Best Airlift Podcasts (2024)

1
From East Berlin to Ireland: A Cold War Journey of Resilience (363) 1:34:51

2h ago1:34:51

1:34:51

Juli begins by recounting her early years in East Berlin, a time marked by the tragic loss of her father. Drafted into the army just days before her birth, her father continually deserted to see his family, ultimately leading to his untimely death. This early loss left Juli and her mother to navigate a harsh landscape in East Germany alone. Life in…

1
Episode 31: The Cormorant Trophy: Conducting a Rescue in the CH-146 Griffon- Paula 56:51

7d ago56:51

56:51

A plane is down. Help is needed. You get the call. What is it like to know that seconds count? What happens when you're fuel critical and have a patient that needs to get to a hospital? What does it take to earn the coveted Cormorant Trophy? Paula Findlater is a Search and Rescue pilot in the RCAF. She has over 1000 hours on the CH-146 Griffon flyi…

1
BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany (362) 1:09:48

1h ago1:09:48

1:09:48

BRIXMIS and its operations behind enemy lines continue to fascinate the listeners of Cold War Conversations. In August 2024 I was honoured to be invited to the National Army Museum in London to interview Andrew Long, the author of BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany. The National A…

1
Workhorse - E37 - Isabelle Autissier SAR with Dean Tetley 1:20:23

5h ago1:20:23

1:20:23

During the British Oxygen Company solo around-the-world yacht race, Isabelle Autissier departed the Kerguelen Islands on 17 December 1994, heading east to sail south of Australia. Her 60-foot boat, Ecureuil Poitou-Charentes II, sailed into stormy 60-knot winds and rough seas in the Southern Ocean, and both her masts snapped. She set off her EPIRB (…

1
To Catch a Spy - How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold (361) 1:13:24

15m ago1:13:24

1:13:24

The Spycatcher affair remains one of the most intriguing moments in the history of British intelligence and a pivotal point in the public's relationship with the murky world of espionage and security. It lifted the lid on alleged Soviet infiltration of British services and revealed a culture of law-breaking, bugging and burgling. But how much do we…

1
Episode 30: The Watcher: Afghanistan Stories and The IAI Heron - Carson 36:48

22d ago36:48

36:48

What is it like to take overwatch on Canadian troops on patrol in Afghanistan? What was it like when Kandahar Airfield came under attack? What is the future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Canada? In this episode, we sit down with Carson Choy, an Air Combat Systems Officer who flies on the CP-140M Aurora. Carson did two tours in Afgh…

51
The longest-held prisoner of war in American history (360) 1:06:58

4d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Jack Downey was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. I speak with Barry Werth the author of Prisoner of Lies - Jack Downey's Cold War. He details Downey’s story when the CIA recruited him as a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II…

1
Workhorse - E36 - RAAF C-130s - Zuiho Maru SAR with Don Sutherland 1:06:11

12d ago1:06:11

1:06:11

In late July 1995 a Japanese fishing trawler, the Zuiho Maru, was wrecked on tiny St Paul Island in the southern reaches of the Indian Ocean. 36SQN was tasked to search for survivors and provide aid. Don Sutherland was the mission commander for this epic search and rescue mission. He recounts the mission in detail, along with covering the highlight…

1
The Soviet Sixties (359) 1:01:25

25d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Beginning with the death of Stalin in 1953, the “sixties” era in the Soviet Union was just as vibrant and transformative as in the West. The ideological romanticism of the revolutionary years was revived, with a renewed emphasis on egalitarianism, equality, and the building of a communist utopia. Mass terror was reined in, great victories were won …

1
Episode 29: The Student: Part 2 - Life on Phase III Mult-Engine and the C-90B King Air - Scott 43:56

29d ago43:56

43:56

What is it like to train on the C90B King Air in the RCAF? How has the Phase III Multi-Engine course changed recently? What is it like to take to the skies in a King Air - without your instructor? In this episode we check back in with Scott Harding, recently winged graduate of the RCAF Phase III Multi-Engine course. This is a continuation of episod…

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

17d 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
Workhorse - E35 - PNG and UN Ops 1987-97 with Paul Nicholas 1:40:12

27d ago1:40:12

1:40:12

Under the Defence of Australia strategy of the 1980s and early 90s, Australia sought to maximise participation in UN operations. Paul 'Pearl' Nicholas (ex CO 36/37SQN) recounts his participation in UN flights to Africa (Ops Solace and Tamar), as well as his time in PNG and on exchange at Pope Air Force Base. Operations Lagoon (Bougainville), Carmin…

1
Missouri Military Minute - National Churchill Museum In Fulton 1:00

29d ago1:00

1:00

Missouri Military Minute - National Churchill Museum In Fulton by Minnesota News NetworkBy Minnesota News Network

1
Missouri Military Minute - The Last Commander Of The Arizona 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Features historian Bob PriddyBy Minnesota News Network

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

25d 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

28d 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
Episode 28: The Phoenix - From the Ashes to the Airwaves, the return of the show! - Bryan and Melissa 19:48

1M ago19:48

19:48

Where has the show been? What's been happening with Bryan's career and mental health? What will the show look like moving forward? We'll answer all these questions and have some fun along the way in this week's episode of The Pilot Project Podcast!By Bryan Morrison

1
Workhorse - E34 - Special Ops Development with Greg Evans and John Samulski 1:37:30

2M ago1:37:30

1:37:30

This episode dives into the details of how the Special Operations role evolved within 36SQN during the 1980s and 90s. Greg Evans and John Samulski provide great insight into the reasons for developing the SPECOPS role and how it evolved over time in the Royal Australian Air Force. The discussion roams across the tactics techniques and procedures (T…

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

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

1M 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
Tips and Advice for Future Trainee Air Traffic Controllers 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

NATS has just reopened recruitment for trainee air traffic controllers, but what does that process look like and what kind of career can successful candidates look forward to? In this special episode of Altitude we’re exploring the whole recruitment process, from understanding the requirements and the application process through to assessment and b…

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

2M 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
Workhorse - E33 - OPs Sailcloth - Morris Dance - Immune with Peter Wood 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

Operations in the Southwest Pacific during the late 1980s and early-mid 90s are discussed with C-130 pilot Peter 'Wedge' Wood, along with his experiences in Papua New Guinea and as Officer Commanding 84 Wing. Additionally, Wedge's experiences of Operation Immune are discussed at length. Operations covered include: Delivery of riot gear to Port Vila…

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

2M 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
Workhorse - E32 - Maintenance 1975-1997 with David Richardson 1:02:55

3M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Dave 'Richo' Richardson discusses a broad range of maintenance topics spanning the 1975-1997 era, including: Corrosion and Fatigue Boron fibre repairs C-130E wing repairs C-130E outer wing swap C-130H wing design Paint schemes Electronic warfare modifications Maintenance reorganisation Engine sulphidation Operating cost reductions (removing wing ta…

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

2M 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
Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (350) 1:12:45

3M 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
Missouri Military Minute -Rep. Graves And Funding Two C - 130J Planes 1:00

3M ago1:00

1:00

Missouri Congressman Sam Graves pushes for C-130J funding to potentially help 139th Air Wing.By Minnesota News Network

1
Missouri Military Minute - Rosecrans Memorial Airport Improvements 1:00

3M ago1:00

1:00

Missouri Military Minute - Rosecrans Memorial Airport Improvements by Minnesota News NetworkBy Minnesota News Network

1
Missouri Military Minute - MO House Takes Up Wide - Ranging Bill To Serve Service Members 1:00

3M ago1:00

1:00

Missouri Legislature's outreach to service members.By Minnesota News Network

1
Missouri Military Minute - Admiral James Stavridis, Churchill Fellow 1:00

3M ago1:00

1:00

Admiral James Stavridis addresses Churchill conference at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on importance of NATO.By Minnesota News Network

1
Missouri Military Minute - Steinway Pianos And WWII 1:00

2M ago1:00

1:00

A writer from NW Missouri tells WWII stories with a unique angle.By Minnesota News Network

1
Workhorse - E31 - Strategic Circumstances from mid 70s - mid 90s 14:54

3M ago14:54

14:54

This episode explores the 'Defence of Australia' years and how this strategy impacted C-130 operations. The impact of the Dibb Review is also discussed.By Bill 'K9' Kourelakos

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

3M 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
Beyond the Beaches: The amazing aviation innovations behind D-Day 45:59

3M ago45:59

45:59

The 6th June 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day – the Allied invasion of Western Europe during the Second World War and one of the most pivotal days in human history. Most people will be familiar with the sight of the landings in Normandy, but fewer know the story beyond the beaches. D-Day itself saw an incredible 14,674 flights, all hand…

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

3M 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
A US Diplomat's Son in Cold War Soviet Union, Nicaragua and Cuba (347) 1:08:40

3M 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
Workhorse - E30 - Unique Loads of the 70s 16:54

4M ago16:54

16:54

This short episode covers a few unique loads carried by Royal Australian Air Force C-130s in the 1970s and early 1980s. Included are: A bull taken to China The entombed warriors (China again) Stock to Tonga A 3-day trip for a croc A giant pig Darwin Beer Can Regatta and, F-111 maintenance into Johnston Atoll…

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

3M 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
America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345) 1:22:42

4M 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
Workhorse - E29 - Airlift Competitions with Gary Robinson 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

This episode covers off on three airlift competitions that RAAF C-130s won on several occasions: Volant Rodeo, Bullseye, and Air Tattoo. The details are discussed with retired WOFF Gary 'Robbo' Robinson, an ex 36SQN Loadmaster. Of note, Robbo was a crewmember on the only RAAF contingent to ever win 'Best Wing '- the top prize at Rodeo. Robbo also d…

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

4M 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
Commanding a Cold War US Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine (343) 1:22:01

4M 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
Serving from the skies - London's amazing emergency services pilots 47:54

4M ago47:54

47:54

With such unique requirements, one of the most essential and complex users of our skies are the emergency services. In this month’s Altitude, we’re joined by pilots Captain Andrew Brandt from the National Police Air Service and Captain David Rolfe from London Air Ambulance Service to learn about their amazing life saving work and how collaboration …

1
Workhorse - E28 - Tactics and NVGs - with John Samulski 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

During the 1975-1986 era, the Australian Army reinvigorated Airborne Operations. With the drive to enhance airborne operations capabilities came the notion of operating C-130s into contested environments, and that meant improving RAAF C-130 tactics. Modern tactics development led 36SQN to consider electronic warfare, operating as low as they could,…

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

4M 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
My friend the Bridge of Spies spy - Part 1 (341) 1:07:08

4M 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
Workhorse - E27 - Airborne Ops Development - 1975-1986 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

The advent of the 1976 White Paper came with a reduction in the ADF's combat operations, and an emphasis on preparedness for the defence of Australia. As a result, the ADF put a great deal of energy into exercising and developing combat skills and proficiency. This effort led to the re-establishment of a permanent Regular Army airborne operations c…

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

4M 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
Gymnastics and Pills: An East German Childhood (339) 1:37:13

5M 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…

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