#059 Creating Naval Academy Spirit: Rylan Tuohy's Journey to being King of the Spirit Spot

The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience

What if you could turn a simple idea into a beloved tradition that unites an entire community? Join us as we chat with Rylan Tuohy, the creative genius behind the Naval Academy's iconic Spirit Spots. Raised in rural Kentucky with dreams of film school, Rylan's journey from midshipman to viral video creator is nothing short of inspiring. He shares the origins of his first hit, "Game for the Real Players," and reflects on how that led to the creation of multiple videos that have become a staple of Naval Academy culture.
Ever wondered what it takes to make a video resonate with thousands? Rylan dives into the challenges of getting his projects approved and the unexpected triumphs, like the wildly successful "We Give a Ship" video. Learn about the strategic release tactics, the humor that strikes the perfect chord with Navy fans, and even the amusing story behind designing and buying his own merchandise. It's a fascinating peek into the creative and logistical hurdles of producing content that not only entertains but also builds a unique sense of camaraderie.
The magic of filmmaking lies in collaboration, and Rylan's stories capture this beautifully. From the intense coordination needed for "Star Wars at Navy" to the thrill of seeing the finished product bring joy to the Naval Academy community, this episode is a testament to passion and teamwork. Listen as Rylan recounts the stress, excitement, and ultimate reward of creating something that boosts morale and brings people together, especially during football season. It's a heartfelt and entertaining look at the artistry and effort behind these cherished Spirit Spots.

The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.
Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast and the USNA Property Network Podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a boutique residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community PCSing to California & Texas.

We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.

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1. Naval Academy Spirit Spot Stories (00:00:00)

2. Creating "We Give a Ship" Legacy (00:10:52)

3. Behind the Viral Videos (00:14:14)

4. The Joy of Filmmaking and Collaboration (00:24:24)