Madcat Podcast

In this episode, John Pighini and Scott Gearen sit down to recount stories of John's career in uniform — from flying combat rescue missions over Laos and Thailand during the Vietnam War, to becoming the founding Pararescuemen at the classified JSOC unit known as Det 4 NAFCOS (later known as the 24th STS). John recounts: Flying 100+ combat missions in the Jolly Green Giant, picking up downed p...

Episode 32 of the Madcat Podcast is with Al Stanek.  He is a legend of the PJ community! He survived a shoot-down, saved his pilots from a burning wreck, and spent a night in the dirt fighting off enemy forces to protect the wounded. He’s a Silver Star recipient and a PJ's PJ. Join us for an incredible conversation. Donate to the cause: https://linktr.ee/madcatpodcast

Mike Fish served as a PJ at the 41st ARRS at Hamilton AFB, California, 38th ARRS at Tuy Hoa AB and the 71st ARRS at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. He shares his story of earning the Air Force Cross and all of the jump missions he managed to get on! He remains a titan of the PJ community, this was an awesome interview for us to do in person.   Check out the full video on our YouTube.  Buy Podcast SWAG or D...

John Nusbaum joined the Air Force in 1965 and earned his beret in PJ class 65-5.  After being stationed in Spain, he volunteered for a tour in Southeast Asia.  We delve into the missions John conducted in Da Nang, most notably when John earned a Silver Star during an extremely hazardous extraction of a Special Forces team.   Buy Podcast SWAG or Donate to the Cause: https://linktr.ee/madcatpodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Chuck McGrath, a recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Silver Star and an Air Force Cross.  Chuck is a true embodiment of the motto "That Others May Live."  Buy Podcast SWAG or Donate to the Cause: https://linktr.ee/madcatpodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Lynch, the former POW from the Iraq War, for an honest and unfiltered conversation. Hosted by PJ Benji Brudnicki, they discuss her life in the Army prior to deploying, her captivity, and her ongoing journey with mental health and healing. Watch the full pod on youtube: https://youtu.be/W0Eb6BlSpvc Buy Podcast SWAG or Donate to the Cause: https://linktr.ee/...

Dennis McKiver joins us to talk about his career.  Dennis goes into detail about the missions he was a part of in Southeast Asia and the 3 jump missions he got in a row! To look up more about the Mayaguez Incident check out the wiki link below.  As always check out out linktree to buy swag or donate to the cause!  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/madcatpodcast?utm_source=linktree_admin_share Wiki: http...

From Navy deckhand to MACV-SOG recon leader to Air Force Pararescueman, Jim ‘Wild Carrot’ Shorten lived a life most only read about. He went deep behind enemy lines, then spent decades trying to bring the fallen home. This is his story.

Chief Al Richmond was the first PJ Chief of the 129 RQS.  Chief joined the Marine Corps in 1954, 3 years later after the Marines wouldn't let him jump he joined the Army. Finally that he joined the Air Force as a Pararescueman.  He was a Reservist and Guardsman at the 301 RQS, 302 RQS and 129 RQS.  He retired in 1981 after a legendary career.   All of Al's literary works can be found on...

Chief Williamson served from 1966-2000. Was a major player in the implementation of square parachutes and rescue jumpmaster TTPs. He has some incredible missions and hilarious Charlie stories. Hope you guys enjoy.

In this episode, we talk with Cliff, a PJ who served in Guam and Southeast Asia before becoming a civilian contractor and TACP. He shares his exciting stories of jumping into typhoons and submarines in the Pacific, along with his memorable missions from 13 months deployed during the Vietnam War. 

Another Alaska legend, we sit with Retired Chief Skip Kula to hear about his 30+ years as a PJ. From summiting Denali to parachuting through blizzards, Skip shares some amazing stories and hard-earned lessons. Don’t miss it! Shameless plug: support the podcast by clicking our link in the bio and purchase some Madcat gear. Thank you for helping us keep this going. 

Garth Lenz is the former Chief of the 210th and is the current historian up in Alaska.  His career is full of amazing stories, we hope you enjoy the listen.   This is the first episode in our AK PJ series.  Please click the link in our bio and support us by buying SWAG! 

Chief Mike McManus relives his historic 34 year  career in Pararescue among his many assignments to include Japan, New York and Alaska.  Chief McManus was a part of 7 jump missions while stationed in Japan, he was instrumental in standing up Pararescue's Military Freefall program, and he influenced many future Chief's careers with his mentorship.  Joining Mike on this episode was his wif...

Join us in our mentorship series as we sit down with Retired Chief Tellsworth to explore his most memorable missions, including his experience with the Jessica Lynch rescue operation, and crucial lessons learned throughout his Pararescue career. We dive into the key characteristics of effective leadership and he shares the necessary  traits of a strong team. 

Col Jose Cabrera is the Commander of the 563rd Rescue Group.  His journey in the Air Force started prior to 9/11, after being tasked to help support personnel working at Ground Zero in New York he found a deep appreciation for first responders.  24 years later he is one of the highest ranking CROs in our community.  

In this episode, we dive into the wealth of experience Tony Negron brings from his 26 years in the USAF, including a decade each in AFSOC and ACC, and notable combat tours. Tony shares critical lessons from the field, tips to crush the 24th STS selection, and strategies for a smooth military to civilian transition. He also opens up about the highs and lows of starting his own business after servic...

In the inaugural episode of our Mentorship Series, we are honored to host retired SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López. Colón-López, a man of profound experience and wisdom, shares his journey and lessons learned from a distinguished career. From his early days to his pivotal role as a Senior Enlisted Advisor, CZ offers invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of mentor...

We're got retired Cheif Dave Milsten back on the podcast to share his incredible jump mission. The man has no fear!

At the PJ Reunion, we had the honor of sitting down with 86-year-old Tommy Miles, a man of unparalleled resilience and determination. Tommy's survival story from a 200-foot helicopter fall, resulting in almost every bone in his body broken, is just the beginning. His journey through recovery and fight to achieve Pararescue status has rightfully earned him the reputation as one of the toughest...

Ed De Shae came into the Air Force in 1965 and broke barriers by becoming the first black Pararescuman.  Ed describes the adversity he faced throughout his Air Force career and also recounts his most memorable mission which led to him being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Ed went on to a successful career in the performing arts with the aspiration of helping others.  

Chief John Tobey represented the Air Force from 1963 to 1989.  Four years after enlisting, Chief Tobey earned a Silver Star on his way to achieving two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Airmen's Medals in Vietnam, Korea, and Alaska.  Chief Tobey is well regarded as one of the best advocates for the Pararescue community.  Among other things, his leadership allowed for expansion of the pip...

With a commendable 26 years of service that began in 1969, Bob LaPointe undertook 8 remote tours in Korea and served two tours in Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, he was stationed in the Alaska and was the first PJ to summit Mount McKinley. But Bob's legacy doesn't end there. He was the PJ Historian and has written two  books: 'All for One, The Rescue of Boxer 22' and 'PJ&...

In this episode of the Madcat Podcast, we sit down with Ken Fournier, a 14-year Pararescueman whose remarkable journey led him from high-stakes GRS missions to a career as a Hollywood stuntman. Ken shares memorable missions from his time as a PJ and his experience as an Eco-Challenge competitor. Join us for an inspiring look at Ken's extraordinary journey. 

Leif Arvidson, a former Pararescueman, served his country from 1967 to 1993. In this episode, Arvidson recounts his experience that led to his Silver Star award during his first tour in Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Lief shares his contributions to the Pararescue community, including his role in establishing the Special Tactics Squadrons (STS) and the Paramedic Certification for PJs. Enjoy!