Behind the Wings

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...

How testing and simulations advance AI pilot agents from the lab to the field. Welcome to part 1 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 around the U.S. to learn more about AI in military aviation. Join us as we discuss the history of AI,...

We are excited to announce our special four-part miniseries featuring stories from the making of our newest Behind the Wings PBS season! Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss AI in Military Aviation, Collaborative Combat Aircraft, The Super Guppy, and Hypersonic Flight Testing. Join us to hear inside tales you won't find anywhere else. This is going to be cool! New episodes come...

EA-6B Pilot Matthew Maher and Electronic Countermeasures Officer Ethan Williams dive deep into the world of electronic warfare with a spotlight on the legendary EA-6B Prowler. In this episode, our guests take us back into the cockpit, explore the complex jamming systems that helped protect air and ground crews, landing on a pitching aircraft carrier, and multi-aircraft missions. We also answer sev...

STScI Education and Outreach Scientist Dr. Chris Britt discusses time traveling to the origins of the universe with The James Webb Space Telescope. In this episode, Chris tells us about processing JWST's data into breathtaking images, groundbreaking discoveries, how stars are formed, black holes, and the telescope's future. This one is going to be cool! This episode will follow up on our previous...

Science communicator and influencer The Space Gal, a.k.a. Emily Calandrelli, discusses using art as a tool to encourage STEAM literacy. In this episode, Emily tells us about her aerospace journey, exploding foam and making science fun as a host of educational programs, the opportunity to go to space, and how she uses children’s books and social media to inspire and educate future aerospace generat...

Former NASA astronaut Tom Jones discusses installing the first laboratory module on the International Space Station.  Welcome to Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, hear stories about flying the B-52, working as a NASA mission specialist on four Space Shuttle missions, life in space, and what it's like to go on a spacewalk. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Tom's...

Season 5 of the Behind the Wings Podcast is back this September with 10 new episodes! Hear from astronaut Tom Jones, adventures from flying and operating the EA-6B Prowler, and from TV host and author Emily Calandrelli a.k.a. The Space Gal. We've got some incredible stories and guests coming up! New episodes come out every other Monday, starting September 9. Subscribe wherever you listen, because...