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. 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

  2. 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)

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jan 31

    Episode 47: How to Dominate the ASVAB in 2026

    In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Michael Gamonal breaks down exactly what it will take to crush the ASVAB in 2026—no fluff, no outdated advice. You’ll learn: What actually matters on the ASVAB (and what doesn’t) The biggest mistakes students make when studying How to raise your AFQT and unlock better jobs, bonuses, and contracts A simple, realistic study approach for busy, military-bound students Whether you’re testing for the first time, retesting, or helping someone you care about prepare, this episode gives you a clear game plan to dominate. Key Topics Covered: AFQT vs line scores (and why AFQT comes first) Why “studying everything” is a losing strategy The core sections that move your score fastest How recruiters actually look at ASVAB scores Study habits that work even with a full schedule Resources Mentioned: 📝 Free ASVAB Domination Checklisthttps://freechecklist.asvabdomination.com 📘 ASVAB Domination Workbook (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9Z4GJGB 🌐 Courses & tutoringhttps://gamonaltutors.com 🎧 More episodesASVAB Domination Podcast (Spotify) Call to Action:If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s military-bound and leave a review—it helps more students find the show.   How to Dominate the ASVAB in 2026(1)

  7. Jan 14

    Episode #46: Your Last ASVAB Score Counts — David Soberal’s ASVAB Plot Twist

    In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey sits down with former Marine Corporal David Soberal (USMC 2000–2005) to talk about what happens when your life plan completely falls apart—starting with an ASVAB score that cost him his reenlistment. David shares how volunteering in school unexpectedly sent him to Japan, how 9/11 changed his tour overnight, and how a “just for fun” ASVAB retake years later quietly shut the door on his admin career. That closed door eventually led him to restaurant management, airport operations, LinkedIn “Standouts,” and—most importantly—meeting his wife. If you’ve ever felt like a low ASVAB score or a failed plan is the end of the world, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll hear: Soberal Podcast - FinalHow a single “I need a volunteer” moment sent David to Japan instead of just pushing a broom What it was like to be stationed in Japan when 9/11 happened and then get told, “Pack your bags, you’re going to Kuwait” The reality of life in Kuwait: sandstorms, camel spiders, scorpions, gas masks, and Air Force-level amenities How David’s admin job (pay, awards, travel claims) quietly kept Marines’ lives moving behind the scenes The ASVAB twist: why a careless retake in a basement class lowered his score and later blocked his reenlistment How repeated retakes kept dropping his score, and the emotional weight of choosing between going grunt or getting out Why that “failure” set up the rest of his life: restaurant leadership, airport ops, Lyft, gig work, and meeting his wife David’s message to current service members: your last ASVAB score counts—and your life isn’t over if a test doesn’t go your way How David now uses LinkedIn Standouts to spotlight other professionals and give them a platform Key takeaways for ASVAB students: Your ASVAB score matters—but it does not define your worth or your future Don’t treat prep like a joke if you’re going to rely on that score later (especially for reenlistment) Even when the military says “no,” life can still be saying “yes” in a different direction The story you tell yourself about your score is more powerful than the number itself Connect with David:🔗 LinkedIn: Search “David Soberal” on LinkedIn (Marine Corps veteran & LinkedIn Standouts creator) https://asvabdomination.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Soberal-Podcast-Final.wav More ASVAB help from Michael:🎧 ASVAB Domination Podcast playlist📘 ASVAB Domination Workbook & courses at Gamonaltutors.com📲 Daily tips on TikTok, IG, and YouTube: @gamonaltutors / @mickey.gamonal

  8. Jan 10

    Episode #45: From MP to Commander: ROTC, Deployment, and Owning Your Career Path

    In this episode, Mickey sits down with CPT Taylor Scroggins—company commander (Bravo 1108) and member of the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW). They talk ASVAB origin stories, choosing an MOS with intention, what ROTC and Advanced Camp really look like, and how being proactive (instead of reactive) can change everything—from range safety to career progression to unit readiness. What you’ll hear in this episode A range-day story that shows what “real leadership” looks like when safety standards matter CPT Scroggins’ ASVAB experience: scoring a 61, not studying, and getting recruited straight out of JROTC How she chose 31B (Military Police): “Show me the full list of jobs I qualify for” MP training realities (yes—spray and taser) and what Guard-life as an MP actually felt like ROTC explained: SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program), skipping early years, and the real cadence of classes + labs Advanced Camp at Fort Knox: what happens, what people struggle with, and how ROTC programs can set cadets up to fail Commissioning traditions (first salute) and why her grandfather was an unforgettable part of her story Leadership fast-track: going straight to XO because of officer shortages—and doing the work even when it’s “unrated” Being sent to an FSC (Forward Support Company) and still getting stuck as “acting XO” Deployment to Germany supporting the mission training Ukrainians (CPT Scroggins in SPO / logistics support) The career “binder” strategy: KD positions, broadening assignments, promotion points, and having a plan A wild moment: getting offered a TAC job… and walking out as the new S4 instead MDMP under pressure: solving a real statewide readiness problem with a tiny, brand-new staff IPPW explained: using D-IoX survey data to identify risk/protective factors and intervene before issues escalate Why intentionality keeps showing up in her story—from MOS selection to command Key takeaways Don’t let someone else pick your career for you—start with the full list, then decide. The earlier you get intentional, the more leverage you have with opportunities later. Great leaders keep standards (like safety) even when it’s inconvenient. Prevention work matters: improving climate and connectedness can reduce risks before they become incidents. Resources mentioned ASVAB Domination Podcast ROTC / SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) MDMP (Military Decision Making Process) Operational Readiness (OR rate) concepts D-IoX survey and IPPW (Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce) Guest contact (as shared in the episode)CPT Taylor Scroggins (IPPW, Mississippi)Desk phone: (601) 313-6608 Connect / next stepIf you’re ASVAB-bound and want to pick the best job you qualify for (not just “whatever’s available”), follow the show and share this episode with a friend who’s considering enlisting or commissioning. ASVABdomination.com Gamonaltutors.com https://asvabdomination.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gamonal-Tutors-Podcast-Scroggins.wav

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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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