NY Air Guard's top enlisted leader, Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, a Schuylerville resident, is in the podcast business now

Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia , NY (03/24/2021) — New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, a Schuylerville resident and the highest ranking enlisted Airman in the 5,800- member New York Air National Guard, is not in the podcast business too.

Richardson plans on using the podcast format to share information with New York Air National Guard members across the state.

Called "Journey's Through Leadership" each episode of the podcast features Richardson talking with Airmen from different ranks, career fields, and positions and have a one on one interview.

Leaders are always encouraging Airmen to tell their story, but he realized most of the time they don't have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences to a wide audience, Richardson explained.

"My vision is to have people from all ranks and careers and ask them questions designed to get them talking about their inspirations and motivation for wanting to serve, find the things that have shaped or are shaping their leadership journey," Richardson said.The conversations should give everybody a chance to share their perspectives, he explained.

"Hopefully the younger airmen will shed light on what motivates them and the older, higher ranking Airmen can share mistakes they've made and the defining factors that have helped them get to positions of leadership" he explained.

The first episode posted on March 23rd and features Col. Rob Donaldson a Greenfield Center resident and the vice commander of the 109th Airlift Wing which is based at Stratton Air National Guard Base .

During the episode, Donaldson reflected on his time as an enlisted Airman on active duty, his transition to the Guard and why he thinks it's important for Airmen to voice their ideas and opinions.

"I love getting the word out about what we do," Donaldson said. "We can learn from each other's experiences and bring more approachability to who you are."Podcasting is becoming a very popular way for people to get their news, information and entertainment.

Apple Podcasts reports having 1.75 million podcast shows available for listening, with new shows being added every day.According to Podcasting.org, more than 80% of podcast listeners are from ages 12-54.

The Airmen Richard said he wants to reach fall into that demographic.

Richardson said he chose podcasting because it is an easy, accessible way to get messaging across.He said it is convenient to seek out and listen to and it's not as intimidating to the people participating.

He explained that the goal is to have a more intimate setting to have honest and candid conversations.

"It opens up conversation and allows people to get to know each other. We have 5,800 Airmen and so much talent and diversity throughout the state- this will hopefully incite more conversations between each other and open up new ways to get to know one another," Richardson said.

His goal, he added, is to be accessible to all the Airmen across New York."I want people to know who their state command chief is," he said. "I'm excited to get this off the ground and look forward to helping Airmen share their stories.

""Journey's Through Leadership" is being produced by the Public Affairs office of the 109th Airlift Wing.The podcast is available to listen to through Apple Podcasts, Google, and Spotify. It can also be found at https://jtl.buzzsprout.com

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