Best American Airman Podcasts (2024)

1
Murdered in Cold Blood Over a Pot of Water: The Tragic Case of Sonya Massey. A Focused Exam of the Expanding Plague of "Wandering/Roaming Cops". Is it Safe Anymore for Individuals of Color to Call the ... 1:07:28

1h ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Welcome to this incendiary, probing, brand-new installment of Light ‘Em Up. We’re currently being actively downloaded in 1⃣1⃣3⃣ countries globally! Thank you, for your constant support! In this intensive episode we’ll investigate and unpack the cold-blooded killing of Sonya Massey — a 36-year-old mother of two and resident of Springfield, Illinois.…

1
Was 1914-1945 a Thirty Years War? 1:31:52

10h ago1:31:52

1:31:52

This World War II Open Conversation led by historians Todd DePastino and Glenn Flickinger starts with a discussion of the connections between World War I and World War II. Should they be considered one continuous conflict, a "Thirty Years' War"? Both wars are deeply interconnected in their causes and consequences and viewing them as a single, prolo…

1
The Radicalization Process: From "Normal" to "Violent Extremist", Being Humiliated, Losing One's Sense of Significance, & Othered. Motivated by Propaganda, Stripped of the Ability to Peacefully Pursue ... 55:23

10d ago55:23

55:23

Welcome back to Light ‘Em Up! Directly from your support, we are actively being downloaded in 1⃣1⃣3⃣ countries! Thank you so much! There is so much trouble in this world. The threat vectors are endless. This riveting, in-depth episode turned out to be one of our more educational, intensive and acclaimed episodes among our 80+ binge-worthy catalogue…

1
The US Army at Guadalcanal 1:23:06

11d ago1:23:06

1:23:06

Glenn Flickinger leads a conversation with military historians and Pacific War experts Jeff Ballard and Dave Holland on the US Army’s role in the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Dave, a seasoned veteran with a 28-year career in the US Marine Corps, is host of the popular Guadalcanal – Walking a Battlefield YouTube channel. He shares with us …

1
How the Allies Almost Lost the Air War in Europe 1:25:34

21d ago1:25:34

1:25:34

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Air War Over Europe, and how the Allies almost lost it. World War II in Europe saw the pinnacle of air warfare, characterized by immense strategic impact and a vast scale of operations. Tens of thousa…

1
Ep237. A Giant Pity Party & A Shady Lady 1:47:51

1M ago1:47:51

1:47:51

We are Gerbil Money Pit and we are here to rock your faces off! First, Kelley tells the story of Penta who, to avoid her pervy brother, cut off her hands, gave birth to a dog, and attended the world's worst pity party. Then, Emily covers Elizabeth 'Baby Doe' Tabor, an ambitious young woman whose meteoric rise and fall is still legendary in Colorado…

1
The Battle of Britain 1:07:29

28d ago1:07:29

1:07:29

In preparation for our September VBC trip to England for a tour of English air fields and WWII sites, Glenn Flickinger gives us a presentation on the Battle of Britain, a clash of air power to control the skies over Britain and the English Channel. We will experience a re-enactment of the battle at the Duxford Air Show September 13-15. The Battle o…

1
Astronaut Jan Davis 1:29:04

1M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Astronaut Jan Davis talks about her life in aviation and the legacy of service in her family. Her memoir Air Born, tells the story of her and her father. Her father was Ben Smotherman, a B-17 pilot in World War II, vwho aliantly fought in the European Theater of Operations before being shot down over Holland in July 1943. After enduring twenty-one …

1
Ep236. Never Come, Never Go & What’s in a Name? 1:51:06

1M ago1:51:06

1:51:06

This week's episode is sponsored by unmitigated nonsense! Emily covers Sarah Kidder who wasn't kidding around when she became the first woman President of a (questionably named) railroad! Then, Kelley tells the story of Helen Gardener (the artist formally known as Alice Chenoweth) who was a writer, activist, and intellectual, but DEFINTELY NOT a fe…

1
If the West Carroll Parrish Sheriff's Department Has Nothing to Hide, Why'd They Lawyer Up? A Sister's Relentless Quest to Get at the Truth in the Sudden, Unexplained Death of Crystal McCrory Jones in ... 42:57

1M ago42:57

42:57

Welcome to this brand new, fact-revealing episode of Light ‘Em Up. We're actively being downloaded in 113 countries! Thank you! As promised, we’d be there when there was any update of significance in the 2023 case of the mysterious death of Crystal McCrory Jones in Oak Grove, Louisiana. We're very fortunate again to speak with Jana Guyewski Latigar…

1
The Untold Story of American POWs at Buchenwald 1:50:56

1M ago1:50:56

1:50:56

During World War II, 168 American airmen found themselves in one of the most notorious concentration camps of the Holocaust: Buchenwald. This unexpected and harrowing chapter of their captivity began in 1944 and stands as a grim reminder of the broader atrocities of the war. Author Ric Martini joins us to discuss his research into this disturbing s…

1
Ep235. Great Expectations & The Far Traveled 1:41:31

1M ago1:41:31

1:41:31

The ladies are here to drink and validate your beautiful self! Kelley tells the story of Laura Bridgman, a disabled woman who redefined what people thought a blind and deaf person could accomplish. Then, Emily covers Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, a far traveling Viking woman who had bad luck with husbands, but great fortune with traveling the world. Gr…

1
The Hunt for Enigma and the U-Boat Carrying It in World War II 1:38:04

2M ago1:38:04

1:38:04

We welcome writer and Executive Producer of Inside Edition Charles Lachman to talk about his new book, Codename Nemo: The Hunt for a Nazi U-Boat and The Elusive Enigma Machine. The book is a white-knuckled saga of a maverick captain, nine courageous sailors, and a US Navy task force who achieved the impossible on June 4, 1944–capturing Nazi submari…

1
Major League Baseball Players in World War II 1:38:58

2M ago1:38:58

1:38:58

For the 80th anniversary we talk about D-Day veteran Yogi Berra and the 38 other Major League Baseball Hall of Famers who served in World War II. That’s right: 39 members of the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown served in the military during World War II. It’s a sign of how the war effort took precedence over everything in American life between …

1
Ep234. No Man is Worth It & Disabled and Happy 1:01:45

2M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Swarthy fireman, gaslighting cohosts, and looks that could kill! Emily shares the story of Kate the ghost, a hard working gal who got caught up in men's bullshit and now haunts the location of her greatest tragedy. Then, Kelley tells the story of Eliza Suggs who, despite suffering from brittle bone syndrome, brought short girl energy to everything …

1
Playtone’s Kirk Saduski on “Masters of the Air” 1:28:36

2M ago1:28:36

1:28:36

Playtone’s Kirk Saduski talks about creating “Masters of the Air,” as well as working on Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and many other historical features, series, and documentaries. Kirk Saduski has a B.A. in history from UCLA and an M.A. in history from S.F. State. He has been a producer and executive at Playtone since 1998. He was Executive-in-c…

1
WWII Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart 1:42:08

2M ago1:42:08

1:42:08

WWII P-51 Pilot and Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart shares his story with us on Greatest Generation Live. Stewart successfully completed 43 missions during World War II and is one of only four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat. When the war in Europe ended, Stewart and his comrades expected to go to the P…

1
Ep233. The Roaring Girl & Nice Chinese Girls Don’t 1:50:13

2M ago1:50:13

1:50:13

It's Dairy Appreciation Month y'all so naturally, we're wining about LGBTQ ladies! First, Kelley tells the story of Mary Frith, AKA Mol Cutpurse, used her affinity for masculine clothes to further her criminal enterprises. Then, Emily talks about Kitty Tsui, a multi-hyphenate living legend who helped to establish the AAPI Lesbian community in Calif…

1
The dark multi-billion-dollar underworld of Sports Betting and its Criminality: Are Major League Sports in Bed with Sports Betting Services to the Detriment of Their Own Players and Their Sport(s) as a ... 55:02

2M ago55:02

55:02

Welcome back to this exclusive, probing, fact-finding, comprehensive investigative edition of Light ‘Em Up … We are currently being actively downloaded in 1⃣1⃣ 3⃣ countries, globally. We shine the antiseptic light of the truth on the multi-billion-dollar world of sports betting and the criminality that far too often surrounds these actions. Actions…

1
WWII B-24 Pilot John Homan 1:29:03

2M ago1:29:03

1:29:03

Guest John Homan was a B-24 pilot in World War II. He recently published his memoirs, "Into the Cold Blue: My World War II Journeys with the Mighty Eighth Air Force" with Professor Jared Frederick, who also joins us. Into the Cold Blue is a riveting account of the air war over Europe, when hell was four miles above the earth. A born daredevil, John…

1
The Bloody 100th Bomb Group in World War II 1:27:07

2M ago1:27:07

1:27:07

Glenn Flickinger leads another conversation about Masters of the Air, this time with children and grandchildren of the Apple TV+ series’ main characters. Each is an expert on the 100th Bomb Group, and each will share their family members’ stories and their thoughts on the series. Rebecca Crosby Hutchinson, daughter of Navigator Harry Crosby, Sam Ro…

1
POW Spies at Stalag Luft III in World War II 1:29:05

2M ago1:29:05

1:29:05

Jim Keeffe and Carol Godwin join Glenn to share the history of Stalag Luft III. On the 8th of March 1944, during a bombing mission to Berlin, 19-year-old B-24 pilot James Keeffe was shot down over Holland, catapulting him into a world squeezed colorless by the ever-tightening fist of Nazi occupation. Moving from safe house to safe house with the he…

1
Ep232. Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women, An Interview With Maggie Mertens 1:16:59

2M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

Falling uteruses! Epic gore! A vindicated grandma! Author of 'Better Faster Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know About Women,' Maggie Mertens joins the ladies to talk about these topics and more! Better Faster Farther explores the history of women in running, the myths that were designed to hold women back, and the liberation women have …

1
How Winston Churchill Waged War with Allen Packwood 1:02:04

2M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Glenn welcomes distinguished historian Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives in Cambridge to discuss Winston Churchill’s wartime leadership. Our travel “Masters of the Air” tour to England in September 2024 will include a presentation by Allen Packwood at Churchill College in Cambridge. Packwood’s book, “How Churchill Waged War,” delve…

1
Ep231. That Time I Adopted My Girlfriend & Girlish Trash 1:07:01

3M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

With thanks to Li Perez, the ladies are drinking some GORG Stella Pino Grigio to wine about boobs, women, and how history hates women! First, Emily tells the story of author Nobuku Yoshiya, an open lesbian who defined the Shojo and Yuri genres and went to extreme legal lengths to be with her partner! Then, Kelley tells the story of Vasilissa Vasily…

1
Sons of Lt. Col. Everett Blakely on “Masters of the Air” 1:28:39

2M ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Everett Ernest Blakely was a highly decorated B-17 pilot with the “Bloody Hundredth” Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force in Europe. In the Apple TV mini-series, “Masters of the Air“, is David Shields plays the role of Blakely. Tonight, we have his two sons, David and Jim, to discuss what they think of the series and to tell us about their father…

1
“Masters of the Air” Creator and Writer John Orloff 1:31:33

2M ago1:31:33

1:31:33

Writer John Orloff joins Glenn Flickinger to discuss how he brought “Masters of the Air” to television. Production was a meticulous process marked by deep research, careful storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy. John shares his background, influences, and the challenges he faced in crafting the series. Orloff’s fascinati…

1
American POWs in World War II 1:28:06

2M ago1:28:06

1:28:06

World War II POW and Eighth Air Force expert Marilyn Walton leads an expert conversation about the experiences of prisoners in Germany. The experts also discuss fact and fiction in the depiction of POW camps in the Apple TV mini-series “Masters of the Air.” In addition to Marilyn and the VBC’s own Glenn Flickinger, commenters include: Carolyn Clark…

1
Ep230. The Valiant Ladies of Pitosi & In My Present Makeup 1:05:48

3M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

If you like obscure LGBTQ+ women from history that you DEF should have heard of, then BRING YA ASS to this week's episode! First, Kelley tells the story of the ultimate odd couple, Ana Lezama de Urinza and Eustaquia de Sonza, who bonded over a love of swordplay and vigilante justice. Then, Emily brings her ass back to Minnesota to tell the story of…

1
Does the 2nd Amendment & the Castle Doctrine Apply Equally or at ALL for Black Americans? Sr. U.S. Airman Roger Fortson, Amir Locke & Donovan Lewis: Gunned Down in Their Own Homes. Hard Truths Examined ... 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

Currently we're being downloaded in 113 countries! Thank you! With the May 3rd, 2024, shooting and killing of Sr. U.S. Airman Roger Fortson in his off-base home in Fort Walton, FL, by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy, we shine the antiseptic light of the truth in this deep, thorough and investigatory episode of Light ‘Em Up on the killing of bla…

1
WWII Ball Turret Gunner and POW Les Schrenk 1:37:45

3M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Les Schrenk’s story as a World War II ball turret gunner is one of courage, resilience, and unexpected humanity amidst the chaos of war. He was assigned as a ball turret gunner to the 327th Bombardment Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, stationed at RAF Podington. As a ball turret gunner, Schrenk inadvertently found himself in his posi…

1
Ep229. An American Airman & The Lady of the Air 1:31:13

3M ago1:31:13

1:31:13

Secret double lives! Aerial jail breaks! Extreme sandwiches! This week's episode has it all. First, Emily explores the history of LGBTQ+ folks in the military through the story of Master Sergeant Helen Godvin. Throughout her 20 year career in the Air Force, Helen was forced to live a double life due to the U.S. Military's homophobic policies. At wo…

1
How to Shoot Down B-17 1:32:49

3M ago1:32:49

1:32:49

Experts Colin Heaton and Joe McCarthy join Glenn Flickinger to discuss the tactics of aerial combat in World War II, focusing especially on how the Luftwaffe attempted to bring down B-17 formations, and the defenses those formations used to get through to their targets. Glenn will also discuss his thoughts on the finale of the Apple TV mini-series …

1
Ep228. Mother to All & Flying Solo 1:19:32

3M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

How do you tell if a toy is for a boy or a girl? What's the most magical word in the English language? Learn all of this and more in this week's episode! Kelley travels back to the Philippines to tell the incredible story of Josefa Llanes Escoda, a woman who worked to support the women and children of her country through education and scouting- and…

1
The Ninth Air Force in World War II 1:34:54

3M ago1:34:54

1:34:54

We turn our attention to the Eighth Air Force’s little brother, the Ninth Air Force which, among other things, played a crucial role in supporting the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. Thomas Hughes, author of "Overlord: General Pete Quesada and the Triumph of Tactical Air Power in World War II" and our own P-47 pilot, Ed Cottrell, who tur…

1
The POW Experience at Stalag Luft III in World War II 1:23:58

3M ago1:23:58

1:23:58

Historian and technical advisor on the TV series Masters of the Air, Colin Heaton returns to the program to talk about the WWII POW experience in Europe. Joining him is fellow technical advisor, Marilyn Walton, an expert on the treatment and lives of American prisoners in Germany. We also welcome Anita Sybesma, historian and President of the 96th B…

1
Ep227. Stagecoach Mary & Big Courage 1:11:54

3M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

This week's very special episode is brought to you by pug chaos! Enjoy the melodic tones of snoring dogs rustling through Target bags! Emily tells the epic tale of Mary Fields, a woman who had one epic mission- to deliver the mail, regardless of rain, shine, or bandits! Then, Kelley tells the story of Ani Pachen, a Tibetan woman who just wanted to …

1
I Want to File a Complaint! The Importance of the Civilian Complaint Alleging Police Misconduct. How this Single, Solitary Action Can Pave the Way Toward the Success or Failure of an Officer, the Department ... 1:05:32

3M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

When we last spoke with our special and honored guest, we were being actively downloaded in 104 countries. Now, it's 112! Welcome to this edition of Light ‘Em Up. We provide you with the facts, never the fiction — we have an exclusive in-depth interview with one of our law enforcement subject matter experts who has served in the capacity as a high-…

1
8th Air Force Expert Steve Snyder and B-17 Pilot “Lucky” Luckadoo on “Masters of the Air” 1:28:24

3M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Steve Snyder is author of "Shot Down: The True Story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth," a poignant and meticulously researched account that delves into the untold stories of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth and its crew during World War II. At the heart of the narrative is Lieutenant Howard Snyder, the author’s father, …

1
Ep226. Federation Feminist & The Greatest Player You’ve Never Heard Of 1:58:04

4M ago1:58:04

1:58:04

This week the ladies are talking sports with to athletic angels who worked to break the racial and gender barriers imposed in sports! Kelley tells the story of Alice Milliat, an accomplished athlete that campaigned for more opportunities for women in sports. Then, Emily covers Toni Stone, who had to battle not only racism but also sexism to become …

1
Author Robert Matzen on “Masters of the Air” with Glenn Flickinger 1:11:09

3M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

What Does Author Robert Matzen Think of “Masters of the Air”? Robert Matzen is author of "Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe," a full account of the Hollywood star’s experiences and an 8th Air Force pilot and commander. In March 1941, a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Stewart enlisted as a private in the United States Arm…

1
Ep225. Bostonian Buccaneer & The Wooing of Étaíne 1:09:15

4M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

After last week's depression-fest, the ladies got real weird with it! First, Emily tells the strange tale of Rachel Wall, a woman who had big dreams of living by the ocean which turned into a full-blown career in piracy. Then, Kelley tells the truly twisty tale of Étaíne, an legendary Irish beauty who, naturally, everyone wanted to get with. The at…

1
Historian and USAF Veteran Robert Ehlers on Air Intelligence in World War II on Masters of the Air 1:29:47

4M ago1:29:47

1:29:47

Robert Ehlers on Air Intelligence in the Air War Over Europe Glenn welcomes Dr. Robert Ehlers, who draws on his own experiences as an Air Force Intelligence officer in writing "Targeting the Third Reich: Air Intelligence and the Allied Bombing Campaigns. " "Targeting the Third Reich"examines the pivotal role of air intelligence in the Allied bombin…

1
B-17 Co-Pilot John "Lucky" Luckadoo Discusses "Masters of the Air" 1:25:13

4M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Glenn welcomes WWII veteran John “Lucky” Luckadoo, who survived 25 missions as a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in World War II. Joining Lucky is his bestselling author biographer Kevin Maurer to talk about the Air War and the “Bloody Hundredth.” P-51 pilot Joe Peterburs and P-47 pilot Ed Cottrell join the conversation. A rare…

1
Ep224. Commander Beauty Queen & The Unknown Woman of the Seine 1:37:35

4M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

Rebel forces and floating corpses, these are just a few of our favorite things! First, Kelley tells the story of the beauty queen battle axe Remedios Gomez-Paraiso who led rebel forces into battle against the occupying Japanese army in her pageant best. Then, Emily covers who may be our most unknown woman of all time, a nameless young woman who was…

1
Where Do We Go from Here? America at a Critical Inflection Point: Democracy or Dictatorship? An Examination of Race, Political Power, Social Economics & Education. Sage Wisdoms with Dr. Sandy Womack ... 1:12:31

4M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Welcome to this intensive, no holds barred, educational episode of Light ‘Em Up! We’re working to tirelessly to expand our global footprint beyond 111 countries! Tonight, we are honored to have back one of our all-time most honored guests. Our especial guest, Dr. Sandy Womack, Jr. -- who is no stranger to Light ‘Em Up -- is our tried-and-true sourc…

1
Five Historians Discuss "Masters of the Air" 1:18:43

4M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

In conjunction with the release of the highly-anticipated Apple TV+ series, Masters of the Air, VBC historian host Glenn Flickinger has created a 10-part livestream series that will recap and provide history discussion around each episode. Each week, Glenn will cover the action and background of the series in conversation with show producers and cr…

1
Ep223. Catholic Cat Lady & The Florence Nightingale of the Sea 2:03:15

4M ago2:03:15

2:03:15

If you're looking for cats, traitorous seamen, and a man's opinion about 'woman sports' then you've come to the right place! This week, Emily discovers her own personal savior, St. Gertrude of Nivelles, who used her love of service to avoid throngs of thirsty suitors. Then, Kelley tells the incredible story of Mary Ann Brown Patten, a ride or die b…

1
Chloe Melas on Masters of the Air with Glenn Flickinger 1:11:35

4M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

One of the major characters in Masters of the Air is B-17 navigator Frank Murphy whose granddaughter, Chloe Melas, republished his memoir, The Luck of the Draw. As a navigator on a B-17, Murphy played a crucial role in guiding the aircraft through the treacherous skies over Europe. Navigators were tasked with plotting courses, ensuring precise loca…

1
Ep222. A Difficult Woman & The Digging Dame 2:33:52

5M ago2:33:52

2:33:52

This week the ladies cover two ladies who defied the physical odds in the face of incredibly tragedy! First, Kelley covers Wanda Rutkiewicz, a mountaineer who defied gender, nature, and death itself. The, Emily tells the story Elizabeth Thorn who, when the Battle of Gettysburg left her home and town devastated, undertook the gruesome but necessary …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

American Airman Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide