Advertise on podcast: Mission Inspire

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 mohmuseum.org.

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 mohmuseum.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.