ASVAB Domination Podcast with Gamonal Tutors

Mickey Gamonal
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The ASVAB Domination podcast is designed for anyone desiring motivation, direction, and focus in reaching their ASVAB goals. Host Mickey Gamonal has helped dozens of students raise their GT and ST scores to get better jobs, bonuses, and contracts across all branches of the military. In this podcast, Mickey blends classical teaching with real world military experience to deliver explanations on making the most of your military career. If you’re ready to take your scores to the next level, or you just need extra inspiration or motivation, tune in to The ASVAB Domination Podcast. Follow Mickey on Instagram @mickey.gamonal https://www.instagram.com/mickey.gamonal/

  1. 2d ago

    🎙 Episode 55 – Founder of Team RWB: Mike Irwin on Leadership & Positive Psychology

    🎙 Episode 55 – Founder of Team RWB: Mike Irwin on Leadership & Positive Psychology In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey Gamonal sits down with Mike Irwin, founder of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), West Point graduate, former Special Forces intelligence officer, and author of Lead Yourself First and Leadership is a Relationship. Mike’s military journey took him from West Point into Military Intelligence, serving as an intelligence officer in 3rd Special Forces Group in Afghanistan before attending grad school at the University of Michigan to study positive psychology and leadership. While in grad school, observing the transition struggles of fellow service members inspired him to launch Team RWB—a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to enriching veterans’ lives through fitness, community, and human connection. But this conversation goes far beyond test scores or choosing a branch. Mickey and Mike talk about what it takes to build a fulfilling life after uniform, why “other people matter,” maintaining personal discipline outside the military, navigating big life transitions, and how the predictive analysis skills learned in Military Intelligence apply to real-world leadership and decision-making. Mike also shares his perspective on finding a deeper sense of purpose through family, faith, and service, giving you an endless reservoir of motivation as you face life's challenges. Today, through Team RWB, he continues serving the military and veteran community by helping veterans build healthier lives through fitness, community, leadership, and genuine human connection.What you’ll learn:How Mike went from West Point and Military Intelligence to founding Team RWB The origins of Team RWB and how fitness and camaraderie help veterans in transition Why positive psychology boils down to three words: "Other people matter" How service members can navigate the massive identity shift when leaving active duty Why relationships and belonging impact long-term happiness more than status or income How Military Intelligence trains you in predictive analysis for real-world leadership Lessons from Mike’s books Lead Yourself First and Leadership is a Relationship How Unlocking Human Potential (UHP) is helping veterans gain skilled trade certifications in-person Why finding a deeper "why"—through family, faith, and service—provides an endless reservoir of energyKey moments: 0:00 - "Other people matter" & the struggle of personal discipline after military service 1:04 - How serving in 3rd Special Forces Group led to studying positive psychology at Michigan 2:45 - Observing transitioning veterans and launching Team Red, White & Blue 4:42 - The difference between in-uniform and out-of-uniform mindsets 6:35 - The core takeaway of positive psychology: Other people matter 9:23 - Individual pursuit vs. communal success in life and athletics 11:44 - Applying academic lessons in real time to build Team RWB 14:03 - Why trajectory-changing tests like the ASVAB matter for real-life application 16:57 - Writing Leadership is a Relationship and prioritizing human connection in a digital age 22:45 - Finding motivation through family, homesteading, faith, and a deeper sense of purpose 29:48 - Mike’s ASVAB experience at West Point and branching Military Intelligence 31:51 - Why Military Intelligence builds powerful predictive analysis and strategic thinking skills 35:32 - Visiting UHP (Unlocking Human Potential) and the surge in veteran trade trainingAbout Team RWBTeam Red, White & Blue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching veterans’ lives through fitness, community, and human connection. What began in 2010 has grown into a nationwide veteran community, giving veterans and supporters opportunities to run, train, volunteer, lead, and build relationships together. Whether you’re preparing to join the military, currently serving, transitioning out, or have been a veteran for years,

  2. Sep 26

    🎙 Episode 54 –Drill Sergeant to ASVAB Tutor: SFC Marcus T. Bentley

    🎙 Episode 54 –Drill Sergeant to ASVAB Tutor: SFC Marcus T. Bentley   In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey Gamonal sits down with Marcus T. Bentley, active-duty Army instructor, former drill sergeant in the Future Soldier Prep Course, and popular TikTok ASVAB tutor. Marcus’s journey with the ASVAB began after leaving his job as an Applebee’s kitchen manager to join the military. After scoring a 90 through practical problem-solving and elimination strategies, he went on to serve as a drill sergeant for the 09M Future Soldier Prep Course at Fort Jackson. What started as drill instruction quickly turned into classroom coaching as Marcus realized his direct, relatable teaching style helped recruits grasp math and testing concepts far better than traditional academic approaches. This conversation cuts right through the fluff of test prep. Mickey and Marcus break down why so many students struggle with the ASVAB, the trap of hoarding study guides, and why mastering the foundational basics—like multiplication tables, fractions, and percentages—is the fastest way to raise your score. Marcus shares his no-nonsense philosophy on execution, handling class disruptions, and taking control of your military career before you even enlist. Today, Marcus continues to instruct active-duty NCOs at Fort Jackson while providing daily live tutoring sessions, study booklets, and courses to help future service members unlock higher-scoring career fields. What you’ll learn: How Marcus transitioned from managing an Applebee's kitchen to scoring a 90 on the ASVAB His experience as a drill sergeant in the Future Soldier Prep Course (09M) at Fort Jackson Why direct, practical coaching often works better for recruits than traditional teaching methods The common trap of collecting multiple study guides instead of fixing core weaknesses Why focusing on foundational math—multiplication, fractions, and percentages—delivers the biggest score increases Why mindset and practical test-taking strategies outweigh memorizing complex math proofs How to eliminate distracting environments and build consistent study habits on the weekend Why your ASVAB score determines your career choices and overall military satisfaction Lessons on accountability, servant leadership, and staying true to your purpose from an active-duty NCO Key moments: 0:43 – From drill sergeant to classroom coach in the Future Soldier Prep Course 2:12 – The origin of Marcus’s independent tutoring and course creation 4:11 – Scoring a 90 on the ASVAB: From Applebee’s kitchen manager to Army enlistee 6:53 – Practical execution vs. academic theory in math instruction 12:04 – "Study what you suck at": Overcoming the study guide hoarding trap 18:07 – Turning a score around: How mastering basic multiplication changed a recruit's trajectory 24:40 – Drill sergeant discipline: How classroom environment impacts learning retention 36:08 – Going live on TikTok and building daily touchpoints for students 40:41 – Integrity over profit: Turning down easy money to keep students focused 49:48 – Maximizing the weekend: How consistency creates a competitive edge Final message from Marcus: Stop running from the hard part. The dream didn't suck; the plan sucked. Focus on the foundational blocks, target the exact areas you struggle with the most, and use your time wisely to raise your standard. Put in the work. Fix the foundation. Change the plan. About Marcus T. Bentley Marcus T. Bentley is an active-duty Army Sergeant First Class, instructor, and ASVAB coach dedicated to helping recruits improve their scores through practical, no-nonsense test preparation. Connect with him and find his study materials on TikTok @MarcusTBentley. About ASVAB Domination ASVAB Domination helps future and current service members improve their ASVAB and AFCT scores, strengthen their academic foundations, and create more opportunities throughout their military careers.

  3. Sep 17

    🎙 Episode 53 – Green Beret Team RWB: COL (Ret.) Michael “Sully” Sullivan

    🎙 Episode 53 - Green Beret Team RWB: COL (Ret.) Michael “Sully” Sullivan In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey Gamonal sits down with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, retired Army Colonel, former Green Beret, and leader with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). Sully’s military journey began long before Special Forces. He took the ASVAB as a high school student, went through ROTC at Claremont McKenna College, commissioned as an Army officer, and eventually built a career that included service as a Green Beret and Special Forces officer before retiring as a Colonel. But this conversation goes far beyond test scores or choosing an MOS. Mickey and Sully talk about what it takes to build a meaningful military career, competing on the Army’s Order of Merit List, pursuing opportunities without becoming consumed by promotions, and learning to focus on doing your current job exceptionally well. Sully also shares his perspective on one of the biggest challenges service members eventually face: figuring out who you are when the uniform comes off. Today, through Team RWB, he continues serving the military and veteran community by helping veterans build healthier lives through fitness, community, leadership, and genuine human connection. What you’ll learn: How Sully went from taking the ASVAB in high school to becoming an Army officer His path through ROTC and into a successful Army career What ultimately led him toward Special Forces and becoming a Green Beret How young Soldiers and officers should think about promotions and the Army’s Order of Merit List Why doing your current job well matters more than constantly chasing the next rank Lessons Sully learned from decades of Army leadership Why military transition can create an identity gap for veterans How fitness can become a powerful tool for connection and community How Team RWB helps veterans build meaningful relationships after military service Why your military career should create opportunities rather than become the limit of your identity How service, leadership, and purpose can continue long after leaving the Army Key moments: 3:15 - Taking the ASVAB in high school & ROTC at Claremont McKenna 8:42 - The path into Special Forces & becoming a Green Beret 16:20 - Navigating promotions & the Order of Merit List without losing your focus 24:05 - Why excelling in your current role matters more than chasing rank 31:10 - Lessons learned from decades of Special Forces and Army leadership 38:45 - The military transition: facing the identity gap when the uniform comes off 45:12 - How Team RWB builds community and connection through fitness Final message from Sully: Your ASVAB score can help open the first door, but what you do after walking through it is up to you. Build relationships. Take care of people. Challenge yourself. Stay physically and mentally engaged. And when one chapter ends, find another reason to keep moving forward. Put in the work. Create more options for yourself. Bet on yourself. About Team RWB Team Red, White & Blue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching veterans’ lives through fitness, community, and human connection. Learn more and find a local chapter at TeamRWB.org. About ASVAB Domination ASVAB Domination helps future and current service members improve their ASVAB and AFCT scores, strengthen their academic foundations, and create more opportunities throughout their military careers. Don’t let one test score determine the ceiling of your military career.

  4. Aug 27

    🎙Episode 52 – From MP to a 114 GT Score: Noah’s ASVAB Comeback

    🎙Episode 52 - From MP to a 114 GT Score: Noah’s ASVAB Comeback In this episode, Mickey Gamonal sits down with Noah Fuller, an Army National Guard Soldier who decided his original ASVAB score wasn’t going to limit his future opportunities. After joining as an MP and later pursuing CBRN, Noah learned that improving his scores could open more doors in his Army career. After taking the ASVAB multiple times in the past without getting the results he wanted, he changed his approach: study with purpose, get help, attend BSEP, and put in the work outside of class. That work paid off. Noah earned a 114 GT score and raised his overall score from the 30s to a 71. Noah and Mickey break down his experience with the Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP), tutoring, test anxiety, and what finally made the difference after years of knowing he was capable of a better score. What you’ll learn: How BSEP works for currently serving Soldiers The difference between the ASVAB and AFCT Why Noah decided to improve his score after already joining the Army How understanding why you got a question right can be more important than simply getting it right Why practice tests helped Noah overcome test anxiety How Noah studied before and during his two-week BSEP course Why investing in tutoring helped him focus on his specific weaknesses What Noah experienced on test day while battling serious nerves How he went from questioning his abilities to earning a 114 GT Why improving your ASVAB scores can create more options throughout your military career Key moments: 3:20 - Noah learns about BSEP and the AFCT 4:23 - How Soldiers can get into BSEP 6:30 - Getting a question right vs. understanding why you’re right 11:51 - Why Noah recommends BSEP 15:07 - Refusing to become complacent in his military career 15:54 - Finding the ASVAB Domination Podcast 16:41 - Deciding to invest in tutoring 25:13 - Noah’s test-day story 31:25 - Walking into the test shaking from nerves 31:54 - The first question changes everything 34:14 - Finding out his score 34:39 - 114 GT 41:33 - Noah’s biggest strategy for improving 43:53 - What he would do differently 45:20 - His advice for Soldiers considering tutoring 49:09 - From an overall score in the 30s to a 71 50:42 - Why improving your score opens more doors Final message from Noah: You don’t have to let an old ASVAB score decide what you can do with the rest of your military career. Put in the work. Ask questions. Get help when you need it. Create more options for yourself. Take the chance. Bet on yourself. PODCAST WITH NOAH FOR SPOTIFY

  5. Mar 27

    🎙Episode 51- ASVAB Last-Minute Prep: What to Do on Test Day

    In this episode, Mickey Gamonal shares practical ASVAB test-day strategies to help students perform at their best without panicking, overthinking, or getting stuck. Instead of trying to learn everything at the last minute, Mickey explains how to stay calm, stay strategic, and focus on collecting points throughout the exam. He breaks down 3 core rules for success on test day: Don’t get stuck on hard questions Play the test strategically Protect your confidence from start to finish Mickey also walks through section-specific advice for Math, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension, including how to estimate, eliminate wrong answers, use root words, and read passages more efficiently. This episode is especially helpful for students taking the ASVAB soon and for recruiters or mentors who want to give test-takers strong last-minute guidance. What you’ll learn: Why staying calm beats last-minute cramming How to avoid wasting time on difficult questions Why math and English matter so much for AFQT performance Test-day math strategies like back-solving and estimation How to approach Word Knowledge more strategically Why Paragraph Comprehension starts with reading the question first How to reset mentally during the test and keep moving forward Final message from Mickey: You do not need to be perfect. You need to be strategic, steady, and confident enough to keep collecting points. Play this podcast on your way to test(1)

  6. Mar 6

    🎙 Episode 50 – Why Drill & Ceremony Still Matter | Featuring TSgt “DrillMaster”

    In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Michael Gamonal sits down with retired Air Force Technical Sergeant “DrillMaster” to talk about one of the most overlooked foundations of military training: drill and ceremonies. While many people see marching as symbolic or outdated, TSgt explains how drill actually builds the core traits every service member needs — discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, and leadership. Drawing from decades of Air Force experience, TSgt shares how mastering fundamentals early in a military career shapes performance later in high-pressure operational environments. Michael and TSgt also discuss how military traditions connect service members across generations and why maintaining standards in ceremonial practices like color guard matters for representing the profession of arms. Topics Covered • The three types of military drill: regulation, ceremonial, and exhibition• Why drill training builds discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills• The importance of understanding the “why” behind military traditions• How color guard and ceremonial roles represent the military to the public• TSgt’s career journey from reprographics specialist to drill instructor• How technological change eliminated entire career fields in the military• Why adaptability and competence matter more than ever today• The declining emphasis on drill training across the services• The role of JROTC instructors and cadet programs in preserving standards• The Air Force’s new basic training model, which includes deployment scenarios and operational readiness training About the Guest TSgt “DrillMaster” is a retired Air Force Technical Sergeant with decades of experience in drill instruction, training development, and ceremonial standards. He runs a YouTube channel focused on analyzing drill performances, color guard execution, and exhibition drill routines, helping service members, cadets, and first responders improve their skills. Through books, pocket guides, and training resources, he continues educating the next generation on the history, discipline, and professionalism behind military drill and ceremonies. Why This Episode Matters Whether you're preparing for the ASVAB, joining the military, or currently serving, this conversation highlights a key truth: Strong fundamentals create strong leaders. The habits you build early — attention to detail, discipline, and commitment to standards — shape your entire military career. Resources Mentioned ASVAB Domination PodcastASVAB prep courses and study toolsMilitary drill and ceremony training resources Connect with Michael Gamonal If you're preparing for the ASVAB and want to increase your score: 🌐 Courses and resources:https://gamonaltutors.com 📘 ASVAB Domination Workbook on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9Z4GJGB https://asvabdomination.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03041.wav

  7. Feb 12

    Episode #49: What Recruiters Wish You Knew About the ASVAB

    Guest: Nick Pogam Guest Project: Path to Serve Topic: ASVAB realities, ethical recruiting, and career paths beyond the first contract Episode Overview In this episode, Mickey sits down with Nick Pogam, Army veteran, former recruiter, and founder of Path to Serve, joining the conversation from Belgium. Nick shares his journey from an uncertain civilian teenager to infantry soldier, recruiter in Pennsylvania, and eventually a role supporting NATO overseas. Nick pulls back the curtain on military recruitment—what works, what doesn’t, and why education matters more than pressure. From taking a practice ASVAB for cash at the mall to helping recruits navigate waivers, LASIK, and long-term career planning, this episode highlights the human side of enlistment and the responsibility recruiters have to do it right. The conversation also explores how young recruits often underestimate the impact of their decisions, why rapport beats sales tactics, and how platforms like Path to Serve aim to give future service members clearer information before they sign on the dotted line. Key Topics Covered Nick’s ASVAB journey: scoring a 37 → 57 and choosing infantry The reality of recruiting high school students Ethical recruiting vs. quota-driven recruiting Lessons learned recruiting in Amish country (Lancaster, PA) How social media and community-building support enlistment Helping recruits overcome barriers like vision requirements and waivers Why education and transparency matter in military contracts Career evolution: infantry → platoon sergeant → NATO assignment Building Path to Serve as a trusted enlistment resource Notable Takeaways The ASVAB is often underestimated—but it shapes career options for decades Rapport and trust outperform pressure tactics in recruiting Many recruits don’t realize how binding military contracts truly are With mentorship and persistence, waivers and setbacks aren’t the end Long-term military careers rarely look like the original plan Who This Episode Is For Students and parents navigating ASVAB and enlistment decisions Recruiters who want to recruit ethically and effectively Service members considering reenlistment or career changes Veterans interested in education-focused military advocacy Path to Serve

  8. Feb 9

    Episode 48: Denied the Nuke Program: A Navy Veteran’s ASVAB Reality

    🎙️ ASVAB Domination Podcast — Episode Show Notes Guest: Cindy Palmer Podcast: ASVAB Domination Podcast Topic: ASVAB lessons, Navy service, and building a veteran-focused entrepreneurship platform Episode Overview In this episode, Mickey sits down with Cindy Palmer, Navy veteran and host of the Veterans of Business (VOB) podcast. Cindy shares her personal ASVAB journey, her unexpected path in the Navy, and how those experiences shaped her mission to support veteran entrepreneurs. From nearly entering the Navy’s Nuclear program to pivoting into administrative and pay roles, Cindy’s story highlights how ASVAB scores, eligibility rules, and flexibility can shape a military career in surprising ways. The conversation also dives deep into entrepreneurship after service—what veterans struggle with, how to build confidence, and why telling real, messy stories matters. This episode bridges military enlistment, adult education, and veteran entrepreneurship, making it especially relevant for service members, parents of future recruits, and veterans considering business ownership. Key Topics Covered Cindy’s ASVAB experience and Navy enlistment journey Why she couldn’t enter the Nuke program despite qualifying scores The importance of having a backup plan in the military How adult learners can rebuild study habits and academic confidence Common challenges veterans face when transitioning to entrepreneurship The mission and future rebrand of the Veterans of Business (VOB) podcast Why sharing the “messy middle” of business matters How ASVAB prep and tutoring support long-term career outcomes Notable Takeaways An ASVAB score doesn’t just determine eligibility—it can redirect your entire career path Adult learners benefit massively from structure, tutoring, and pattern recognition Veterans often struggle not with skill, but with confidence and visibility in business Entrepreneurship is a transition just like the military—and it deserves support systems Who This Episode Is For Future service members preparing for the ASVAB Veterans navigating life after the military Parents supporting teens through enlistment decisions Veteran entrepreneurs or those considering starting a business VOB Podcast - Cindy Palmer

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The ASVAB Domination podcast is designed for anyone desiring motivation, direction, and focus in reaching their ASVAB goals. Host Mickey Gamonal has helped dozens of students raise their GT and ST scores to get better jobs, bonuses, and contracts across all branches of the military. In this podcast, Mickey blends classical teaching with real world military experience to deliver explanations on making the most of your military career. If you’re ready to take your scores to the next level, or you just need extra inspiration or motivation, tune in to The ASVAB Domination Podcast. Follow Mickey on Instagram @mickey.gamonal https://www.instagram.com/mickey.gamonal/

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