STARRS & Stripes host Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, leads a thought-provoking discussion that challenges current narrative views on military diversity and readiness, featuring key insights from three retired Navy veterans LCDR Bruce Davey (a Blue Angel), Capt. Guy Higgins, and Capt. Brent Ramsey. All are members of the Calvert Task Group, an organi…

In this episode of STARRS & Stripes, host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, talks with retired Air Force Brigadier General Christopher S. Walker, call sign "Mookie" (USAFA '88). Gen. Walker grew up in Jamaica, Queens in New York City and describes how his journey of wanting to be a pilot led him to the US Air Force Academy and a career in the Air Force. Palm…

We’ve got a new man on the couch. You might know him. Andrew leaves on Sabbatical trip on Wednesday, and wants to know how much to post. Tim and Frank are heading to a conference tomorrow. Safety Harbor celebrated their annual Thanksgiving Sunday. Lakeview is in the process of finalizing the 2025 budget.…

Andrew recycled part of a sermon from 7 years ago, and doesn’t know if he should feel relieved or insulted that no-one seemed to notice. Tim had a guest preacher, but somehow found himself working even more than usual on Sunday. Lakeview had its last membership class of the year. Safety Harbor is undergoing a bunch of renovations, which is great, u…

This important episode of STARRS & Stripes looks at the radical and dangerous left-wing ideological influences and indoctrination reshaping both the military and academic world and those in it. Host Al Palmer interviews Dr. Stanley Ridgley, a professor, former military intelligence officer and author of, "Brutal Minds: The Dark World of Left-Wing B…

If we look a little bit older and wiser than we did last week, it is because we are. We both had birthdays this week, and the celebrations just don’t hit the same when you are a grown-up. Both of our churches are preparing to host elections next week, and we are talking through getting a jump on holiday happenings.…

In this episode of STARRS & Stripes, prepare to engage with a riveting conversation on the intricate landscape of justice and military integrity with our esteemed guest, Michael T. Rose. His journey from rural Kentucky to a distinguished career as an attorney, state senator, and now Executive Vice President of STARRS reveals a passion for upholding…

It was a week of trying to get back to normal after the storms. Andrew played church administrator and realized why it is so important to have a good one. Tim did a funeral for a stranger. Lakeview is wrapping up their hurricane recovery damage. Safety Harbor kicked off a sermon series that actually started last week.…

STARRS & Stripes Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, was joined by the presidents of three veterans organizations who are working towards eliminating CRT/DEI ideology from the military and restoring a focus on high standards and merit. They include from STARRS Colonel Ron Scott, USAF ret, USAFA '73; from the MacArthur Society Colonel Bill Prince, USA ret,…

Both of our families, homes, and churches survived Hurricane Milton, kind of. We’ll walk you through what it looked like for each of us, and then discuss what ministry has looked like the past five days. We are discussing the awkwardness of asking for and accepting help, and what to do next.

We are preparing for yet another hurricane here in greater Tampa Bay. Tim’s family is staying put, while Andrew’s is getting out of Dodge. We are talking through what the past few weeks have been like being pastors to storm victims, and realizing that there are some things we just aren’t good at.

Security Educator and Public Speaker Ray Semko: The D*I*C*E Man, who served as the STARRS Rally for Our Republic emcee, also gave a talk at the event held in September 2024 in Arizona. Reflecting on the profound themes of patriotism and sacrifice, he takes you on a journey through personal stories of being drafted and serving in Vietnam. These expe…

Matt Lohmeier, Executive Vice President of STARRS, author of the book "Irresistible Revolution" and a public speaker, gave the keynote talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. His presentation starts with a video introduction of his story, an early preview of his upcoming documentary. Former US Air Force/US Space Force Li…

Whistleblower Ann Atkinson, a staunch defender of free speech, gave a talk at the STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. She was introduced by rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man. Advocating for free speech in academia can be a path fraught with peril. Ann Atkinson, former executive director of the TW Lewis Center for Person…

Timothy Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute gave a talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man introduced Timothy. Description: Frederick Douglass—the escaped slave who became an internationally famous spokesman for liberty and one of America’s most celebrated intellectuals—declared in …

Kim Miller, President & CEO of Arizona Women of Action, spoke at the STARRS "Rally for Our Republic" in September 2024 in Arizona. Look for the analogy in her speech of dealing with scorpions in her home is how to deal with evil. Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man, begins the segment and introduces Kim. 00:00:05 Patriotism and Political Action …

STARRS held a Joint Town Hall with the MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates and the Calvert Task Group. The guest speaker was Amber Smith, former Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Outreach in Public Affairs. Amber is a former U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilot and air mission commander in the 101st Airborne Division…

His Army Air Corps grandfather received his pilot license from Orville Wright and knew aviation legends like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. His father served in the Air Force and in Korea. And third generation aviator Al Palmer flew fighter jets in the Air Force--including the famed F-4 "Wild Weasel" missions during the Vietnam War--then lat…

Wedding Season is in full swing in the Sunshine State. We both had full on Sports Dad Weekends. We’re talking about serving in ministries outside of our churches. Both Safety Harbor and Lakeview elders are gathering, one group more often than the other. Safety Harbor has a major work project starting next week. Lakeview has moved to video announcem…

What makes a military leader truly exceptional? Brigadier General Robert F. Titus, known as "Earthquake," exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable military warfighting career, and in this episode of STARRS & Stripes, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy. Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, who served under Gen. Titus, talks with Bill Scott, retired ed…

Tim is getting into the rhythm of preaching three times every Sunday morning. Andrew is wondering how long he’s going to be playing youth pastor. Safety Harbor played host to Andrew’s kids’ birthday party. Lakeview is getting unsolicited resumes. And we’re talking about why SEO and social media presence Toe-tally matters for churches.…

Join STARRS & Stripes podcast with host CDR Al Palmer, US Navy ret, for an inspiring conversation with leaders of the Calvert Task Group: Naval Academy graduates Captain Tom Burbage, US Navy ret, and Lieutenant Commander Bruce Davey, US Navy ret, as they all share their remarkable journeys shaped by deep-rooted family legacies in military service. …

STARRS & Stripes host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret interviews retired Army Special Forces Major Drew Dix, Medal of Honor recipient and a member of the STARRS advisory board. They cover his journey from enlisting in the Army at 17 to his experiences as a Special Forces soldier in Vietnam. Major Dix’s narrative highlights the significance of camaraderie, t…

Ever wonder what it takes to fly one of the Navy's most iconic jets? Join STARRS & Stripes podcast with host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, for an in-depth conversation with retired Navy Commander Dave "Bio" Baranek, as he shares his fascinating journey from a young aviation enthusiast inspired by air shows, to becoming a seasoned F-14 Radar Intercept Off…

Tim pretty much just lives at Lakeview now after yesterday. We are talking through exceptionally long ministry days and seasons and how we recover afterwards. Andrew’s other duties as assigned took a toll on him on Thursday. We’re getting into when to ask for help and when to white knuckle it. Both of our churches held our annual fantasy football d…

What does it take to rise from a private to a Major General in the U.S. Army? Major General Joe Arbuckle, US Army ret, joins STARRS & Stripes podcast host CDR Al Palmer, US Navy ret, to share his military journey, influenced by his father’s service and his decision to volunteer during the Vietnam War. He talks about his early training, his role as …

Lakeview kicked off a brand new series, and celebrated baptisms. Safety Harbor had some unexpected guests, and threw a pool party. Andrew is in full on Ted Lasso mode, Tim got in a car accident. We’re talking new service times, and when to announce them.

Is the U.S. military compromising its unity and readiness for the sake of progressive ideologies? Join STARRS & Stripes host Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, as he talks with Lt General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, about the controversial inclusion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our armed forces. They …

It was back to school day for Andrew’s family and it all went horribly wrong. Tim had a potential new hire in town over the weekend, and even though he did not have to preach, he worked a lot this weekend. We are talking through some specifics of funerals, and how Andrew almost ruined a wedding.

*We recorded this episode during Hurricane Debby, and had power and internet issues. The episode ends abruptly, we don't actually get to talk about everything in the show show notes before the feed dies, but it's still fun.* We had a full show, with tons to discuss, and then a hurricane hit. We’re talking church during a natural disaster, when to c…

Meet STARRS Chairman of the Board Lt. General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, USAFA '74, interviewed by STARRS & Stripes Host CDR Al Palmer (USN ret). Gen. Bishop talks about his time at the Air Force Academy as a young cadet and his Air Force career which led him to leading many different commands in USAF, including the 3rd Air Force in Europe. General Bish…

STARRS & STRIPES Interviews: Meet STARRS President and CEO Col. Ron Scott, PhD, USAF ret, USAFA '73 -- his experiences as a cadet at the US Air Force Academy, lessons from his Air Force military career and thoughts on the military today. Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter can alter the course of your life? Join me, CDR Alan Palmer (USN r…

Are our military forces less prepared today than they were after World War II? Join us as Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, and Colonel Ron Scott, PhD, USAF ret, USAFA '73, the President & CEO of STARRS (Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalization in the Services) confront this disturbing question. We uncover the findings from the Commission on th…

We’ve both been gone a lot, and have come home to loss in our churches. We are talking through the intricacies of family vacation while comforting church members. Tim hasn’t preached in two weeks, Andrew had a guest worship leader yesterday.

Andrew’s family left Florida just to get stuck in the middle of a hurricane in Arkansas. Tim took his family to the beach, and brought the whole church with them. Safety Harbor had a first time guest preacher, and Lakeview celebrated baptisms.

We’ve been all over the map, hitting just about every SEC state for camp (Tim) and family vacation (Andrew). Both Lakeview and Safety Harbor had guest preachers. Andrew played visitor at a church, and Tim played youth ministry volunteer.

Safety Harbor threw Andrew a graduation party, Lakeview celebrated some graduations of their own. Tim has a kid who can drive. Andrew has less kids for a few weeks. We’re talking through summer attendance, and how to plan meetings.

Tim and Andrew were both on trips this week. Andrew came back in time to preach, Tim came back in time to watch. We’re talking through summer vacations, and preparing guest preachers. Both Safety Harbor and Lakeview celebrated communion. Lakeview got a new sign and Safety Harbor is getting one. We’re asking the hard hitting questions: What should y…

Things are happening in Lakeview Land. Not only is the congregation growing, but they are now entering into the wild world of adult rec league sports. Safety Harbor had to bring the outdoors in yesterday with the threat of storms. Andrew’s dad was the hero of Sunday morning. Tim is so tired that he didn’t even get his ice bath in this morning. Both…

Tim and Andrew had two very different weeks. Andrew traveled across the southeastern United States to attend his graduation, see the sites, and visit family. Tim had a week full of meetings, planning and executing Mother’s Day. We’re talking through missing major holidays, and when it is time to hire more people.…

Yesterday the congregation of Safety Harbor Community Church was treated to a delicious Cinco de Mayo breakfast prepared by the pastor and his wife…unfortunately some uncooked egg casserole might have sloshed out of the dish leaving Andrew’s car smelling a little funky. Andrew and his family are traveling up to Virginia this week for his graduation…

We’re bringing back lone of our favorite ways to talk about some of our least favorite things…The Ick. Lakeview officially opened their new disk golf course. Safety Harbor might need overflow seating, but only for the outside crew. Tim played field trip dad, and Andrew spend way too long in the dentist’s chair.…

It has been over a Fortnight since we have been able to record in our regular space, but we’re back in Safety Harbor, Florida!!! The Alchemy seems to be working well at Lakeview since they just held their largest new members class ever. After last weeks power surge, the sound system at Safety Harbor is Down Bad, and is being ripped out and replaced…

We’re broadcasting Pirate Radio live from the lobby of First Baptist Orlando during the Youth Pastor Summit. Tim thought they had tech issues at Lakeview, until he heard about Safety Harbor’s in service power outage. Andrew went to see the eclipse. Tim is introducing Todd to the big wide world of youth ministry.…

Yesterday was a long day, but great one. Tim had a friend with him at the sunrise service, Andrew is convinced that not every church ought to attempt a sunrise service. We’re talking inflated numbers and comparison traps.

It is Holy Week, and it is a doozy. Yesterday was (Palm) Sunday. Tim and Andrew both started a new sermon series. Lakeview bought a golf cart; Safety Harbor is renting one. We are gearing up for early services and added attendance.

We are back from spring break and Easter is rapidly approaching. Lakeview had half of their staff take the same Sunday off. Safety Harbor had their annual meeting (cause doesn’t every church have an annual meeting in March)and has now flipped their space for tomorrow’s elections. Tim went out of town with his family. Andrew’s wife went out of town …

Lakeview had a legit emergency in the middle of service. Andrew’s wife thought a bomb went off while he was preaching. Tim’s new youth pastor is better than he was. Safety Harbor is hosting an election and it is not going well.

Few things make for longer weekends than an unofficial national holiday. Tim and Andrew had very different plans for watching the game. Lakeview hosted a giant watch party. Safety Harbor was a ghost town all week. Andrew had a not so fun ministry first, and Tim made quite a few house calls.

Andrew is all alone in the office this week and doesn’t really know what to do with himself. Tim hosted a birthday party and executed the perfect side hug. Both Lakeview and Safety Harbor began talking through Easter prep and have two vastly different strategies. Andrew started a new series, and somehow lost the entire church email list. Tim formal…