Behind the Wings

The Behind the Wings podcast is back with Season 7 and 10 new episodes! From the mysteries of black holes to the hovering capabilities of the Harrier Jump Jet, and the final flight of the SR-71 Blackbird, we've got some incredible stories and guests lined up! New episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with Pilot Mike Silva, famously known for landing his news helicopter on a fleeing bank robber's car. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool. See you next week for Season 7 of Behind the Wings. In the meantime, check out our past episodes!

Retired Fighter Pilot Randy "Laz" Gordon explains how the F-22 changed the air battlefield and why it was built to win the first fight. In this episode, Randy discusses the 70-plus aircraft he has flown, his combat career, test-flying fighter jets, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of aviation. We’ll also explore some of the Raptor's surprising similarities to civilian Cessna aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, "Laz" has done it all. This one is going to be cool! Episode 60 marks the end of Season 6. We will be taking a short break, but are excited to bring you more stories in Season 7, coming this fall. Resources: Special Lecture: F-22 Flight Controls (YouTube)Randy's BioThe F-22 Raptor (Lockheed Martin)Chapters:

Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it. In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn! Resources: Jonathan's BioJonathan's Space ReportSpace Debris (NASA)Wild Wild Space Trailer (HBO Max)Chapters:

Retired Pilot Maj. Gen. Garrett “Sack” Harencak and Weapons Systems Officer Lt. Col. Tony “Voodoo” Eret share what it was like to fly together in the Rockwell B-1 Lancer. In this episode, they take us inside the “Bone”, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing bomber originally designed for low-level nuclear strikes and later transformed into a precision conventional strike aircraft. They discuss nuclear alert procedures, low-level mountain missions using terrain-following radar, and a first-hand account of ejecting from the four-person flight deck. This one is going to be cool! Resources: Wings Museum's B-1A LancerThe B-1 Lancer (Behind the Wings Video)Chapters:

Retired F-111 Pilot Lt. Col. Kevin “Too Kool” Kuhlmann explains how the General Dynamics F-111 could perform almost any role in the air battlefield, as a fighter, bomber, and even low-level attack aircraft. In this episode, Kevin discusses maintaining weapon systems on the F-106 and F-4, flying the Aardvark, and the thrill of lighting the afterburner during fuel dumps. With groundbreaking technology for its time, like terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and an ejection capsule, this supersonic jet was not only advanced but a whole lot of fun to fly. This one is going to be cool! Resources: Wings Museum's FB-111AKevin's MSU BioThe F-111 Aardvark (Behind the Wings)Chapters:

Social Scientist Alires Almon explains why the human element is critical to mission success during long-duration spaceflights. In this episode, Alires discusses the impacts of sending people to the Moon and beyond, how to maintain their mental health, and the ethics of extended space missions. With challenges like extreme isolation, communication delays, and living within the confines of the spacecraft, taking care of an astronaut’s overall wellness will be no easy task. There is a lot to learn! Resources: Deep Space Predictive's WebsiteProject LodestarChapters:

Retired Lt. Col. Josh Cadice shares his story of going to the edge of space in one of the most iconic spy planes ever built. In this episode, Josh discusses flying the KC-135, wearing the pressure suit, piloting the mysterious U-2 at 70,000 feet, and its aerial reconnaissance capabilities. From Cold War origins to modern missions, this aircraft’s legacy is as fascinating as it is classified. This one is going to be cool! Resources: U-2 Air Force Fact SheetKC-135 Air Force Fact SheetChapters:

Retired Navy Commander Everett Alvarez Jr. shares his story of surviving the Hỏa Lò Prison as one of the longest-held prisoners of war in U.S. history. In this episode, Everett discusses flying the A-4 Skyhawk, being shot down in Vietnam, enduring harsh conditions and torture, and reacclimating to life back home after Operation Homecoming. Throughout his journey, Everett and fellow captives held onto the will to live when all else was stripped away. There is a lot to learn! Resources: "Code of Conduct" by Everett Alvarez Jr."Chained Eagle" by Everett Alvarez Jr.The Hanoi Hilton Exhibit (American Heritage Museum)The Hanoi March and the Consolidation of POWs (PBS)Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Wikipedia)Operation Pierce Arrow (Wikipedia)Chapters:

Air Boss Kellie Hudson tells us how she balances spectacle and safety while controlling intense air show skies. In this episode, Kellie discusses her path from air traffic controller to air boss, managing the airspace over AirVenture Oshkosh, and ramp bossing the Super Bowl. From coordinating warbirds and jet teams to managing emergencies on the flight line, she shares what it takes to keep the skies and ground running smoothly. This one is going to be cool! Resources: Kellie Hudson's WebsiteEAA AirVenture OshkoshChapters:

Aerial Cinematographer and Stunt Pilot Kevin “K2” LaRosa shares how he brought some of the most complex aviation movie scenes to life. In this episode, Kevin discusses designing and flying the modified L-39 CineJet, filming iconic movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Devotion", and training A-list Hollywood actors. If you’ve seen aerial cinematography on the big screen lately, it’s likely Kevin had a hand in it. Be sure to tune in because there's an exclusive announcement this episode! This one is going to be cool! Want to hear more "Top Gun" stories? Check out Episode 40 with "Maverick" Stunt Pilot Scott "Intake" Kartvedt! Resources: Kevin LaRosa's WebsiteInterview: Kevin LaRosa II, aerial coordinator and lead camera pilot for ‘Devotion,’ on those high-flying sequences (Awards Watch)Chapters:

Retired F-15 and F-16 fighter pilot Nicole Malachowski tells us about flying 18 inches off the wings of high-speed jets as a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird. Welcome to Season 6 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Nicole takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first woman to become a Thunderbird pilot. She discusses her combat missions, flying in airshows, her WASP connection, and how a tick-borne illness changed her life forever. There is a lot to learn! Resources: Nicole Malachowski's WebsiteNicole Malachowski's Bio (Wikipedia)Chapters:

Season 6 of the Behind the Wings podcast is back with 10 new episodes! Hear stories from one of the longest interned Vietnam POWs, Everett Alvarez Jr., controlling the chaotic skies above air shows with Air Boss Kellie Hudson, and the making of Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion with Aerial Cinematographer and Stunt Pilot Kevin "K2" LaRosa. We've got some incredible stories and guests coming up! New episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Nicole "Fifi" Malachowski. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool! We will see you next week for Season 6 of Behind the Wings. In the meantime, check out our past episodes!

Legendary aerospace engineer Burt Rutan shares untold stories behind some of the most unique air and spacecraft ever built. In this episode, Burt reflects on a lifetime of aerospace innovation — from working as a U.S. Air Force flight test engineer to breaking records with his homebuilt aircraft. He also discusses stall testing the F-4, Bede Aircraft, the world’s largest airplane, and the Voyager and GlobalFlyer around-the-world flights. This one is going to be cool! Episode 50 marks the end of Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back later this year with Season 6! Key Takeaways: Resources: Burt's WebsiteThe BD-5Stratolaunch's WebsiteHypersonic Flight Testing (Behind the Wings on PBS)

Retired NASA Astronaut Lieutenant General Susan Helms reflects on her 211 days in space and life onboard a young International Space Station. In this episode, Susan takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty woman officer to become a NASA astronaut. She discusses attending the United States Air Force Academy, flight testing fighter jets, her five space missions, and a record-breaking spacewalk. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Susan Helms' WebsiteSusan Helms' NASA BioSusan Helms' Air Force BioOne of first female Air Force Academy graduates, Susan Helms, becomes first female military astronaut in space (Denver 7)Expedition 2 (NASA)

Astrophysicist and professor, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell reflects on how she helped change astronomy forever. In this episode, learn more about how a peculiar signal from space led Jocelyn to a groundbreaking discovery. She discusses her aerospace journey, building a radio telescope, discovering pulsars, and the 1974 Nobel Prize controversy. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Jocelyn's Bio (Wikipedia)What are pulsars? (Space.com)Journeys of Discovery (University of Cambridge)

Secretary of the United States Air Force Frank Kendall discusses AI's impact on modern air warfare. In this episode, we're switching things up and going to the Pentagon to bring you a special in-depth conversation on artificial intelligence in military aviation. Secretary Kendall discusses AI’s evolving role in U.S. air power, collaborative combat aircraft, technology breakthroughs, and ethical concerns. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Secretary Frank Kendall's Bio (Air Force)Departing Air Force Secretary Will Leave Space Weaponry as a Legacy (New York Times)AI in Military Aviation (Behind the Wings PBS)Collaborative Combat Aircraft (Behind the Wings PBS)

National Museum of WWII Aviation Curator Gene Pfeffer discusses why winning the air war was pivotal to D-Day's success. In this episode, we’ll dive into the planning and execution of air operations, the aircraft that supported the massive assault, the continued aerial support for troops after Operation Overlord, and its lasting legacy and impact on aviation. June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and gave us the opportunity to learn more about one of the most important battles of WWII. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: The National Museum of WWII Aviation WebsiteOperation Overlord: D-Day (National Museum of the U.S. Air Force)Operation Overlord (Wikipedia)Air War During Operation Overlord (Wikipedia)

Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, discusses the crossroads of pageantry and the military. In this episode, Madi takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty officer to earn the Miss America title. She shares insights into her pilot training, attending the United States Air Force Academy, cancer research, starting a non-profit, and how a military background has influenced her career. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Resources: Miss America WebsiteOne Lieutenant’s Journey from USAFA to Miss Colorado to Harvard (United States Air Force)Madison Marsh: Beauty Queen, Hard-Core Air Force Officer (Forbes)Whitney Marsh Foundation

How the world's largest aircraft, Stratolaunch Roc, is paving the way for repeatable hypersonic testing. Welcome to the final part of our bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming with Stratolaunch at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Join us as we talk about the history of hypersonics, building the Stratolaunch Roc, the Talon-A test vehicle, the Hadley rocket engine, and flying this twin-fuselage aircraft. This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Our regularly scheduled podcast series will return on 12/2/24 with guest Madison Marsh, the first active-duty officer to be crowned Miss America. Thanks for joining us! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MTyou

How a seemingly impossible idea helped America win the space race. Welcome to part 3 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 6! In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss behind-the-scenes stories while filming the legendary Super Guppy in El Paso, Texas. Join us as we talk about the space race, building the Super Guppy, the similarities this aircraft has with Frankenstein, and watching the odd airplane fly. This one is going to be cool! Check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on! Full Season Premiere Schedule: PBS Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 14, 2024, 8:00 p.m. MT Wings' YouTube Channel Episode 1 - AI in Military Aviation: November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 2 - Collaborative Combat Aircraft: November 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 3 - The Super Guppy: November 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT Episode 4 - Hypersonic Flight Testing: November 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m. MT