Mission Inspire

Courage Conversations: Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, host Mo Barrett is joined by the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Kyle Carpenter. Carpenter earned the Medal when he threw his body on an enemy grenade in Afghanistan, saving the lives of his fellow Marines. In the episode, Kyle tells Mo all about his lengthy recovery at Walter Reed, his proudest accomplishment, his inspiring book You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For and what his journey has taught him about the value of perspective.

Courage Conversations: Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs

We’d like to introduce you to Courage Conversations. A series of episodes of the Mission Inspire podcast that will feature candid conversations with Medal of Honor recipients. Each of whom have gone above and beyond in their service to others – both on the battlefield and right here at home in America. The first installment of this series features Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs. In his conversation with host Mo Barrett, Jacobs walks us through the day he earned the Medal, his decision to return to Vietnam a second time, his involvement with the National Medal of Honor Museum, and the Medal of Honor recipient whose story inspires him the most.

Episode 18: All in All the Time with Christina Valentine

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast host Mo Barrett is joined by Christina Valentine, wife of Medal of Honor recipient Command Master Chief (CMC) Britt Slabinski and founder of the All in All the Time Foundation. Together they discuss her new role as the Associate Director of Recipients & Veterans Relations for the National Medal of Honor Museum, their family’s decision to donate CMC Slabinski’s Medal to the Museum, and the creation of the All in All the Time Foundation that supports Goldstar families and service members impacted by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Foundation was inspired by the passing of her first husband, Special Operator Senior Chief (SOCS) SEAL Thomas J. Valentine.

Episode 17: World Renowned Architect of the National Medal of Honor Museum, Rafael Viñoly

Host Mo Barret is joined by world renowned architect and the creative genius behind the moving design which will become the future National Medal of Honor Museum, Rafael Viñoly. In the episode, Viñoly shares how he became involved in this historic project and the moment that inspired the architectural wonder which will house our awe-inspiring artifact collection. His list of award-winning architectural designs include the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, among countless others.

Episode 16: WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast host Mo Barrett is joined by WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and National Medal of Honor Museum Board Chair Charlotte Jones. Together these powerful and inspiring women discuss the partnership between the Museum and the WWE, the inspiration for the collaboration and how the two organizations will work together to bring the stories of some of America’s greatest heroes to life. Additionally, they discuss their commitments to giving back to the military community and how both Stephanie and Charlotte found themselves at the helm of their respective family businesses.

Episode 15: Best-Selling Author and National Medal of Honor Museum Board Member Brad Meltzer

Join host Mo Barrett as she takes us along on a freewheeling discussion with modern-day renaissance man Brad Meltzer, a New York Times bestselling author, nonfiction writer, TV show writer, comic book creator – and member of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation’s Board of Directors. Brad talks to Mo about why he’s such a huge supporter of the Museum, why he was so excited to work with DC Comics on a special edition of the popular Batman: Gotham Nights graphic novel series featuring Medal of Honor recipient SPC Sal Giunta, and what he dreams about doing next in his accomplished life. Brad also shares insights into his latest book The Lightning Rod and his close friendship with the late President George H.W. Bush.

Episode 14: The Donation of a Medal of Honor with Kirk Davis

Host Mo Barrett is joined by the son of Major Charles W. Davis, Kirk. Together they discuss why he decided to donate his father's Medal and the deeply emotional letters Major Davis sent to his wife, Joan, relating to the award to the National Medal of Honor Museum. Additionally, they discuss Kirk's book The Hero & The Beauty an account of his parents life together and his father’s heroism during World War II. 

Season 2 Premiere with Greg Waters, Curator, National Medal of Honor Museum

On the Season 2 premiere of Mission Inspire, host Mo Barrett is joined by National Medal of Honor Museum Curator Greg Waters to discuss behind the scenes details of the Museum’s growing collection. They talk about where the artifacts are sourced from and how they will be used to create the narrative that tells the unforgettable story of our nation’s greatest heroes. 

Episode 12: National Medal of Honor Museum Board Chair Charlotte Jones

Host Mo Barret is joined by National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board Chair and Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones. Together they discuss the inspiring Dallas Cowboys Salute to Service weekend, the public service announcement featuring three former U.S. Presidents and the exciting things to come for the Museum in 2022.

Episode 11: National Medal of Honor Museum President and CEO Chris Cassidy

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Chris Cassidy, the new President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum. A retired Navy SEAL and astronaut, Chris was appointed to his new position in August 2021. Together, they discuss life in the military, space travel, leadership and what the future holds for the Museum.