Show Notes
On this episode, Defense Information School instructor and host Jack Rous takes us on a field trip to 50/50 Martial Arts Academy in Falls Church, Virginia, to meet Ryan Hall—UFC fighter, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and owner of the academy. Known as “The Wizard,” Ryan discusses his journey from reality TV fame on The Ultimate Fighter to competing on UFC pay-per-view cards alongside legends like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.
Ryan shares insights into the role of communication in his career, including media training, managing high-pressure situations, and connecting with audiences. He also offers lessons learned that apply to public affairs and military communicators. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on discipline, excellence, and the power of effective storytelling!
More from The DINFOS Way
In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous sits down with Air Force 1st Lt. Madison Marsh, the first active-duty service member crowned Miss America, to talk about communicating under pressure. Marsh shares how she learned media skills on the fly after her 2024 win, how she balances being both the messenger and the message, and how she adjusts her story for reporters, troops and a Harvard classroom. From handling tough questions to telling authentic stories, this conversation offers advice every service member can use when the spotlight finds them.
In Episode 45 of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous sits down with Donald “Chip” Maury, a Navy veteran, combat photographer, award-winning photo editor and lifelong mentor to generations of visual communicators.
In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous speaks with Master Sgt. Ben Stratton, emerging technology program manager at the Air Force Public Affairs Agency, about practical and responsible uses of artificial intelligence in military public affairs. Stratton discusses how communicators can use AI and automation to improve workflows while protecting public trust, strengthening content provenance and keeping human judgment at the center of every message. From building foundational AI skills to knowing when to slow down and verify, this conversation offers military communicators actionable insight for working in an AI-enabled information environment.
In this episode of The DINFOS Way, host Jack Rous talks with longtime 98 Rock Baltimore radio personality and public affairs broadcaster Amelia Ryerse about communicating in ways that truly connect with audiences. Amelia shares how preparation, authenticity and audience awareness shape every show, from rock radio to her “Maryland Perspectives” public affairs program, and offers practical advice DINFOS students and military communicators can apply to their own interviews, podcasts and on‑air work.
In this episode of “The DINFOS Way,” host Jack Rous sits down with instructor Shelby Kay-Fantozzi to explore how the Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course prepares military communicators for the next level of responsibility. Shelby, a former Air Force public affairs professional and award-winning DINFOS instructor, shares how she builds confident, critical-thinking PA leaders in the classroom. From sharpening media literacy and messaging skills to coaching students through real-world scenarios, she breaks down what makes IPASC unique in the DOW training pipeline and what students can expect when they walk through the door.