Podcasts about Space Museum

We'll be back soon with new episodes of AirSpace! In the mean time, here's a treat from our friends at Sidedoor.Orville and Wilbur Wright have been immortalized as the men who opened the skies to human flight. But could they have achieved such great heights without the wind beneath their wings—their sister? Katharine Wright was her brothers' biggest champion, official spokesperson, closest confidante, and the only one of the Wright siblings with a college degree. For years, Katharine, Wilbur, and Orville were inseparable—until tragedy and a love affair upended everything. This is the story of the Wright sibling that history almost left out.Guests: Thomas Paone, curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Tom Crouch, curator emeritus of the aeronautics division at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and author of The Bishop's Boys: A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright You can find the transcript of this episode and more information on our website.

I was recently given two prints by the renowned aviation artist, the late Robert Taylor. One is going on the wall, the other... Well, that is the focus of this video, as why would I want the signature of a man like Günther Rall, an ardent servant of fascism, hanging on my wall?You can listen to both parts of our Birds of Prey discussion with Dr. Philip Blood via The Aviation Show website here:https://theaviation.show/hedge-hopping/You can grab a copy of Birds of Prey by Dr. Philip W. Blood at The Aviation Show Bookshop. 10% of each sale supports the show.UK Link: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11015/9783838215679US Link: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9783838215679Jonathan Glancy's 2004 Guardian interview with Rall can be found here: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2004/dec/30/1Rall's obituary in The Daily Telegraph which includes Dr Richard P. Hallion's remarks, can be found via the Wayback Machine here: https://web.archive.org/web/20091015045404/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/air-force-obituaries/6299837/Generalleutnant-Gnther-Rall.htmlFind out moe about the Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centres and the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial on their YouTube channel @neuengamme.memorial and website here: https://www.gedenkstaetten-hamburg.de/en/-----------------------------------------------------

National Air and Space Museum near Washington DC

In anticipation of Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s two most beloved alien films face off in the inaugural Filmspotting Movie Death Match. Representing Close Encounters of the Third Kind is Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Chair of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum. Making the case for E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial is longtime critic and author Jen Chaney. Host Chris Klimek presides. Which film better captures Spielberg’s vision of alien contact — and his ideas about the nuclear family? Vote at ⁠moviedeathmatch.com⁠. Movie Death Match is a new Filmspotting podcast that determines which one of a pair of linked movies — each championed by a passionate and highly credentialed advocate — shall be preserved in perpetuity, and which one shall be lost to history. Through opening statements, formal debate rounds, and closing arguments, a single cinematic judge renders an irreversible verdict. One movie survives. One is erased. Listeners may disagree — but there are no appeals. Intro & Meeting the Advocates (00:00:00-00:04:40) The Matchup (00:04:41-00:06:21) Opening Statements (00:06:22-00:10:26) Rd. 1: The Movies in Their Time (00:10:27-00:28:49) Rd. 2: The Movies in Our Time (00:28:50-00:45:39) Rd. 3: The Movies for All Time (00:45:40-01:01:57) Closing Arguments & The Verdict (01:01:58-01:04:22) Credits (01:04:23-01:08:40) *** Follow Chris: Instagram | Bluesky | X More From Margaret Weitekamp -Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight -Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America's First Women in Space Program More From Jen Chaney -On E.T. and Why the Spielberg Classic Endures -As If! The Oral History of Clueless, As Told by Amy Heckerling, the Cast, and the Crew -Instagram | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Gentile has been an Executive leading large multinational companies (15,000+ employees and $3B+ AUM) for the past 20 years. Including being the former CEO of Spirit Aerosystems, President of GE Capital, and VP of CBS.He is the former Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and serves on the Advisory Board to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Tom has a degree in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. And he studied international relations at the London School of Economics.If you enjoyed this episode please share it with a friend. It helps me out a lot.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-more-with-jacob-oconnor/id1594231832Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacoboconnor/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jacob-oconnor

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC has a lot to see. Tucked among the aircraft there is a display case with a lion. That lion is Gilmore. Gilmore, the flying lion (o león volador) flew more than 25,000 miles, including trips that broke speed records, with his owner Colonel Roscoe Turner, a daredevil pilot and aviation activist. This story is in the third person and past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “avión” (plane), “pasajero” (passenger), “carrera” (race),“volar” (to fly), “deleitar” (to delight).No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2026/05/31/simple-stories-in-spanish-roscoe-turner-y-el-leon-volador/ ¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher . You can also find me on Venmo and PayPal @Small Town Spanish TeacherSupport the show

It's out with Ian & Barbara and in with Steven as the five of us discuss The Crusade, The Space Museum, The Chase & The Time Meddler! Who will win out in the last half season of Strictly Come Hamster!

Back in the NonRev Lounge: Summer Schedules, Maui Plans, Italy Routing, and a Tucson Museum TripTyler and Monique return after losing a previously recorded episode due to an editing issue and share life updates, including a busy home remodel, an upcoming move, and Tyler's likely commuting from Salt Lake City while waiting on a transfer. They discuss airline summer schedule changes out of Phoenix (seasonal routes cut, Salt Lake reduced to express flights, Anchorage returning) and frustration with capacity decisions. Monique outlines a packed summer with Flagstaff, Maui, Italy, and St. George trips; they talk about rising Hawaii costs, plans for Maui (Road to Hana, waterfalls, black/red sand beaches, Seven Sacred Pools, snorkeling spots like Napili and Honuolua Bay), and nonrev strategies using StaffTraveler's new Route Explorer. Tyler recounts a Tucson trip to the Pima Air & Space Museum and notes TSA touchless/PreCheck experiences, plus a potential policy shift reducing international positive bag match requirements.00:00 Welcome Back Update01:19 House Remodel Chaos02:13 Transfer and Flight Schedules03:08 Summer Routes and Seat Crunch07:13 Summer Trips Lineup09:55 Why Hawaii Got Expensive11:46 Maui After the Fires13:57 Road to Hana Must Dos18:21 Seven Sacred Pools Explained23:22 Snorkeling and Turtle Spots29:08 Booking Flights and Airline Options31:41 Cheap Camping Then vs Now34:12 Kapalua Food Recommendations34:36 Maui Food Plans35:23 Hana Food Truck Stop36:23 Wildlife Respect Rant38:06 Tucson Museum Trip43:14 Touchless TSA Talk49:40 Bag Match Rule Changes58:37 Summer Travel Planning59:29 Italy Nonrev Strategy01:04:51 StaffTraveler Route Update01:08:39 Wrap Up And SponsorCheck out Route Explore from StaffTraveler   https://route-explorer.com/StaffTraveler wants our feedback to help build Route Explore before it is officially released.  Send any feedback to support@stafftraveler.comStaffTraveler is offering a 10% code for any of our listeners who buy their eSIM.Use the Promo code ST10NONREVLOUNGE  https://share.stafftraveler.com/nrl-esim✈StaffTraveler is a great app that can assist your non-rev travels! Use it to find the loads for your non-rev travel! Use this to sign up:https://stafftraveler.com/nonrevlounge

Noam and Jen make it back a day late. It's ok, that's what a three day weekend means. We did have plenty to talk about though, seeing as Trump settled his lawsuit against his own IRS over something that happened during his last term and that means that there is now $17.76B of taxpayer money that can now be used for….well it's not really been determined what for. What's for certain is that all of the J6 participants think they have a check coming to them.  Thomas Massie lost his primary to some MAGA dude nobody really knows, but he still can't bring himself to say that Trump sucks. He did find time to take a shot at Israel though, despite them having nothing to do with his election loss. We think he might be the newest citizen of the post MAGA Podcastistan soon enough, maybe then he'll criticize the man who cost him his career. The war with Iran is still on. Or maybe it's off, No, it's still on. Still no deal with the US. Eventually someone is going to have to admit this whole situation is FUBAR and do something to fix it, although it seems like nobody wants to admit that to Trump just yet.  We spend a minute discussing the Trump administration wanting to talk to Hasan Piker and Medea Benjamin about their trip to Cuba. We also wonder what happened to all of those solar panels they brought to the Cuban people (jk we know the Cuban government took them).  For our WAWC, Noam is still making his way through season 3 of Euphoria, and Jen (and Noam) encourage everyone to go to the good Smithsonian Air and Space Museum out in Chantilly, VA.  

This week on Radio Night Live, Kevin McCullough and his co-host Cristyne Nicholas are gearing up for the ultimate celebration of America's birthday. With Memorial Day just around the corner, they're diving into the rich history of the American Revolution and the pivotal role New York City played in it. Joining them are two fascinating guests, Dr. Sarah Henry, the curator of the Museum of the City of New York's exhibit "Occupied City," and Dave Winters, the executive vice president of the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. Dr. Sarah Henry, Museum of the City of New York Dr. Sarah M. Henry has been a part of the Museum of the City of New York since 2001. Previously, Sarah served as the Robert A. and Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe Chief Curator and Deputy Director at the Museum of the City of New York, overseeing Museum exhibitions (over 200 to date) as well as publications and collections. She is responsible for the exhibition department's program strategy, long-range planning, and content, and she has led the curatorial work on such acclaimed exhibitions as This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture (2023) and New York at Its Core (2016) and now, The Occupied City: New York and the American Revolution (2026). Sarah received a Ph.D. in U.S. History from Columbia University and a B.A. from Yale in History and Mathematics/Philosophy. She received the Manhattan Borough President's “History Visionary Award,” is a member of the New York Academy of History and serves on the board of the International Council of Museums' Committee on the Collections and Activities of Museums of Cities. David Winters, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum David A. Winters serves as President of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a leading national organization supporting the military community. Since 2000 the Fund has raised over $200 million for families of military personnel lost in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for several special projects serving wounded military personnel. Winters oversees the Fund's strategic planning, fundraising and program execution. Winters has been with the Fund since its establishment in 2000 and became President in 2011. In 2011 the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund launched its current program: building a series of ten advanced treatment centers for military personnel suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury. To date $100 million has been raised for this effort, and eight of the ten centers have already been built and are open and operating, with another currently under construction. Winters also serves as Executive Vice President of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Winters' responsibilities aboard Intrepid include management of events, special projects, government and military relations, and administration of the annual festival programs including Fleet Week, Kids Week and Free Fridays. Mr. Winters also serves as corporate secretary of the Museum. He joined the Intrepid Museum as a volunteer in 1992 and as an employee in 1993. Winters also serves as the Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Intrepid Relief Fund, which provides support to military personnel and families. Winters' responsibilities include administration of the Fund and directing fundraising efforts. Winters has worked with this effort since 1994. Winters served on the 1812 Advisory Group from 2010 through 2012, assisting with the Department of the Navy's planning for the War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations. Winters' involvement in supporting America's military community began in March 1991, when he helped establish a volunteer charitable effort called Operation Support, which in just three months raised over a quarter million dollars to benefit the families of American military personnel lost in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Winters holds a BA degree from Fordham University.

Dr. Emily Margolis, Curator of Contemporary Spaceflight at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, joins John Landecker to talk about Alan Shepard Jr., who became the first American in space on this date in 1961.

I went live for a special “Copy, Moon Joy” edition of I Think This Is Great!, and I have a lot to say about space.

The B-1B Lancer has been in service for 40-years and her later life has been incredibly busy. With the Lancer's replacement, the B-21 Raider, taking to the skies, you would think the B-1B could look forward to a well earned rest. But, as Kenneth P. Katz brings up to date on the B-1's story, we see that the Lancer's story is far from done. Buy The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber by Kenneth P. Katz at The Aviation Show Bookshop. 10% of each sale supports the show.UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16621/9781399020299US: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9781399020299Thumbnail image kindly provided by Ed Parsons. Check out Ed's photography at: https://photos.edparsons.com/-----------------------------------------------------

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has a new exhibit tracing the rise, near extinction and recovery of the bison. Museum director Kirk Johnson talks about a prehistoric skull at the centerpiece of the story and why it's important for American history. And, NASA's Artemis II mission made history this month by sending four astronauts farther from Earth than any other humans have been before. But moments like this echo the earliest days of American spaceflight in 1962, when John Glenn orbited the planet three times in a cramped capsule called the Mercury Friendship 7. Mike Neufeld, curator emeritus at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, discusses the history and modern significance of the Friendship 7See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

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 thanks to United Airlines for supporting the podcast and helping bring these stories to life.

Artemis II is set to land today in the waters outside of San Diego. While it may be too far out in the water for us to see, there are going to be some fun ways you can experience it today with other space fans. The Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park is having a viewing part and today David from the museum joined us to talk about the event and why we are all fascinated by this story.

We've now seen parts of the moon no human has ever seen before.That's thanks to the four-person crew of NASA's Artemis II mission — and plenty of other scientists here at home, on Earth.It's a story many of us have been following over the past week, marking humanity's return to the moon after more than 50 years.Later this week, the Artemis II crew will be splashing down right off the coast of San Diego. We get all the details from the San Diego Air & Space Museum and hear about their upcoming Family PJ Night Watch Party.Guest:David Neville, communications director, San Diego Air & Space Museum

A new president brings a new future to the B-1 Lancer program as the Reagan rearmament program sees development of the B-1 accelerated. The concurrent development and production brings its own headaches as the Lancer matures in time for a twenty year period of constant operations over Afghanistan and Iraq.Buy The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber by Kenneth P. Katz at The Aviation Show Bookshop. 10% of each sale supports the show.UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16621/9781399020299US: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9781399020299This is an edited version of our podcast that was released in 2022.-----------------------------------------------------

The Smithsonian Institution National Air & Space Museum's Jennifer Levasseur discusses the history of the 135-mission Space Shuttle program (1981-2011), its accomplishments, and two tragic failures that led to the deaths of 14 shuttle astronauts. Ms. Levasseur, the curator in charge of the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, where this interview took place, also takes us on a tour of the shuttle orbiter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Smithsonian Institution National Air & Space Museum's Jennifer Levasseur discusses the history of the 135-mission Space Shuttle program (1981-2011), its accomplishments, and two tragic failures that led to the deaths of 14 shuttle astronauts. Ms. Levasseur, the curator in charge of the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, where this interview took place, also takes us on a tour of the shuttle orbiter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WMAL GUEST: TEASEL MUIR-HARMONY (Curator of the Apollo collection at the National Air and Space Museum) on the latest milestones of NASA’s Artemis II mission and the museum's upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration featuring five new renovated galleries. WEBSITE: AirAndSpace.SI.edu SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/AirAndSpace Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 8 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Alex Swoyer discussed: INTERVIEW: Al Corbi: President/Founder of SAFE, whose company makes doomsday bunkers, with his thoughts and tips on what he'd advise President Trump for his White House bunker. INTERVIEW: Teasel Muir-Harmony: National Air & Space Museum’s curator of the Apollo collection on NASA's Artemis II mission and the National Air and Space Museum's Plans to celebrate 50 years. Overheard at DCA Airport: Larry talks about someone losing their copy of the Declaration of Independence at Reagan Airport as well as the increase in cherry blossom and MAGA souvenirs at the airport. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, April 3, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The B-1 Lancer was a highly innovative design, capable of high-speed, low-altitude flight and potentially could have been a vital buttress to the United States Nuclear Triad. But as we discuss in this second part of the B-1 story, post the Vietnam War, military spending was very much at the forefront of turbulent economic times. New President Jimmy Carter had to make a crucial decision about the future of the B-1. Buy The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber by Kenneth P. Katz at The Aviation Show Bookshop. 10% of each sale supports the show.UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16621/9781399020299US: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9781399020299This is an edited version of our podcast that was released in 2022.-----------------------------------------------------

In this Bonus Episode, we've re-editted our conversation with Ken Katz about the B-1 from 2022 as the aircraft returns to the forefront of operations. The B-1 bomber is an aircraft that captivates all aviation buffs, a true creature of politics and engineering. The B-1's journey to nearly 40 years on the front line of the US Air Force has not been straightforward. Join us as Kenneth P. Katz, author of The Supersonic BONE, describes the journey to the AMSA program that saw the creation of a series of bombers, like the wonderful madness of the XB-70 Valkyrie, that informed what would become the B-1.Buy The Supersonic BONE: A Development and Operational History of the B-1 Bomber by Kenneth P. Katz at The Aviation Show Bookshop. 10% of each sale supports the show.UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16621/9781399020299US: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9781399020299This is an edited version of our podcast that was released in 2022.-----------------------------------------------------

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 10 is here! Oklahoma! And The Grapes Of Wrath Route 66 Journey Progress Update Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's progress on his Route 66 journey, focusing on Oklahoma where he is currently traveling. They noted that Oklahoma has done a good job preserving and promoting the historical route, with 429 miles of the bike route available and minimal interstate usage. Randy mentioned that Kansas will be his next stop, where he will cover only 13 miles of Route 66 across three towns. Route 66 and Technological Displacement Bubba and Randy discussed the historical context of Route 66 and its significance in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," where it was referred to as the "Mother Road." They explored how advancing technology in the 1930s displaced farmers in Oklahoma, leading many to migrate to California in search of work, only to face exploitation and wage disparities. The conversation drew parallels between this historical displacement and the current impact of AI on jobs, questioning how future technological advancements might affect employment and requiring society to adapt and evolve once again. Generational Work Ethics and Route 66 Randy and Bubba discussed differences in work ethic between generations, using the movie "The Grapes of Wrath" as an example of how people in the past handled challenges without complaining. They explored Route 66, highlighting stops like Sam's Town in Eric, Oklahoma, and discussing the town's connection to Roger Miller. The conversation also touched on Bonnie and Clyde's connection to the Red River and mentioned several movies associated with Route 66, including "Easy Rider" and "Cars." Route 66 Travel Plans Discussion Randy discussed his plans to travel Route 66 again starting in September from Chicago to Santa Monica, aiming to reach Seligman by late October for a centennial celebration and signing event. He noted the different perspectives of Route 66 depending on the direction of travel and wanted to capture more sights during this new journey. The conversation also included a discussion about Sears kit homes from the 1930s, with Beth providing information about how these homes were sold through catalogs and could cost between $600 for a small cottage to a few thousand dollars for larger models. Route 66 Trip Highlights Randy shared details about their Route 66 trip, highlighting visits to Elk City's museum with its historical road grader exhibit and the well-preserved town layout. They discussed getting lost in Clinton and missing some Route 66 attractions, including a neon arch and mini golf course. Randy also described Weatherford's Space City connection to astronaut Thomas P. Stafford and the newly added 30-foot astronaut statue, though they decided not to visit the Stafford Air and Space Museum during this trip. The conversation included a brief discussion about Apollo 10's role as a dress rehearsal for the moon landing, and Randy mentioned visiting Lucille's roadhouse in Weatherford. Route 66 Journey Updates Randy shared updates about their Route 66 journey, discussing notable towns and landmarks between Weatherford and Oklahoma City, including Bridgeport's Pony Bridge, El Reno's fried onion burger, and Bethany's Southern Nazarene University. They highlighted the challenges of navigating Oklahoma City's multiple route alignments and provided guidance on following historical Route 66 signs rather than bicycle routes for a more authentic experience. The discussion also touched on the repurposing of historic sites into new businesses and included a humorous exchange about Love's Travel Stops responding to a social media post. Route 66 Travel Updates Randy discussed his recent travels along Route 66, sharing experiences from Oklahoma and plans for future trips, including a potential return visit in the fall. He mentioned meeting new people and gathering suggestions for places to visit on his return journey. Randy also explained his use of Jim and Gemini for trip planning, while Beth continues to handle podcast-related tasks and provide road information during his travels. Travel Plans and National Parks Randy and Bubba discussed their upcoming travel plans, including Randy's visit to Sam's rustic property and future plans to visit Alaska's national parks. They noted that their Facebook page, "placebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast," has grown to 32,000 followers. The conversation highlighted their original goal of visiting all 61 national parks, with Randy needing to complete 8 parks in Alaska, some of which require plane or boat transportation to access. Route 66 Travel Journey Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's Route 66 travel journey, where he's taking his time documenting the route with photos while staying in places like Cracker Barrel parking lots. Randy explained his approach of doing smaller sections of the route at a time, suggesting that listeners could start with a "there and back" trip in their own state as a test run. He noted that while taking his time allows him to see more, he's missing some experiences like neon signs at night and visiting restaurants, which he plans to address on his return trip westbound. Route 66 Business Strategy Planning Bubba and Randy discussed their sons' recent trip to Italy and compared their personalities to their own middle-child experiences. They then planned a business strategy for selling Route 66-themed postcards and calendars, deciding to create a Shopify store and potentially include Route 66 stamps as a special feature for the first 100 orders. They agreed to start the product line with car culture and hidden gem themes, and discussed the possibility of Randy traveling the Route 66 to sell wholesale products. SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 32,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

Do heroes still exist? We can think of one. Oklahoma Today editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter reflects on his personal upbringing in Western Oklahoma and the inspiration he took from Thomas P. Stafford, the NASA astronaut who was born in the same town he grew up in. Today visitors to Weatherford, Oklahoma, can check out the Stafford Air and Space Museum, a loving tribute to the history of aviation and Stafford's work to advance scientific and cross-cultural understanding.  Also on this week's show, the editors keep the Western Oklahoma love going by listing off some of their favorite places to eat there. And podvents dare us to follow the red brick road. You won't want to miss it!

Astronomy Daily — Season 5, Episode 70 Monday, March 23, 2026   In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six stories spanning a live European rocket launch attempt, a sixty-year-old NASA emergency brought back to life through newly surfaced photographs, a cosmic explosion caught only by its echo, the fight to preserve the night sky, a supply run to the ISS with an unexpected complication, and a first-of-its-kind discovery involving brown dwarf stars.   Story 1: Europe's Spectrum Rocket — Bid for Orbit Today Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket is attempting its second test flight today — its qualification mission for ESA's European Launcher Challenge. Launching from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, the mission carries five CubeSats and one experiment from European universities and companies, all supported by ESA's Boost! program. If successful, it would mark a landmark moment for European sovereign access to space. Source: ESA — Spectrum's Qualifying Second Launch Story 2: Neil Armstrong — The Gemini 8 Emergency Sixty years ago this month, Neil Armstrong and David Scott survived one of NASA's most dangerous pre-Apollo emergencies aboard Gemini 8. A spacecraft malfunction sent the capsule into an uncontrolled spin reaching one revolution per second. Never-before-seen photographs of Armstrong's recovery have been donated to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Source: Phys.org — Space News Story 3: Astronomers Catch the Echo of a Billion-Sun Explosion Using the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia, astronomers identified ASKAP J005512-255834 — a radio signal representing the most convincing "orphan afterglow" of a gamma-ray burst ever detected. The original explosion went unseen because its jet wasn't aimed at Earth, but the lingering radio echo has been detectable for over 1,000 days. Research published in The Astrophysical Journal. Source: The Conversation — A Cosmic Explosion With the Force of a Billion Suns Story 4: The Fight to Save the Night Sky The Royal Astronomical Society, ESA, and the International Astronomical Union have filed formal objections to the FCC over two proposed satellite constellations: SpaceX's application for up to one million orbiting AI data centre satellites, and Reflect Orbital's proposal for 50,000 space mirrors each four times brighter than the full Moon. Experts warn the proposals could permanently transform humanity's view of the night sky. Source: Space.com — Astronomers Protest Giant Orbiting Mirror Project Story 5: Progress 94 Launches to ISS — With a Glitch Russia's Progress 94 cargo spacecraft launched successfully from Baikonur on March 22, carrying around three tonnes of food, fuel, and supplies to the ISS. One of its KURS automated docking antennas failed to deploy after launch. Docking at the Poisk module is scheduled for March 24. If the antenna issue isn't resolved, commander Sergei Kud-Sverchkov will conduct a manual docking. Source: NASA — Progress Cargo Craft Launches to Resupply Station Crew Story 6: First-Ever Brown Dwarf Pair Caught in Mass Transfer Caltech researchers using the Zwicky Transient Facility have discovered ZTF J1239+8347 — the first-ever observed brown dwarf binary undergoing mass transfer. The pair orbit each other every 57 minutes at a separation smaller than the Earth-Moon distance. The system will eventually either merge into a single star or one dwarf will accrete enough mass to ignite fusion. Research published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: Universe Today — This Pair of Brown Dwarfs Can't Get Enough of Each Other   Find us everywhere: astronomydaily.io  |  @AstroDailyPodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined by Laurie Gwen Shapiro, a bestselling author, journalist, and adjunct professor at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. A member of the Explorers Club, her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. She is the author of The Stowaway, the true story of a teenager who stowed away on a ship bound for Antarctica during the Jazz Age, and The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon, a New York Times Editors' Choice and one of the best books of the year by NPR, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine.But before our conversation with Laurie, we set the stage, because the Amelia Earhart story is deeply a Pan Am story.On January 9, 1929, three defining figures of the aviation age stood on the tarmac of Pan Am's new Miami terminal, Juan Trippe, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart. Trippe invited Earhart aboard Pan Am's Fokker F-10A, captained by Edwin Musick, for the inaugural flight to Havana.At the center of that relationship was Fred Noonan, Pan Am's greatest navigator, who charted the transpacific routes. When Earhart assembled her team in 1937, Noonan was the navigator every conversation kept returning to. Trippe extended Pan Am's full cooperation, and Pan Am mechanics spent a week on her Lockheed Electra in Miami. On July 2, 1937, Earhart and Noonan departed Lae, New Guinea, bound for Howland Island - 2,556 miles of open ocean...and vanished.This episode also features rare archival audio from the Elgen and Marie Long oral history collection...aired publicly for the first time. Their 220-plus hours of recordings are preserved at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum as the Amelia Earhart Project Recordings. Among those voices is Pan Am's Harry Canaday, recorded in 1985 at age 76, reflecting on Noonan, the Pacific survey flights, and the world that produced the Earhart flight.These recordings are presented courtesy of David Jourdan of Nauticos and the Smithsonian Institution's Amelia Earhart Project.Support the showVisit Us for more Pan Am History! Support the Podcast!Donate to the Museum!Visit The Hangar online store for Pan Am gear!Become a Member! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and  Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support! 

rWotD Episode 3242: Bernice Steadman Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Friday, 20 March 2026, is Bernice Steadman.Bernice Steadman (née Trimble; July 9, 1925 – March 18, 2015) was an American aviator and businesswoman. Steadman was one of thirteen women chosen to take the same tests as the astronauts of the Mercury 7 during the early 1960s. The group later became known as the Mercury 13. Steadman and the other twelve women in the program were denied the opportunity to become astronauts due to their gender. Steadman, a professional pilot, later co-founded the International Women's Air & Space Museum in Ohio during the 1980s.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:23 UTC on Friday, 20 March 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Bernice Steadman on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Brian.

On Wednesday 25th March 2026, a collection of Sir Barnes Wallis', the inventor of the Bouncing Bomb and many other things, will do up for auction at Denhams in West Sussex, England. Leo Denham kindly invited us down to explore this incredible collection and get a closer look at some of the increibly important historical artifacts that Wallis kept in his personal collection.To find out more about the collection, visit the Denhams website at https://denhams.com/ where you can see all the lots and how you can bid on them.Full cataloges of the collection are aviable for £10.-----------------------------------------------------✈️Get the latest from the Pima Air and Space Museum by following their socials! Website: https://pimaair.org/ https://www.facebook.com/PimaAirAndSpace https://www.instagram.com/pimaair https://www.youtube.com/c/PimaAirSpaceMuseumCheck out the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum here: https://www.tucsonmilitaryvehicle.org/

The North American Aviation A-36 was a dive-bombing development of the Mustang I that had been specified by the British during the Second World War. The dive-bomber was ordered by the US Army Air Force to supplement their attack aircraft and saw service in the Mediterranean and the China-Burma-India theatres. But the A-36's story is overshadowed by its fighter sister, and matters get even more complicated when it comes to the aircraft's name, which it never officially had.Author and historian Matthew Willis returns to The Aviation Show to discuss the development and service of the A-36 and champion the Allison-engined Mustangs, which were pretty ace.To enter our giveaway for a personalised copy of Matthew Willis' Mustang: The Untold Story, send an email to MUSTANG@THEAVIATION.SHOW with the subject line 'Not An Apache' to be considered in the draw. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday, 26th February 2026. The winner will be notified by email. If no response is received within 72 hours, the draw will be remade, and the new winner announced. There is no monetary alternative to the prize of one hardback copy of 'Mustang: The Untold Story'.Buy Mustang: The Untold Story by Matthew Willis in the UK through The Aviation Show Bookshop.org. Every sale supports independent bookshops, and 10% of each sale supports us. https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11015/9781913295882In the US, you can import Mustang: The Untold Story through Amazon (not an affiliate link) here: https://a.co/d/0bE8Bb7f-----------------------------------------------------

Ellen Kamhi, The Natural Nurse, talks with Angela Manno who studied at the San Francisco Art Institute, Parsons School of Design, and l'Ecole des Arts in Lacoste, France, through Sarah Lawrence College. Her work has been exhibited around the world, including by NASA, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  She also collaborates with the Center for Biological Diversity on its endangered species programs.  She presents each threatened species in a traditionally religious form—the icon—to illustrate its intrinsic value and true significance. www.angelamanno.com

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum's Teasel Muir-Harmony discusses the history of the U.S. space program, from the creation of NASA in 1958 through the Gemini early flights to Neil Armstrong taking his historic first steps on the lunar surface in July 1969. She also talks about the missions that followed and NASA's current efforts to return astronauts to the moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum's Teasel Muir-Harmony discusses the history of the U.S. space program, from the creation of NASA in 1958 through the Gemini early flights to Neil Armstrong taking his historic first steps on the lunar surface in July 1969. She also talks about the missions that followed and NASA's current efforts to return astronauts to the moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1919, four British teams arrived in Newfoundland to attempt to be the first to fly across the Atlantic non-stop, the Big Hop, and claim the Daily Mail's £10,000 prize. Author David Rooney joins us at the Science Museum in London to discuss John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown's incredible flight with the aircraft they did it in, the Vickers Vimy, which is on display at the museum.Buy The Big Hop: The First Non-stop Flight Across the Atlantic and Into the Future from The Aviation Show Bookshop.org affiliate links below:UK Link: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11015/9781784745080US Link: https://bookshop.org/a/111804/9781324050964Visit the Science Museum website to find out more and book your free admission tickets here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/-----------------------------------------------------

Orville and Wilbur Wright have been immortalized as the men opened the skies to human flight. But could they have achieved such great heights without the wind beneath their wings — their sister? Katharine Wright was her brothers' biggest champion, official spokesperson, closest confidante and the only one of the Wright siblings with a college degree. For years, Katharine, Wilbur and Orville were inseparable — until tragedy and a love affair upended everything. This is the story of the Wright sibling that history almost left out.Guests:Thomas Paone, museum specialist at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space MuseumTom Crouch, curator emeritus of the aeronautics division at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and author of The Bishop's Boys: A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright

FAA reorganization and shutdown prep, Airbus A220 stretch, certification as a trade tool, UPS MD‑11 retirement, 777X engine snag, fatal Challenger crash, iconic aircraft, new NASM galleries, aviation career issues, aviation-themed music, and a future DC‑3/CH‑47 fly‑in. Aviation News FAA Adds Departments, Shuffles Roles The new FAA reorganization differs from the previous structure mainly by centralizing safety oversight, creating new modernization and advanced technology offices, and consolidating internal support functions under new top-level offices. A new, agency‑wide Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) Organization implements a single safety system and risk-management strategy across all FAA lines of business, rather than having safety functions and metrics siloed in multiple offices as before. An Airspace Modernization Office is dedicated to rolling out the “brand‑new air traffic control system” and overseeing broader NAS modernization, which previously was handled within the Air Traffic Organization and other units rather than a single, focused office. An Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies integrates UAS, eVTOL, AAM, electric, and supersonic aircraft into the NAS. These functions were formerly spread among UAS integration, NextGen, and various certification/AVS branches. A new Administration and Finance Office consolidates the functions of finance, information technology, and human resources. Previously, they were distributed across multiple lines of business and staff offices. A Policy and Legal Office pulls together policy, legal, stakeholder engagement, financial assistance, and the agency's rulemaking/regulatory office. Previously, rulemaking and policy lived mainly within Aviation Safety and other distinct policy offices. The Administration and Finance Office, Policy and Legal Office, Air Traffic Organization, and the new safety and modernization offices all report to the Administrator. Shutdown Plan for FAA Involves 10K Furloughs The FAA's plan for the short-lived partial government shutdown was to furlough more than 10,000 FAA workers and withhold pay for 13,835 air traffic controllers. Exclusive: Airbus to kickstart pre-sales for a larger A220 jet, sources say Airbus is considering launching an A220 stretch – the A220-500 with around 180 seats. This is a “simple stretch,” meaning the same wings, the same engines, and a longer fuselage. The Airbus Board approval is required before the A220-500 can be formally launched. Trade War Skies: Understanding Trump's 2026 Decertification Order on Canadian Aircraft In a January 30, 2026, social media post, President Donald Trump announced the “decertification” of all Canadian-manufactured aircraft if Gulfstream aircraft were not certified by Canada. The President alleged that Canada has “wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly” refused to certify U.S.-made G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets. If Transport Canada did not act immediately, a 50% tariff would be implemented. Over 5,400 Canadian-built planes are registered in the U.S. This sent shockwaves, if not panic, throughout the industry. With time, clarification has come: The order would apply to new aircraft airworthiness certificates and wouldn't ground the fleet. The IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) urged a separation of safety regulation and political grievances. “You can't weaponize the certification process,” said union leaders, emphasizing that aviation safety should remain an independent pillar of global travel. Some feel Transport Canada is holding off on certifying the G700 and G800 mainly because they are not willing to mirror the FAA's temporary fuel‑icing exemption. The Canadian regulator wants the full cold‑weather and icing compliance demonstrated first. UPS won't resurrect MD-11 fleet after deadly crash, takes $137M charge UPS is retiring its fleet of 27 MD-11 aircraft and, in the process, writing off $137 million after-tax. The MD-11s will be replaced with twin-engine Boeing 767-300 cargo jets. In response to the grounding of the MD-11 fleet, UPS repositioned some aircraft from outside the US, expanded transportation by truck, and leased planes from partner airlines. During an earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes said, “Over the next fifteen months, we expect to take delivery of 18 new Boeing 767 aircraft, with 15 expected to deliver this year. As new aircraft join our fleet, we will step down the leased aircraft and associated expenses. We believe these actions are consistent with building a more efficient global network positioned for growth, flexibility and profitability.” Boeing's certification ‘hangover' drags on with new 777X issue Also, Boeing has identified an engine durability issue with the General Electric GE9X engines that power the 777X, although CEO Kelly Ortberg says this will not impact the first 777X delivery in 2027. Also, Ortberg signalled to investors that the company plans to increase 737 MAX production this year to 47 from 42 planes per month. Boeing has been preparing a fourth MAX production line in Everett to produce 737 MAX 10s, although the aircraft has yet to receive certification. Boeing posted job openings for the line, and the tooling is complete. Tracing the hours after a fatal plane crash in Bangor The Bombardier Challenger 600‑series business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in a snowstorm, killing all six people on board and triggering a complex, weather‑hampered investigation. The business jet was operating a private flight from Bangor to Europe with two crew and four passengers from the Houston area. The plane had been deiced and was cleared for takeoff on runway 33 around 7:40–7:45 p.m., in heavy snow, with visibility down to about three‑quarters of a mile and several inches of snow on the ground. Within roughly a minute of takeoff clearance, controllers halted all traffic after the aircraft crashed on or near the runway, coming to rest inverted and on fire. Possible lines of inquiry include: Wing contamination and ice buildup are known risk factors that have contributed to past Challenger‑series accidents. Aircraft performance and whether the wing stalled on takeoff. Deicing procedures and timing relative to takeoff, including whether holdover times were exceeded. Crew qualifications, training, and recent duty history. Mechanical condition of the aircraft and any anomalies captured on the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which have been sent to the NTSB in Washington. Mentioned National Air and Space Museum Announces Plans To Celebrate 50 Years The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum opened on July 1, 1976, as a gift to the nation for the U.S. bicentennial. Five new galleries will open to the public on the museum's 50th anniversary, July 1, 2026, and in time for the nation's 250th anniversary.  Galleries opening July 1, 2026: Flight and the Arts Center Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe RTX Living in the Space Age Textron How Things Fly Galleries opening in the autum 2026: At Home in Space (Oct. 30) Modern Military Aviation (Veteran's Day, Nov. 11) This completes the museum's multi-year renovation. Soar Together Family Day at Innovations in Flight: World War II on the Homefront Check this site for information about the National Air & Space Museum’s annual Innovations in Flight event. The DC-3 Society is planning an inaugural DC-3 Society DC-3 Fly-In. Date and location TBD. See the January 2026 Newsletter. Video: 737 St. Erasmus’ Airshow, Full Music Album, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED https://youtu.be/lcY3uU8uG2E Video: 737 Airshow America, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED. https://youtu.be/-Sl5WvWRhWo Video: HARS CONNIE – The Years Fly Past – Wings Over Illawarra 2016 https://youtu.be/duSOTbanz-8?si=13bcDNa5Sfv9JgPq Music In a blast from the AGP past, Brother Love provides opening and closing music from the Album Of The Year CD. (On Facebook.) Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

In 1957, the beeps from Sputnik, a small Russian satellite, sent the USSR & US into a space race. Teasel Muir-Harmony of the Air & Space Museum chronicles the history of space travel and how the U.S. landed on the Moon and how we're going back in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Science Museum in South Kensington, London hold a bit of a hidden gem of an aircraft collection. On the top floor of the museum, some of the great aircraft of Britain's aviation heritage are displayed, like the Vickers Vimy that completed the first crossing of the Atlantic, Britain's first jet aircraft, the Gloster E38/29 and Amy Johnson's Jason, to name but a few. Doug Millard, the Deputy Keeper, Technologies and Engineering at the Science Museum, very kindly showed us around the gallery before the museum opened, telling us the stories of this incredible collection.Visit the Science Museum website to find out more and book your free admission tickets here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/-----------------------------------------------------

Angela Manno studied at the San Francisco Art Institute, Parsons School of Design, and l'Ecole des Arts in Lacoste, France, through Sarah Lawrence College. Her work has been exhibited around the world, including by NASA, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Angela Manno was commissioned by NASA to commemorate the U.S. return to space flight with the launch of Discovery, the first after the Challenger accident. She is the only female visual artist selected for this honor. The program she narrated,  “Responding to the Cry of the Earth,” was created for the Vatican,  which features images from her series Contemporary Icons of Endangered Species  She also collaborates with the Center for Biological Diversity on its endangered species programs. The Sacred Biodiversity Oracle stimulates empathy and meaningful action for planetary healing. Exploring the richness and necessity of biodiversity, this 36-cardfull-color deck features the work of world-renowned artist Angela Manno and reveals how the loss of biodiversity is leading to the warming of our planet. A unique feature of this work are QR codes that lead to the websites of one of 18 specially curated conservation organizations from all over the world that are helping to protect species, including EarthJustice, The Center for Biological Diversity, The Wildlife Justice Commission and The Orangutan Project. She presents each threatened species in a traditionally religious form—the icon—to illustrate its intrinsic value and true significance.

Space travel is hungry work. Humans have spent nearly six decades experimenting with different ways to feed astronauts (with mixed reviews). As astronauts live and work in space on longer missions further from home, a new generation of chefs and food scientists is thinking outside the box (and can, and tube, and pouch). What if space travelers had kitchens complete with appliances and pantries full of ingredients?  In this episode of AirSpace, recorded in front of a live audience at the National Air and Space Museum, Matt and Emily spoke with an expert panel about the past and future of cooking and eating in space.Thanks to our guests in this episode:  Chef Charisse Grey, head of Research & Development, José Andrés Group Jim Sears, CEO and founder, SATED Space Margaret Weitekamp, curator and chair of Space History, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Find the transcript for this episode and more information at s.si.edu/airspaces11e5.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at s.si.edu/airspacenewsletter.AirSpace is made possible with the generous support of Lockheed Martin.

In “Fruitcake in Space,” Gravy producer Bronwen Wyatt explores a bizarre footnote in the annals of human space travel. In 1968, a scientist at a military research facility developed a very unusual recipe: a nutritionally-fortified fruitcake designed as an emergency ration for astronauts. It might be easy to dismiss this fruitcake, but we're here to argue that it's part of a larger story—one that takes us from the early days of NASA's space program to our current quest for Mars. Wyatt investigates the importance of safe preservation techniques in space, how NASA determines what food astronauts will actually eat, and why fruitcake actually makes perfect sense as an emergency ration.   In an archival interview from 1966, dietician Mary Klicka at the Natick Laboratory Army Research, Development, and Engineering Center points to the unique challenges of preparing acceptable menus for long-term space travel. Wyatt speaks to Vickie Kloeris, who managed NASA's food systems for nearly thirty years from the laboratory at Johnson Space Center in Houston, and Jennifer Levasseur, a curator specializing in food at the Air and Space Museum. Finally, retired astronaut Cady Coleman shares her perspective on dining in orbit. Coleman, who volunteered for the role of "food czar" on the International Space Station, tells how food becomes a form of currency and a tool for building camaraderie among astronauts.   Kloeris, Levasseur, and Coleman emphasize that dining space is about more than the mechanical function of obtaining enough calories to survive. Even in the most barren environments, our cultural drive to bond over food is a connection to our lives on earth and part of what makes us human. The selection and preparation of food—work that is often dismissed as inconsequential domestic labor—is a crucial part of the success of any mission in space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For forty years, NATO and Soviet Naval forces patrolled the world's oceans. Retired Tornado driver and author Michael Napier joins us to discuss his latest book, Over Cold War Seas: NATO and Soviet Naval Aviation, 1949-1989, which looks at the four-decade duel for control of the world's sea lanes and the aircraft that flew above them looking for what lurked above and beneath the waves.Buy Over Cold War Seas: NATO and Soviet Naval Aviation, 1949-1989 by Michael Napier Bookshop.org affiliate links. 10% of each purchase supports the show:UK Link - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/11015/9781472865526US Link - https://bookshop.org/a/11015/9781472865526-----------------------------------------------------

First, the San Diego County District Attorney is asking for help fighting back against retail theft. Next, new state legislation is looking to put stricter limits on exposure to a toxic gas created by sewage. Also, a mishap at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Followed by, one San Diego Unified school got a visit from a very special seasonal guest. Finally, we take you to the hidden local gem of Graffiti Gardens in Encanto.

A six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, she is the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion and one of the few people to win it three times. Patty Wagstaff has built a life of adventure, risk, and courage. Following her dreams even when no reward was in sight, her dedication has pushed the limits of aerobatic flight. Wagstaff has earned recognition for her accomplishments as a woman, and as a pilot, flying thrilling low-level aerobatic routines in competitions and air shows before millions of spectators each year. Her breathtaking airshow performances give airshow spectators a front-row seat view of the precision and complexity of modern, unlimited hard-core aerobatics. Her smooth aggressive style sets the standard for performers the world over. Patty has flown aerial displays in such exotic places as South and Central America, China, Russia, Europe, Singapore, Kenya and Iceland. She has earned her Commercial, Instrument, Seaplane and Commercial Helicopter Ratings. Patty is a Flight and Instrument Instructor and is rated and qualified to fly everything from World War II fighters to jets.  Patty's is a six-time recipient of the "First Lady of Aerobatics" Betty Skelton Award; an inductee into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the National Air and Space Museum's Award for Current Achievement. She is proud of receiving the Airshow industry's most prestigious awards, the "ICAS Sword of Excellence", and the "Bill Barber Award for Showmanship". Recently she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Air Force Association. In March, 1994, her airplane, the Goodrich Extra 260, went on display in the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington DC where you can see it on the Mall today. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Motion Picture Pilots Association, United Stuntwomen's Association, she has worked as a stunt pilot and aerial coordinator for the film and television industry. In 2013 she returned to Florida to start an aerobatic school, “Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety” in St. Augustine, Florida. 

During World War I, fighter planes called Sopwith Camels downed 1,294 enemy aircraft, more than any other Allied fighter in WWI. For those familiar with the Peanuts comics, it's the name of the doghouse that Snoopy flies in his fantasy sequences as a Flying Ace, a brave WWI pilot battling the Red Barron. The Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. has one on view. Here & Now's Scott Tong visits the museum to check it out. And, Yomi Young, a friend of disability activist and author Alice Wong, tells us about Wong's legacy of building community. Wong died earlier this month at 51Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mary Golda Ross was the first Indigenous woman in the U.S. known to have become an engineer. Her impact on the field of aerospace engineering is hard to quantify, because much of her work is still classified. Research: Agnew, Brad. “Cherokee engineer a space exploration pioneer.” Tahlequah Daily Press. 3/27/2016. https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/golda-ross-left-teaching-to-support-war-effort/article_c500cbc4-eeba-11e5-9b57-2b127651fcb5.html Agnew, Brad. “Golda’ Ross left teaching to support war effort.” Tahlequah Daily Press. 3/20/2016. https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/golda-ross-left-teaching-to-support-war-effort/article_c500cbc4-eeba-11e5-9b57-2b127651fcb5.html Brewer, Graham Lee. “Rocket Woman.” Oklahoma Today. July/August 2018. Cochran, Wendell. “Cherokee Tear Dress Facts.” The People’s Paths. https://www.thepeoplespaths.net/Cherokee/WendellCochran/WCochran0102TearDressFacts.htm Hogner-Weavel, Tonia. “History of the Cherokee Tear Dress.” Cherokee Nation. Via YouTube. 9/15/2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90V5fM0DiMk Lake, Timothy. "Mary Golda Ross". Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Golda-Ross. Accessed 21 October 2025. Margolis, Emily. A. “Mary Golda Ross: Aerospace Engineer, Educator, and Advocate.” Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/mary-g-ross-aerospace-engineer Museum of Native American History. “Historic Trailblazer: Mary Golda Ross.” Via YouTube. 12/17/2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzC14hGbPug National Park Service. “Mary G. Ross.” https://www.nps.gov/people/mary-g-ross.htm New Mexico Museum of Space History. “Mary Golda Ross: First Native American Aerospace Engineer.” Via YouTube. 3/31/2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT9r5trwZEs Oklahoma Hall of Fame. “Mary Golda Ross Induction Ceremony Video.” 11/22/2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bovabx6ITW4 Rosengren, Paul Lief. “Mary Golda Ross: She Reached for the Stars.” IEEE-USA and Paul Lief Rosengren. 2025. Schroeder, Mildred. “A Far-out Cherokee Chick.” San Francisco Examiner. 4/16/1961. Smith, Betty. “Pure Cherokee Gold.” Tahlequah Daily Press. 6/26/2008. https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/archives/pure-cherokee-gold/article_44c0a25a-94e2-53d8-b80c-be1ff86305e7.html Viola, Herman. “Mary Golda Ross: She Reached for the Stars.” American Indian: Magazine of Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Vol. 19, No. 4. Winter 2018. https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/mary-golda-ross-she-reached-stars Wallace, Rob. “Mary Golda Ross and the Skunk Works.” National World War II Museum. 11/19/2021. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/mary-golda-ross-and-skunk-works Watts, Jennifer. “John Ross: Principal Chief of the Cherokee People.” Tennessee State Museum. https://tnmuseum.org/junior-curators/posts/john-ross-principal-chief-of-the-cherokee-people Yang, John. “The cutting-edge work of Native American aerospace engineer Mary Golda Ross.” 11/26/2023. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-cutting-edge-work-of-native-american-aerospace-engineer-mary-golda-ross Zhorov, Irina. “Years Later, Miss Indian America Pageant Winners Reuniteg.” NPR Code Switch. 7/12/2013. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/07/12/201537264/Years-Later-Miss-Indian-America-Pageant-Winners-Reunite See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing control of his monoplane at 2,000 ft, First Lieutenant Harold R. Harris made history on 20th October, 1922, when he became the first person to use a manually-activated parachute to save his life. He landed in the grape arbor of a family house in Dayton, Ohio, narrowly missing the occupants, and escaping with just a few scratches. During World War I, many countries believed that giving pilots parachutes would encourage them to abandon planes, rather than fight to the end. But Harris's experience proved the life-saving potential of this technology. And, as a result, he earned a badge from ‘the Caterpillar Club', an elite group of pilots who survived thanks to parachutes, founded by Leslie Irvin (its name coming from the silk used to make early parachutes). Arion, Rebecca and Olly discover just how many members the Caterpillar Club has now welcomed; unearth the female trailblazer who joined their ranks; and reveal a surprise twist in Harris' subsequent aviation career ✈️… Further Reading: • 'History of the Parachute (Inventors and Innovations)' (ThoughtCo, 2019): https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-parachute-1992334 • ‘The “First” Members of the Caterpillar Club' (National Air and Space Museum, 2019): https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/first-members-caterpillar-club • ‘Parachutist' (British Pathé, 1950): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLAybBcsP0 This episode was first published in 2024 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

Episode 197: Explore America — 250 Places to Go in 2026 with Erin GiffordRelease Date: October 2025 Hosts: Rob & Traci Jones Guest: Erin Gifford — Travel Writer & Creator of Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026Episode Overview America turns 250 years old in 2026, and what better way to celebrate than by hitting the open road? From legendary landmarks like Mount Rushmore and The Alamo to wonderfully weird stops like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, Rob and Traci are joined by travel writer Erin Gifford to explore the first 25 destinations featured in her brand-new guide, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026. In this inspiring, laughter-filled conversation, Erin shares her family's cross-country road trips, her favorite historic and quirky spots, and how parents can make travel educational and fun for kids of all ages. What You'll Hear in This EpisodeHow Erin's 7½-week family road trip across the U.S. sparked her mission to see all 50 states (Hawaii is next!)Why 2026's America 250 celebration is the perfect reason to plan a once-in-a-lifetime family tripErin's favorite kid-friendly destinations — from mermaids in Florida to buffalo safaris in South DakotaTips for keeping kids engaged on long road tripsHow to balance “learning stops” like The Alamo or Gettysburg with pure fun like Wall Drug or Weeki Wachee SpringsHer “Must-Do Checklist” method for stress-free trip planningThe value of documenting family trips — and how a simple photo book can keep memories alive for yearsAbout Our Guest: Erin GiffordErin Gifford is a travel writer and founder of GoHikeVirginia.com, a site dedicated to family-friendly trails and outdoor adventures in Virginia. She's written for The Washington Post, AFAR, The Saturday Evening Post, and Costco Connection, and has authored several Falcon Guides, including Hiking with Kids: Virginia and Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia. Her newest project, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026, celebrates the nation's upcoming 250th birthday with 250 handpicked destinations—historic sites, national parks, small towns, and roadside oddities—perfect for families looking to explore all corners of the country. Get the free preview and sign up for updates: 250Places.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @byErinGiffordRob's Upcoming Book Rob's debut book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel, releases November 11, 2025! Stay tuned for preorder information coming soon.Big News — Episode 200 Celebration! Join Rob and Traci for a live recording of our 200th episode in Orlando on December 15, 2025! More details and ticket information coming soon at thefamilyvacationer.live and on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer. Episode Quote “Even if you think your kids aren't paying attention, they'll remember those road trip moments — the views, the laughs, the ice cream stops. That's the magic of family travel.” — Erin GiffordResources & Links MentionedExplore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 — 250Places.comGoHikeVirginia.com — Erin's hiking and outdoor adventure siteNational Park Junior Ranger Program — nps.gov/kidsMount Rushmore National Memorial — nps.gov/moruWeeki Wachee Springs State Park — weekiwachee.comPima Air & Space Museum — pimaair.orgConnect with The Family VacationerWebsite: thefamilyvacationer.liveInstagram: @thefamilyvacationerFacebook: The Family Vacationer Podcast

For this "Summer Friday" we've put together some of our favorite conversations this year:Hua Hsu, New Yorker staff writer, professor of English at Bard College and author of the memoir Stay True (September 2022), discusses what college students lose when ChatGPT writes their essays for them and what that says about our evolving understanding of the purpose of higher education.Jessica Gould, education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, shares her reporting on the deal struck between Big Tech and The American Federation of Teachers which offers artificial intelligence training and software to teachers in New York City public schools.Peniel Joseph, professor of history and public affairs and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the University of Texas at Austin and the author of Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution (Basic Books, 2025), talks about his new book, an examination of the impact of events in 1963 on the struggle for civil rights -- from MLK's “Letter from Birmingham Jail” to the assassination of JFK.From our centennial series, Bob van der Linden, commercial aviation curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, looks at the past 100 years of civilian air travel.Listeners share the best, maybe even most surprising, times they've been helped or helped others, inspired by an article for The Atlantic titled "A Wedding Reveals How Much Help Is Really Available to You," by Julie Beck. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity and the original web versions are available here:What Students Lose When ChatGPT Writes Their Essays (July 8, 2025)NYC Teachers' Union Embraces AI (July 28, 2025)How 1963 Defined the Civil Rights Movement (June 12, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: Commercial Aviation (May 6, 2025)How Helping Can Feel Good (July 9, 2025)