Behind the Wings

University of Arizona Professor and OSIRIS-REx Principal Investigator Dr. Dante Lauretta explains how asteroids could reveal the origins of life on Earth. In this episode, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the asteroid sample collection on October 20 and explore the spacecraft’s design, the daring Touch-And-Go maneuver, challenges the team overcame, and what we’ve learned so far from the mater...

We're excited to announce our special four-part podcast miniseries featuring stories from the making of our newest Behind the Wings PBS season! Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy "Jackie'O" LaTourrette discuss our upcoming episodes: "The Hurricane Hunters," "Building the International Space Station," "50 Years of the F-16," and "Unlocking Asteroid Secrets." Join us to hear inside tales you won't...

Theoretical Physicist Andrew Strominger explains what exactly black holes are and how they could tell us about the beginning of the cosmos. In this episode, Andrew discusses the questions behind black holes, the strange physics at their event horizon, what they reveal about the nature of space and time, and how he, Stephen Hawking, and Malcolm Perry helped develop the theory that "soft hairs" may...

Pilot Mike Silva recalls a high-speed chase that ended when his news helicopter stopped a fleeing criminal’s stolen car, allowing police to save a hostage's life. Welcome to Season 7 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Mike discusses Huey missions in Vietnam, piloting Copter4 at Denver CBS, returning to combat as the oldest Black Hawk aviator in Iraq, and saving lives during intense...

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 flee...

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 a...

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 w...

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...

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 technolo...

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 space...

Retired Pilot 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....

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 o...

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 sk...

Aerial Coordinator 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...

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,...

The Behind the Wings podcast is back with Season 6 and 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...

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...

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 rec...

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: At the time,...

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 co...

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 anniversa...

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 he...

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 abou...

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, th...

The ethics of deploying AI in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), are weighed against the risks of falling behind technologically.  Welcome to part 2 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 continue their conversation about AI in the military, with a specific focus on AI-piloted aircra...