him questions.Learn more about Chief's history, leadership style, and thoughts on what the Air Force could do better.He also talks about who the biggest influence in his life has been, work life balance and his influence and ideas for developing Airmen throughout their career.

Chief travels to the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Rome N.Y., to interview SrA Hannah Streeter. SrA Streeter recently left active duty to join the Air National Guard as a supply custodian in the Logistics Squadron. The two discuss the challenges that logistics faces these days, what histopathology is (yes that's a real word) and how she was able to learn the career field through her time as an active duty Airman and  taking opportunities as they become available.Chief also talks about the 4 "C" model leadership, the importance of recognizing people and their achievements and what is on SrA Streeter's  bucket list!

Safety. Strength. Readiness.These are the core elements that Brig. Gen. Denise Donnell will focus on as the next commander of the New York Air National Guard.Chief sits down with Brig. Gen. Donnell as she prepares to take command of the NYANG.  They discuss  persevering  through the challenging times,  being accountable and embracing the leadership journey.Also discussed is why we should be open to opportunities even when they are not expected  and the need to  surround yourself with people who have different perspectives to cover your own blind spots and always have a relentless optimism.

Chief reflects on the past 12 episodes from season 1,  thanking his guests and recapping some of the more memorable parts of their interviews.

Season 2 of Journey's Through Leadership will drop on March 4th!

Major General Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the NY Air National Guard and the assistant adjutant general, reflects on his career of nearly 39 years as he prepares to retire.Chief and Maj. Gen. LaBarge  talk about lessons learned, culture shock, loneliness and how important it is to just keep moving forward through the uncomfortable times and keep the end-state in mind.LaBarge's words of advice are to lead by being quietly confident and overly competent, approach your job with humility and always treat people with respect.There is a lot to unpack in this episode and you may just get a masterclass in leadership.

Capt. Steve Palladino from the 105th Airlift Wing, Newburgh N.Y.  Talks with Chief about his civilian career, charitable work, military life and how important it is to really know the people you lead. Pushing through hardship and not giving up, recognizing and caring for the ones you work with and how confrontation is not a bad thing are just a few things discussed.

TSgt Jamie Spaulding joins Chief to talk about the public affairs career field and the deployment he just returned from.Also- why  leaders should get out of an Airman's way and how creativity is important in any career field.

Chief is on the road to the 107th Attack Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.  MSgt Tony Re is a Remote Piloted Aircraft sensor operator for the MQ-9.  He recaps his career progression from starting as a crew chief on KC-135 aircraft to his position today and outlines the goals he had to set along the way. They discuss camaraderie in a unit, the feeling of family, and how it keeps him motivated to continue to serve and what made him go from being a "wild child" to the senior leader he is today. He also shares his view that being accountable both to the managers he reports to, but also to the Airmen he leads is one of the most important traits of a leader.

SrA Caleb Lapinel Joins Chief Richardson to recount his time as the first U.S. Air Force Airman to attend the Brazil Jungle Warfare Course.  SrA Lapinel shares some of his experiences and how important not only physical and metal strength are, but how important emotional intelligence is in high stress situations. Also, his thoughts on snakes vs Chief's and his thoughts on why being transparent leader is so important.