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The Call-Up with J.W. Hand

The Call-Up with J.W. Hand

By: John Hand
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The Call-Up is a podcast about the human side of recruiting, leadership, and life in uniform. Hosted by J.W. Hand, the show features real conversations with recruiters, leaders, and professionals from across the military and beyond — exploring what it was like to get “called up” to recruiting, the challenges that came with it, and how the experience changed them. From funny stories and hard lessons to leadership, burnout, family life, and career transitions, The Call-Up focuses on the people behind the mission.John Hand Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Call-Up Close-Out | Johnathan Vaughn
    Jul 1 2026

    After our full conversation, Johnathan Vaughn joins me for one more discussion in this episode of The Call-Up Close-Out.

    We revisit a few topics from the interview, reflect on leadership, family, and recruiting, and wrap up the conversation with a few final thoughts. It's a shorter, more relaxed discussion and one last chance to get to know the person behind the uniform.

    Thank you for listening to The Call-Up.

    Be sure to join The Workshop every Thursday during lunch at 1200 and After Hours every Saturday from 2030 to 2200. Check out our Daily Morning Brief, participate in our weekly polls and surveys, and stay connected on Discord for upcoming community events—including our Community Movie Night—and other exciting projects in the works.

    Next week, we'll be joined by Scott White, Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the Raleigh Recruiting Battalion and former Professional Development Sergeant Major at U.S. Army Recruiting Command Headquarters.

    Until next time, thanks for listening to The Call-Up.

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    15 mins
  • The Call-Up Ep. 4 | Johnathan Vaughn
    Jun 17 2026

    In this episode of The Call-Up, Jay sits down with Johnathan Vaughn, a Staff Sergeant whose career has taken him through some unique challenges and opportunities. From recruiting in New York City during the COVID era, to serving as a virtual Recruiting Station Commander with little precedent or guidance, John has built a reputation for adapting, learning, and stepping in wherever he was needed.

    Together, they discuss his beginnings in the Army, the importance of family, recruiting, leadership, and the experiences that shaped his journey.

    Thanks for listening to The Call-Up.

    Be sure to check out The Workshop every Thursday at 1200 and After Hours on Saturday evenings from 2030 to 2200. Participate in our weekly polls and surveys to help shape future episodes and community projects.

    Stay tuned for next week's Close-Out with Johnathan Vaughn.

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    55 mins
  • The Call-Up Close-Out | Sean Cousino
    Jun 8 2026

    After our two-part conversation, Sean Cousino joins us for a Call-Up Close-Out to continue the discussion and reflect on some of the themes from the interview.

    The Close-Out is a shorter follow-up conversation where we revisit key moments, explore new ideas, and keep the conversation going.

    Thanks for listening to The Call-Up.

    Join us every Thursday during lunch for The Workshop on Discord, and stay tuned for future episodes and Close-Outs.

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    25 mins
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