logo
episode-header-image
About this episode
A discussion on the Israeli Air Force with a former F-4, F-15, and F-16 navigator who converted to pilot, flying the A-4 and F-16, before transitioning back to navigator. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations 
Up next
Jun 15
FPP216 - 300 Vietnam Missions in the F-4: Combat and the Making of a Leader
Ron "Toes" Cooper grew up silent, insecure, and certain he'd never amount to much. Then four men believed in him — and everything changed. Toes went on to fly the F-4 Phantom in over 300 combat missions in Vietnam, dodge a MiG-21 missile by a split second, participate in the resc ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 1
FPP215 - U-2s on Aircraft Carriers: A Cold War Gamble
During the Cold War, the Lockheed U-2 gave the United States the ability to peer deep inside denied territory from altitudes once thought unreachable. But after the Francis Gary Powers shootdown and increasing political pressure on foreign host nations, the CIA faced a growing pr ... Show More
46m 58s
May 18
FPP214 - Fighting Falcons: VMF-221 and the Soul of Marine Aviation
From Buffalos at Midway to Corsairs off the deck of Bunker Hill, the Marines of VMF-221 fought, bled, and adapted their way through the Pacific War — and their story reveals far more about combat, leadership, and airpower than the history books let on.Retired Marine Lt. Col. and ... Show More
1h 3m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
Episode #145 - Blades of Valor: Lee Benson - Vietnam to FireHawks - The Helicopter Podcast
Send us Fan MailWelcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this gripping episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider welcomes Lee Benson, a 2025 MHM Blades of Valor Award recipient, whose 15,000-plus hours as a helicopter pilot have left ... Show More
1h 4m
Aug 2025
208. From Cold War Counterintelligence to Project Star Gate with Bill Ray
<p>This week Justin&apos;s guest is William &quot;Bill&quot; Ray. Bill is a retired army major and a Department of Defense civilian with more than 50 years of service as an intelligence and counterintelligence officer, including 20 years in Europe. During his career, he spent ove ... Show More
1h 17m
Jul 2025
A Flying Computer: The Triumphs and Troubles of America's Most Controversial Fighter
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1555784/open_sms">Enjoyed this episode or the podcast in general? Send me a text message:</a></p><p>The F-35 Lightning II embodies aviation&apos;s greatest paradox—a marvel of engineering weighed down by ... Show More
2h 13m
Jan 2025
7. Inside the Cockpit: Alex El Khawaja on the Life of a Pilot and Questions that Keep Us Curious
This week's Muse is Alex El Khawaja, commercial pilot for the Middle East Airlines.In this episode, Alex takes us behind the cockpit doors to uncover the realities of a pilot’s life, from the rigorous training and discipline required to reach the skies to the rare experiences tha ... Show More
45m 36s
Aug 2020
Ep. 118 Charles McGee
Today we're talking about badass sky warrior, Charles McGee. He flew with the Tuskegee Airmen and fucked up some Axis forces in World War 2. Then he went to Korea and Vietnam and kept up his hard charging, air dominating ways. He may not have the same high number of planes shot d ... Show More
45m 30s
Apr 2022
The Invisible Pilot
In this episode, hosts Brittany and Ronald discuss The Invisible Pilot, a three-part docuseries that begins with a mysterious disappearance and dark family secrets, and ends up inside one of the biggest political scandals of our time: The Iran Contra Affair. After a conversation ... Show More
52m 50s
Apr 2025
#193 John Stryker Meyer - MACV-SOG: The Secret War in Vietnam
John Stryker Meyer is a decorated Green Beret who served two tours in Vietnam (1968-1969 and 1969-1970) with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group(MACV-SOG). Enlisting in 1966, he earned his Special Forces tab in 1967 and joined Spike Team Idah ... Show More
4h 4m
Apr 2025
Leadership Lessons from Gen. Dan Caine | 9/11 Pilot to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Just after 2 a.m. on April 11, the U.S. Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As it turns out, Ryan had the opportunity to interview Gen. Caine a few years ago as part of The Daily Stoic Leadership Chall ... Show More
1h 10m
Jun 2021
1. Flight training trends with Eric Radtke, Sporty's Academy
<p>Why is flight training so strong, even after a pandemic that stopped airline pilot hiring? What do flight instructors wish students knew about learning to fly? Eric Radtke answers these questions and many more, in the first episode of Sporty's Fast Five Podcast. Eric and host ... Show More
31m 38s