Podcasts about thunderbirds

Fresh off agreeing to a contract extension, Springfield head coach Steve Ott reflects on the Thunderbirds' 2025-26 season and previews assorted challenges ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us your questions and thoughts by text!! Leave your name in the text!Hello and welcome to the Late Kick Off Football podcast episode 207 - the World Cup preview!!Remarkably our second World Cup as a podcast!We do a deep dive into Scotland and England's chances, before taking an existential view of the changes at this year's tournament. Onto our predictions, who will flop, who will entertain and who will... win!All reviews, likes, shares and of course listens are hugely appreciated! Why not leave a review right now, it only takes a second! Please follow and tag us on the socials :BlueSky - @TLKO https://bsky.app/profile/tlko.bsky.social X - @TLKOPod  Instagram - Late Kick Off Football Podcast (@latekickoffpod) • Instagram photos and videos Thanks to all our contributors:Ciaran Fowler for the artwork!Ciaran Fowler for the logo! The intro music is a range of credits, the Thunderbirds, the Skids, and Sky Sports and Ray Hudson commentary... and of course Keith Ward! This podcast is in no way monetised (in fact it costs a fortune!).  

Send us your questions and thoughts by text!! Leave your name in the text!Hello and welcome to the Late Kick Off Football Podcast episode 206!It's our favourite episode of the season, the end of season quiz. Mike, Dylan and Ciaran join this year to take on the questions.  All reviews, likes, shares and of course listens are hugely appreciated! Why not leave a review right now, it only takes a second! Please follow and tag us on the socials :BlueSky - @TLKO https://bsky.app/profile/tlko.bsky.social X - @TLKOPod  Instagram - Late Kick Off Football Podcast (@latekickoffpod) • Instagram photos and videos Thanks to all our contributors:Ciaran Fowler for the artwork!Ciaran Fowler for the logo! The intro music is a range of credits, the Thunderbirds, the Skids, and Sky Sports and Ray Hudson commentary... and of course Keith Ward! This podcast is in no way monetised (in fact it costs a fortune!).  

Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek, Picard) joins us again this week and at 73 he is somehow still the most generous voice in the room. We get into the Picard Season Three reunion he calls a true full circle, the season eight of Next Generation they pitched together after twenty years apart, and the version of Riker he finally got to play one more time. We also talk about the Sir Ben Kingsley humility lesson from Thunderbirds, why he pulls hundred dollar bills out of his own pocket to keep a set joyful and safe, and his ride or die friendships with Brent Spiner, Patrick Stewart, and John Glover - - whose voicemails he still saves like love letters. Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/inside and get on your way to being your best self

David Alderton joins Jim to explore the strange and enduring world of mysterious creatures, from unicorns and mermaids to Thunderbirds, dragons, werewolves, vampires and Sasquatch. Drawing from his book Mysterious Creatures: The Truth Behind the Legends, Alderton looks at how folklore, natural history, fear, misunderstanding and real animals may have combined to create some of the world's most famous legends. This conversation digs into why these creatures still fascinate us, including the possible real-world roots behind ancient myths, the role of wolves and disease in werewolf lore, how vampires moved from superstition into pop culture, and why Bigfoot remains such a compelling mystery in an age when photos and video are harder than ever to trust. It is a fascinating look at the line between legend and reality, and why some stories refuse to die. You can find Mysterious Creatures at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ejqFnL Thanks David! ---VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim's YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM'S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim's entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content!MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T's, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim's Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the dynamic duo of the south coast are swapping the Pop Culture Beach for the nearby public house - because, you guessed it - it's birthday time! You know the drill; it's Ask Me Anything time and for another year, you did not dissapoint!From Smoked or Unsmoked Bacon (it's an important topic!), some of our favourite Thunderbirds episodes, what TV series we'd like to star in - to whether book to film adaptations should be a thing and whether blowing on hot food really cools it down.... we tackle all the big subjects at the beer tables!We also discuss Smutty Seagulls and who would win in a royal rumble of the Cryptids - sounds like a normal OTT episode to us!#GITS

Send us your questions and thoughts by text!! Leave your name in the text!The Premier League season ends as Tottenham Hotspur survive relegation, West Ham do not, and a few other things happen too! We make our way through the weekend's games and the final talking points of the season (guard of honour gate) before moving on to...The Late Kick Offs! Yes - it is awards season and we thoroughly enjoy going through these as well!All reviews, likes, shares and of course listens are hugely appreciated! Why not leave a review right now, it only takes a second! Please follow and tag us on the socials :BlueSky - @TLKO https://bsky.app/profile/tlko.bsky.social X - @TLKOPod  Instagram - Late Kick Off Football Podcast (@latekickoffpod) • Instagram photos and videos Thanks to all our contributors:Ciaran Fowler for the artwork!Ciaran Fowler for the logo! The intro music is a range of credits, the Thunderbirds, the Skids, and Sky Sports and Ray Hudson commentary... and of course Keith Ward! This podcast is in no way monetised (in fact it costs a fortune!).  

Tim Taylor joins the show to discuss how beneficial this deep playoff run can be for the Blues prospects. What has he seen from Adam Jiricek since he debuted with the Thunderbirds? Plus, why has Justin Carbonneau been a healthy scratch?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the second match up between the top four sides being played on the Thunderbirds home court, this time the Mavs fell four goals short, although will be buoyed by their second half performance in particular, which they won; 27-22.Mavs' head coach, Gerard Murphy, and midcourter, Maddie Hay spoke to the media post-match.Essential InfoOfficial Player Sponsor of Natalie Metcalf - AO Manchester ThunderThe Netball Show is proud to be partnered with Flyhawk.comUK Netball Podcast - The Netball ShowSky Q or Sky Glass ? - Find us as part of their Netball Menu under podcastsYou can listen without downloading any additional software hereFor over 20 years Sky Sports has been the true home of the Superleague here in the UK - you don't even need a dish these days with the innovative Sky Glass!Join Sky TV via this link to get upto £100 in shopping vouchers

Send us your questions and thoughts by text!! Leave your name in the text!Hello and welcome to the Late Kick Off Football podcast episode 204!Arsenal are Premier League champions while Manchester City still lifted silverware – as a new era begins? With the rest of the top sides seemingly in a state of flux, could this be time for Arsenal to solidify.We also cover Chelsea inflicting defeat on a troubled Tottenham, and the race for Europe taking another dramatic twist.Elsewhere, Newcastle right themselves thanks to Nick Woltemade, Sunderland punished Everton in Seamus Coleman's Merseyside farewell, and Liverpool's late-season collapse reached new lows after another wild defeat at Aston Villa. Plus: “One Thing We Learned”, “Bin Juice Game of the Week”, and all the biggest talking points from a chaotic Premier League weekend.We finish in Scotland with that title decider! All reviews, likes, shares and of course listens are hugely appreciated! Why not leave a review right now, it only takes a second! Please follow and tag us on the socials :BlueSky - @TLKO https://bsky.app/profile/tlko.bsky.social X - @TLKOPod  Instagram - Late Kick Off Football Podcast (@latekickoffpod) • Instagram photos and videos Thanks to all our contributors:Ciaran Fowler for the artwork!Ciaran Fowler for the logo! The intro music is a range of credits, the Thunderbirds, the Skids, and Sky Sports and Ray Hudson commentary... and of course Keith Ward! This podcast is in no way monetised (in fact it costs a fortune!).  

Vix from Fuzzbox may be intimately connected with Thunderbirds via the band's 1980s hit, International Rescue, but how will she fare with the Randomiser's choice of Fireball XL5?XL5 To H2O is a fishy tale of an aquaphibian on the loose with only the crew of Fireball XL5 to save us! Vix has thoughts on the creature's walk, Professor Matic's eyebrows and how Robert the Robot seems to have a plastic cup for a head!Never Miss An EpisodeJoin the Podsterons Facebook groupSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsThe Randomiser with Chris DaleHelp The ShowLeave us a review on Apple PodcastsTweet about it! Use the hashtag #GerryAndersonPodcast@ImJamieAnderson / @RichardNJames / @ChrisDalekStay In TouchEmail Podcast AT GerryAnderson.comJoin the Email Newsletter

Matt and Steve break down Games 1 and 2 between the Thunderbirds and Penguins, preview the next two and Springfield, and look at how far this team could actually go.

ThunderBirds in New England and Bigfoot StoriesOn a clear summer day in a small Massachusetts town, Tay and her mother were walking their two elderly Shih Tzus near the woods behind the house when the atmosphere suddenly changed. The birds and bugs went silent, the air felt unnaturally still, and both dogs froze while staring straight up. A massive shadow swept over them, so large it seemed to cover the whole area, even though the sky was completely clear. Terrified, Tay grabbed one dog and shouted for her mother to do the same, both women feeling as though something unseen was stalking them and targeting the dogs.Moments later, they heard the loud whoosh of enormous wings and the sound of branches breaking high in the trees, but they still couldn't see anything except its immense shadow. Tay then watched her neighbor's sunlit gray roof slowly turn black from one end to the other, as if a giant body had passed over it, before the light returned and everything abruptly went back to normal. When Tay later checked the wooded area, she found broken limbs scattered on the ground, confirming that something very large had moved through the treetops. Though familiar with local birds like eagles and hawks, she was certain this was something far bigger and stranger than anything she had ever encountered in the New England woods.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-if-it-s-true-podcast--5445587/support.

-The Cardinals are finally having success against the quality opponents on their schedule + The Cardinals are Coming though in the clutch-NHL Analyst Craig Button joins the show-Craig Button Reaction + It's very clear which of the Blues top prospects is more prepared for the NHL level--Mizzou & Slu are finally scheduling the game people have been asking for + This is the year we learn about Gates-The Cardinals are doing now what the rays & Red Sox did with Michael Wacha + If you could add one former Cardinal on the '26 Cardinals, who would it be?-Former NHL Goalie Mike McKenna joins the show-Chaim Bloom made some comments on what Cardinals fans should expect at the deadline + Riley O'Brian dictates the Cardinals' deadline direction-Cardinals Analyst Brad Thompson joins the showHow does Jiricek's development impact the Blues' plans? + which of the Thunderbirds' Forwards is the most likely to make the Blues' opening night roster?-The Junk Drawer-Should the Cardinals make any roster moves over the weekend?-Reacting to Craig Buttons thoughts on the blues from today's show.-One's gotta Go-BK & Ferrario RewindSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

-Chaim Bloom made some comments on what Cardinals fans should expect at the deadline + Riley O'Brian dictates the Cardinals' deadline direction -Cardinals Analyst Brad Thompson joins the show How does Jiricek's development impact the Blues' plans? + which of the Thunderbirds' Forwards is the most likely to make the Blues' opening night roster? -The Junk Drawer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mavs will be searching for their first-ever win over the Thunderbirds, but coming off three consecutive wins for the first time in the club's history, Parmenter is buoyant about the confidence this momentum will give them. Essential InfoOfficial Player Sponsor of Natalie Metcalf - AO Manchester ThunderThe Netball Show is proud to be partnered with Flyhawk.comUK Netball Podcast - The Netball ShowSky Q or Sky Glass ? - Find us as part of their Netball Menu under podcastsYou can listen without downloading any additional software hereFor over 20 years Sky Sports has been the true home of the Superleague here in the UK - you don't even need a dish these days with the innovative Sky Glass!Join Sky TV via this link to get upto £100 in shopping vouchers

Matt and Steve discuss the Thunderbirds' historic playoff victory over Providence, what elements they need to clean up moving forward, and preview the upcoming series against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Stream Now, and go T-Birds!

Steve Ott joins the show to discuss Adam Jiricek and Justin Carbonneau's debuts with Springfield. How beneficial is getting this experience for their development? Plus, how has Steve seen Zach Dean's game grow this season? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us your questions and thoughts by text!! Leave your name in the text!Hello and welcome to the Late Kick Off Football podcast episode 203!We break down Arsenal's ‘controversial' late win over West Ham as Leandro Trossard's strike and a dramatic VAR intervention kept the Gunners top of the table. Why Kinksy may just save Spurs this Season, Bournemouth continued their unlikely push towards the Champions League places after a fiery victory at Fulham, while Brighton brushed aside Wolves to keep their European hopes alive.Elsewhere, we discuss Elliot Anderson's emotional equaliser for Nottingham Forest just days after the loss of his mother, Ismaïla Sarr reaching twenty goals for Crystal Palace, and why Aston Villa's season may now hinge on Europa League success. There's also debate around Liverpool and Chelsea's flat draw at Anfield, Jeremy Doku developing a trademark finish for Manchester City, and we crown the week's “Bin Juice Game” after Sunderland and Manchester United served up a truly forgettable stalemate.All reviews, likes, shares and of course listens are hugely appreciated! Why not leave a review right now, it only takes a second! Please follow and tag us on the socials :BlueSky - @TLKO https://bsky.app/profile/tlko.bsky.social X - @TLKOPod  Instagram - Late Kick Off Football Podcast (@latekickoffpod) • Instagram photos and videos Thanks to all our contributors:Ciaran Fowler for the artwork!Ciaran Fowler for the logo! The intro music is a range of credits, the Thunderbirds, the Skids, and Sky Sports and Ray Hudson commentary... and of course Keith Ward! This podcast is in no way monetised (in fact it costs a fortune!).  

Justin Carbonneau joins the show to discuss his junior season and what it was like to get experience at the AHL level. How different will this offseason be for him now that he knows what NHL training camp is like? What is he working on in the offseason?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do leaders stay steady in the storm of tough choices? This week, I sit down with Jack Briggs, a retired major general with a 30-year career in the military who is also a highly seasoned, for a masterclass in pressure-tested decision making.The episode debunks the myth that high-stakes choices are unique to the military or boardroom. Instead, Jack argues, “pressure is pressure,” whether the risk is reputational, operational, or personal. The discussion highlights the three traits of the best decision makers: anchoring decisions in firm principles, seeking help with humility, and making the call… decisively, not reactively.Listeners will come away with four essential questions to use in any crisis and learn why reframing “crises” into a set of solvable problems is vital for calm, effective leadership. This conversation is a must for anyone seeking practical, repeatable strategies to lead well, even when the stakes—and the anxieties—are high.What You'll Learn- Anchor your decisions in principles.- Lead with humility and build your team.- Distinguish between problems and crises.- The power of a structured decision framework.- Be decisive and own the outcome.- Focus on your sphere of influence.Podcast Timestamps03:18 Jack's origin story: from the Thunderbirds to the Air Force Academy05:37 When leadership first appeared: Boy Scouts, the leadership laboratory, and the Eagle Scout07:37 The Air Force Academy as a leadership lab: authority vs. responsibility10:42 Being the snowplow: how to delegate without abandoning accountability14:11 Leadership is a science and an art: training the recipe, then adapting it16:41 Combat to boardroom: why pressure is pressure regardless of context19:19 Defending North America: leading at continental scale21:28 The three characteristics of the best decision makers23:24 The archer analogy: principles, input, decisiveness26:45 What leaders get wrong: fighting the fight they wish they had28:06 Mob rule, Moses, and principled decision-making32:11 Crisis vs. problem: why language matters under pressure33:10 Snowstorms and problem buckets: a real-world example35:26 The four questions for high-stress decisions40:01 Checklists that work: laminate it and they will keep it43:18 Humility plus decisiveness: being disagree-able45:36 Choosing the least worst option and owning it48:35 Final thoughts: stop chasing outcomes, start leading in your three feetKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Decision Making, Decision Making Under Pressure, Humility, Air Force Career, Military Leadership, Air Force Academy, Leadership Lab, Principles-Based Decisions, Delegating Authority, Crisis Management, Operational Risk, Financial Risk, Reputational Risk, Pressure in Leadership, Crisis vs Problem, Crisis Communication, CEO Success

Matt and Steve break down the Providence series thus far and what it will take for the Thunderbirds to finish off the Bruins. Plus, fan rants and a look at the injury list and the new players coming up from Juniors.

Theo Lindstein joins the show to talk about his whirl wind of a season from starting in the AHL, to getting called up to the NHL, and now playing in the Calder Cup Playoffs. What did he learn about his game this year at the NHL level? Plus, what is it like to play for Steve Ott?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Round eight has been and gone, the Vixens had a scare against the Giants and the Firebirds didn't learn from their earlier defeat to the Thunderbirds. A crucial mistake from the Swifts saw them fumble against the Mavericks, and the Lightning held its annual Pride Match against the Fever. We discuss netball's non-committal stance on Pride and why a league-wide official round would be a more powerful move for the competition. Plus we pick our teams of the season so far and spoiler alert — we all had the exact same defence end!

Thunderbirds Captain Chris Wagner joins the show and talks about what it's like to play for Steve Ott. He also talks about the importance for young players to experience and develop down in the AHL. What does he think of Otto Stenberg and Theo Lindstein's game?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WE APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! If you wouldn't mind please go leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!!Welcome back to Episode 417 of On the Spot Sports and in today's episode we have a very special guest, professional hockey player, Chad Purdy! Chad and I talk about his season with the Twin City Thunderbirds in the FPHL. We also talk about his mentality through the season and how he manages the highs and the lows, his journey from ACHA with McKendree University to playing in the FPHL, his development through junior hockey, getting his first few pro starts and so much more! We hope you guys enjoy this episode!!Thank you Chad for coming on the show! I had a blast!!Follow us on Instagram @on_the_spot_sports and take a listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple/Google Podcasts @ On The Spot SportsGet $25 off our guy Jamie Phillips Nutrition book for Hockey Players with the discount code "ONTHESPOT" on victoremnutrition.comLiving Sisu link: ⁠⁠https://livingsisu.com/app/devenirmem.... BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Matt and Steve break down the Thunderbirds' 3-game First Round series in Charlotte and look ahead to the upcoming series against the Providence Bruins.

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Ryan "Max Afterburner" Bodenheimer, a fighter pilot and military strategist. They delve into the complexities of modern air combat, focusing on the strategic challenges posed by China and Iran. Ryan shares insights into China's ambitions, including their plans for Taiwan and the role of advanced technology in their military strategy. Check out Ryan's Youtube Channel: @maxafterburnerusa Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original  Sponsors: Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:04) Transitioning from Combat Pilot to YouTube (08:11) The Final Flight: Raging Over Death Valley (15:50) The Road to the Thunderbirds and Combat in Afghanistan (24:58) The Corporate Military-Industrial Complex (28:21) Analyzing the Iran Air Campaign and Nuclear Site Strikes (37:47 ) How the US Stays Ahead of Russia and China (43:08) The Anatomy of an F-15 Ejection (58:27) Pilot Eyewitness: Two Unexplained UAP Sightings (01:08:17) The Future of Flight: Electric VTOL and Rotary Aviation Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Ott joins the show to discuss the Thunderbirds first round series win. What kind of a boost have Stenberg and Lindstein provided to the Thunderbirds? Plus, what has he learned about himself since taking over as Head Coach of the Springfield Thunderbirds?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Ott discusses the culture shift in Springfield since taking over, developing young players, and much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeb and Jack are at Sun 'n Fun 2026. It's the first day and they report on what they've seen so far, while the Thunderbirds fly overhead. Recorded Apr 14, 2026. () [#775] {5m59s} [UCAP1120A]

A special bonus edition of the Gerry Anderson Podcast, featuring Jeff Smart's behind the scenes footage of the original Nosey Parker Is Go! short film PLUS how he went updating and restoring it for its Bluray release on the Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary boxset!Never Miss An EpisodeJoin the Podsterons Facebook groupSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsThe Randomiser with Chris DaleHelp The ShowLeave us a review on Apple PodcastsTweet about it! Use the hashtag #GerryAndersonPodcast@ImJamieAnderson / @RichardNJames / @ChrisDalekStay In TouchEmail Podcast AT GerryAnderson.comJoin the Email Newsletter

This show is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilde & Harte⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Razors.Use TAILORS20 for a discount at W&H. https://wildeandharte.co.uk/Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for as little as a pound week. You'll get all the show notes, a bonus episode once a week and early access to the free show when possible. https://www.patreon.com/c/ThereWillBeMoreBondYou can tip the show with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/therewillbebondYou can sign up to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more Bond magic. https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/newsletterOn the show today we discuss..Homegrown Heroes – From Bond to ThunderbirdsBOND BIRTHDAYSInterview with Jonathan MelvilleAs this is the 40th Anniversary of Highlander, I wanted to talk a little about it. Well alot about it actually. So I got the main man Jonathan Melville on the show to geek out a little with little known facts and gems about the film. He's done two books on Highlander, and I think you'll enjoy this chat. Be sure to follow him on INSTA>And there are signed copies of Jonathan's first book A Kind of Magic here if anyone is interested! https://www.polarispublishing.com/book/a-kind-of-magicFor listener mail : therewillbebond@gmail.comEpisode #124S2. EP#023

Gene puts a wrap on today's show & gets you all set for a fun weekend of sports action.

What does it take to bring the Thunderbirds roaring into a small North Georgia city? On this episode of Saturdays with Sandra, host Sandra Parrish sits down with John Cowman of JLC Air Show Management to preview the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show in Rome. From the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and high‑speed jet teams to night show spectacles and record attendance expectations, this conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the region’s biggest aviation events and what makes this year’s show truly historic. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! JLC AirShow Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with Us Advertise With UsWant to reach loyal, engaged listeners who support local businesses? Advertise on our shows and put your brand in front of the right audience. Click below and an account executive will contact you. Advertise with UsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Steve recap a 4-point weekend for the Thunderbirds, what playoff scenarios could look like, how to clinch, and break down some of the new players on the roster. Plus, Fan Rants and much more!

Paul and Amy salute (and side-eye) Trey Parker and Matt Stone's anything-goes puppet satire that took aim at everyone in the post-9/11 era. They unpack the film's wild blend of Thunderbirds-style craftsmanship and Jerry Bruckheimer bombast, from its rapid-fire production to the army of puppeteers behind its explosive set pieces and yes, they discuss that infamous sex scene that pushed the MPAA to its limits. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul's Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/ https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul's book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Its time for us to vote on the, what we thought, main villain of Thunderbirds - the Hood. This verdict may change over subsequent visits to the show.

When a new growth hormone is accidentally released into a South American river, a house is besieged by alligators – now many times their normal size. International Rescue must subdue the reptiles and save the house's occupants.Intro special guest: Kiran Shah

At the age of four, Steve Nieve drew pictures of piano keys and pretended to play them. He joined Elvis Costello & the Attractions when he was 19, the start of a life that involves having to find a flight case for a Steinway Grand. He talks to us here from his Paris apartment about Stiff package tours, recording remotely, his upcoming shows with the French singer Kessada and … … being a teenager as fond of Stravinsky as Alice Cooper and the Carpenters … playing in a mid-‘70s Top Forty covers band … the ad for a “rockin' pop combo” that changed his life … touring with Costello and Ian Dury and how he got his stage name … playing the Thunderbirds theme as a chat show bandleader on the Last Resort … a giant Klavins piano “that has stairs leading up the seat” … working on Morrissey's Kill Uncle … the 40,000 audience that watched his online Lockdown shows … unreliable stage pianos and the story of Keith Jarrett's Köln Concert. Tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westhampsteadartsclub/2059256 The “About Love” album: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/about-love/1834791707 Steve's new album: https://stevenieve.hearnow.com/piano-night-2026 Steve's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveprofessornieve/ Kessada's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkessada/ www.stevenieve.comwww.kessada.comHelp us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the age of four, Steve Nieve drew pictures of piano keys and pretended to play them. He joined Elvis Costello & the Attractions when he was 19, the start of a life that involves having to find a flight case for a Steinway Grand. He talks to us here from his Paris apartment about Stiff package tours, recording remotely, his upcoming shows with the French singer Kessada and … … being a teenager as fond of Stravinsky as Alice Cooper and the Carpenters … playing in a mid-‘70s Top Forty covers band … the ad for a “rockin' pop combo” that changed his life … touring with Costello and Ian Dury and how he got his stage name … playing the Thunderbirds theme as a chat show bandleader on the Last Resort … a giant Klavins piano “that has stairs leading up the seat” … working on Morrissey's Kill Uncle … the 40,000 audience that watched his online Lockdown shows … unreliable stage pianos and the story of Keith Jarrett's Köln Concert. Tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westhampsteadartsclub/2059256 The “About Love” album: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/about-love/1834791707 Steve's new album: https://stevenieve.hearnow.com/piano-night-2026 Steve's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveprofessornieve/ Kessada's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkessada/ www.stevenieve.comwww.kessada.comHelp us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send a textStep into a hidden studio in western Pennsylvania and a sunlit shrine in Bradenton as we sit down with Pirates legend Steve Blass for a ride through memory, ritual, and the stories that make baseball feel like home. Steve opens up about retirement with Karen, the sanity of walking a quiet golf course, and the strict joy of a 4:30 happy hour that turns every day into a small celebration. The conversation moves with the ease of an old friend call—Jeopardy at 7:30, classic sitcom reruns, and an honest, can't-look-away take on Tiger King—before we step into his museum of moments.The memorabilia tour is a time machine. We see Steve vaulting Freddie Patek, co-managing a fantasy camp win with Bob Walk, and a row of gleaming Ford Thunderbirds circling the Forbes Field track in 1967. He brings out rare Pittsburgh artifacts from a traveling baseball school with Honus Wagner and Wilbur Cooper, proof that the game's roots run deep and loud. We laugh at Eddie Feigner's King and His Court showmanship and share the kind of clubhouse humor that still rings true.Then the stories deepen. Steve remembers Willie Stargell's grace, a dugout snapshot at Three Rivers, and an Oval Office visit with President Nixon after Roberto Clemente's death to support the dream of Ciudad Deportiva. He reflects on how Clemente's vision could have reshaped Puerto Rico for generations. Finally, we stand on the dugout roof for the last day at Three Rivers, a World Series ring catching the light as thousands sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. It's a portrait of baseball as community: history preserved in photos, laughter, and a city's voice lifted together.If you love Pirates history, Roberto Clemente's legacy, and the human side of a World Series pitcher, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who misses Forbes Field or Three Rivers, and leave a review to tell us which memory hit you the hardest.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!www.holdmycutter.com

The boys are joined by Mike Meyer from Blue Notes Rising to talk about the Blues, Thunderbirds, the draft and prospects that are sprinkled around the globe. Give him a follow on social media!

Steve Ott joins the show to discuss what he had seen from Otto Stenberg and Theo Lindstein while they were playing under him in the AHL. What is the toughest part about leaping from the AHL to the NHL for a defenseman. Plus, Ott talks about what Brayden Schenn meant for the Blues organization. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, we're joined by prolific actress Rosalyn Landor. From appearances aboard the Starship Enterprise and Hammer House of Horror via Sherlock Holmes and over 500 audiobooks, Rosalyn has spent a lifetime working with our greatest actors - some of whom have an Anderson connection, too!But does that mean - along with a love of UFO and Thunderbirds - that she's guaranteed a high score on the Andermeter? And just what will the Randomiser choose for her to watch with us next time?Meanwhile, Jamie's always around when there's presents to unwrap, so he joins Richard and Chris for a special Voice Of The Podsterons - with gifts!00:23 Welcome to the Gerry Anderson Podcast! 04:10 The Voice Of The Podsterons16:55 We Welcome Rosalyn Landor!20:12 The Andermeter!26:31 Roz's Favourite Thunderbirds Episode31:50 A Childhood Memory with an Anderson Connection44:48 Rumpole Of The Bailey on Space 1999!01:03:37 Sleuthing with Sherlock Holmes01:04:55 All Aboard The Enterprise!01:12:47 Viewers' Questions01:25:36 Rosalyn Presses The Randomiser Button!01:27:34 Fab FactsNever Miss An EpisodeJoin the Podsterons Facebook groupSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsThe Randomiser with Chris DaleHelp The ShowLeave us a review on Apple PodcastsTweet about it! Use the hashtag #GerryAndersonPodcast@ImJamieAnderson / @RichardNJames / @ChrisDalekStay In TouchEmail Podcast AT GerryAnderson.comJoin the Email Newsletter

What does courage look like under fire? In captivity? In command? In service? This edition of Long Blue Leadership was recorded on location at the U.S. Air Force Academy's 33rd National Character and Leadership Symposium. We've explored these questions with our guests and captured the conversations for you. Ted Robertson, Multimedia and Podcast Specialist for the Air Force Academy Association and Foundation, hosts this special episode featuring voices shaped by combat, crises and lifelong service. Their message to cadets is clear: Leadership is earned through character, and character is forged in hard moments. - Seg. 1: Lt. Col. Mark George and C1C Jaime Snyder, officer and NCLS cadet director, respectively, set the stage for this year's NCLS and for the podcast. - Seg. 2: Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel "DT" Del Toro on courage in times of crisis. - Seg. 3: Task Force Hope developer and facilitator Maj. Tara Holmes on preparing future leaders to handle crisis before it happens. - Seg. 4: Former POW Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier '64, on leading in circumstances out of your control. - Seg. 5: Annapolis grad and Vietnam-era aviator, Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb on how character breeds courage. All of our guest's lives and careers reflect the reality of this year's theme through combat, crisis and service.     CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS:  - Host, Ted Robertson, Multimedia and Podcast Specialist, United States Air Force Academy Association and Foundation  - Seg. 1: C1C Jaime Snyder, NCLS Cadet Director; Lt. Col. Mark George, NCLS Officer  - Seg. 2: Senior Master Sargent Israel Del Toro  - Seg. 3: Maj. Tara Holmes, Task Force Hope  - Seg. 4: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier '64  - Seg. 5: Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb   Ted Robertson 0:00 Welcome to Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of the 33rd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium. I'm Ted Robertson, multimedia and podcast specialist for the Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, coming to you from Polaris Hall located here at the United States Air Force Academy. This year's symposium centers on the theme Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat and Crisis-tested Character, where attendees and cadets will explore how courage in all its forms shapes leaders when uncertainty, fear and consequence are real. Our coverage will start with the Center for Character and Leadership Development's Lt. Col. Mark George and NCLS director, Cadet 1st Class Jaime Snyder. They'll set the stage not only for NCLS, but for today's coverage. Then we'll talk with four key leaders speaking at the symposium, including Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel Del Torro on keeping courageous during times of crisis. We'll also talk with Task Force Hope developer and facilitator, Maj. Tara Holmes, on preparing leaders to handle crisis before it happens. Then, former POW, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier, USAFA Class of '64, on leading in circumstances out of your control. And finally, Annapolis grad and Vietnam-era aviator, Capt. (Ret.) J. Charles Plumb, on how character breeds courage. All of our guests' lives and careers reflect the reality of this year's theme through combat, crisis and service. So I want to bring in our first two guests to help, as I said, frame the discussion today. We're going to dig in to learn what this is all about and sort of the “why” behind it. Cadet Jaime Snyder, 2026 NCLS director. Cadet Snyder, you've helped lead the organizing of the National Character and Leadership Symposium — 33rd year for this, as you know, and part of that work, you've trained cadets and permanent party. I'm going to ask you to explain permanent party, all of which helps strengthen your own public speaking and leadership communication skills. You want to kind of expound on that a bit? C1C Jaime Snyder 2:20 Yes, sir. So a part of my role being in NCLS is to, one, provide the guidance, the support and resources on the cadet side to succeed. But what really makes NCLS special is that we integrate permanent party with cadets. So oftentimes me, in supporting and training permanent party, is giving them cadet perspective, because while they're over here and the Center for Character and Leadership Development, we're over there in the Cadet Wing, and I can be the mediator between both parties. Ted Robertson 2:46 Let's talk a little bit about permanent party. What does that term mean? Who does that describe? C1C Jaime Snyder 2:52 Oh yes. Permanent party describes the civilian and military faculty that works in the Center for Character and Leadership Development that assists with the execution of NCLS — the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Ted Robertson 3:05 How big is the team behind this event every year? C1C Jaime Snyder 3:08 It's kind of complex where we'll get search cadets. We'll get a large number of volunteers, approximately around 300 from the Cadet Wing. Internal staff consists of 50 cadets who work it throughout the entire year, and around 50 staff members who are permanent party who work in the Center for Character and Leadership Development. Ted Robertson 3:29 I want to bring in next Lt. Col. Mark George, who is the experiential and training division chief and NCLS program director, the very fortunate man that gets to work for some incredibly talented cadets. Col. Mark George 3:43 That is absolutely true. Thanks to for having us on. Cadet Snyder has done an outstanding job leading this team. I came into this a little bit late. You know, we've had some reorganization here at the Academy, and after some shuffling, I got the honor and the privilege to take over NCLS while the planning was well underway. So my job was to just make sure this train kept rolling, that people had the resources that they needed, the top cover they needed. And as Jamie said, he was training me as a permanent party member to make sure that I had the cadet perspective. And then, you know, we were moving this ball forward as we got to this event. Ted Robertson 4:23 So coming up in the podcast we'll get to the sort of “why” and what's at the core of NCLS. Colonel, let's start with you. What is National Character and Leadership Symposium designed to do for cadets?   Col. Mark George 4:38 Sure. The National Character and Leadership Symposium — NCLS — is designed to bring exemplars that embody the core values and the traits that we want cadets to have when they become leaders on Day 1 and inspire them to a lifetime of service.   Ted Robertson 4:57 Cadet Snyder?   C1C Jaime Snyder 4:59 We definitely see at USAFA, there is a clear correlation with NCLS and character development. One thing we want cadets to get out of NCLS is to further develop leaders of character who are going to join the fight in the Air Force and Space Force, and that's why I see the epitome of NCLS as it's an opportunity to hear people's perspectives as well as learn from it and apply it to their daily lives. Ted Robertson 5:24 Gentlemen, this year's theme focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. Cadet Snyder, we'll start with you. How did that theme come together, and why is it especially relevant for cadets right now? C1C Jaime Snyder 5:40 With our current structure at USAFA, we've had some implement of change. We recognize that the future war conflict is more prevalent than ever, and that it's important for the cadets to understand that we're changing the way we approach training, as well as what we're learning in curriculum. So this NCLS was an incredible opportunity to discuss courage when leading in the profession of arms, but furthermore, courage and crises-tested character. Which is what we're trying to further push along with what we do in training as well as what we teach in leadership. Ted Robertson 6:15 You make good decisions when your character is strong. You make those decisions with integrity when your character is intact and it's strong. Would you agree with that, Colonel? Col. Mark George 6:25 Absolutely. And I think Cadet Snyder hit the nail on the head that we really want the cadets to understand that the environments that they're stepping into are going to require that courage to do hard things. In my day, like we didn't necessarily think about the fight in that way. You know, we were kind of stovepiped in. And these cadets, whatever environment they may be stepping into, the next conflict is going to require a lot, a high demand of them, and their character is their foundation for that. Ted Robertson 6:59 One of the things you can say about this event is that it brings together voices from combat, crisis, athletics, academia and industry. How intentional is that mix, Cadet Snyder, and what do cadets gain from hearing such different perspectives on leadership and character? C1C Jaime Snyder 7:18 I think by hearing different perspectives, you get to see how universal courage is. When we say courage, it's not just one thing, it's also moral, social, spiritual. And by looking at different versions of courage, you can understand that there's different ways to actually apply courage. Understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, also knowing that courage is not simply being a confident individual. That it's more complex than you may define courage, and so you can then apply it that way — by looking at different perspectives. Ted Robertson 7:53 Colonel, I'll address this one to you as well. Col. Mark George 7:56 Sure. Courage — we're talking about courage here, and there's a heavy focus on the combat side with this year's speakers. The thing that sticks out to me is that courage always involves a decision to do the hard thing. And that's what all of our speakers brought this year. They're showing how in different environments, whether it's in a prison cell in Hanoi or up on the Space Station or — there's a hard decision and the right thing is sometimes pretty obvious, but it doesn't mean it's easy. It does not mean it's easy to do. And so courage always involves a decision to do the right thing. Ted Robertson 8:39 Cadet Snyder? C1C Jaime Snyder 8:40 What he said I find to be very true — understanding that courage is not simply doing something physical, but also in a leadership role, especially — we're talking to cadets who are going to soon be commissioned officers. It's important to know that you need to make the right decision on and off the battlefield. Ted Robertson 8:58 So from your perspective as a cadet — and this one is just for you, Cadet Snyder — what does it mean to help shape an event like NCLS while you're still developing as a leader yourself? C1C Jaime Snyder 9:10 What I've seen through NCLS is taking the time to relax. Don't focus on the future and focus where you're at right now, and that's character development. So don't let the pursuit of tomorrow diminish the joy today. We all have this aspiration to graduate, throw our hats in the air, Thunderbirds fly over. But right now it's important to focus on character development as that's going to be important as future officers. Ted Robertson 9:35 That makes 1,000% very clear sense. But I do want to ask you, less than 100 days from the day you toss your hat — you're giving me a big smile right now — talk about how that feels right now for you. C1C Jaime Snyder 9:47 It's incredible, and a part of it is less daunting, because I can say this institution has really prepared me to commission, and so it's more liberating than daunting for me. Ted Robertson 9:58 Col. George, I'm going to direct this one straight to you, and this is an ask of you from the leadership perspective: How do we events Like NCLS fit into the broader effort to intentionally develop leaders of character here at the Academy. Col. Mark George 10:14 So I get the honor of leading the experiential and training division in the Center for Character and Leadership Development. So we're all about creating experiences and those opportunities for cadets to have different types of environments where they'll learn about character. And right now, NCLS is an opportunity to listen to where people's character was tested, how they overcame it. And then we also have different events that we try to put the cadets in where we'll actually test their character. And that could be on the challenge tower, it could be through our character labs where we're having discussions. NCLS is a huge part of that, because the planning cycle is so long. Ted Robertson 10:59 Cadet Snyder? C1C Jaime Snyder 11:00 Yes, sir. One thing I wanted to add on to that is with NCLS, one thing that makes this event the most unique experience that I've had is the fact that we get to engage in meaningful dialog. This isn't a brief. This is an experience for everyone who attends. I've had the opportunity to talk to Col. George's son, who aspires to possibly come to the Air Force Academy. So I don't want to say this is just for cadets, but it's also a promotion tool. And understand that what we do at NCLS is very important. And anyone who wants to attend can come and see what we're doing and how important it is.   Col. Mark George 11:33 I want to thank you for that, by the way. He looks up to you, and that meant a lot.   Ted Robertson 11:37 That's pretty visionary stuff. That's touching the next generation. That's fantastic. All right, this is for you both. When cadets look back on NCLS years from now, what do you hope they're going to remember feeling or being challenged to do differently?   C1C Jaime Snyder 11:56 There is a very strong human component to NCLS, and with that, there's a human experience. Understanding that we're getting speakers and we'll see their bios that they're incredible. They have incredible stories of making the right decision when tensions were high, and getting to hear their stories and understand that they ultimately were no different than we are. Some of them were Air Force Academy graduates. Some graduated from the Naval Academy, West Point, other colleges, but they were young, 20-year-old people like we were as cadets. And so getting to understand where they're coming from, human experience is vital to NCLS, and how do we grow and understand where they're coming from? Ted Robertson 12:38 Col. George? Col. Mark George 12:39 Yeah, I think what I would want the cadets to remember is how these speakers made them feel. You're right, you won't remember every nugget of wisdom that was said. I just had the opportunity to talk with Gen. Scott Miller, and he was an incredible leader. And I feel like everything he was saying was gold. I wish I'd been able to write it down. But he really makes you feel like you understand just how important your role is going to be as a young leader. And when you come away as second lieutenants from this place, you've had incredible opportunities and now you're stepping out in the real world. I would think I want the cadets to remember that like, “Hey, what I do matters, and how I lead is very important to getting this mission done.”   Ted Robertson 13:24 Lt. Col. Mark George and C1C Jaime Snyder, officer and cadet in charge of the 33rd NCLS. Congratulations on the event. Well done, and thank you for spending time here with us on the podcast today. Hearing from both the cadet perspective and the senior leadership behind NCLS makes one thing very clear: This symposium is intentionally designed not just to inspire but to prepare future leaders for moments when character will be tested. And that brings me to my first featured guest, a man whose life story embodies what combat and crisis-tested character truly means. Israel “DT” Del Toro, welcome to the podcast. It's an honor to be with you here at the National Character and Leadership Symposium. Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Israel Del Toro 14:18 Thank you, Ted. Thanks for having me. Good to see you again.   Ted Robertson 14:21 Yes, it's not the first time we've gotten to spend some time together. Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 14:24 It's always great to talk to people, try and spread the word of the whole spark and the promise of my dad. Ted Robertson 14:30 The spark and the promises are the two things that really stood out to me about that interview — your heart and your soul man, from a very, very early age. Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 14:39 You know, losing my dad at 12, and then a year and a half later, losing my mom to a drunk driver, and being the oldest, you know, having to now kind of step up to be, like, the parent figure to my younger siblings. It was challenging.   Ted Robertson 14:55 Out of all of that, you wound up as a retired — you are currently a retired senior master sergeant. You took responsibility for your siblings, as you say, after you were orphaned as a teenager, and ultimately in the service combat-wounded airmen, and you survived catastrophic injuries against incredible odds, and that did not keep you down. One of the things that you did was you became an Invictus Games gold medalist. You're now a national speaker, and you talk a lot about resilience and purpose.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 15:27 Yes, sir. Yeah, Invictus, I won gold in shot put. It was pretty awesome. You know, everyone was just going nuts. Ted Robertson 15:37 You kind of make me feel like that was a soul-feeding, motivating time for you.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 15:42 It was. At that time, I was probably one of the senior guys, kind of. Obviously, I was one of the senior guys, wounded guys on the team, and so a lot of people looked up to me. And sometimes I wish — people would say, “Man, it's great. You're such trailblazer.” You're sometimes like, “Man, I just want to be one of the guys. I just, I just want to be No. 10.” You know, everything's all done, and no one's focusing everything on me. But it's a burden that I'm willing to carry on to try and continue to help people.   Ted Robertson 16:19 I want to linger here in your background a bit, because it's more than just impressive. I think impressive is pretty trite to describe what your background is. Let's start with before the Air Force and before combat, and just how your life demanded responsibility at such a young age. And what I want to ask is, how did stepping up for your family shape the leader that you became? Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 16:40 Well, I contribute that totally to my dad. I truly do. My dad was there. My dad, you know, I went everywhere with my dad. My dad — you know, he came from Mexico to this country, and he gave up a lot. You know, my family in Mexico is very wealthy, their ranchers and all that. He came here with nothing. And he always used to tell me, he's like, “Don't ever be envious of someone that's successful. Learn from them. Ask them questions.” He also used to tell me, “If you don't succeed, it's no one else's fault by yourself. Don't blame where you came from, where you grew up from, the situation. It is only your fault.” So my dad always had told me these little lessons and obviously the last lesson he gave me the night before he passed: Always take care of your family. And that just stayed with me, that kind of continued to shape me all throughout my life, all through my journey, at a young age to teenager to young adult to the military and to now, to this day, that really guided me to who I am. Now, it's like, I always hear people say, “Oh, man, I don't know if I can do it.” I was like, “Yeah, you can. You Just never know. You weren't ever put in that situation” I always believe — you always hear the fight or flight. “What are you gonna do?” I just fight, and I continue to fight. I just don't see the flight in me. And, you know, being the promise of take care of your family. Yes, I tell people, that originated with my family — my brothers and sisters. But throughout time it has evolved to now anyone I see that's having a hard time that needs maybe to hear a story or read a book or hear a journey to help them find that spark, because I see them now as my family. I see that as my family, as my mission now.   Ted Robertson 18:50 Let's stay with spark for a minute. It's just one of my favorite things that you've ever talked about. You're down, you've been badly burned, you're worried about whether you're going to survive, and a medic is helping you out, and he does something for you. He says something to you.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 19:07 Yeah, you know, the medic — I always like to say, you know, yes, I'm Air Force. Those guys were Army, and we bust each other's chops. But, we're all brothers and sisters, and we're down range, you know? We take care of each other, we tell stories, we talk about our family. So these guys knew what had happened in my past with my family. So when I'm, you know, laying there, after I coordinate getting air, and I started the adrenaline going down, I started getting scared. I was having a hard time breathing, and I just wanted to lay down and sleep. The medic came and reminded me, “DT, remember what you promised your son, that you'll never let him grow without his dad. Fight for your son. You got to fight for your son.” And he's just making me yell it. You use anything you can to keep your guy motivated, to help that spark go, keep going. And that's what he did. He found that spark to keep me going, to keep me fighting until that medevac came and to get me on that helicopter, to the FOB, to the hospital, and then to eventually San Antonio. Ted Robertson 20:24 After that injury, that's when the fight shifted. You had to get off the battlefield. You had to get that out of your head. You had to start battling for your recovery. So what did courage look like when progress seemed like it was slow and at one point nothing was guaranteed? Israel Del Toro 20:46 Yeah, it, you know, when he had a shift from now being on the battlefield to now a different kind of battle and your recovery, your way of life — it's difficult because you have people telling you this is what your life's going to be. You know, being told that you're never going to walk again. You got to be in a hospital for another year and a half, respirator for the rest of your life and your military career is pretty much over. You know, I like to say there's two choices again: Who you're going to be? Are you going to take the easy path, which is, I'm going to sit in a chair, accept what they say, hate life, you know, curse the world. Are you going to take the hard path where I want to fight? I'm going to show you I can do this. I'm going to prove that I still have value, and I want to come out of this ahead and show not only my son but the rest of the world. You stay positive, you find that spark, you will come out ahead. Ted Robertson 21:48 All right, last question on your background, because we're going to roll all this into why you're here and what messages you want to share with the cadets and the attendees that are here. You did something I don't think most human beings would even think about after that ordeal that you had been through all those years, everything. You reenlisted, and it wasn't just a medical milestone. It wasn't because you could, it was a conscious decision. So what internal commitment had to come first for you to make that decision. Israel Del Toro 22:22 You know, I guess it was, for me it was I loved my job. I knew I could teach, I could be prepare these next guys to [be] the next generation operators. Ted Robertson 22:38 You've never stopped being committed. You've never stopped. So it brings you to NCLS. This is the 33rd year for NCLS, and when you speak to cadets here, what message do you want them to take away with them? Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 22:53 I guess my message more is about that when you're in the military, no matter whatever happens to you, you still have a role to play. Even when I got hurt, did I miss being with my teammates? Yes, but now refocusing, OK, I'm here in this hospital, and I see all these wounded guys here as I guess I'm wounded also, but in my head is like I was still NCO in the Air Force. I still have a job to do. Yes, I'm hurt, I'm wounded, but the job of a leader is, no matter where you're at, is you try and take care of your troops. You try and make things better for them, even if you never see any of the benefits — that is your role. And so that's kind of what I want to leave with these guys that, you know, you're going to always have  challenges throughout your career, but you've always got to remember it's not about you, it's about the guys under you to take care of you. You know, I had a group of cadets yesterday and they were just asking me about leadership. So you know what? The best way to be a great leader is to earn the respect of yourtroops. If you demand it, you're not a leader, but when you earned the respect and they'll die for you, that is the greatest feeling. You know, I gave an example of one of the best moments I had after my injury, is after I got hurt, they sent my replacement, and he comes in and obviously introduce him to the scout team, to the Army company, individuals in leadership, and then the SF team, and all these guys I'm supporting. And the guy comes in like, “Hey, I'm here to replace DT.” And all of them, “You can't replace DT.” And I told that was the best moment that that's the best moment of respect, because I had Army guys saying, “He's our guy.” And that's the thing I told them, it's like, when you get to that moment when your guys say, “Nah, he's our guy,” I was like, “He can't replace him.” That is where you've truly earned the respect of your troops.   Ted Robertson 25:21 Israel, the only word that I can pull out of myself right now for your journey to describe it as “remarkable,” and you continue to give of yourself, and that's a wonderful thing. Your opportunity for a couple of final thoughts here, before we close out.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 25:38 Final thoughts, man, putting me on the spot, aren't you. I guess my final thoughts would be, you can't do it on your own. I'm not here right now, because I did it my own. I did it. I'm never gonna say that I did. I had friends, I had family, I had my wife that were by my side all throughout my journey to medical individuals. And I had those dark times, and I'm going down that spot, that rabbit hole, they were there to pull me out of it. So I think it's like, you know, don't try and do it on your own. We all need help. You know, the goal is, don't be prideful. There's a reason pride is one of the seven deadly sins. But, you know, ask for help, ask for advice. It's not going to hurt you. If anything, it will make you stronger and better. That's parting thoughts for the individuals listening to this. Ted Robertson 26:53 Perfect. Israel “DT” Del Toro, what a privilege to sit with you again. Want to say thank you from all of us for your service and continuing to lead by the example, which is a very rich and broad and deep example. Your story reminds us, and should remind us, that courage doesn't end with just survival. It always continues in service to others. Israel, thank you for being here.   Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro 27:18 Thanks, Ted. I appreciate it. Thanks for having me again.   Ted Robertson 27:21 Israel's story reminds us that crisis and moral injury don't always arrive on a schedule, and that leaders are often expected to navigate those moments without ever having been taught how. That's where our next conversation takes us: into the intentional work of preparing leaders before crisis arrives. Maj. Tara Holmes, welcome to the podcast. It's great to have you with us as part of the National Character and Leadership Symposium.   Maj. Tara Holmes  27:46 Thanks for having me; glad to be here.   Ted Robertson 27:48 You are currently deputy chief of staff here at Headquarters USAFA. You are formerly chief of cadet development for CCLD, the Center for Character and Leadership development. By way of background, you flew.   Maj. Tara Holmes  28:01 So I am a B-52 electronic warfare officer by trade, and then moved over into white jets. So instructed in the in the T-1 and I've kind of been in education and training for, I'd say, since about 2017.   Ted Robertson  28:19 You also hold a Doctorate in Business and Management, and you are an AETC master instructor. I will let you explain AETC.   Maj. Tara Holmes  28:27 Air Education Training Command, that's one of the that's our majcom that's responsible for education and training, and they have a pathway to become a master instructor. So I finished the qualifications for that while I was in white jets and working over at Squadron Officer School.   Ted Robertson  28:46 So let's talk about your work with Task Force Hope. We'll talk about what Task Force Hope is, but you are and have been a developer and facilitator of Task Force Hope, which is a crisis and moral injury leadership workshop.   Maj. Tara Holmes  29:01 Task Force Hope is about providing immediately useful tools to our workshop participants to prepare them to lead through crisis, whether that is no-kidding combat related, or whether that's crisis on the home front, going through stuff in life that's really hard. We work through a series of key concepts and exercises, through storytelling and participant engagement that hopefully provides our participants some self-awareness and some tools to recover as it deals with their relationships.   Ted Robertson  29:39 We talked about this. There's a lot of nuance in what you're teaching these people. There's discernment in it. Who should you talk to, who you should trust with information that you want to share? Because ultimately, some of this becomes a pressure release valve, right?   Maj. Tara Holmes  29:52 Yeah, so one of the key concepts that we talk about is worthiness, right? I think often people feel pressure to not share what they're going through because they don't think their problems are worthy of attention, whether theirs or someone else's. That's one thing that we spend a lot of time on. And like you said, you know, who to who to share with, and at what level, some people are more free with sharing than others, and that's OK. So we work through some frameworks that help illustrate how people can kind of work through those levels, or gain some self-awareness and some clarity around where they fall. Something that is a, you know, deep seated secret for you, maybe something that somebody else is willing to openly share, they just don't see it as that big of a deal. So it's definitely about self-awareness and learning some tools to help relieve some of the pressure and drain on our batteries, as it were, that comes from holding these things in.   Ted Robertson  30:52 People who are attending the workshop are going to learn some things that they may not realize are draining their batteries. You're teaching them to discern what those are, and to be careful to try to avoid those. It sounds like an example to me of things that we don't realize we do, that drains us, right, instead of energizes us.   Maj. Tara Holmes  31:10 So we use the kind of metaphor of a smartphone, right? So there are things that drain us, that are big, that we're taking a lot of energy to conceal the hard things that we're dealing with in our life. But then there's, like, the pesky background apps, there's the things that are always running in the background of our lives that drain our energy without us really even noticing it. You know, so for me as an officer, but also as a mom and a spouse, some of the things that are always draining my batteries are my to-do list, the laundry app, maybe social media apps. Sometimes I've probably spend way too much time reading the news these days. That's kind of always on for me. We have these big things that are draining our batteries, but then we have these like small things that are constantly going on, right? So Task Force Hope is about recognizing what those things are for us and then making a commitment to ourselves to make this space and time to recover.   Ted Robertson  32:09 So that brings us to a really unique place. You kind of function at the intersection of character, leadership and development pretty much every day. So how do you define character when you're responsible for shaping it across an entire Cadet Wing.   Maj. Tara Holmes  32:24 To me, character is the essence of who they are. It is how you show up day after day. It's the habits that you have. That's why, when you do something out of character, people are able to say that. You know, we talk about building character strengths as building blocks towards certain virtues. And virtues is really excellence of character. So it's easy to talk about how to be an excellent athlete, or how to be an excellent academic, right? And that's one of our core values, is being excellent. Well, how do you have excellent character? It's really about leveraging your character strengths in a way that can lead you to be more virtuous, and that's the goal.   Ted Robertson  33:05 You've served, both operationally and as an instructor. Tell me how those things shape the way you think about preparing leaders not just to perform but to endure.   Maj. Tara Holmes  33:19 What comes to mind is the importance of training and building those habits. We're, you know, in the previous question, we talked about it in terms of character. You know, you can, you can use any kind of training. It's about building readiness, right? And being able to build those habits so that when you are faced with a challenge, you have a way to work through the challenge, right? That really came out for me, both operationally and as an instructor. So operationally, you rely on your training to get your job done, and then as an instructor, you're helping others build those habits so that one day when your students are faced with challenges, they can rely on their training as well.   Ted Robertson  34:01 We've talked a bit about your experiences and how they shape the way you think about preparing leaders, not just to perform but to endure. And now let's bring it right down to the direct connection between Task Force Hope and why you are here talking about this program to attendees at NCLS. When we talk about Task Force Hope, it's a program that is really designed to prepare leaders to navigate crisis and recover from both emotional and moral injury. What can you tell me about a gap that a workshop like this fills, that traditional leadership education sometimes or often misses?   Maj. Tara Holmes  34:38 Task Force Hope is preventative in nature. It's training to prevent people from letting their burdens get the best of them so that they can show up. They have the tools to show up fully charged when stuff hits the van. And not only that they do that for themselves, but then they can help their teammates or their subordinates also get there. It's self-awareness, because we all perform self-care differently, and what you need to recharge your batteries is different from the way that I would do it. So it's being intentional and having some tools to be able to identify what works for you and then how to make space in your life, and building that commitment to yourself, to make that space so that the next time that you face a crisis, you're not facing it at 10%, you're full up, you're ready to go. So it's that sustained self-care, if that's what you want to call it. And it's important to say that you know, in a 75-minute session, we're really doing our best to provide exposure to key concepts and these tools. What we hope is that people walk out with the start of something. It's not it's not the end of their work to be done.   Ted Robertson  35:54 How often do you hear the question, “Why didn't I hear this earlier in my career?”   Maj. Tara Holmes  36:00 Every workshop. Last year, after the workshop, we had a 1970-something graduate say that exact thing. For me personally, I had four people say something, you know, “Hey, I was a cadet here in '90-something, '80-something, 2000-something. And, you know, I really wish that I would have had this earlier.” So that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to bring it as early as we can.   Ted Robertson  36:26 OK, so our last question of our visit, if cadets take just one lesson from Task Force Hope and NCLs this year, what is your hope for that lesson to be?   Maj. Tara Holmes  36:39 My hope is that they're worth it. No problem is too big or too small to be dealt with, and like we talked about earlier, I think often people keep things to themselves because they feel like they shouldn't bother others, or there's their supervisors or their teammates with what's going on in their lives. And that's a drain. Like, that's a drain on the system. It eats up your energy, right? But our cadets are worth it. Whatever they're dealing with, big or small, is worthy of being addressed. I hope that's the takeaway, and that we all deal with things, right? We don't always know what other people are dealing with.   Ted Robertson  37:22 Maj. Holmes. Thank you for the work you're doing to prepare future leaders, not just to lead in moments of clarity, but to stand firm in moments of crisis. We appreciate you being here.   Maj. Tara Holmes  37:32 Thanks, Ted.   Ted Robertson  37:33 That focus on preservation, resilience and moral courage brings us to our next conversation, one shaped by combat, captivity and a life of service under the most demanding conditions. Coming up next, my conversation with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward Mechenbier. Gen. Mechenbier, welcome to the podcast. It is a huge honor having you here, sir.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 37:56 I hope you feel that way in a half hour so well,   Ted Robertson  37:59 Well, the conversation does promise to be interesting, because your life is… interesting. That was a pregnant pause, sir.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 38:07 Yeah, I've enjoyed it. It's different.   Ted Robertson  38:11 Just to sort of frame things, you retired as a major general, and what year was that, sir,   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier 38:15 2004   Ted Robertson  38:16 And you were USAFA Class of '64. You're a Vietnam-era pilot, having flown F-4s, you were shot down on your 113th combat mission, but that was you also your 80th over North Vietnam. OK, prisoner of war. Then for almost those entire six years following that, being shot down. You come with 3,600 flying hours across lots of different aircraft.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  38:42 I was privileged fly either for primary capability or for familiarization with 43 different airplanes.   Ted Robertson  38:49 And now you describe yourself as a lifelong advocate for veterans and public service.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  38:56 Well, yeah, I mean, I go to a couple prisons in Ohio, and “work with” is probably overstating my role. Veterans who are incarcerated for long periods of time. But my role is just to go there, spend some time, shoot the breeze with them, no agenda, no desired learning objective and let them know that somebody outside knows that they're there.   Ted Robertson  39:19 What I want to do is spend some time in your background. All right, I want to start with combat and captivity and how that tests leadership in its most extreme forms. And this is in course in keeping with the theme of NCLS here, what did character mean to you when circumstances were entirely beyond your control?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  39:38 The Vietnamese kept us in small groups of one and two or three guys. I mean, we never really until near the end and later on when we got a little organization. But it got very down, very personal, when at one time, I was in a cell with four guys, three Class of 1964 Air Force Academy graduates and one poor Oklahoma State University graduate, and amongst the four of us, we had a senior ranking officer. And of course, you got the same rank, you go alphabetical. And so we made Ron Bliss the senior ranking officer in our room. We had a communication system. We had guidelines that, you know, which were basically consistent with the code of conduct. You know, name, rank, serial number, date of birth, don't answer further questions. Keep faith with your fellow positions. That was the key. Keep faith. Never do anything that you'd be embarrassed to tell somebody you did.   Ted Robertson  40:34 What you're explaining is how different leadership looks, and even how you describe it, how different it is from command. So now it comes down to trust and accountability and courage, and how do those show up in those conditions?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  40:51 It was really a matter of, we always knew we were still in the fight. That was one thing that was with us, and so you just kind of conducted yourself with, OK, I'm not going to let myself be used. Now, we also knew that the more you resisted pushed back, the less likely they were to make you go meet an antiwar delegation or write a confession or do something else like that. So they tend to pick on, if you will, the low-hanging fruit or the easier guy to get to. So we always wanted to set the bar just a little bit out of their reach.   Ted Robertson  41:25 All right, having gone through all of that, it really can change people quite profoundly. So when you look back at it, what leadership lessons stayed with you long after you got out of captivity?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  41:39 In the movie Return of Honor. Capt. Mike McGrath, Navy guy, describes the guys in their ability to resist torture and do things. And that's what you learn. Everybody's got a breaking point. If mine's here and somebody else's is there, that doesn't make me better or worse than them. So you learn to appreciate the talents and the weaknesses. If you know the foibles, the cracks in everybody around you and not to exploit them, but to understand them, and then to be the kind of leader that that they need.   Ted Robertson  42:12 Sir, one of the recurring themes when you're discussing leadership with leaders right is knowing something about each of your people so that you can relate to them in a way that that works for them and motivates them.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  42:23 Yeah. Mark Welch, who's also a graduate and he is a chief of staff of the Air Force, always had a saying: “If you don't know what's going on, it's because you didn't ask.”   Ted Robertson  42:32 Now we're going to roll all that into your long journey between captivity and your visit here to NCLS this year. When you're speaking to the cadets at this year's event, what's your main hope? What do you hope they understand about courage before they even ever face combat?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  42:54 Well, courage is a reaction to a clear and present threat. Nobody knows how they're gonna — know he's gonna say, OK, I'm gonna go to Vietnam and I want to get shot down, and when the Vietnamese capture me, I'm going to give them a middle finger and I'm going to be the meanest bad ass and hardest-to-break prisoner. Yeah, it's how you respond to the to the immediate perception of bodily harm or being used or something else like that. So courage is, yeah, it just happens. It's not something that you can put in a package and say, “OK, I've got courage.” It's how you respond to the situation, because you might respond quite differently than what you think.   Ted Robertson  43:35 And I have to say, you presented your story and you delivered your message in kind of a unique way. You drew from some contemporary references, specifically three clips from a movie that you like, that I was curious. How did you sum up your entire life in three movie clips from Madagascar? How did you do that?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  43:57 Well, the three movie clips — when I watched the movie, I was looking at it, I have got two favorite movies. Madagascar is one, and the other is a Kelsey Grammer movie, Down Periscope. I mean, I think that is a perfect study in in leadership. But in the movie Madagascar, the premise was penguins can't fly, but yet it opens up with them applying resource, innovation imagination, and they eventually get this airplane to fly. OK, great. Success. Well, like everything else in life, things go wrong, and you got to have, No. 1, a backup plan, an exit ramp or a control mechanism for the disaster that's pending. So that's the second movie clip we saw. And then the third one was towards the end of the movie, when the crash landing has happened and the skipper asks for an accounting, and he's told that all passengers are accounted for, except two. And he says, that's the number I can live with. And the message there is, you go through life — you're going to have successes, but you're going to have failures, and failure has a cost, and it's not always pleasant, but that's OK, because that's life.   Ted Robertson  45:15 How do you explain how leaders can prepare themselves morally and mentally for moments they can't predict or control.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  45:25 Watch movies like Madagascar and Down Periscope. You know, there's a breadth of unintentional, if you will, guidance on how to be a leader, if you know where to look or if you're looking for it. I mean, that's part of the whole progress program at the Academy. Nobody's going to say, OK, here's a scenario, lead these resources to a proper conclusion. It's kind of like, OK, here's the situation. What do we do? What can we do? What can't we do? It's like, in my presentation, I talk about being able to run across a pasture in nine seconds, in 10 seconds, but if the bull can do it, you're in trouble. So you got to realign your thinking, you got to realign your goals and you got to realign the application of resources. So that's the leadership part, right there. It's a realization of what you can and what you can't do. It's a realization of what you, your people, your resources, can and can't do. It's a realization of what the technology you have at your disposal to do your mission can and can't do. So it's all about workarounds and being flexible. And then the other thing is, we live in a world that just seems to be everything's got a prescription and a protocol on exactly how to do everything. Doesn't work that way. You got to be able to go left and right. You got to be able to be a little imaginative.   Ted Robertson  46:42 What parting thought did you leave the cadets with?   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  46:45 That failure is part of life. It's not death. And I'm part of an organization called American 300 — we go around and talk to young enlisted people and all the services to get them to understand that failure is a learning opportunity. It's not a dagger in the heart, and don't be afraid or ashamed to try, because if you don't, you'll never know what your true potential is. So with the cadets, we close with that last part from the movie Madagascar that basically said, OK, success comes with a price. Be aware and accept it.   Ted Robertson  47:23 All right, we've got to close it out here, but recap, if you would one more time that message that you want cadets to leave here with from having heard you speak.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  47:32 You are now a living, breathing, viable, productive part of our United States Air Force. You bring talents that are unique. Apply them, but understand that they're all very transitory, and you have part of a larger community. If you stick with a community rather than the “I did,” “I want,” I have,” you'll go a long way.   Ted Robertson  47:54 All right, and stepping outside of that very briefly for your final thoughts, what would you like to leave listeners with today.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  48:01 Be proud of the young men and women who are in our military now, not just those at the Air Force Academy. You know, our whole military structure has changed over the years. You know, it's a dynamic world. You got to be flexible and embrace change. We're so reluctant to change. Change is fine, except when you try to change me, is the old saying, but we all have to change. We have to be part of the world in which we live.     Ted Robertson  48:26 Gen. Mechenbier, I want to thank you from all of us for being here sharing those leadership lessons of yours and a lifetime of service that will continue to shape others — future leaders — for a very, very long time to come. We appreciate you very much.   Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier  48:43 Thank you much.   Ted Robertson  48:44 Our final conversation brings us to leadership at the strategic level, where decisions affect institutions, alliances and the nation itself. Capt. Charles Plumb, welcome to the podcast today, sir.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  48:56 Thanks, Ted. Appreciate being here.   Ted Robertson  48:59 It is a privilege to have you. You retired as a Navy captain in 1991 and you have not slowed down, not one inch since. We're going to talk a little bit about the work that you're doing in some very interesting spaces. And what informs all of that. Naval Academy, Class of '64.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:15 Yep, the Great Class of '64.     Ted Robertson  49:17 The great —that's how you express class pride?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:20 Everybody knows the Great Class of '64.   Ted Robertson  49:23 So you are an Annapolis man.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:25 I am, in fact.   Ted Robertson  49:26 No doubt. And a pilot. You flew F-4 Phantoms, and you are a Vietnam-era pilot. You spent most of your time over North Vietnam. Sometimes you got sent to South Vietnam, depending on what was going on. But you said that you have flown 74 combat missions.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  49:45 Actually 74 and a half, Ted. I have one more takeoff and I have landings.   Ted Robertson  49:50 We should remember that, because it's a very important part of your life we haven't talked about yet. Since you got out of captivity, and then you retired a few years later, you became a published author and a speaker, and as such, you have been to every state, several countries, 5,000 presentations you've delivered in the leadership and character development space. Is there any reason you should not be here at NCLS?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:24 Well, I appreciate that. You know, this is a great symposium, and I'm really proud to contribute to it.   Ted Robertson  50:32 Captain, you are a former POW.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:36 Yes, I was shot down on my 75th mission and captured, tortured and spent the next 2,103 days in communist prison camps.   Ted Robertson  50:49 You said you got moved around a lot.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  50:52 We did. I was in six different camps, and some of those camps more than once. We never really understood why. We kind of suspected that they wanted to try to deny any fraternization with their guards, and they wanted to keep us on our toes, because they recognized that being military guys, we were going to have leadership, and we were going to have organization and community and we were going to organize, to fight them, and they didn't want that. So they moved us around and kind of shuffled us up, which didn't work. We always had a military organization in every camp that I ever went to.   Ted Robertson  51:31 You found ways to support each other. You found ways to have a leadership structure, even in captivity.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  51:39 We were all fighter pilots or air crews and most of us were we, you know, we had 10 Air Force Academy grads from '64 in five Naval Academy grads from '64 and so we had in a lot of other academy grads. I don't remember how many, but probably 70 total academy grads. And so, you know, we were, we were dedicated. We were lifers. We were, you know, we were very focused guys, which helped out a lot that we knew a lot about military leadership.   Ted Robertson  52:11 You grew up in the Midwest, and you married a Midwestern girl.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  52:15 I did, my high school sweetheart the day after I graduated from Annapolis, we got married in the chapel, and my buddies were holding up their swords as we came out of the chapel. So it was a beautiful day.   Ted Robertson  52:27 Let's go back to how you found your way to the Naval Academy.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  52:32 I was a farm kid from Kansas. Never seen the ocean, never been out of the four states of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri. Never been in an airplane, and I needed an education. Found that the Naval Academy offered me an education.   Ted Robertson  52:50 Outside of Air Force Academy circles, you probably already know that we think of, you know, salty sea dog sailors when we think of people going in the Navy, but you chose aviation.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  53:02 I did. As a kid, I would see these Piper Cubs fly over and I was fascinated by flight, and wondered if I'd ever be able to ride in an airplane. That was my thought when I was a kid. I didn't have any hopes of ever being a pilot, you know, let alone a fighter pilot. That was, I was out of the realm. Nobody, as I grew up, ever told me that I could do that, or I should do that, or, you know, it would be a hope of mine to ever pilot an airplane. But I went to the Naval Academy and found out that was one of the options, and I took advantage of that option.   Ted Robertson  53:43 Yeah, and it led you, of course, to over North Vietnam, and the rest is that part of your history   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  53:51 Launched on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk on my wife's birthday, the 5th of November, wave goodbye to her, and promised her I'd be back in eight months. I didn't make it.   Ted Robertson  54:04 Hard. Very hard story to hear. Let's talk about all of that informing your presentation now, again, 5,000 of these delivered in the leadership and character development space, but you talk a lot about, in your presentation — and you keynoted here at NCLS — the mental game side of this, the integrity, the choices that you have to make, and character that sort of frames all of that.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  54:38 My message to the cadets, and really to most of my audiences, is around challenge and adversity. And I tell the cadets that they work awfully hard trying to get a degree. They study, they go to computers, they read books all to get a degree. And what I point out to them is that more important than the degree that they will get from the Air Force Academy is a character that they build while they are here. That the integrity first, you know, is part of their motto. And if, in fact, they can learn and live that integrity, if they can learn and live the commitment that they have, if they can learn in and live these kind of ethereal things, the things that you can't measure, things you can't define, the things that, you know, that crop up in your in your mind, in the back of your mind, are more important than the lessons they learn from a computer. And so that's kind of my message.   Ted Robertson  55:49 You know, we're in a leadership laboratory here. The art and the science is character development. And you're talking about a kind of character that leads people to make good decisions and make those decisions with integrity in mind. How did that play into your captivity and getting you through that?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  56:09 You know, of course, I studied leadership at the Naval Academy, and I think that my period of experience more than teaching me anything, it validated what I had learned. And the whole idea — and I love the fact that this is called, you know, the Character and Leadership Symposium, because lots of times you see leadership without character, that's a negative kind of leadership. And if a leader does not have character, he doesn't last very long, and he's not very effective. And so if you can keep your character up front, the leadership can follow easily. And that's pretty much what we had in the prison camps. Several of the qualities of leadership that I promote are the things that almost came natural in a prison camp. First of all, we had to find a focus, a reason. We had to find, you know — and that was developed by our leadership in the prison camp. Return with honor — that was our motto, return with honor. And we all rallied around that.   Ted Robertson  57:22 So all of that said, you're standing here in front of a really big group of people as a keynote speaker, lot of cadets, mostly cadets, yeah.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  57:31 Now there were cadets. I'm speaking on a panel with Ed Mechenbier, my good buddy, and we're on a panel with mostly cadets. The first presentation, the keynote was by invitation only. So there were a number of civilians in the audience, number of cadets. There were Naval Academy midshipmen in my audience today. And we had ROTC people, and, you know, from all over the country. So it was quite a wide audience.   Ted Robertson  58:04 Quite a wide audience. And so if we were just focusing on what you leave with cadets, what do you want them to take away from their experience today?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  58:15 I hope they understand my message, that more important than the degree that they graduate with, is the character that they graduate with, and the importance of the integrity that that they learned here, because that was vital in the prison camp, is integrity. We had to have each other's back, and when we when we finally were released, we refused to be released until all the sick, injured and enlisted men had gone home, and it was a question of integrity, is a question that this is the right thing to do. It's not the easy thing to do. Largely, the integrity thing to do is not the easiest thing to do, and that's what I wanted to leave with the cadets. In addition, I want them to know that regardless of what situation they're in, they still have a choice, and their choice is the way they respond to the surrounding adversity situation that they're in.   Ted Robertson  59:21 An Annapolis grad of '64, Midwest kid from Kansas who makes it into the cockpit, and like you said, 74 and a half flights, then some time in captivity, then to a published author with thousands of presentations all over the country, and some in in other countries. What final thoughts would you like to leave today, sir?   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  59:47 Well, you know, I think I've already told you, you know, you're a great interviewer, Ted, and I appreciate your questions. I think, finally, this whole idea of self-determination and I think that we all, and not just the cadets, but graduates and families and business people, families. You know that we all have choices, and sometimes when we deny the choice and give up that ability to make our life better for ourselves. And you know, we do it sometimes even when we're not even thinking about it. It's just automatic to blame somebody else for the problem, and in doing so, we give away that choice.   Ted Robertson  1:00:34 Don't give away the choice. Yeah, build that character and stick by your integrity all the time. Capt. J. Charles Plumb, what a privilege it is to meet you, sir. Glad that you're here at NCLs and keynoting like you are, and I do hope that our paths cross again.   Capt. J. Charles Plumb  1:00:52 Ted, thank you very much. I appreciate your willingness to tell my story. Thanks for that.   Ted Robertson  1:00:57 You're welcome, sir. Thank you. Ted Robertson Close As we've heard throughout these conversations, courage isn't a single moment. It's a lifelong practice, from cadets just beginning their journey to leaders shaped by combat and crisis to senior commanders responsible for forces and futures. Character is tested when certainty disappears and it's revealed by how we choose to lead. That's the challenge of the National Character and Leadership Symposium, and it's a challenge that extends far beyond these walls. I'm Ted Robertson, thank you for joining me for our Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of the 33rd National Character and Leadership Symposium. This podcast was recorded on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.         The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation      

Send a textCouches, Rent-to-Own Memories 0:00:00Talent Night, Gold-Speckled Mirrors & 80s/90s Home Aesthetics 0:00:50Weather Channel Lightning, Thunderbirds & Power Everywhere 0:10:30Cultural Knowledge vs. Knowledge of Culture 0:14:20Lived Experience, Book Learning & Cultural Competency 0:18:20Academic Discomfort & Being the “Native Scholar” 0:25:20Ceremonial Pressure at Home vs. Forgiveness When Away 0:43:30Privilege of Distance, Expectations When You Move Back 0:49:20Dreams Tapping into Something 1:01:10Powwow Songs, Ethnomusicology & Getting Us Wrong 1:08:20Who Gets to Talk About Us? Voice, Silence & Representation 1:24:30Inviting Controversial Scholars & Closing Reflections 1:40:20Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné). How to cite this episode (apa)Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2026, February 20). #69 - Rent‑to‑Own Indigenous Traditions On & Off the Rez: High‑Interest Responsibility for Communities, Easy Credit for Scholars [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.comHow to cite this podcast (apa)Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxbX: @tribalresearchspecialistFacebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialistYouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179QSupport the showInterested in some TRS Merch? Click here https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

BCC Episode #355 | Its time to talk Thunderbirds- large, mysterious winged creatures said to fly through the skies of North America. . Are they large condors? Relic avians? Time slipped Dinos?! Michal and Riley investigate. To listen Ad-Free, get 3 Bonus Episodes every month and more, join ⁠BCC Clubhouse.⁠ Watch This Episode on YouTube Thunderbird Caught on Cam? Chief AJ BCC Merch Shop Peacedrone.net SHOW INFORMATION Bigfoot Collectors Club is produced by Riley Bray and Michael McMillian YouTube Channel: ⁠https://youtube.com/@bigfootcollectorsclub⁠ BCC Merch Shop:   ⁠https://bigfoot-collectors-club-podcast-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/all⁠ Listener-Files Submissions: ⁠BigfootCollectorsClub@gmail.com⁠. Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/3W7izlL⁠ | Blue Sky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/bccpodcast.bsky.social⁠ Our theme song is “Come Alone,” by Suneaters, courtesy of ⁠Lotuspool Records⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Woody returns to the Bud Light Studio and suddenly it's 2013 again — except now everyone's older, colder, and way more into arguing about shoes. This episode of The Rizzuto Show is a full-blown comedy podcast reunion that spirals immediately into chaos, as Rizz and Woody pick up exactly where they left off… which is apparently roasting California people for being weak in the cold, questioning why scarves exist, and debating whether New Balance, Hokas, or Nikes are officially “dad shoes” this week.Things escalate quickly when the guys break down the modern shoe game, how trends make zero sense, and why no one under 25 wears no-show socks anymore. From there, it's a straight shot into the wild world of Facebook Marketplace deals that are absolutely stolen, including microwaves pulled from sketchy storage units and a $3,000 TV somehow purchased for $300. No red flags. Totally normal behavior.Then Woody casually drops the fact that he now flies planes — because of course he does. The conversation turns into stories about fighter jets, Thunderbirds, puke planes, skydiving disasters, and why his plane has a literal parachute for the entire aircraft. Somehow this leads to musicians who fly themselves to gigs, Dexter Holland from The Offspring being smarter than all of us combined, and Moon once again questioning every life choice that involves aviation.Just when you think things might calm down, the show takes a hard left turn into legendary Hotshots stories — glitter disasters, wet t-shirt contest bathwater, people doing unspeakable things in parking lots, and the horrifying realization that many of those memories are now over a decade old. It's uncomfortable, hilarious, and deeply on brand.This episode is everything you want from a daily comedy show: old friends, dumb arguments, unbelievable stories, and absolutely no attempt to stay on topic. If you like sarcastic humor, weird news energy, and conversations that feel like they should not be happening on the radio, this comedy podcast episode delivers.Hit play, laugh uncomfortably, and remember why this is your favorite comedy podcast to begin with.Follow The Rizzuto Show → https://linktr.ee/rizzshowConnect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast → https://1057thepoint.com/RizzShowHear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MOSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtue is not a theory. It is something you practice. In the moments where you could overreact. In the moments where quitting would be easier. In the moments where doing the right thing costs you something.In this episode, Ryan explores the four Stoic virtues through conversations with people who actually live them. You'll hear from a fighter pilot who shows courage under pressure, a marathon runner disciplined in daily practice, a historian who reframes justice as action, and Ryan himself on treating wisdom as a lifelong pursuit.