Out Of The Wild Blue Yonder

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King kick things off by catching up on their weekends. Luther shares his first whitetail hunting experience of the season, while Mark provides highlights from the Texas BBQ event, including the logistics behind it and its similarities to military planning. The hosts then dive into an exciting Week 7 of college football, which saw dramatic finishes and key upsets, leading to a shakeup in the AP Top 25. The new rankings are revealed, with Texas sitting atop the poll, followed by Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Georgia rounding out the top five. The hosts analyze some of the weekend's biggest games: Alabama's narrow victory over South Carolina, Texas' commanding win in the Red River Rivalry, Oregon's nail-biting triumph over Ohio State, and Tennessee's overtime battle against Florida. They break down key statistics, including turnovers, time of possession, and individual performances that defined the outcomes. The episode wraps up with a health and wellness segment focused on bone health. Luther and Mark discuss the importance of maintaining bone density through diet, supplements, and exercises that enhance balance and stability. They share practical tips on incorporating calcium-rich foods, resistance training, and specific balance exercises like yoga, Tai Chi, and single-leg routines to prevent injuries and improve overall bone strength. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheWildBlueYonder-y6e/videos. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Follow us on X @ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King catch up after a busy week and dive into the latest developments surrounding the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) strike. The hosts provide updates on the temporary solution that keeps the ports operational for the next 60 days, as the ILA and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) continue negotiations. With the next deadline looming on December 1, 2024, tensions remain high, and the hosts explore the impact a potential strike could have on supply chains across the U.S. Shifting gears, the hosts then dive into college football Week 6 results. As of October 6, 2024, the AP Top 25 features several SEC teams holding strong positions. Mark and Luther break down the standout performances of the top 10 teams, with a detailed analysis of two marquee matchups: 1. Alabama vs. Vanderbilt: A shocking upset in which Vanderbilt triumphed over Alabama 40-35, breaking a 40-year drought in their rivalry. The hosts provide a statistical breakdown of turnovers, time of possession, and key performances that led Vanderbilt to victory. 2. Auburn vs. Georgia: Auburn battled hard but fell 35-10 to Georgia in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. Mark and Luther provide an in-depth analysis, reviewing third-down conversions, passing accuracy, and rushing dominance that secured Georgia's win. The episode wraps up with a preview of the Week 7 matchups, highlighting exciting games such as Texas vs. Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, and key SEC clashes like Ole Miss vs. LSU. In the Health and Wellness Tip of the Week, the focus shifts to mental preparation—a vital skill whether you're heading into a job interview, a high-stakes military operation, or a major exam. The hosts share three powerful strategies for mental preparation: visualization, controlled breathing, and positive affirmations. They also provide insights on how sleep, hydration, and brain-boosting nutrition can enhance cognitive performance. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheWildBlueYonder-y6e/videos. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com . Follow them on X @ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King dive into the latest happenings in the college football world as Week 6 approaches. They break down the AP Top 25 rankings as of September 25, 2024, with a strong focus on SEC teams, including Alabama and Auburn. Luther talks about Alabama's upcoming matchups with Vanderbilt and South Carolina, while Mark discusses Auburn's road ahead, including their game against Georgia and a much-needed bye week. The main topic continues their ongoing Squadron Commander Series, focusing on the final six months of a two-year command. Luther and Mark offer four key tips for commanders to finish their leadership tenure strong. Luther emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the legacy you leave behind and ensuring your team is in a good place before you hand off the reins. Mark highlights the necessity of setting up your replacement for success and fostering camaraderie to maintain morale and performance. In this week's Health and Wellness Tip, the hosts explore the importance of flexibility. They define what it means, explain how to improve it through stretching routines, and discuss the health risks of poor flexibility, including muscle stiffness, chronic pain, and limited mobility. Tune in for valuable insights to maintain your physical well-being and leadership effectiveness! Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheWildBlueYonder-y6e/videos. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Follow us on X @ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King kick things off by diving into Week 5 of the 2024 college football season. They break down the current AP Top 25 standings as of September 19, 2024, with a particular focus on SEC dominance, including Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss. Luther shares his thoughts on Alabama's performance, while Mark gives insight into Auburn's latest challenges as both teams prepare for crucial upcoming matchups. The main topic of the episode continues their Squadron Commander series, focusing on days 366 through 545 in command. Luther and Mark provide six essential success tips for USAF squadron commanders during this period. Luther discusses the importance of monitoring use/lose leave and fostering a healthy work-life balance for both squadron members and leadership. He also emphasizes the need for summer safety and the value of reassessing squadron priorities. Mark tackles topics such as reviewing strategic offsite outcomes, fostering squadron camaraderie, and focusing on preparing personnel for annual awards. Their insights provide commanders with practical strategies to maintain momentum and set their units up for long-term success. In the health and wellness segment, the hosts highlight the importance of gut health. They explain what gut health is, how it impacts overall well-being, and ways to optimize it through proper diet, including foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. They also offer advice on lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, staying active, and staying hydrated, to promote a healthy gut and, ultimately, a healthier life. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheWildBlueYonder-y6e/videos Follow them on X: https://x.com/ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King discuss the latest in college football, diving into the top-ranked SEC teams and upcoming matchups. They also highlight Alabama and Auburn's progress as the season heats up. The main focus is a continuation of their Squadron Command Series, where they explore the critical period between days 61 and 365 of a squadron commander's first year. They break down ten success tips, from deepening relationships and fostering innovation to conducting a strategic offsite and ensuring operational readiness. The episode wraps up with the health and wellness tip of the week, focused on understanding and managing cortisol levels—why elevated levels are harmful and how to naturally reduce them through diet, stress management, and lifestyle changes. Please visit their website at outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com . Follow them on X https://x.com/ootwblueyonder . Chapters 00:00College Football Rankings and Insights 06:59Squadron Command: Building Relationships 14:56 Sustaining Goals and Monitoring Morale 21:56 External Partnerships and Community Engagement 26:01 Professional Development and Leadership Growth 34:04 Innovation and Process Improvement 40:57 Health and Wellness: Managing Stress and Cortisol

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King kick off the discussion by celebrating the opening of the 2024 Paralympics and the start of the college football season. They highlight key Paralympic events, such as wheelchair basketball, Para swimming, and Para athletics, and discuss the ranked college football matchups set to occur over Labor Day weekend. The main focus of the episode is a deep dive into what a new USAF squadron commander should accomplish within the first 60 days of taking command. Mark and Luther break down the top ten tasks, divided between the first 30 days and the following 30 days, providing valuable insights for new commanders. The episode wraps up with a health and wellness tip focusing on inflammation, its causes, and how to combat it through diet, exercise, and proper nutrition. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com Follow us on X https://x.com/ootwblueyonder

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King delve into the complex and often challenging issue of discipline within the United States Air Force. They explore whether discipline is administered fairly and consistently between officers and enlisted members, as well as between junior and senior personnel. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining integrity, trust, and cohesion within the ranks by ensuring fairness in disciplinary actions. Additionally, they touch on how other branches of the military, such as the Army and Navy, handle similar challenges. The episode wraps up with a health and wellness tip focused on foot health and choosing the right footwear for various activities, emphasizing the importance of taking care of your feet for overall well-being. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Follow us on X https://x.com/ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of Out of the Wild Blue Yonder, hosts Mark Tate and Luther King dive into essential topics as we transition into the fall season. They start by discussing potential supply chain disruptions, highlighting the ongoing labor negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association, and what it could mean for U.S. ports and retailers. Next, Luther shares his passion for hunting and offers 10 practical tips to help hunters prepare for the upcoming bow, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons. Whether you're scouting early, managing scent control, or practicing your shooting, these tips will set you up for success. Mark and Luther then discuss their love for the outdoors, with Mark reflecting on his camping experiences in Utah, and how it compares to military field exercises. The episode wraps up with a health and wellness tip focusing on staying active as the seasons change. Learn how to dress appropriately for cold weather workouts, stay hydrated, and incorporate hearty, nutritious meals into your diet to maintain physical and mental well-being during the colder months. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Follow them on X @ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King dive deep into the significance of long-term military service across generations. Starting with the Baby Boomers, they explore the sense of duty that drove them to serve, followed by Generation X's focus on professional development and leadership, and Millennials' quest for personal growth and making a difference. The episode also addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans, including mental and physical health struggles, and reflects on the personal stories of both hosts, highlighting how their military experiences have shaped their lives. Finally, they emphasize the enduring values of duty, patriotism, and sacrifice that unite all who have served. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Follow us on X @ootwblueyonder.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King discuss quotes that have inspired them throughout their careers. Luther reflects on the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlighting the success of Team USA and athletes like Katie Ledecky, Noah Lyles, and the women's relay teams. Mark shares inspiring quotes like "examine what is said, not who is speaking" (African Proverb) and "some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen" (Michael Jordan). Luther mentions General Colin Powell's quote about success being the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. He also highlights the importance of logistics with General Robert H. Barrow's quote "amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics." The episode concludes with a discussion on recovery for athletes. As always, Mark and Luther provide valuable insights and practical advice. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com . Follow them on X https://x.com/ootwblueyonder .

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King discuss their West Coast military assignments. Mark reflects on his time at Travis Air Force Base, where he was involved in critical air mobility operations post-9/11 and gained invaluable experience in logistics and mentorship. Luther shares his experiences at Nellis Air Force Base, highlighting the shift from Alaska's cold to Nevada's heat, and the dynamic environment of fighter jet operations and high-stakes training exercises. Both hosts emphasize the importance of teamwork, planning, and relationship-building. As always, Mark and Luther provide valuable insights and practical advice. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com .

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King discuss crisis management, sharing personal experiences from their military careers, including the Y2K preparation and COVID-19 response. They define a crisis and outline effective strategies for navigating through crises, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and empathy. The episode also includes a health and wellness segment focused on mindfulness meditation, offering tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into daily life. As always, Mark and Luther provide valuable insights and practical advice. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King delve into a range of topics, starting with their excitement for the upcoming Paris Olympics. They share insights from recent AWS cloud practitioner courses, highlighting the importance of continuous learning. The main focus is on their experiences with Pentagon assignments, where they discuss the challenges of commuting, the significance of networking, and tips for thriving in a high-pressure environment. The episode wraps up with practical advice on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King share their exciting 4th of July celebrations, from a 5K in Huntsville, Alabama, to BBQ festivities and fireworks in Washington, D.C. They then reflect on the importance of midyear evaluations for both financial portfolios and personal goals. The main discussion centers around the intricacies of supply chain management, comparing retail inventory strategies for the holiday season to military logistics for weapon systems and deployments. The hosts emphasize the crucial role of data and planning in both sectors. The episode concludes with a health and wellness segment, offering tips on fitness, nutrition, and sleep to enhance overall well-being.

***Please note this episode contains background noise and distortion from the AWS Summit *** Mark Tate and Luther King are reporting live from day two of the AWS Summit in Washington, DC, sharing the excitement and opportunities of the event, including sessions on cloud security and serverless computing. They highlight the evolution of cloud technology and its impact, emphasizing the importance of adapting to innovations like generative AI. The hosts also discuss the ongoing Olympic track and field events, celebrating athletes like Corey Richardson and Noah Lyles. They shift gears to address mental health awareness and PTSD, stressing the importance of support and resources for veterans. They encourage those struggling to seek help, highlighting the significance of addressing mental health stigma in the military. Luther and Mark also cover health and wellness, discussing the benefits of fitness and nutrition in coping with stress.

***Please note this episode contains some background noise and distortion from the AWS Summit in the background*** In this episode, hosts Luther King and Mark Tate report live from the AWS Summit in Washington, DC. They kick off the podcast by discussing AWS's commitment to providing free AI skills training for millions globally and the excitement surrounding the summit. Both hosts share their experiences from various sessions, highlighting the keynote speech on generative AI and a surprising presentation by a representative from the Central Intelligence Agency on the long-term use of AI in their operations. They emphasize the importance of adapting and learning about new technologies to stay relevant. The hosts delve into Mark Tate's recently published book, "Sprint to the Mountaintop," discussing its core themes and offering listeners a deeper look into its contents, exploring key chapters. The book can be found on Amazon at https://a.co/d/076xyJz3

In this podcast episode, Mark Tate and Luther King discuss topics such as the recent NBA Finals, and the upcoming Paris Olympics. They also talk about Mark's recently published book, "Sprint to the Mountaintop." Luther King Interviews Mark Tate as he shares insight on his journey and the dedication it took to write his book, as well as the support of his family throughout the process. The book can be found on Amazon at https://a.co/d/076xyJz3

In the inaugural episode of the "Out Of The Wild Blue Yonder" podcast, retired USAF Colonels Mark Tate and Luther King introduce themselves and share the wealth of experience and insights they've gained throughout their careers. Mark and Luther discuss their plans to interview guests from diverse backgrounds, offering unique perspectives on military logistics, leadership, and life beyond the military. Their goal is to create a valuable resource for current military members, spouses, and veterans.

The hosts discuss their experiences living in Alaska during their military service, including challenges like the extreme cold and black ice, as well as rewarding experiences like seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying the unique culture and views in the Last Frontier.