Behind the Wings
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum has a podcast! Based on our hit YouTube and PBS series of the same name, the Behind the Wings podcast will cover everything from aviation history to the future of space exploration with thought leaders and experts in the industry. This one's going to be cool!
F-15, F-16 or F-22? A General's Verdict - Episode 77
Brigadier General Micah “Zeus” Fessler shares stories about flying the F-15 and F-22, traces Colorado fighter aviation from early biplanes to the F-16, and today's homeland defense mission.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with “Zeus” about the aircraft, missions, training, and people that shaped his military career, including combat operations, Weapons School, and the Colorado Air National Guard. From the 120th Observation Squadron’s early Jennys to Buckley’s ongoing alert mission, Micah offers a wide-ranging look at fighter aviation and the community behind it. This one is going to be cool!
What you'll hear...
The Most Dangerous Plane to Fly in Vietnam - Episode 76
Air Force veteran Art Elser reveals what it took to fly low, slow, and exposed as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with former forward air controller Art Elser about flying more than 400 combat missions in the Cessna O-2A Skymaster and O-1E Bird Dog. From directing air support over the Ho Chi Minh Trail to helping Special Forces teams under fire, Elser offers a personal account of aviation, fear, courage, responsibility, and the long journey home. This one is going to be cool!
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Will Air Taxis Change Everything? - Episode 75
NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing.
NASA’s RAVEN aircraft is helping researchers explore one of aviation’s biggest next steps: electric vertical takeoff and landing.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with NASA researchers Siena Whiteside and Jason Welstead about RAVEN, the Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies. From air taxis and regional mobility to noise, safety, hover-to-forward-flight transitions, and the challenge of scaling new aircraft designs, Sienna and Jason explain how NASA is building a flying laboratory for the futu...
Flying Soviet MiGs in the Nevada Desert - Episode 74
Rob “Z-Man” Zettel shares his story from inside one of the Air Force’s most secret Cold War programs, Project Constant Peg.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Z-Man, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and former member of the legendary 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the “Red Eagles,” about what it was like to fly real Soviet MiG fighters in the Nevada desert. From the F-4 Phantom and F-5 aggressors to the MiG-21 and MiG-23 at Tonopah Test Range, Zettel offers a firsthand look inside the classified program designed to train American p...
Maintaining America's Secret MiGs - Episode 73
Jim “JB” Bell shares his story from inside one of the Air Force’s most secret Cold War programs, Project Constant Peg.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Jim, a retired crew chief of the legendary 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, about what it took to keep MiG fighters flying in the Nevada desert. From maintaining MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and MiG-23s at Tonopah Test Range to flying on unmarked C-5s into China and bringing home F-7 fighters, Bell offers a rare perspective on one of the most classified adversary air pr...
Leadership Under Pressure - Episode 72
Major General John Barry shares his story of leadership through some of the most consequential moments in modern aerospace and national security history.
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with John Barry, a fighter pilot, combat leader, former NASA official, and retired U.S. Air Force Major General. From Cold War alert missions in the F-4 Phantom to command at Luke Air Force Base, from surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to helping investigate the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Barry reflects on a career shaped by what he calls “windows in history.” This one...
Shot Down Over Hanoi - Episode 71
Retired Col. Thomas Kirk shares his story of surviving solitary confinement for two years as a prisoner of war at the “Hanoi Hilton."
In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Tom, a fighter pilot, squadron commander, and Vietnam War POW. From one of the most intense air-combat battlefields in history to the harrowing story that followed, Kirk explores what it took to persevere through the unthinkable. There is a lot to learn!
🎧 What you’ll hear:
Inside Hanoi airspace: What it felt like flying through dense SAMs, AAA, and MiGs October 28, 1967: Leading a major str...Behind the Wings Season 8 Trailer
Season 8 of Behind the Wings podcast is here. Hosted by Rick Crandall, the next 10 episodes deliver first-hand accounts from across the aerospace world, spanning historic combat missions, classified Cold War programs, and pivotal moments in space exploration. This season continues the show’s focus on connecting past, present, and future through the people who lived it.
Release Schedule:
New episodes drop every other Monday, beginning April 20, 2026.
More Info:
Visit Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
Support Wings' Mission of aerospace education and inspiration.
Special th...
Supersonic Flight Without the Boom - Episode 70
Get an inside look at NASA’s Quesst mission and the effort to bring supersonic flight back over land, without the disruptive sonic boom.
For more than 50 years, civil aircraft in the U.S. have been effectively barred from flying supersonic over land, not because of speed, but because of noise. NASA aims to change that paradigm with the X-59, a purpose-built experimental X-plane designed to reshape shockwaves so they reach the ground as a quiet “sonic thump” rather than a window-rattling boom.
We’re joined by Cathy Bahm, Low Boom...
The F-100 Saved This Pilot's Life - Episode 69
Retired Pilot Col. John “Warman” Stewart discusses his Vietnam combat sorties and how the Super Sabre saved his life.
In this episode, we explore the history of the North American F-100, John’s Air Force career, his first supersonic flight, and what it was like operating one of the most important fighters of the Cold War. We also get an in-depth walkaround to understand how the Super Sabre's design features enabled its mission.
From breaking the sound barrier to supporting troops on the ground, this one is going to be cool!
...
Designing a Home for Artemis II - Episode 68
Human Factors Engineer Cynthia Hudy shares what it takes to design a spacecraft around the people who fly it.
We explore Cynthia’s role designing the systems inside Orion, from displays and controls to life support, radiation protection, and the everyday realities of living in deep space. We also discuss how astronaut feedback and human-in-the-loop testing are shaping Artemis II, the first crewed Orion mission to carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17.
From engineering for diverse crews to preparing humans for deep-space autonomy, this one is going to be cool!
...
From the End Zone to the Cockpit - Episode 67
NFL Alum and Pilot Jimmy Graham shares stories about stunt flying and how it helped him relax when off the field.
In this episode, we discuss how Jimmy earned his pilot certificates during his football career, airshow aerobatics, and his restored 1957 Army Beaver and Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey. We also explore Jimmy's role as Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, and his commitment to inspiring future aviators. From the discipline of professional football to the focus required in the cockpit, this one is going to be cool!
Resources:
From Warthogs to Reapers - Episode 66
Retired Fighter Pilot Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette shares how flying the A-10 prepared her for operating UAVs like the MQ-1.
In this episode, she discusses the Warthog's capabilities, combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, controlling the Predator and Reaper drones, returning to jets after a spinal injury, and how she now shares lessons from the flight deck as a mental performance trainer. As air superiority continues to shift from cockpits to control rooms, we get an inside look at why the pilot's role is more complex than ever before. This one is going to be cool!<...
Test Flying the SR-71 Blackbird - Episode 65
Retired Test Pilot Rogers E. Smith recalls flying the final SR-71 Blackbird flight and how a fuel leak grounded the aircraft forever.
In this episode, we discuss his Canadian and American military careers, flying experimental aircraft for NASA, and piloting a MiG-25 at 80,000 feet in Russia. From first to fourth-generation fighters, Rogers has flown nearly every U.S. jet and then some, all without ever attending a formal test pilot school. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
Rogers' Website Rogers Smith's Bio (Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame) Rogers' SR-71 Career Synopsis (NA...Flying the First U.S. Harrier Combat Mission - Episode 64
Retired AV-8B Pilots Capt. Frank “Pugs” Smith and Lt. Col. Luke “Warren” Jacobs take us behind the iconic Jump Jet and its 40-year legacy.
We are back with our regularly scheduled podcast! In this episode, they discuss carrier operations, vertical takeoff and landing, the challenges of maintaining the aircraft, and how the fighter performed its missions. The Harrier remains one of aviation’s boldest experiments, paving the way for newer V/STOL platforms like the F-35B. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
The Harrier Jump Jet (Key Aero)Operation Desert Sto...Unlocking Asteroid Secrets - PBS S7 Miniseries Episode 4
How OSIRIS-REx's journey to Asteroid Bennu could reveal clues to the origins of life on Earth.
Welcome to the finale of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7!
In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette share stories from filming around the U.S. to learn more about OSIRIS-REx's journey to Asteroid Bennu. Join us as we discuss how meteorites helped launch the O-REx idea, designing the spacecraft, touring the asteroid testing wall, and solving problems millions of miles from Earth. This one is...
50 Years of the F-16 - PBS S7 Miniseries Episode 3
How the F-16 became a combat legend around the world, and what it takes to build them.
Welcome to Part 3 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7!
In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette share stories from filming around the U.S. to learn more about the history behind the Fighting Falcon. Join us as we discuss the dangerous first flight, touring the only manufacturing plant, technical upgrades, and test-flying the Viper fresh off the production line. This one is going to be...
Building the International Space Station - PBS S7 Miniseries Episode 2
How the world's largest spacecraft taught us to live and work in space.
Welcome to Part 2 of our 4-part bonus podcast miniseries on the making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7!
In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette share stories from filming around the U.S. to learn more about building the International Space Station. Join us as we discuss astronaut training in the enormous Neutral Buoyancy Lab pool, assembling the ISS in orbit, life on board, and how mission control helps solve disasters in real time. This one is going...
The Hurricane Hunters - PBS S7 Miniseries Episode 1
What does it take to fly into a hurricane, and why is it important?
Welcome to Part 1 of our bonus podcast miniseries on The Making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7. In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss stories they heard while filming The Hurricane Hunters. Join us as we explore the dare that started it all, the modified aircraft and its technology, and how the team saves millions of lives every year. This one is going to be cool!
Check out the full-length episode on PBS or our YouTube...
Collecting Space Dust from Asteroid Bennu - Episode 63
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 materials returned from Asteroid Bennu. Our knowledge of space is rapidly evolving, and we still have so much more to learn.
This special release features the full-length conversation with Dante from our...
The Making of Behind the Wings PBS S7 Miniseries Trailer
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 find anywhere else. This is going to be cool!
Miniseries episodes come out every Thursday starting October 23. Also, check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel beginning November 6. We can't wait to show...
How Black Holes Could Unlock the Mysteries of the Universe - Episode 62
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 store information on black holes' surface. From leading minds like Einstein, Hawking, and Strominger, our understanding of these celestial bodies is constantly evolving, and we still have so much to learn...
Landing a Helicopter on a Bank Robber's Car - Episode 61
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 missions. From the Fire Base Mary Ann battle to flying alongside dangerous tornadoes, he has done it all in a career spanning more than 50 years. This one is going to be...
Behind the Wings Season 7 Trailer
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 fleeing bank robber's car. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool.
See you next week for Season 7 of Behind the...
Why the F-22 Transformed Stealth - Episode 60
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 aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, "Laz" has done it all. This one is go...
How Orbital Debris Could End Space Exploration - Episode 59
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 where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn!
Resources:
Ejecting from the B-1 Lancer - Episode 58
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 alert procedures, low-level mountain missions using terrain-following radar, and a first-hand account of ejecting from the four-person flight deck. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
Wings Museum...How the F-111 Revolutionized Aircraft Capabilities - Episode 57
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 technology for its time, like terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and an ejection capsule, this supersonic jet was not only advanced but a whole lot of fun to fly. This one is going to be cool!
Surviving Extreme Isolation in Space - Episode 56
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 spacecraft, taking care of an astronaut’s overall wellness will be no easy task. There is a lot to learn!
Resources:
Deep Space Predictive's WebsiteProject LodestarChapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:54) - Long Term Sp...
Spying From 70,000 Feet - Episode 55
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. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
U-2 Air Force Fact Sheet KC-135 Air Force Fact SheetChapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:14) - Flying the U-2...
3,113 Days as a Vietnam POW - Episode 54
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 onto the will to live when all else was stripped away. There is a lot to learn!
Resources:
"Code of Conduct" by Everett Alvarez Jr. "Chained Eagle" by Everett Alvare...Cleared for Chaos - Episode 53
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 skies and ground running smoothly. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
Kellie Hudson's Website EAA AirVenture OshkoshChapters:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:03) - What is an Ai...
The Pilot Changing Hollywood Filmmaking - Episode 52
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 hand in it. Be sure to tune in because there's an exclusive announcement this episode! This one is going to be cool!
Want to hear more "Top Gun" stories? Check ou...
The First Woman Thunderbirds Pilot - Episode 51
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, and how a tick-borne illness changed her life forever. There is a lot to learn!
Resources:
Nicole Malachowski's Website Nicole Malachowski's Bio (Wikipedia) The Thunderbirds' WebsiteThe Women Airforce Se...Behind the Wings Season 6 Trailer
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 episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Nicole "FiFi" Malachowski. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be...
Designing 400 Air and Spacecraft - Episode 50
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 and GlobalFlyer around-the-world flights. This one is going to be cool!
Episode 50 marks the end of Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast. We'll be taking a short break and...
Spacewalking for 8 Hours - Episode 49
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 record-breaking spacewalk. This one is going to be cool!
Key Takeaways:
Discovering the First Pulsar - Episode 48
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:
AI's Military Future with the USAF Secretary - Episode 47
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 concerns. This one is going to be cool!
Key Takeaways:
The D-Day Air Campaign - Episode 46
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 anniversary of D-Day and gave us the opportunity to learn more about one of the most important battles of WWII. This one is going to be cool!
Key Takeaways:
Ge...