Podcast appearances and mentions of becky aikman

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft. In a faraway land, these "spitfires" lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior. With cinematic sweep, in Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger during World War II (Bloomsbury, 2025) Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft. In a faraway land, these "spitfires" lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior. With cinematic sweep, in Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger during World War II (Bloomsbury, 2025) Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Host Diana Korte speaks with award-winning journalist Becky Aikman about her new book, “SPITFIRES. The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II.” This is a fast paced true story of the 25 US women who flew the world's most dangerous aircraft through the treacherous skies of Britain during World War II eighty years ago. Another fifty years would pass before the first American woman piloted a US fighter plane in combat.They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses — all of them pilots who wanted to serve in World War II. Because they were women, their own country turned them away. But Great Britain, in a desperate fight for survival, would let anyone — even Americans, even women -- fly warplanes. Twenty-five of them bolted for England in 1942. They became the first American women to fly perilous missions in military aircraft. In England these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. They risked their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, flying new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returning shot-up wrecks for repair. Many transport pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves.  

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft. In a faraway land, these "spitfires" lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior. With cinematic sweep, in Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger during World War II (Bloomsbury, 2025) Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft. In a faraway land, these "spitfires" lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior. With cinematic sweep, in Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger during World War II (Bloomsbury, 2025) Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Writer Becky Aikman tells the story of American female pilots that chose to go to Britain, to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary. While flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, they live their lives to the fullest. It's a new land and a new chance to reinvent themselves. But not all will make it to the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this interview with author Becky Aikman we talk about her new book Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger about the women who flew for the Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain. Buy the book: https://literaryaviatrix.com/book/spitfires/The blurb: The heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain.They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is available on Bookshop.org, you'll find a link to it on the book page. By shopping through the Literary Aviatrix website a small portion of the sale goes to support the content you love, at no additional cost to you. https://literaryaviatrix.com/shop-all-books/Thanks so much for listening! Stay up to date on book releases, author events, and Aviatrix Book Club discussion dates with the Literary Aviatrix Newsletter. Visit the Literary Aviatrix website to find over 600 books featuring women in aviation in all genres for all ages. Become a Literary Aviatrix Patron and help amplify the voices of women in aviation. Follow me on social media, join the book club, and find all of the things on the Literary Aviatrix linkt.ree. Blue skies, happy reading, and happy listening!-Liz Booker

Wednesday is the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking Germany’s unconditional surrender and the end of WWII in Europe. A new book “Spitfires” tells the little-known contribution American women made to that outcome by flying combat aircraft — not for U.S. forces, which denied them the opportunity, but for Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary. John Yang spoke with author Becky Aikman to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

To tell the story of female empowerment we must turn to Sir Ridley Scott... ...and of course the talents of Susan Sarandon, TRILOGY IN THEORY favorite Geena Davis and most importantly screenwriter Callie Khouri. And while one host fails miserably at his attempt at a mini book club by starting (but not finishing) OFF THE CLIFF by Becky Aikman... he did agree with the anecdote of not cheering on the screen death of the wonderfully tall Brigitte Nielsen in BEVERLY HILLS COP 2. That's neither here nor there but support women! And we intend to do so this month as we hit the road with leading ladies of action and leave Shooter McGavin behind! We hope you join us by supporting our Patreon Movie Book Club episodes and not deciding to read! Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @trilogyintheory Letterboxd: @projectingfilm & @webistrying Artwork by: @nasketchs Find out more at https://trilogyintheory.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

We are so honored and excited to have the iconic Dr. Karen Altfest In the Suite! Karen is a Principal Adviser and executive vice president at Altfest Personal Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management boutique firm in New York. Altfest Personal Wealth Management is a company she runs with her husband Lew and their son Andrew.  Her team manages over a billion dollars in client assets. Throughout her 30-year career, Karen has blazed a trail in fee-only financial planning for women. With a Ph.D. in history and CFP designation, Karen has written many scholarly articles and books on financial planning and investments and curated CFP programs at Manhattan's New School and Pace University. Karen has carefully curated educational programs through her Women's Financial Spa and Women's Financial Salon programs.  She's also created a special place within her office called “The Parlor” a private space for women to share their issues.  Throughout the years, Karen has been the recipient of multiple awards. In 2019, Crain's New York Business acknowledged Karen as a notable woman on Wall Street for the fourth time, and most recently, she was recognized as the Top Woman Wealth Advisor by Forbes for the third consecutive year!Growing up in a family that believed in social work set a wonderful example for pursuing a better world. As the founding chairman of the New York Common Pantry, she provides hot meals, nutrition education, and case management services to hundreds of people annually!One of the many gifts you'll discover about Karen Altfest in this episode is her unrelenting dedication and commitment to women's empowerment and making the world a better place. As a woman in finance, I am in awe of her achievements and inspired by her work. You will be too In The Suite. (03:20) Working with Family (06:41) Karen has a Ph.D. in History!(09:25) Karen's Journey to Finance (12:41) “We're Behind in Financial Literacy”(16:44) About the Financial Savvy Women Program(22:37) Money is about Human Feelings(24:53) Advice for Female Financial Advisors(30:36) Why Stay Connected to your Alma Mater?(34:00) Founder of The New York Common Pantry(40:40) “Don't Belittle Yourself!”(44:00) Best way to get in touch with Karen(44:50) Karen's Book RecommendationLinks: Altfest Personal Wealth Management - Website Dr. Karen C. Altfest, Ph.D., CFP® - LinkedIn Personal Financial Planning by Lewis J. AltfestThe New York Common Pantry Notable Women on Wall Street 2021: Karen Altfest in  Crain's New York NAPFA Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman on Amazon 

Becky Aikman is the author of the fantastic behind-the-scenes book Off The Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge. You should absolutely go buy it! https://bookshop.org/books/off-the-cliff-how-the-making-of-thelma-louise-drove-hollywood-to-the-edge/9780143131489 (and absolutely listen to her talk Thelma and Louise with us!). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Becky Aikman, author of Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge, joins me for a discussion celebrating the 30th anniversary of Thelma & Louise! We talk about the writing of her amazing tell-all book, what it was like to interview Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, and what we think this extraordinary film means to the world of cinema 30 years since its release. THELMA & LOUISE is available on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/3aKLFmsFollow us at filmatfifty.com and @filmatfifty on social media, and please leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also email the podcast at fiftyyearsagoinfilm@gmail.com!/// SUPPORT FILM AT FIFTY ///Check out our Patreon page at patreon.com/filmatfifty to unlock two or more bonus episodes a month not available on the regular podcast. We'd love your support!

In Off the Cliff: How the Making of ‘Thelma & Louise' Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin, 2018), Becky Aikman explores the making of Thelma & Louise, a 1991 film that challenged traditional Hollywood culture. The film cast two women as the stars, running from their lives and the law. An outlaw film that was a long shot, but became one of the most influential films of the past 30 years. Aikman tells the story of how Callie Khouri wrote a script that she worked to see come to the big screen. Off the Cliff goes behind the scenes, examining how Khouri's script got to Ridley Scott, how they found one studio—Pathé—to back it, and how through a series of sometimes lucky and very fortunate events came together to create this lasting feminist film milestone. Aikman draws on interviews with the actors, writers, and filmmakers to tell the story of Thelma & Louise. Aikman's work is an in-depth exploration into every aspect of Thelma & Louise, from getting the movie off the ground, actor auditions, discussions of the filming of a number of the key scenes, and initial audience reaction. Aikman's work is a must read for not only fans of the movie, but readers interested in film history and American cinema. Rebekah Buchanan is an Associate Professor of English at Western Illinois University. Her work examines the role of narrative in people's lives. She researches zines, zine writers and the influence of music subcultures and fandom on writers and narratives. You can find more about her on her website, follow her on Twitter @rj_buchanan or email her at rj-buchanan@wiu.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Off the Cliff: How the Making of ‘Thelma & Louise’ Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin, 2018), Becky Aikman explores the making of Thelma & Louise, a 1991 film that challenged traditional Hollywood culture. The film cast two women as the stars, running from their lives and the law. An outlaw film that was a long shot, but became one of the most influential films of the past 30 years. Aikman tells the story of how Callie Khouri wrote a script that she worked to see come to the big screen. Off the Cliff goes behind the scenes, examining how Khouri’s script got to Ridley Scott, how they found one studio—Pathé—to back it, and how through a series of sometimes lucky and very fortunate events came together to create this lasting feminist film milestone. Aikman draws on interviews with the actors, writers, and filmmakers to tell the story of Thelma & Louise. Aikman’s work is an in-depth exploration into every aspect of Thelma & Louise, from getting the movie off the ground, actor auditions, discussions of the filming of a number of the key scenes, and initial audience reaction. Aikman’s work is a must read for not only fans of the movie, but readers interested in film history and American cinema. Rebekah Buchanan is an Associate Professor of English at Western Illinois University. Her work examines the role of narrative in people’s lives. She researches zines, zine writers and the influence of music subcultures and fandom on writers and narratives. You can find more about her on her website, follow her on Twitter @rj_buchanan or email her at rj-buchanan@wiu.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Off the Cliff: How the Making of ‘Thelma & Louise’ Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin, 2018), Becky Aikman explores the making of Thelma & Louise, a 1991 film that challenged traditional Hollywood culture. The film cast two women as the stars, running from their lives and the law. An outlaw film that was a long shot, but became one of the most influential films of the past 30 years. Aikman tells the story of how Callie Khouri wrote a script that she worked to see come to the big screen. Off the Cliff goes behind the scenes, examining how Khouri’s script got to Ridley Scott, how they found one studio—Pathé—to back it, and how through a series of sometimes lucky and very fortunate events came together to create this lasting feminist film milestone. Aikman draws on interviews with the actors, writers, and filmmakers to tell the story of Thelma & Louise. Aikman’s work is an in-depth exploration into every aspect of Thelma & Louise, from getting the movie off the ground, actor auditions, discussions of the filming of a number of the key scenes, and initial audience reaction. Aikman’s work is a must read for not only fans of the movie, but readers interested in film history and American cinema. Rebekah Buchanan is an Associate Professor of English at Western Illinois University. Her work examines the role of narrative in people’s lives. She researches zines, zine writers and the influence of music subcultures and fandom on writers and narratives. You can find more about her on her website, follow her on Twitter @rj_buchanan or email her at rj-buchanan@wiu.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Off the Cliff: How the Making of ‘Thelma & Louise’ Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin, 2018), Becky Aikman explores the making of Thelma & Louise, a 1991 film that challenged traditional Hollywood culture. The film cast two women as the stars, running from their lives and the law. An... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Off the Cliff: How the Making of ‘Thelma & Louise’ Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin, 2018), Becky Aikman explores the making of Thelma & Louise, a 1991 film that challenged traditional Hollywood culture. The film cast two women as the stars, running from their lives and the law. An outlaw film that was a long shot, but became one of the most influential films of the past 30 years. Aikman tells the story of how Callie Khouri wrote a script that she worked to see come to the big screen. Off the Cliff goes behind the scenes, examining how Khouri’s script got to Ridley Scott, how they found one studio—Pathé—to back it, and how through a series of sometimes lucky and very fortunate events came together to create this lasting feminist film milestone. Aikman draws on interviews with the actors, writers, and filmmakers to tell the story of Thelma & Louise. Aikman’s work is an in-depth exploration into every aspect of Thelma & Louise, from getting the movie off the ground, actor auditions, discussions of the filming of a number of the key scenes, and initial audience reaction. Aikman’s work is a must read for not only fans of the movie, but readers interested in film history and American cinema. Rebekah Buchanan is an Associate Professor of English at Western Illinois University. Her work examines the role of narrative in people’s lives. She researches zines, zine writers and the influence of music subcultures and fandom on writers and narratives. You can find more about her on her website, follow her on Twitter @rj_buchanan or email her at rj-buchanan@wiu.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thelma & Louise. It's hard to imagine, looking at the sheer amount of episodes that we've done, that we've never gotten around to making an episode about this movie. It is, after all, the quintessential road trip movie ... What's that? Huh? It's famous for other things, too? Oh. I did not know that! Fascinating. Come see what Ridley Scott does when he's not making effect-heavy blockbusters scored by Hans Zimmer. Come see two of the women who were nominated, but ultimately lost the Best Actress academy Award to Jodie Foster this year. Come away asking yourself if this is the true origin of the phrase "Geez, Louise". Also, drama, excitement, death, sex, money, robberies and everything else a person could desire. As we mention in the beginnin gof this episode, there have been some pretty bad technical issues to deal with of late. Hopefully we'll have them all sorted out within the next few weeks, but in case we get an episode or two out late every so often - now you know why. Show notes and links: Thelma & Louise (1991) - IMDb (imdb.com) “Off the Cliff” by Becky Aikman (amzn.to) Facts to Know about Women in Hollywood (womenandhollywood.com)

Journalist Becky Aikman talks deadlines, transitioning to long-form writing, and show biz. Her latest book is "Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge." For Becky's video interview on "Off the Cliff..." and more literature-loving content, visit: http://www.allarts.org/authorimprint Also, book lovers - check out The Great American Read, PBS's new 8-part series about the power of books and the joy of reading. What's America's favorite novel? This series aims to find out. Vote for your favorite book and check out more here: www.thirteen.org/greatamericanread

Thelma and Louise is rightly considered a great film that went through an incredible journey to the screen. It is also an illustration of how dedicated women still had to fight hard to get it made. Becky Aikman‘s book Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin Books, 2017) presents a great overview of both the movie and its societal and cultural importance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thelma and Louise is rightly considered a great film that went through an incredible journey to the screen. It is also an illustration of how dedicated women still had to fight hard to get it made. Becky Aikman‘s book Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin Books, 2017) presents a great overview of both the movie and its societal and cultural importance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thelma and Louise is rightly considered a great film that went through an incredible journey to the screen. It is also an illustration of how dedicated women still had to fight hard to get it made. Becky Aikman‘s book Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge (Penguin Books, 2017) presents a great overview of both the movie and its societal and cultural importance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thelma and Louise is rightly considered a great film that went through an incredible journey to the screen. It is also an illustration of how dedicated women still had to fight hard to get it made. Becky Aikman‘s book Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Heavy tongue, Cold Tongue" Recalling memories of your first kiss. We share ours (Tracey's involved a 'Carny') and listeners chime in too. Matt Granite checks out laptops vs tablets in a back to school edition of "Majic Ways to Save" Becky Aikman discusses her book: "Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge"

This week, Martha's guests are Ric Orlando, Kayla Rae Whitaker, and Becky Aikman. With Story Slam performances from Beth Broun and Kristen Garnier.

Few experiences in life are more personal than grief. There is simply no formula. We’re all told about the stages of grief, but research now tells us that this is simply not true. As Anais Nin said, "we each see things not as they are, but as we are." We bring our own history, prejudice and emotions to the process of grieving. Couple this with grieving for a husband, when one still has a whole life ahead and you, and you have the potential for many questions, many tears and even much laughter. That's what Becky Aikman found out, as she would deal with her own grief along with the group she dubbed THE SATURDAY NIGHT WIDOWS. And while it may sound like a skit on SNL, Saturday Night Widows: The Adventures of Six Friends Remaking Their Lives, is the the real and raw story of six women coming to grips with death, life, and love. My conversation with Becky Aikman: