Hoover Institution (Stanford, CA) — The Hoover Institution is proud to announce the launch of Frontline Voices: Stories and Solutions from Veteran Leaders, a special limited podcast series premiering Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
A part of the Hoover Veteran Fellowship Program, Frontline Voices features powerful, unfiltered conversations with veterans and changemakers who continue to lead from the front—long after they hang up the uniform. Hosted by “IRON” Mike Steadman, a Marine Corps infantry officer turned social entrepreneur and Hoover Veteran Fellow (2021—22 cohort), the series explores the intersections of service, leadership, and impact in an increasingly complex world.
New episodes will air every other week through August, bringing audiences firsthand insights from veterans, educators, policy thinkers, and community leaders working to address some of America’s most pressing challenges—from affordable housing and youth development to economic mobility and mental resilience.
Frontline Voices delivers both inspiration and insights for transitioning veterans, policy professionals, social entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to public service—encouraging listeners to lead with purpose and challenge conventional boundaries.
In the conversation, Steadman is joined by Gregory Eason, also a Hoover Veteran Fellow alumnus (2023-24). A Naval Academy Graduate, Eason served in the US Navy as a gunnery and training officer. As a veteran fellow, Eason explored innovative housing solutions and the intersection of economic mobility, faith, and community investment. He currently leads a build-to-rent project in Atlanta and is an angel investor in a 185-acre development in North Augusta, Georgia.
In the inaugural episode, Eason and Steadman explore the idea of “normalizing excellence,” how their lived experiences shaped their outlook, and what it means to be a changemaker today. Steadman also shares his personal journey—from growing up in a single-parent household to becoming a Marine officer, entrepreneur, and community leader. Their conversation highlights the power of mentorship, faith, and resilience in overcoming adversity, setting the tone for the thought-provoking episodes to come.
Episodes will be available on all major platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Hoover Institution website.
Learn more here.
About the Host
“IRON” Mike Steadman is a former Marine Corps infantry officer, three-time national boxing champion, and the founder of IRONBOUND Boxing, a nonprofit in Newark, NJ that provides free boxing and entrepreneur education to youth. He’s also a professional business coach, brand builder, and category designer who helps underdogs and misfits, veterans, Black women, and those used to being “one of one”, launch purpose-driven brands and ventures. Steadman is a Hoover Institution Veteran Fellow, where he sharpened his thinking around leadership, public policy, and the role veterans can play in solving some of America’s most pressing challenges. He currently trains CEOs, advises emerging brands, and helps underdogs and misfits build businesses and tell stories that matter.
About the Hoover Institution Veteran Fellowship Program
The Hoover Institution Veteran Fellowship Program (VFP) is a nonresidential, year-long program for 10 military veterans that was launched in the fall of 2021. The program seeks participants who desire to address critical challenges in the public sector with actionable solutions. Focus areas should align with Hoover’s research priorities and seek to inform the formation and implementation of policy. The program is building an effective and enduring network of successful veteran practitioners who confront real-world challenges alongside Hoover fellows with support networks at the Hoover Institution and Stanford University.
Applications will open for the 2025-26 Veteran Fellowship Program on Thursday, May 1. Learn more about the program and application timeline below. Learn more here.
>> "IRON" Mike Steadman: In a time of growing division, military veterans stand as a rare and unifying force. Our service and sacrifice transcends race, politics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. But beyond the uniform, we're leaders, problem solvers, and changemakers. That's why, on behalf of Stanford University's Hoover Institution, I'm proud to introduce Frontline Voices.
A podcast exploring leadership, service, and real solutions to some of our nation's biggest challenges, from education and housing to economic development and beyond. I'm "IRON" Mike Steadman, a Marine Corps Veteran and Hoover Veteran Fellow. Join me as I highlight the voices of veterans and other frontline leaders shaping our nation's future.
You can subscribe to Frontline Voices on on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast hosting platform. First episode drops April 1st, don't miss it. You can also learn more about the Hoover Veteran Fellowship Program and our efforts to make an impact at hoover.org/VFP.
