The official podcast of the Washington National Guard.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jarin Trakel and 1st Sgt. Sandy Brainard, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, Washington Army National Guard. Jarin and Sandy share their story about serving together for 17 years in the Aviation community from active duty to the Washington National Guard.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by CW5 Marc Brackett, WA National Guard's 4th Command Chief Warrant Officer. Tune is as he shares his journey in the Washington Army National Guard.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome SSgt James Carlson, a Tactical Data Link Manager for the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron.

Raven Conversations: In this episode of Raven Conversation, we sit down with SSG Tom Foose and SGT Mike Cummings from the WA National Guard Safety Office to talk about what it really takes to keep our service members safe — on and off duty. From real training insights to lessons learned in the field, this conversation highlights teamwork, resilience, and a culture of safety that strengthens our Guard and protects our community.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome MSG Sotheara Chum, a member of the Special Operations Detachment - Pacific (SOD-P)

Raven Conversations: Today, we are joined by 2LT Jenner Sapienza, 205th RTI Training Officer. Listen in as he talks about his experiences at the Jungle Operations Training Course.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by TSgt Jabari Guary, a member of the 194th Medical Group. Tune in as he talks about working in public health with the Washington Air National Guard.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome Annie DeAndrea, Joint Services Support Transition Assistance Specialist.

Raven Conversations: Today, we are joined by LT Erik Olson from WA Fish & Wildlife and SFC Austin Hiatt, Washington National Guard Operations and Training (G3). Listen in as they talk about the recent flood support and the Washington Swiftwater Rescue Team.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we sit down with SGM Maria Lepe, Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center (WRCTC) Operations Sergeant Major. Listen in as she talks about her military journey and how she moved up the ranks from PVT to SGM as a CBRN Specialist.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we invite Christopher Lilley, a Personal Financial Counselor who is here to serve members of the Washington National Guard.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome MSgt Brandon Smith, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Flight Chief for the 194th Communications Squadron.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by two very special guests! Make sure you tune in to this episode as SEA John Raines, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau and his spouse Karen Raines talk about their 36 year journey in the Army.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome 1LT Mikhenna Miller. Join us as she talks about her journey in the National Guard.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome MAJ Jesse Morgan from the 156th Information Operations Battalion.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by 1SG Dan Massey, who talks about the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) and how he was called back into service.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we invite COL Jack Johnson, who talks about the 252nd Cyberspace Operations Group.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by Dustin Chadwick from the Human Performance Optimization Team.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we welcome MSgt Davis and MSgt Rivera, who talk about Air National Guard Education Benefits.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we invite Deb Discolo, Lead Military and Family Readiness Specialist for the Joint Services Support.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we invite COL Jack Mushallo, Washington National Guard Chief of Staff and his son, PFC Ethan Mushallo.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by 1SG Heidi Cristel, who discusses her 28 years of service and her transition from a signal soldier to an intelligence specialist.

Raven Conversations: We are joined by Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty (Ret.) Join us as he shares the story of his 44 years in the military and what life is like after the National Guard.

Raven Conversations: Join us for a fascinating conversation with CW5 Tim Gordon (Ret.), the former Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Washington National Guard! In this episode, Tim shares his extraordinary journey through the ranks, covering his unique path from commissioned to enlisted to warrant officer. He offers insightful perspectives on the challenges and rewards of his career.

Raven Conversations: We welcome MAJ John Howell (WA Army National Guard G33) to the show! Find out how MAJ Howell went from working in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion to becoming a content creation powerhouse. Get the backstory on his journey and creative evolution on his channel.

Raven Conversations: Ever wondered what it really takes to pursue a career in aviation and serve with purpose? In our latest Raven Conversations podcast, we sit down with CW2 Cruz & WO1 Vasilauskas as they share their unique journeys into the skies — from their first flights to what keeps them passionate about aviation and service.

Raven Conversations: We are joined by Branden Murphy, Lumena MindGym's Chief Revenue Officer. Listen in as he introduces us to Lumena's MindGym and how it will benefit members of the Washington Military Department. In this episode, Tim shares his extraordinary journey through the ranks, covering his unique path from commissioned to enlisted to warrant officer. He offers insightful perspectives on the challenges and rewards of his career.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, join SFC Adam Lorey and SFC Tramal Williams as they dive into what it means to serve, the opportunities available in the Washington Army National Guard, and how prospective Soldiers and their families can prepare for success. Whether you're curious about enlistment paths, career options, benefits, or simply want to hear firsthand insights from experienced recruiters, this video gives you a transparent and informative look at Army National Guard life in Washington. What You'll Learn: • Roles and responsibilities of a WA Army National Guard Recruiter • Tips for talking with a recruiter and next steps • How the Guard supports education, career growth, and community service • Real talk from SFC Lorey & SFC Williams on their experiences and advice Subscribe for more Raven Conversations, career stories, and updates from the WA Army National Guard!

Raven Conversations: Today, we are joined by CMSgt Stephen Nolan, WA Air National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader. Tune in as he talks about his journey in the Washington Air National Guard.

Raven Conversations: Today, we are joined by CPT Paula Ramirez, who shares her incredible story of finding her inner strength and overcoming obstacles in her life.

Raven Conversations: In today's episode, we are joined by SGT Stephen Fujita, a 35T Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer. Tune in as he talks about his career field.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we sit down with CPT Troy Evans, 1st Corps. Public Affairs and his spouse, Val Osollo. Tune in as they talk about adapting to the military culture as newlyweds and their experiences together in the military community.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we sit down with CW3 Joshua Orr to discuss the powerful intersection of military service and volunteering. While many see the uniform as the ultimate form of service, Joshua shares how his journey in the National Guard actually opened the door for him and his family to give back in even more personal ways.

Welcome to another Cobra Gold 2026 edition of Raven Conversations. In today's episode, we talk to Capt. Steven Roberts, Senator for the State of Missouri and Air National Guardsman. Join us as he talks about his second experience at Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Welcome to a special edition of Raven Conversations. This week, we're reporting from the Kingdom of Thailand for Cobra Gold 2026. Joining us is Lieutenant Junior Grade Napassakorn 'Ninyar' Tipso to discuss the vital role of the Royal Thai Navy's Public Affairs team in one of the world's largest multinational exercises.

Welcome to another Cobra Gold 2026 edition of Raven Conversations. In today's episode, we talk to SGT Bianca Hayden, who shares her experience at the Department of Defense Warrior Games.

Welcome to another Cobra Gold 2026 edition of Raven Conversations. In today's episode, we talk to MAJ Nathan Frei, who shares his experience at his third Cobra Gold rotation. Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on the bell notification to be notified of future Raven Conversations video podcasts.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by MAJ (Ret.) Brian Nelson. Please tune in and listen to his journey in the Washington National Guard. He discusses his struggles, how he overcame them and his work with Unleashed at Stadium Bowl.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by COL (Ret.) Gregory Allen, former commander of the 96th Troop Command. Please tune in and listen to his journey from active duty to the National Guard and his experiences as a leader in the organization.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by COL (Ret) Bill Pola, previous commander of the 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute. Join us as he talks about his career while in the Washington National Guard and his career afterward.

Raven Conversations - In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by COL Matthew Cooper, United States Property and Fiscal Officer.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by SFC Leif Wywadis, a member of B Co., 181st Brigade Support Battalion. Tune in as he talks about the Washington Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we're joined by COL (Ret.) Adam Iwaszuk, director of the Construction and Facilities Management Office.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we take you on location to the Kingdom of Thailand, where we are joined by CW4 Ricky Thomas, Joint Force Headquarters Senior Maintenance Warrant Officer and 1SG Jacob Harrington, 1st Battalion 205th Regiment Regional Training Institute Chief Instructor. Tune in as they discuss the ongoing relationship with the Royal Thai Army through the State Partnership Program and the Stryker Maintenance Subject Matter Expert Exchange.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Brig. Gen. (R) Jeremy Horn talks about his career after retiring from the Washington National Guard with Alaska and Horizon Airlines

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by Maj. Drew Nevins, Information Operations officer with the 156th Information Operations Battalion. Drew shares his Guard story, talks about his time in recruiting, military police, but also as a civilian working for Amazon.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by MAJ Shaun Neil, a member of the 56th Theater Information Operations Group. Tune in as he talks about his career in the National Guard and how he got involved with Think Twice. Learn more about Think Twice at https://www.duiprevention.org On Instagram @thinktwice_savelives and Facebook at Think twice save lives

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by SGM (R) Bob Sweeney, President of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). Tune in as he speaks about his journey in the National Guard and how he continues to serve service members through EANGUS.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we invite guest host CMSgt Allan Lawson, State Senior Enlisted Leader and guest SGT Matt Sprowl, a member of the 122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element. Tune in as SGT Sprowl talks about his motivation in serving the community in two different uniforms.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, SFC Rebecca Gines, the Recruit Sustainment Program Area 2 NCOIC, discusses RSP and how it has helped soldiers during their Initial Entry Training.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by MAJ Josh Sternberg, Commander of 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry, A Troop. Tune in as he shares his journey in the National Guard.