The Vantage Point
Episodes

Jan 4, 2026
Dr. Janice Thorpe | The Art of Conversing
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
1hr 30 min
Dr. Janice Thorpe, communications professor and researcher from the University of Colorado, joins us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education and the architecture of effective communication. In this episode she talks about how to overcome public speaking fears, online vs. traditional classes, as well as AI guardrails in college, policy and society. As a professor, her career has been devoted to understanding how meaning is created, transmitted, and sustained through conversation, body language, cultural understanding and much more.

Oct 24, 2025
Oct 24, 2025
1hr 14 min
Michelle “Sonic” Ruehl, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, Colonel, and White House Fellow with over two decades of leadership experience as an instructor at the Air Force Academy, leadership coach, youth mentor, and nonprofit founder. In this episode she talks about business, education, technology, parenting, equity, and more. She brings an unshakable belief that every child deserves to learn in an environment that challenges them, empowers them, and prepares them for the world ahead.

Aug 7, 2025
Bob McLaughlin | The Cure In Contribution
Aug 7, 2025
Aug 7, 2025
25 min
Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this discussion we explore the mindset of the “Soldier for Life” not as a slogan, but as a philosophy. Service doesn’t retire. It transforms. And those who continue to give, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for someone in need, often find that in healing others, they begin to heal themselves. After 28 years in the U.S. Army—serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and across the globe—Bob could have stepped back. Instead, he stepped forward, founding and leading Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a national model for veteran reintegration and community healing.

Jun 20, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
32 min
Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this episode, we’re discussing Leadership. Whether you are a parent, member of an organization, or an individual trying to achieve your goals, being an effective leader plays a critical role in the success of each one of these situations.