TridentRoomPodcast
"Brewer of Stout Conversation, Unfiltered and On Tap."
Welcome to the Trident Room Podcast
For students and alumni of the Naval Postgraduate School, the Trident Room is an integral and well-known contributor to academic success and great ideas. While a pint poured in the stout mugs that dangle from above is part of that, we’d like to think it is the unfettered conversation that really makes the difference.
No matter what the topic whether it be Stochastic optimization … sub-state, social-revolutionist terrorism … applied fluid mechanics and heat transfer …, The Trident Room Podcast is the destination for illuminating, unencumbered conversation with colleagues, peers and classmates that really brews the NPS learning experience.
The Trident Room Podcast … Stout, unfiltered conversation, always on tap.
EPISODES
EPISODE 86 | Aug 18, 2026
In part two of this two-part conversation, TRP host Elaura continues her conversation with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, in a more personal setting. The discussion explores reading and lifelong learning, human performance, acquisition reform, developing talent, lifelong friendships in the Marine Corps, and the importance of shaping future leaders.
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EPISODE 85 | Aug 11, 2026
Join us as Lt. Gen. William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, steps into the Trident Room to discuss what makes the Marine Corps more than just military service — it’s a calling. From the "Marine mystique" that first inspired him as a student to the leaders who shaped his journey, Lieutenant General Bowers reflects on the power of purpose, the importance of mentorship, and why every Marine's story matters.
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EPISODE 84 | Jul 28, 2026
TRP host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood sits down with retired Vice Adm. John Fuller for a conversation on what truly defines a successful Surface Warfare Officer, and why technical expertise alone isn't enough. Drawing on decades of operational command and strategic leadership, Fuller shares lessons on developing professional competence, embracing continuous learning, and building the trust required to lead.
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EPISODE 83, Part 2 | Jul 07, 2026
Trident Room Podcast host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood interviews one of her mentors, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bobby Jones, discussing the unexpected yet invaluable lessons in life, leadership, and service that emerged throughout his distinguished naval career. From U.S. Naval Academy class 'anchor’ to commanding forces around the world, Jones reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and character.
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EPISODE 82, Part 1 | Jun 30, 2026
Trident Room Podcast host Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood interviews one of her mentors, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bobby Jones, discussing the unexpected yet invaluable lessons in life, leadership, and service that emerged throughout his distinguished naval career. From U.S. Naval Academy class 'anchor’ to commanding forces around the world, Jones reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and character.
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EPISODE 81, Part 2 | Jun 09, 2026
Trident Room Podcast host Lt. Anthony Castillo discusses emerging defense technologies with Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis through the context of his work with Task Force 66/166. With the rapid evolution of AI and autonomous systems, Mattis offers an informed perspective on the near-term applications of these advancing technologies.
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Upcoming Guests to the Trident Room Podcast …
- New episodes of TRP Unfiltered!
Help Shape the Conversation!
The Trident Room Podcast is always looking for interesting guests with compelling perspectives. Submit your questions for upcoming guests or topics to TridentRoomPodcastHost@nps.edu.
THE TRIDENT ROOM HISTORY
The (podcast) Trident Room History
The Trident Room Podcast officially started broadcasting in the summer of 2020. It was created by an HSI/OR student who wanted to capture conversations he was having with the impressive array of faculty, students, and staff roaming the halls of NPS. Podcasting provides a direct and unfettered connection with listeners, and he wanted to bring that same kind of informative, yet intimate exchange to the Naval Postgraduate School community.
Topics to be featured on The Trident Room Podcast include (but are not limited to):
- The on-campus “NPS Student-Learning Experience”
- NPS Science and Technology
- Student leadership, now, and in the Fleet
- Facing difficult multi-domain problems
- Applied research as the bridge between the classroom and the Fleet
- Individual, tactical, operational, and strategic level topics relevant to Naval Officers
- Human-centric technology, operations, and processes
The image of the Trident Room used on this website was captured by 2014 Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security graduate Ms. Angi English. The Trident Room Podcast is released by the Naval Postgraduate School Office of University Communications.
The (real) Trident Room History
In 1926 The Spanish Revival Hotel Del Monte opened what they called “The Children’s Playroom” during the prohibition. The “playroom” acted as a speakeasy where the community came together. Within a week of the repeal of Prohibition in December 1933, the room officially became a bar. Hotel Del Monte renamed “The Children’s Playroom” as The Del Monte Tap Room.
In 1951 the historic building became the Naval Academy’s postgraduate school that instructed students from multiple service branches. In 1953, The Trident Room was born (and renovated), becoming a social site for the students. The bar still possesses most of the original fixtures and character -- stained glass windows, copper, and dark wood. The ceiling is neatly lined with rows of designated mugs for each student. Each mug possesses a unique signature illustrated by the student, and that mug is taken with the student when they graduate.
Within the atmosphere of The Trident Room, the patrons of the bar range from CIA agents, quantum physicists, airmen, and astronauts. Looking for the perfect place to have a drink? Welcome to The Trident Room.
Article: Trident Room, a Bar So Exclusive You Need An Escort
MEET THE TEAM
Alanna Youngblood, Host and Senior Producer
Cmdr. Alanna Youngblood is a U.S. Navy Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer currently attending NPS as a doctoral student. Youngblood is a returning student to NPS, graduating from the METOC master’s degree program in 2019.
Elaura Hastings, Creative Director
Elaura Hastings serves as the Deputy Protocol Officer for the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School. She is an Air Force veteran and graduate of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, where she studied Russian before serving as a linguist at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Elaura earned both her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, with honors, from Golden Gate University. Originally from Oklahoma and Texas, she has called Monterey home for the past 14 years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, discovering local restaurants, trying new recipes, supporting the arts, and relaxing with board and video games.
Zack Ward, Host
Zach grew up in Bethel, OH. He graduated from Ohio University in 2013 with a B.A. in Russian and commissioned in the Marine Corps shortly thereafter. Zach is an Intelligence Officer who has deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program with Marine aviation and twice in support of Operation Inherent Resolve with Marine Special Operations. He is currently studying National Security Affairs with a concentration in Southeast Asia.
