Podcast

Mission Inspire

Business, Non-Profit

Presented by Lucas Oil. Produced by the National Medal of Honor Museum and Foundation.

Non-Profit chart
#196
Episodes
64
Releases
Monthly
Typical length
18 min
On air since
2020
Latest episode
2 months ago

Episodes

64 episodes, newest first

  1. Celebrating America 250 Through the Stories of Medal of Honor Recipients

    Episode 64

    Show notes

    As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is ensuring the nation's defining values remain at the center of the conversation. Host Mo Barrett is joined by Alex Rhue, Senior Vice President of Museum Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, to discuss the Museum's Fourth of July celebrations with events on the National Mall, Freedom Fest in Arlington, and a special partnership with Newsweek honoring 250 Great American Heroes. Together, they explore how the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients continue to shape the American story.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    18 min
  2. Beauty with Purpose: Inside the National Medal of Honor Museum's Global Recognition

    Episode 63

    Show notes

    The National Medal of Honor Museum has been named one of the World's Most Beautiful Museums by the prestigious Prix Versailles—but its impact reaches far beyond architecture. Host Mo Barrett sits down with Jennifer Surgalski, Chief of Strategy for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, to discuss the journey from bold vision to internationally recognized institution. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes insights into the Museum's creation, the role design plays in telling stories of courage, sacrifice, and integrity, and how the Museum is inspiring visitors to apply those values in their own lives. They also discuss the Museum's plans to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and what's ahead for one of the nation's most important new cultural landmarks.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    27 min
  3. A New Exhibit Races into the Medal of Honor Museum: The Story of Eddie Rickenbacker

    Episode 62

    Show notes

    Before becoming America’s leading WWI ace with 26 aerial victories, Edward “Eddie” Rickenbacker was one of the fastest men in America – competing in 42 races, winning 7, and driving in the first Indianapolis 500. Since Mid-March, the Museum has shared his story in a special exhibit centered around the car he drove in the 1914 Indianapolis 500. Curator Greg Waters talks to Mo Barrett about this amazing artifact and what we all can learn from Eddie Rickenbacker’s story.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    14 min
  4. A New Voice in the Conversations Exhibit: The Story of Col. Paris Davis

    Episode 61

    Show notes

    One of the most popular parts of the National Medal of Honor Museum is the “Conversations: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives” exhibit, where guests use innovative technology to interview a virtual Medal of Honor Recipient. During Black History Month celebrations, the Museum is proud to announce the addition of Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Paris Davis to the Conversations exhibit. Host Mo Barrett talks to Jenny Page about the process of recording Col. Davis and why is it essential to share these firsthand perspectives.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    22 min
  5. The Best New Museum in America

    Episode 60

    Show notes

    The National Medal of Honor Museum started this year off with a bang, winning the USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Museum. A big part of what makes this Museum award-winning is the phenomenal programming put on every day, including a new tour diving into the architecture of the Museum. Host Mo Barrett talks to Alex Rhue, Senior Vice President of Museum Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, about the award, the architecture tour, and what else is in store for 2026.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    17 min
  6. A Letter From Tibor

    Episode 59

    Show notes

    Host Mo Barrett reflects on a landmark year for the National Medal of Honor Museum before closing out 2025 with the story of Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin. Held as a POW during the Korean War, Rubin sent a Christmas Card – now in the Museum’s collection – to his brother. His holiday message captures the spirit of both the holiday season and the Medal of Honor.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    4 min
  7. Strength at Home: Lessons from the Families of Medal of Honor Recipients

    Episode 58

    Show notes

    This November, in honor of Military Family Appreciation Month, The Mission Inspire Podcast sits down with the wives and children of Medal of Honor Recipients to hear their advice for military families. From everyday challenges to moments requiring profound strength, they share heartfelt stories that offer comfort and encouragement to military families everywhere – and reminding us that behind every hero in uniform is a family whose sacrifice deserves to be recognized.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    8 min
  8. What Makes a Great Leader? Lessons from Medal of Honor Recipients

    Episode 57

    Show notes

    When we think of leadership, we often picture people who command attention, make tough decisions, and guide others through challenge and change. But what truly defines a great leader? And who inspires the leaders we admire most? Host Mo Barrett asked six Medal of Honor Recipients. For them, leadership was forged in the crucible of combat. But their lessons extend far beyond the battlefield – into classrooms, workplaces, families, and communities.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    13 min
  9. The Moment They Learned: Six Medal of Honor Recipients Share Their Stories

    Episode 56

    Show notes

    For Medal of Honor Recipients, the path from the battlefield to the White House is anything but straightforward. In this episode, six recipients share the deeply personal stories of the moment they learned they would receive our nation’s highest military honor. Where were they? Who did they tell first? And when the ceremony ended, where did they keep their Medal? Their answers reveal the humanity behind the heroism and the enduring power of the Medal to inspire.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    16 min
  10. Class is in Session: Teaching Schoolkids the Values of the Medal of Honor

    Episode 55

    Show notes

    As students and teachers head back to school, the National Medal of Honor Museum is doing the same through a variety of programs designed to bring the stories and values of the Medal of Honor into classrooms across the country. Host Mo Barrett speaks with the educators leading these initiatives, helping students become the best versions of themselves—in the classroom, in their communities, and in the moments that matter. At the end, reflections from two Medal of Honor Recipients who carried these values straight into schools, working directly with students as teachers, counselors and mentors.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit https://mohmuseum.org/.

    47 min
  11. The Story Behind the Stories: An Interview with Museum Curator Greg Waters

    Episode 54

    Show notes

    Greg Waters, Director of Curatorial Affairs, is the man in charge of finding and locating every artifact for each exhibit at the National Medal of Honor Museum. He talks to host Mo Barrett about the worldwide hunt for artifacts and some of his favorite items on display.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit https://mohmuseum.org/.

    20 min
  12. Behind the Scenes of the Mission to Inspire Spectacular – Part 2

    Episode 53

    Show notes

    In Part 1 of a special two-part series, we pulled back the curtain on the Mission to Inspire Spectacular, the show-stopping finale to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Grand Opening. Now, in Part 2, we dig even deeper, exploring how the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism were translated into sound, light, and movement – and what it meant to those behind the scenes to bring heart-pounding visuals and iconic moments to life.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    26 min
  13. Behind the Scenes of the Mission to Inspire Spectacular – Part 1

    Episode 52

    Show notes

    The Grand Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum required moments that were moving, moments that were uplifting, moments that were spectacular. Capping an unforgettable evening, the Mission to Inspire Spectacular lit up the sky above the Museum in a 360-degree storytelling marvel, featuring fireworks, drones, video, and a variety of musical arrangements. But what does it take to produce such a show? How do you infuse the values of the Medal into visual storytelling? In this special two-part series we will go behind the scenes to understand both the technical and emotional aspects that made the Museum’s Grand Opening a night to remember.

    The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

    17 min
  14. Celebrating the Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum

    Episode 51

    Show notes

    The National Medal of Honor Museum officially opened its doors on March 25 – Medal of Honor Day. Host Mo Barrett was on site for the celebrations and spoke with family members of Medal of Honor Recipients, along with some of the staff who were critical to opening this special place. The Museum is filled with amazing artifacts, immersive exhibits and powerful displays telling stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others – and now you experience it for yourself. Tickets to visit to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum are available at MOHMuseum.org.

    7 min
  15. The Six Values of the Medal of Honor

    Episode 50

    Show notes

    After three years of construction – and decades of dreams – the National Medal of Honor Museum will open its doors this month. In their actions on the battlefield and beyond, Medal of Honor Recipients embody the values intrinsic to the Medal: citizenship and patriotism, commitment and integrity, courage and sacrifice. And while the Museum will explore all of these values, each of us relates to the values in a unique way. Recently, we asked Medal of Honor Recipients and their family members which of the six values resonates with them the most.

    Tickets to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum are now available for purchase on the Museum’s website ahead of the doors opening to the public on March 25, 2025. The Museum has more than 100,000 square feet of space, including 31,000 square feet dedicated to Exhibition Galleries telling the history of the Medal of Honor and the stories of the American heroes who earned it. More information to help guests plan their visit is available at mohmuseum.org.

    16 min
  16. From Blueprints to a Building with Architect Bassam Komati

    Episode 49

    Show notes

    With just a few weeks to go until the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Grand Opening, host Mo Barrett talks to architect Bassam Komati, the Partner-in-Charge at Rafael Viñoly Architects for the National Medal of Honor Museum, about how the Museum has gone from blueprints to a real building. They discuss how the design has changed throughout construction, how the architecture and exhibits complement one another, and how he has executed Rafael Viñoly’s vision.

    Interested in supporting the Museum’s work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you’ll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

    25 min
  17. Medal of Honor Recipients Offer Advice to Their Younger Selves

    Episode 48

    Show notes

    The start of the new year is a time to reflect on ways we can improve. As infallible as they may seem, Medal of Honor Recipients are no different. Looking back on their lives, there’s some changes they would have liked to make. Recently, we asked a few Recipients to share the advice they would give to their younger selves. The wisdom they shared about modesty, discipline, gratefulness, and more is applicable at all stages of life.

    Interested in supporting the Museum’s work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you’ll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

    8 min
  18. Memory Eternal: Remembering the Medal of Honor Recipients We Lost in 2024

    Episode 47

    Show notes

    While we celebrate the wonders of the holidays, our hearts are also heavy with the memories of the five Medal of Honor Recipients who passed away this year. To help us remember these heroes, host Mo Barrett is joined by NMOHMF’s Jenny Page and Kali Martin Schick for a discussion about how the National Medal of Honor Museum is telling their stories and preserving their legacies.

    Interested in supporting the Museum’s work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you’ll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

    24 min
  19. Salute To Service Weekend with Charlotte Jones

    Episode 46

    Show notes

    Over Veterans Day Weekend, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation once again proudly partnered with the Dallas Cowboys to publicly recognize and thank Medal of Honor recipients during the Cowboys’ annual Salute to Service game. Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner and Chairman of the NMOHMF Board of Directors, talked to host Mo Barrett about the importance of that moment, the Cowboys’ support of the Museum, and what to look forward to during the Grand Opening celebration in March.

    Interested in supporting the Museum’s work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you’ll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

    13 min
  20. Courage Conversations: Sgt. Sammy Davis

    Episode 45

    Show notes

    This Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Sammy Davis was recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s construction site. Known as “the real-life Forrest Gump,” Sgt. Sammy Davis talks to host Mo Barrett about what drove his courage in Vietnam, the advice he gives to students, and his moment of Hollywood stardom.

    Interested in supporting the Museum’s work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you’ll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

    15 min