Best Royal Air Force Podcasts (2025)

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NYT Best-selling author Lorraine Heath talks about her novel The Girls of Flight City featuring the women who trained British Royal Air Force pilots before the U.S. entered WWII 27:56

10d ago27:56

27:56

Send us a text Before the U.S. entered WWII, the British Royal Air Force sent prospective pilots to the U.S. for training because they didn’t have the capacity to train the numbers they needed for the fight, and America’s women pilots helped train them. New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling author Lorraine Heath explores this fascinating niche …

1
E73 - Personal Stories: Commanding Officer, Royal Air Force Coningsby - Part 7 - The Typhoon Display 35:52

22d ago35:52

35:52

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message For this, my final personal stories episode of 2024, I thought I would continue the series of tales from my time as Station Commander of RAF Coningsby and cover the development of and the challenges we faced with the Typhoon Display. With a brand new, very high profile, and very high pe…

1
S5E6: Trenchard and the Royal Air Force: Creation, Innovation and Power with Dr Harry Raffal 34:00

27d ago34:00

34:00

The world’s first independent air force owes its survival and shape to its ‘father’, Hugh Trenchard. We explore how with the RAF Museum’s Dr Harry Raffal. Described as ‘the architect and patron saint of modern air power’, Marshal of the RAF Viscount Hugh Trenchard (1873–1956) was the first Chief of the Air Staff (January–April 1918 and 1919–1930). …

1
S10: E10 OKRs and the future: Staying relevant in a data-driven world 38:33

4h ago38:33

38:33

Welcome back to another episode of Giant Talk. In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Elliot, a seasoned CEO with a career spanning commercial sales & marketing, strategy consulting, and leadership. Jonathan shares his expertise on implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in large, complex organisations and the unique challenges that come…

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E76 - Guests: John Peters, former RAF pilot, Gulf War Prisoner of War, Founder and Owner of Monkey Business 1:32:33

1d ago1:32:33

1:32:33

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of torture and interrogation as well as frequent bad language. My guest this week is John Peters. John flew Tornado GR1 aircraft as an RAF pilot and was shot down and captured on his very first operational mission during the Gulf War o…

1
🔒 (SUBSCRIBERS) Ep. 30 - Building The Bombers, with Andy Rawson 42:01

2d ago42:01

42:01

Subscriber-only episode ** On general release Wednesday 15 January 2025 Welcome back - Series 2 is here! In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies welcome historian Andrew Rawson to discuss the design and manufacture of bomber aircraft during World War II. The conversation covers the evolution of t…

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S5E7: H.R. McMaster on National Security Strategy Making 39:49

6d ago39:49

39:49

H.R. McMaster shares his extensive experience of strategy-making and strategic leadership as a military officer, academic and former United States’ national security advisor. ‘The Iconoclast General’, H.R. McMaster has a distinguished record serving his country. Commissioned from West Point into the armoured cavalry, he retired as a Lieutenant Gene…

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Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred 1:04:10

7d ago1:04:10

1:04:10

What is it like to fly a CF-188 Hornet? What does it feel like to break the sound barrier? How do our pilots stack up against friendly partners in exercises? How physically demanding is flying a fighter? Today we sit down for a chat with Fred "Penguin" Roy to talk all things CF-18. Fred is a former Reg Force fighter pilot who now flies as an airlin…

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Ep 107: Pan-Defence Skills and Professions Programme 43:38

7d ago43:38

43:38

‘When will I be promoted, how much will I be paid, does the job still make me happy?’ If you’re already serving in the RAF, these career related questions might sound familiar. Squadron Leader Peter Lisney spoke with members of the RAF Career Management team to find out how the new Pan-Defence Skills Framework could play a major role in finding the…

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Aviatrix Classics - Jacque, Jenny, and I completely geek out on the incredible adventures of pioneering New Zealand pilot Jean Batten who set multiple records in the 1930s, including being the first person ... 2:03:21

8d ago2:03:21

2:03:21

Send us a text In the 1930’s, pioneering New Zealand pilot Jean Batten set multiple aviation records, including a speed record from London to Sydney, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from East to West in 1935 (which, before reading this I routinely accredited to Beryl Markham), and first person to fly solo from London to New Zealand …

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E75 - Guests: Douglas Rattray, Managing Director, Fugitives' Drift Lodge & Guest House, South Africa 1:12:28

8d ago1:12:28

1:12:28

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message We kick off Season 3 of the show with a fascinating guest who has an amazing family story and who lives in a fabulous part of the world. Oh, and he has a lot of great perspectives on leadership too!! Doug Rattray is the Managing Director of Fugitives' Drift Lodge & Guest House in the pr…

1
E74 - Themes: Review of 2024 15:11

15d ago15:11

15:11

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message I'm sure you have much better things to do over the holiday period than listen to lengthy podcasts from me! Consequently, this is a short but hopefully sweet review of Leading 4 Life "Stories" across 2024. I provide some personal thoughts about the journey so far and some detail of the …

1
Ep 106: Red Arrows Diamond 60 1:03:05

21d ago1:03:05

1:03:05

2024 saw the 60th anniversary of the formation of the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. InsideAIR’s Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey finds out why they were founded, gets a tour of their famous Hawk Mk T1 aircraft, and meets pilots, groundcrew and their fans as the Red Arrows embark on their summer tour. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force b…

1
Pens, Pixels, and Protections: A Century of Canadian Copyright 32:21

26d ago32:21

32:21

In 1924, the Canadian Copyright Act was born—laying the groundwork for a century of protecting creativity in Canada. But 100 years later, is it keeping up with the times? How do 100-year old laws govern new innovations like AI? This episode unpacks the Act’s fascinating history, its evolution, and the urgent challenges posed by modern technology. C…

1
Episode 29 Christmas on a Bomber Station 1943 - with Dr Dan Ellin 36:35

27d ago36:35

36:35

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 In this final episode of the series, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes are joined by Dr Dan Ellin to reflect on the significance of Christmas during the Second World War, particularly for RAF Bomber Command crews during the winter of 1943. They discuss personal stories, listener contributions, and the harsh realit…

1
Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B 38:09

28d ago38:09

38:09

What is it like to deploy away from your loved ones at Christmas? In this special Christmas episode, we'll dive into what it feels like to experience what thousands of CAF members have felt before - being half a world away from family and friends at Christmas. In this episode, we'll talk with Mike Behring, a CC-130J Super Hercules pilot as well as …

1
E72 - Guests: Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC, WW2 Mosquito Pilot 1:33:23

29d ago1:33:23

1:33:23

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message Over the time I've been hosting this podcast, I've been very privileged to have a wide range of wonderful guests; however, this week's guest is an extremely special one even by those high standards. Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC, is a World War 2 Mosquito bomber pilot who is rapidly …

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 29 Christmas on a Bomber Station:1943 - with Dr Dan Ellin 36:35

1M ago36:35

36:35

Subscriber-only episode *** Episode on general release Wednesday 18 December 2024 In this final episode of the series, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes are joined by Dr Dan Ellin to reflect on the significance of Christmas during the Second World War, particularly for RAF Bomber Command crews during the winter of 1943. They discuss personal…

1
Episode 28 - The Auschwitz Debate, with Dr Waitman Beorn 44:00

1M ago44:00

44:00

WARNING: This episode includes discussion of issues surrounding the Holocaust and genocide which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, the hosts engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Waitman Beorn about the controversial topic of whether the Allies could and should have bombed Auschwitz during World War II. They explore the histo…

1
Ep 105: Atlas vs Hercules - A Pilot's View 53:38

1M ago53:38

53:38

When the Atlas C.1 A400M entered service with the RAF ten years ago, many asked whether this tactical airlift aircraft would ever be as good as the much loved C-130 Hercules. Who better then to pass judgement than a pilot who has flown both aircraft for almost equal lengths of time. InsideAIR met with Flight Lieutenant Seb Davey to find the answer.…

1
Season 5: Gradcracker webinar with MathWorks 1:04:04

1M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Key Takeaways: MathWorks employs over 6,000 people and has 34 offices across the world. Students from any STEM discipline can apply to MathWorks. Previous knowledge of MathWorks products is not essential. MathWorks is working to decarbonise and address climate change. MathWorks celebrated its 40th anniversary in Orlando, Florida.…

1
E71 - Personal Stories: Commanding Officer, Royal Air Force Coningsby - Part 6 - HM The Queen's Birthday Flypast 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message One of the most memorable events of my entire RAF career was having the privilege of leading the flypast to mark Her Majesty The Late Queen Elizabeth II's 80th Birthday in 2006. We flew a 49 aircraft flypast, the largest for many years, with a formation of Typhoons as part of the event …

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 28 - The Auschwitz Debate, with Dr Waitman Beorn 44:00

1M ago44:00

44:00

Subscriber-only episode ***Episode available on general release on Wednesday 11 December 2024 WARNING: This episode includes discussion of issues surrounding the Holocaust and genocide which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, the hosts engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Waitman Beorn about the controversial topic of whether…

1
Songs of the Rock: Newfoundland & Labrador's Confederation in 1949 25:54

1M ago25:54

25:54

In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador officially joined Canada, becoming the country's youngest province—but not without fierce debate and resistance. In this episode, we explore the unique journey of Newfoundland and Labrador to Confederation, including the two heated referendums that divided the province. We'll hear from Mark Manning, lead singer of…

1
Episode 27 The Men in the Bomber: Models, Memorials, 158 Sqn & More - with Luke Turner 54:01

1M ago54:01

54:01

In this episode, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes engage in a lively discussion with author Luke Turner about the complexities of Bomber Command's history, model-making, the legacy of the Dambusters film, his fascination with 158 Squadron, and the personal stories of individuals like Bertram Warr. They explore themes of masculinity, memory,…

1
S5E5: Santa Cruz De Marcenado - Spain's Clausewitz 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

The 3rd Marquess of Santa Cruz de Marcenado (1684–1732), soldier, diplomat and scholar, pioneered humanist ways to prevent or suppress insurgencies in his Military Reflections. In his time, Marcenado was the most widely read Spanish author on war. He drew on his own rich experiences of the Spanish War of Succession to complement his erudition based…

1
Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben 40:14

1M ago40:14

40:14

What is it like to be a member of the elite force known as CJIRU? Why switch from Special Operations Forces Operator to Pilot? What challenges and opportunities do the trades have in common, and what useful traits overlap? Tune in this week as we chat with Ben, a former Special Operations Forces Operator who switched to the pilot trade, currently u…

1
E70 - Themes: The Power of Debriefing 23:36

1M ago23:36

23:36

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message It's been some while since I did a thematic episode so I thought this would be a good topic to introduce, and to hopefully stimulate some thought and maybe even some discussion. Debriefing is the topic and the reason I titled this episode as "The Power of Debriefing" is that I truly bel…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 27 The Men in the Bomber: Models, Memorials, 158 Sqn & More - with Luke Turner 54:01

1M ago54:01

54:01

Subscriber-only episode *** Episode on general release on Wednesday 4 December In this episode, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes engage in a lively discussion with author Luke Turner about the complexities of Bomber Command's history, model-making, the legacy of the Dambusters film, his fascination with 158 Squadron, and the personal storie…

1
Season 5: Gradcracker webinar with AtkinsRéalis 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Key Takeaways: As a large consultancy, you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of variety of interests and projects at AtkinsRéalis. You'll be encouraged to "put yourself out there" and ask lots of questions! Every graduate is given personal development time to work on their skillsets. You'll have the opportunity to work towards Chartership. Make sure…

1
Episode 26 - A Canadian Bomber Crew in Training/ Your Questions Answered 46:30

2M ago46:30

46:30

This week, Jane and James explore the training of bomber crews, and the perilous nature of life at the OTUs and HCUs. They discuss the training structure, the tragic story of a training flight that ended in disaster for the Canadian crew, and the importance of memorializing those who lost their lives in training. Jane talks about a new bomber comma…

1
USAF Judge Advocate General Samantha Arrington Sliney dives deep into the evolution of military aviation pregnancy policies and talks about her new picture book All the Things Our Mommy Can Do coauthored ... 1:14:11

2M ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Send us a text In this interview with co-author Samantha Arrington Sliney, a USAF Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Women's Initiative Team (DAF WIT) member, we talk about the new picture book she co-authored with fellow DAF WIT member, USAF pilot Megan Biles, All the Things Our Mommy Can Do, and we dive deep into military aviation pregnancy policie…

1
Ep 104: Rapid Capability Development for a 5th Gen Air Force 46:54

2M ago46:54

46:54

According to the RAF’s Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer, 'Commercial' is actually about delivering capability at pace that the war fighter needs. Group Captain Rauri Henderson-Begg and Tom Purser from Commercial X talk to InsideAIR about rapid capability development for a 5th Gen Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF…

1
Season 5: Gradcracker webinar with DNV 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Key Takeaways: DNV is committed to making an impact on real-world safety, saving lives and the planet. You don't need to be studying an engineering degree to apply - students from all STEM disciplines can contribute to DNV's success. If you're interested in working towards Chartership, DNV will support you in achieving this. International football …

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E69 - Guests: Professor Richard Sullivan, Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King's College London & Guy's Comprehensive Cancer Centre 1:43:35

2M ago1:43:35

1:43:35

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message My guest this week is Professor Richard Sullivan, the Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King's College London (KCL) & Guy's Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Richard has been a doctor since the early 1990s during which time he has increasingly focused on cancer as a specialism such th…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 26 - A Canadian Bomber Crew in Training / Your Questions Answered 46:30

2M ago46:30

46:30

Subscriber-only episode *** Episode on general release Wednesday 27th November This week, Jane and James explore the training of bomber crews, and the perilous nature of life at the OTUs and HCUs. They discuss the training structure, the tragic story of a training flight that ended in disaster for the Canadian crew, and the importance of memorializ…

1
Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor recipient and Air National Guard Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot Mary Jennings Hegar talks about her memoir Shoot Like a Girl 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

Send us a text Mary Jennings Hegar is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, the Purple Heart, and five Air Medals for her service as an Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk Combat Search and Rescue Pilot on three deployments in Afghanistan and many domestic civil humanitarian missions. When her aircraft was shot down in Afghanis…

1
Afghanistan: James Glancy, Royal Marines - Very few people got to actually understand the Afghan people, the real structure of how the tribes work and who they were. 1:11:27

2M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

James Glancy is “of the 9/11 era. There is a big difference in the experience of Serving in the Royal Marines or the military in the 90s to the post 2001 era…I was in Afghanistan within two months of passing out…I did three Troop Commands on combat operations on the ground. It was an amazing 10 years.” When he left “I missed the intensity of operat…

1
Afghanistan: Sir Laurie Bristow, UK Ambassador to Afghanistan - There were moments where we didn’t know if we would get out alive. 1:02:04

2M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Sir Laurie Bristow was central to the military withdrawal in 2021, there’s nobody better placed to give us the inside story than the last British ambassador in Afghanistan. He takes us through the days and hours counting down, “15th August we started the day with President Ghani behind his desk broadcasting to the nation…roughly 2.30pm” He’s “left …

1
In the Shadow of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery's Life and Legacy 15:23

2M ago15:23

15:23

It’s been 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, and her legacy continues to captivate. Best known for Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery crafted characters who embody resilience and imagination. In this special episode, we're joined by her granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler. Kate shares family stories, preserving her grandmother’s legacy, a…

1
Episode 25 - Coastal Command, with Andy Bird 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies engage with historian Andrew Bird to explore the often-overlooked role of Coastal Command in the RAF during World War II. The conversation covers the origins and structure of Coastal Command, its critical role in the Battle of the Atlantic, and the ongoing …

1
Hangar 46: Sergeant Shard Malchow & Squadron Leader Joel Ingram 54:52

2M ago54:52

54:52

"Just believe in the work you've done" Join us in the hangar as Warrant Officer James Hood chats to Sergeant Shard Malchow and Squadron Leader Joel Ingram on endurance sports, resilience, comradery, and physical fitness. This episode is hosted by Warrant Officer James Hood

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Afghanistan: Oliver Lee, Royal Marines - Moral Courage, above all, it’s about doing the right thing 1:30:18

2M ago1:30:18

1:30:18

Oliver Lee resigned over the Marine A controversy and epitomises moral courage. He took over command of 45 Commando in 2009 as it came back from Afghanistan. Knowing they’d return in 2011 and to fulfil his vision of “Less violence, more engagement with people and culture… It’s about Afghans before anybody else” he ensured that the entire unit “all …

1
Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan 1:04:03

2M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

What was it like to fly the legendary CP-121 Tracker, or the mighty CP-140 Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 2 of our 2 part Remembrance Day episode will feature Duncan's t…

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S5E4: Turning Around a Defeated Army: Field Marshall William Slim, with Dr Robert Lyman MBE 36:54

2M ago36:54

36:54

Voted Britain’s ‘greatest general’ by the National Army Museum in 2011, ‘Uncle Bill’ Slim led the XIVth Army from defeat to victory. Dr Robert Lyman tells us about Slim’s strategic leadership. Field Marshal William Slim (1891–1970) is famous for transforming troops who had retreated almost 1,000 miles through Burma pursued by the Japanese Army into…

1
Afghanistan: Bronwyn Royce, Mother - If We Can Reach One Person Who Needed to Hear this Story, That’s What it’s All About, To Give Somebody Hope. 1:14:09

2M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Cayle Royce was severely injured in action. His difficult yet inspirational story is told from his mother, Bronwyn’s perspective. Cayle lost both legs above the knee and part of his hand as well as further blast injuries after stepping on an IED. “It is a very challenging story, but lots of positives to be taken…From where we were…To where we are n…

1
E68 - Personal Stories: Commanding Officer, Royal Air Force Coningsby - Part 5 - Flying the Typhoon! 34:16

2M ago34:16

34:16

I'd love to hear from you; feel free to send me a Text Message In this instalment of my personal stories, I continue to recount my time in command of Royal Air Force Coningsby and, this time, I focus on flying the Typhoon. This was an incredibly special time in my career as being charged with bringing a completely new RAF capability into service wa…

1
🔒 (Premium) Episode 25 - Coastal Command with Andy Bird 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

Subscriber-only episode *** Episode on general release Wednesday 20th November In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies engage with historian Andrew Bird to explore the often-overlooked role of Coastal Command in the RAF during World War II. The conversation covers the origins and structure of Coa…

1
Afghanistan: Frank Ledwidge, Civilian Advisor - In Order to Put Things Right, You Have to Understand Where You Went Wrong. 1:17:32

2M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Frank Ledwidge is angry. His hard-hitting, bleak and perhaps controversial perspective is born out of his work in Afghanistan and personal investigation, “I wanted to know what the human cost was…The image we had of ourselves was, we are here to help” but “We were seen as…invaders…That came as something of a shock to me.” Frank’s background was as …

1
Season 5: Gradcracker webinar with Cummins 55:48

2M ago55:48

55:48

Key Takeaways: Students from all STEM disciplines are encouraged to apply to Cummins. Despite Cummins' size, there is a great family culture with opportunities to network and socialise with people across the business. At Cummins you’ll be given real responsibility with the chance to run your own projects. You'll develop both your soft and technical…

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Royal Air Force Podcasts

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