Beneath The Uniform
Beneath the Uniform focuses on the people, not the uniform. Addressing the topics, challenges and issues that military members face each day. We are taking a deep dive into who the people are beneath the uniform- where do they come from, what are they focused on and how has the military helped shape their ideals? We are also getting real with issues and concerns facing military members today- not only military issues, but the real life issues we all face every day.We are Chaplain (Maj) Xiomara Diaz and Capt. Pete Gioia, two officers at the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard. We come with the experience of being enlisted, officers, parents, athletes, and friends. We hope to share some of our knowledge, learn some new things, and find out more about who people are Beneath the Uniform.
Episodes
Major General Michele Kilgore returns to the 109th to talk with Chaplain Diaz and Captain Gioia about her leadership journey and how she has progressed to where she is today.
The general recalls her time at the Air Force Academy and what is what like to be one of the only female's vying to become a fighter pilot and the moment that gave her that incentive to become one. She also speaks about the moment that changed her entire ...
In this episode, Chap D and Cap G explore the delicate balance between maintaining genuine friendships and upholding professional boundaries in today's work environment.
Chaplain Diaz welcomes her closest friends to the studio to talk candidly about the reality of having close friendships mixed in the workplace.
From handling gossip and conflicts to supporting each other without overstepping, they have managed to buil...
Season 3 kicks off with SMSgt Dan Tibbitts, the first sergeant for the 109th Airlift Wing. Chap D and Cap G do a deep dive into what is a first sergeant and why they are such an important part of a leadership team.
SMSgt Tibbitts give insight into what a first shirt does, what it takes to do the job and his philosophy on the position and serving Airmen around the wing.
In this episode, Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia speak with TSgt Jonathan Hooker, who recently went through a divorce. He shares his personal experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found healing and growth along the way.
Get to know the 109th's new wing commander, Col. Rob Donaldson.
Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia talk to the incoming commander about how he grew up and his service history. They touch on Col Donaldson's views on failure, change and growth- his struggle to "be in the moment" and not always concentrate on what is next, and how he wants to lead the Airmen of the 109th.
Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia delve into the complexities of being part of the "sandwich generation" – individuals who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while also supporting their own children.
Maj. Heather Minoer-Goetz gives her firsthand account of juggling caregiving duties, financial pressures, and career aspirations, all while striving to maintain her own well-being. From navigating healthcare ...
Capt. Haleigh Hindes, Aeromedical Evacuation technician, shares her story about her experience when someone she loved committed suicide. An open, honest telling of what happened before and after her husband took his life.
Chaplain Diaz and Capt Gioia welcome Lt. Col. Kelly Person from the 109th Airlift Wing and National Guard Bureau, and Lt. Col. Jeff Roth, commander of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment for the Army National Guard part-time and he also commands Joint Task Force Empire Shield full-time.
The two guests discuss their journey to coming out in the military and how that experience was, what they hope for the future of the LGBT...
The Logistic s readiness Squadron Commander, Lt Col James Vendetti, joins the podcast to discuss his career path- and experiences on deployment.
"The things that are so hard and seem so impossible are the things you are most proud of when you get to the other side."
Lt Col Vendetti shares his raw, honest experience of volunteering for a deployment, what happens when it is not at all what you though it wo...
Chap D and Cap G welcome two women serving at the 109th.
Lt. Col. Ashley Fitzgibbon is the Force Support Squadron commander and CMSgt Karolyn DeVito is the maintenance groups superintendent.
They share their stories of how they came to the positions they are in today as leaders, some of the challenges they faced, and why is it important to for women to support each other on their leadership journeys.
Maj. Jean Kratzer, an N.Y. Army National Guardsman, tells her story of trying to concieve a baby and her experience with miscarriage. Capt. Gioia also shares some personal experience he has had with the topic.
Who are Xiomara Diaz and Pete Gioia?
The hosts take turns interviewing each other to learn more about where they came from, what shaped them to be who they are today and why they do this podcast.
They also face rapid fire questions from each other and share their best pieces of advice!
TSgt Kayla Casey shares her experience with Postpartum depression and how she was able to seek help when she needed it the most.
Kayla shares what it felt like to have all of the feelings of anger, resentment and rage and the "fog" she was in for the first year after she had her daughter. She gives honest insight to what it feels like to have postpartum, the sense of living a "double life"- excelling a...
Chap D and Capt Gioia welcome the 109th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Christian Sander to the podcast.
Too often, the wing commander is someone that not many people know. This episode gave the opportunity to open up and learn more about the background, upbringing and family of the Colonel.
They also discuss some of the goals that Col Sander has as a leader and he opens up about some of the traits he wants to imp...
TSgt Martin Allen is an air transportation specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18 to give himself a chance at a life different than the one he grew up in.
During his time as a Marine, TSgt Allen experienced growth, leadership, camaraderie and trauma. He recounts some graphic experiences from multiple deployments as a combat engineer.
Chap D and Capt. Gioia...
BTU episode 2 welcomes Command Chief of the N.Y. Air National Guard, CMSgt Denny Richardson.
Chap D and Capt. Gioia sit down with the Chief to discuss his background, who he is outside of the uniform, the influence his mother had on him and what motivates him to be the leader he is.
Stick around to the end for Chap D's rapid fire questions to learn some interesting facts and thoughts about the Chief!
Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia welcome Sarah Caterina, the Director of Clinical Services and Community Engagement at the YWCA of Northeastern New York.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month so this episode is dedicated to a members of the 109th and her two sons that lost their lives to domestic violence.
The trio discuss the different types of domestic violence there are, how to identify them and what to d...
Popular Podcasts
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Daily join forces to break down every team's needs this offseason.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.