Best John F Kennedy School Podcasts (2024)

1
Low Flying the Cold War USAF F-111 Nuclear Bomber (358) 1:29:04

5d ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Due to personal circumstances, I’ve been unable to produce a new episode this week, however, you will be aware of the many gems in the back catalogue and I have chosen one of my favourites today which is a rip-roaring story of service in the USAF with Rick Shreve an F111 pilot which I know you will enjoy. Normal service should be resumed next week.…

1
Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution (357) 57:33

7d ago57:33

57:33

Allan Little recounts his journey from his student days in Edinburgh to working as a journalist the front lines of Cold War history in Eastern Europe and beyond. In 1989 he found himself on the night shift at the BBC’s Today programme in London when the Berlin Wall fell. Witnessing the world change in real time Allan’s desire to be part of these mo…

1
Mafia Spies and the CIA Plot to Kill Fidel Castro (356) 56:47

2d ago56:47

56:47

Thomas Maier an investigative journalist is our guide to the shadowy world of organized crime and espionage where shares insights from his extensive research and writing, including his latest book and drama documentary "Mafia Spies," which explores the unlikely alliance between the CIA and the Mafia in their attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro. We…

1
Get Motivated 2:19

4h ago2:19

2:19

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done" — Lucille BallBy La Shawn B. Wells

1
Are You Tough Enough? | The JFK 50 Miler 1:29:22

3h ago1:29:22

1:29:22

Did you know the nation's oldest and largest continuously held ultramarathon was launched as a national challenge by President John F. Kennedy? On today's podcast, we are fortunate enough to have Mike Spinnler as our guest and SWCS's very own Command Sergeant Major, Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Strong. It is the only remaining 50-mile event of several held aroun…

1
Teaching English in East Germany (355) 1:15:40

16h ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Bärbel was born in a village near Magdeburg in 1962, She explores her personal and professional life growing up in East Germany. We delve into her family's views on the East German government, her journey to becoming a teacher, and her experiences teaching English. We cover gender roles and the pressures to become a member of the communist party. A…

1
Motivational is Personal 3:00

24d ago3:00

3:00

By La Shawn B. Wells

1
Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter (354) 1:08:40

11d ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO. He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would have used required dual control from both the President of the United States and the British Prime …

1
Money is a Weapon | Brig. Gen. Dudley—the Counter Threat Finance expert in the U.S. Army 56:27

14d ago56:27

56:27

Trailblazer does not begin to define Brigadier General Sara Dudley, who is truly undefinable. Finance officer by trade, Brig. Gen. Dudley is the Counter Threat Finance expert currently serving within the United States Army. From deployments in the Middle East to serving within the Special Operations Command, Brig. Gen. Dudley is a true testament to…

1
Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot (353) 46:34

18d ago46:34

46:34

Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald. He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, the Canberra. He describes the capabilities of this versatile and iconic aircraft, from high-speed reconnaissance to its nuclear role. The Canberra's des…

1
A Cold War Hungarian Journey Through War, Revolution, and Emigration (352) 1:05:27

22d ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this comprehensive narrative, Imre recounts his life from his birth in 1936 in Hungary to his emigration to the West after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He discusses the influence of his family’s Hungarian and German heritage, his father’s work in the oil industry, and the impact of World War II and communist rule on his upbringing. The account…

1
God’s Plan 3:07

1M ago3:07

3:07

By La Shawn B. Wells

1
The Berlin History Curriculum: Racist, Problematic, or Just Fine Thank You? 29:59

27d ago29:59

29:59

JFK students have long debated gender segregated sports classes. At long last, bringing student voices to the forefront, JFKS IDEAS has taken up this issue. Our discussion was inspired by an article featured in the last edition of the IDEAS Journal. This podcast was hosted, produced, edited, and engineered by Josie Riemer. Special thanks to Nurcan …

1
Mutiny in the East German Army (351) 48:02

29d ago48:02

48:02

In this riveting account, Tilo recounts his experiences as an East German soldier during the final months of East Germany. He details the rising political awareness among soldiers, and his fear that his unit will be asked to shoot on demonstrators also provides a personal perspective on the pivotal moments leading up to and following the fall of th…

1
The State of SWCS | A conversation with BG Beaurpere, CSM Strong, and CW5 Ostrander 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

It's not every day you get to interview your boss's boss's boss. We review the main mission of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, how the organization has continued to evolve and uphold standards through the past two years, and what is on the horizon. About the guests: Brigadier General Guillaume “Will” Beaurpere has s…

1
Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (350) 1:12:45

1M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

This episode is brought to you by the CNN Original Series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game which premieres 2nd June 2024 and is available now on BBC Iplayer). The series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the 1980s as the Cold War brings two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. This razor-sharp series examines the tenuousness of glo…

1
Performance Coaching 3:11

1M ago3:11

3:11

Right Choice Coaching presents Performance Coaching for Athlete. Learn to play stress free, enhance sports performance and improve outcomes! - Examine attitudes - Gain Confidence - Improve Outcomes.By La Shawn B. Wells

1
The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349) 52:36

1M ago52:36

52:36

Luca Trenta is an associate professor at Swansea University and has recently authored The President's Kill List: Assassination and US Foreign Policy Since 1945. We dig in detail into the contents of the book delving into the history of Cold War CIA operations including instances of electoral interference and assassination. Our conversation explores…

1
The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348) 33:58

2M ago33:58

33:58

I’m a big fan of the History Daily podcast, where my good friend Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Visit Historydaily.com or search History Daily in your podcast app to learn more. As an introduction to History Daily I have selected two Cold War-themed episodes that I know yo…

1
Parents Need to Parent 4:47

2M ago4:47

4:47

By La Shawn B. Wells

1
All the Places You'll Go | The U.S. Embassy Special Operations Liaison Officer (SOLO) 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Did you know Army Special Operations often deploy to U.S. Embassies across the globe? Did you know that some Special Operations personnel even move to those Embassies for years at a time to assist partner nations and coordinate Special Operations elements? Join us in a conversation with a U.S. Embassy-based Special Operations Liaison Officer (SOLO)…

1
A US Diplomat's Son in Cold War Soviet Union, Nicaragua and Cuba (347) 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War. Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both…

1
East German Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346) 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links: UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Tilo shares his raw and powerful testimony of a young man conscripted into the East German military at the height of Cold War tensions. …

1
Till all are One | The Space / SOF / Cyber Triad 1:06:14

2M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Join us in today's episode covering the SOF / Cyber / Space Triad where we discuss how Space and Cyber integrate with Special Operations, but also how it is taught in the pipelines and courses here at the JFK Special Warfare Center & School. We cover some of the history and significance of Space and Cyber integrating in conflict, competition, and w…

1
America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345) 1:22:42

2M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades. David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more tha…

1
The Challenges of a Christian East German Childhood (344) 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

Tilo offers an engaging and personal account of growing up in East Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He begins by describing his early childhood in a rundown building in Prenzlauer Berg before moving to a new prefab neighbourhood in Lichtenberg. Tilo’s grandfather on his mother’s side was a pastor in the Lutheran church and second in comma…

1
The Aftermath 25:29

3M ago25:29

25:29

The Warren Commission has been the subject of ridicule for decades. But conspiracy theorists often overlook one key thing about it. And—why have conspiracy writers—who have accused the Commission of overlooking things during its nine-month probe, overlooked things during a far longer time—two-thirds of a century? Buy the book Countdown to Dallas: T…

1
Soldiers Become Governors | Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection 1:03:50

3M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

How do Soldiers transition to become governors? Experts on the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection (CAAS), join us in a conversation about how to best prepare for the mental and physical journey. Would you like to know more? Go here to see if Civil Affairs is what you've been searching for (https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/CA/) Video: ht…

1
Commanding a Cold War US Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine (343) 1:22:01

3M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Bill Woodman is a former US Navy nuclear missile submarine commander, who shares his rich experiences from joining the US Naval Academy in 1964 to commanding two SSBN submarines, the USS James Monroe and the USS Alabama during the Cold War. Bill opens up about his initial aspirations, rigorous training at the Naval Academy, and his challenging inte…

1
The Final Hour 26:44

3M ago26:44

26:44

President and Mrs. Kennedy arrive in Dallas. The weather is spectacular, so the president’s top aide orders the Secret Service to keep the “bubble top” roof off Kennedy's car, so everyone can get a good look at the First Couple. The motorcade proceeds along a route that has been publicized for days, and large, friendly crowds give the Kennedys a wa…

1
My friend the Bridge of Spies spy - Part 2 (342) 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

Burt recounts the surreal experience of learning about Fisher's true identity from a newspaper headline, the subsequent FBI interrogations, and the emotional courtroom testimony where he struggled to reconcile his friendship with the stark reality of espionage. Burt's journey leads him to Moscow in a failed attempt to reconnect with Fisher, reveali…

1
November 22, 1963 - The Morning Hours 25:42

4M ago25:42

25:42

In Fort Worth, Kennedy makes jokes about being assassinated. In his final speech, he says the world is “dangerous and uncertain”. Oswald, meantime, drives into Dallas with Frazier, with a long, heavy-looking package in the backseat. He asks a co-worker which way the president’s motorcade is coming—though he and everyone else have already read about…

1
Secrets Behind the Special Warfare Museum | Roxanne Merritt and Living History 1:02:04

3M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Roxanne Merritt is truly an institution within Army Special Operations. Her tenure as the Supervisory Curator at the JFK Special Warfare Museum predates the establishment of SOCOM, and even predates Special Forces becoming a branch in the Army. Join us as we interview her for her podcast debut! The JFK Special Warfare Museum was established in 1963…

1
My friend the Bridge of Spies spy - Part 1 (341) 1:07:08

3M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

In a riveting episode that peels back the layers of Cold War espionage, we sit down with Burt, an artist who unwittingly befriended a man better known as Colonel Abel, the infamous Bridge of Spies Spy who was exchanged for shot down US U2 pilot Gary Powers. Burt knew Abel as Emil Goldfuss but his real name was Willie Fisher from Newcastle Upon Tyne…

1
Gender Segregated Sport Class? 33:47

4M ago33:47

33:47

JFK students have long debated gender segregated sports classes. At long last, bringing student voices to the forefront, JFKS IDEAS has taken up this issue. Our discussion was inspired by an article featured in the last edition of the IDEAS Journal. This podcast was hosted, produced, edited, and engineered by Josie Riemer. Special thanks to Nurcan …

1
The Final Week, Part Two 19:20

4M ago19:20

19:20

After learning that President Kennedy would pass right in front of his work place — the Texas School Bool Depository — Lee Harvey Oswald makes a surprise—and unwanted—visit to Marina Oswald, who is living with her two children at the home of Ruth Paine in Irving. He brings with him a 38-inch long bag—long enough to hold the dissented rifle that he …

1
A Diver Sapper in the Cold War Soviet Navy (340) 45:16

3M ago45:16

45:16

Valeriy was a Soviet Navy diver sapper and was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. I have used a human translator for this episode so the main voice you will hear is my translator Galina Ryabova who was kindly funded by one of my financial supporters Valeriy opens up about his childhood, the impact of the Great Patriotic War on his family, and his mo…

1
The Final Week, Part One 22:44

4M ago22:44

22:44

While campaigning in Florida, President Kennedy takes his usual security risks—and comments in the possibility of being assassinated. Ahead of his upcoming visit to Dallas, President Kennedy's motorcade route is released to both of the city’s newspapers — where it is seen by Lee Harvey Oswald. Realizing that Kennedy would pass in front of the Texas…

1
Writing About Writing | The Harding Project and the Effort to Revitalize the Army's Professional Journals 1:04:13

4M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

The Harding Project is an effort led by Zachary Griffiths and Leyton Summerlin as they strive to revitalize the professional military journals across the Army. This episode discusses "writing about writing," but also the efforts of The Harding Project and how Zach and Leyton are striving to both modernize and catalog the Army's professional militar…

1
Gymnastics and Pills: An East German Childhood (339) 1:37:13

4M ago1:37:13

1:37:13

Sirka offers a comprehensive exploration of life in East Germany, detailing the experiences of growing up in Neubrandenburg, the influence of the East German state and the Stasi, and the societal impacts of Mikhail Gorbachev's policies leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. She also talks of her intensive gymnastics training and being given pil…

1
Security Scare 20:38

4M ago20:38

20:38

Final preparations are made for President Kennedy’s trip. Coming off the death of their son Patrick, Jacqueline Kennedy is eager to travel with her husband, but dreads Texas itself. In New York, a Secret Service agent aims his rifle at a motorist who gets too close. Meanwhile, in these final days, what was Oswald up to? Buy the book Countdown to Da…

1
The Soviet Afghan War (338) 1:09:50

4M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

The Soviet-Afghan War lasted ten years between 1979-1989 and led to the deaths of between 500k and 2m Afghan civilians. I speak with Nick Geering a Russian history and language teacher. From his memories of the haunting sight of uniformed amputees in St Petersburg to the complex origins of the conflict, we explore the intricacies of a war that was …

1
Digging into Black History Month 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

Why have Black History Month? How should it be celebrated? How can Black History best be celebrated while not overlooking the travesties endured by systemic oppression? We recorded one of our weekly IDEAS meetings to explore these questions and more. This podcast was hosted by our fearless Director, Merlina Vogel and edited and produced by the inim…

1
Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War on Netflix Podcast (337) 55:36

4M ago55:36

55:36

Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War, is a nine-part documentary series from director Brian Knappenberger, that provides a comprehensive appraisal of the events that led to the Cold War and traces the conflict around the world and through the decades. While the Cold War ended in 1991, even a casual appraisal of current headlines reveals that re…

1
Presidential Security 21:06

5M ago21:06

21:06

What was presidential security like before President Kennedy’s fatal visit to Dallas? Paul Brandus explores motorcades and more — plus, the attitude that 20th-century presidents had towards their own safety. Buy the book Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" that Brought John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald T…

1
Eat, Sleep, Perform | Human Performance in Special Operations 1:08:47

4M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Join us in today's episode as we have Jim Arp and Steve Mannino from the Human Performance organization within the United States Army Special Operations Center and School to discuss human performance in Army Special Operations. From physical therapists to registered dieticians. Interpersonal performance coaches, strength coaches, and athletic train…

1
Sex, spies and scandal : the John Vassall affair (336) 1:30:17

4M ago1:30:17

1:30:17

Alex Grant’s new book Sex, Spies and Scandal The John Vassall Affair has everything: a honey trap, industrial-scale espionage, journalists jailed for not revealing their sources and the first modern tabloid witch-hunt, which resulted in a ministerial resignation and almost brought down Harold Macmillan’s government. With access to newly released MI…

1
Preparing for Texas 20:46

5M ago20:46

20:46

President Kennedy’s Texas trip takes shape. How were the arrangements made for Kennedy’s trip? Who decided where he would go and when? Buy the book Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" that Brought John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

1
V-Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War (335) 1:28:23

4M ago1:28:23

1:28:23

V-Bombers: Britain's Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War is a new book by Dr Tony Redding that takes a deep dive into Britain's V-bomber force's operational nuclear war role. Tony reveals the intense preparations and the stark realities faced by the aircrews, who lived in a perpetual state of wartime readiness despite being in a country at peace. The…

1
Oswald and the Texas School Book Depository 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

After failing to get a visa to visit Cuba — dashing his dream of joining Castro’s revolution — Lee Harvey Oswald reluctantly returns to the United States. He has no job and little money. He has been fired from two other jobs in the past six months. He has been arrested, and humiliated on a radio program, his lies exposed. He lives apart from his es…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

John F Kennedy School Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide