Best RCAF Podcasts (2025)

1
Celebrating 100 Years (S2 E3) 34:58

11d ago34:58

34:58

Colonel Jody Hanson and Chief Warrant Officer Philippe Cousineau discuss the Centennial of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg.By Royal Canadian Air Force

1
Episode 52: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 2 - Eric Kenny 1:10:00

28d ago1:10:00

1:10:00

What is it like to command the RCAF? What is the RCAF good at, and what needs fixing? Who are our potential main adversaries and why? What challenges will we face as we pursue modernization? Have US politics (as of recording mid-March) affected our strategies with the F35 and other acquisitions? What does the future hold for the RCAF? We will talk …

1
Episode 56: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Jeannot Boucher 50:04

2h ago50:04

50:04

What does it feel like to deploy as the Commander of Task Force Jerusalem in support of OP PROTEUS in the West Bank? What does it take to take over various commands in the Tactical Helicopter force? What goes into developing a defence policy update like "Our North Strong and Free" (ONSAF)? Today we sit down for part 2 of our chat with Major-General…

1
Episode 55: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Jeannot Boucher 57:35

7d ago57:35

57:35

What was it like to deploy to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Canadian Helicopter Forces in Afghanistan (CHFA)? What was the Tactical Helicopter role in Afghanistan at the time and how violent was it in 2009? Today we sit down with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). Jeann…

1
Episode 54: The Jet Jockey: Supersonic Stories: Flying the CF-188 Hornet in the Cold War Part 2 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:18:44

14d ago1:18:44

1:18:44

What was it like to be one of the first cadres to fly the might CF-188 Hornet? What did it feel like to operate in Europe on the edge of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War? What was it like to deploy in support of the Gulf War? Dan "Alf" McWilliams is a retired RCAF Fighter pilot who operated during the Cold War. Today we sit down and talk about …

1
CAF Warbird Tube - RAF's No 100 Bomber Support Group 1:04:40

15d ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Learn all about the Royal Air Force’s 100 (Bomber Support) Group, a pioneer in electronic warfare. They worked behind the scenes to protect Allied bombers by jamming enemy radar, confusing night fighters, and conducting clandestine countermeasures across Europe. Join guest Ross Sharp, who reveals how the 100 Group’s daring missions and cutting-edge…

1
CAF Warbird Tube – American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger 57:26

15d ago57:26

57:26

During World War II, a daring group of American women crossed the Atlantic not to fight but to fly. In this episode, we explore the book Spitfires by Becky Aikman—a thrilling account of the women pilots who joined Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying Spitfires, Hurricanes, and even bombers across wartime skies. These trailblazers, including …

1
Episode 53: The Jet Jockey: Tutor Tales: Flying and instructing on the CT-114 Tutor Part 1 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:12:26

21d ago1:12:26

1:12:26

What was it like to live in Germany on a NATO base during the Cold War as a teenager? What does it feel like to follow in your dad's footsteps and achieve your dreams to become a jet pilot? What was it like to instruct at "The Big 2" Moose Jaw when there could be up to 30 CT-114 Tutors flying at once? Today we sit down with Cold War fighter pilot D…

1
Episode 51: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 1 - Eric Kenny 1:01:10

1M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What does it take to complete Canada's "Top Gun", the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course? What is it like to deploy to Bosnia or take part in the bombing campaign in Kosovo with real air-to-air and ground-to-air threats? What does it take to coordinate strikes in Afghanistan? How are we shifting from a counter-insurgency to peer-to-peer warfighting …

1
Episode 50: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 2 - Pascal Duclos 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

What did it take to get the Pasisade Fires under control in LA County, California in the winter of 2025? How does aerial firefighting compare in Quebec and California? In this final part of our 2 part series on aerial firefighting, we sit down once again with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has been fighting fires across Canada and the Uni…

1
Episode 49: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 1 - Pascal Duclos 1:02:20

2M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

What was it like to deploy to Los Angeles and fight the infamous fires of the winter of 2025? What does it take to hit the fires with precision every time? How difficult is it to scoop from a heavy sea state on the ocean, or from tight quarters in a California reservoir? In this episode we sit down with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has …

1
CAF Warbird Tube - All the Way May 1:01:07

2M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Maybelle Blair was a women's baseball trailblazer turned airplane manager. After baseball, she had a 37-year career at Northrop Corporation, where she ended up as the highway transportation manager, one of the three female managers the company employed in that period. Professor Emeritus of Women’s Sports History at Marshall University and CEO of th…

1
CAF Warbird Tube – The Battle of Okinawa with Christopher Kolakowski 1:07:42

2M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

The Battle of Okinawa, the last major confrontation of World War II, was one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts in the Pacific Theater. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome Christopher Kolakowski, a renowned historian and the Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, to explore the details of this pivotal battle. From the relentless…

1
Episode 48: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 3 - Chris McKenna 1:20:49

2M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Why does the RCAF need a warfighting focus moving forward? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about the exciting new modernization projects and aircraft that are coming…

1
Episode 47: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 2 - Chris McKenna 1:04:14

2M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

What is it like to deploy as the Task Force Commander for a violent mission in Mali? What difficulties does working with the UN bring? What is it like to be the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD, and have 5 different official jobs? What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 26…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: The Aftermath of the Doolittle Raid 1:01:14

2M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

The daring Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942, was more than just a bold strike on Japan—it had lasting effects on morale, military strategy, and the course of World War II. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we’re joined by historian and CAF VP of Education Nathan Huegen to explore the raid’s consequences, from its psychological impact on both sid…

1
CAF Warbird Tube - The New Guinea Air War 1:06:28

2M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome John Happ, author of The Navigation Case, to explore the gripping story of the New Guinea Air War. Discover the daring missions, sacrifices, and air superiority that America’s pioneering pilots achieved during one of the most significant campaigns in U.S. Air Force history. With stories drawn from per…

1
Episode 46: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 1 - Chris McKenna 1:08:52

2M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

What is it like to deploy to Kandahar City, Afghanistan with JTF2 as a young officer in the RCAF? What about to return flying the CH-147D Chinook? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about his early flight training, his deployments to …

1
Episode 45: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 2 - Mike Reyno 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

What is it like to survive a mid-air collision with the Snowbirds? What does it feel like to join an Aurora crew on operations in the Mediterranean Sea for Op Sharp Guard? What does it take to make the jump from publisher to having an aviation podcast network? Today, we sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno to disc…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: Fighter Combat in WWII 1:03:16

3M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Join us for a riveting episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we chat with Steve Church, author of Fighter Combat World War Two: Stories and Tactics 1939-1945. Discover the secrets behind fighter tactics, the art of gunnery, and how pilots used strategy and skill to dominate the skies. From historic dogfights to groundbreaking insights, Church brings these…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: Halifax 57 Bomber Update (Spring 2025) 1:13:36

3M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

For over 70 years, the Royal Canadian Air Force Halifax bomber HR 871 lay hidden beneath the Baltic Sea off the Swedish coast—one of many warbirds lost to history. That was until about seven years ago when the Bomber Command Museum of Canada and Halifax 57 Rescue launched a bold mission to recover and restore this legendary aircraft. Join us on thi…

1
Episode 44: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 1 - Mike Reyno 54:46

3M ago54:46

54:46

Tune in to this episode for an exciting announcement about the podcast! Following that, we will sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. What is it like to work extensively with the RCAF conducting air-to-air photography with every Squadron in the RCAF? What does it take to get the perfect shot - and what gets you no…

1
Episode 43: The Service Couple: Being an RCAF aircrew service couple and flying in the CH-149 Cormorant and the CP-140M Aurora - Paul and McKayla Goddard 1:26:38

4M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

What is it like to be an RCAF aircrew service couple? Paul is a CH-149 Cormorant pilot and McKayla is a retired ACSO who flew on the CP-140M Aurora. Hear all about their experience as a service couple from dating at RMC to the trials of being unmarried and long-distance, to finally the ups and downs of being a married service couple in two busy tra…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: The World at War 1945 34:03

4M ago34:03

34:03

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Steve Buss will take us deep into the final year of World War II. Join us as we explore the major conflicts in 1945 that brought the war to a dramatic and decisive close. From the brutal battles in Europe to the Pacific campaigns, Steve will break down the key events, strategies, and turning points that shaped t…

1
Episode 42: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Dan Coutts 1:07:13

4M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

What is it like to be in charge of the one of Canada's largest pilot training bases? What does the future hold for pilot training in Canada, and what are we doing now to ensure our pilots are the best of the best? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 2 of our chat with him, we will discuss current and futur…

1
CAF Warbird Tube – Kamikaze Airfields in Kyushu 1:01:49

4M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

**Warning - This video contains discussions about combat events that took place during World War II, specifically aviators who carried out suicide attacks. Sensitive viewers should be advised.** In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we explore the haunting legacy of the kamikaze airfields in Kyushu, Japan. These airfields served as the launch points…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: John Mollison- Art, Aviation, and Legacy 1:02:38

4M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Join us for an engaging episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we sit down with John Mollison, the renowned aviation artist, historian, and creator of Old Guys and Their Airplanes. Through his distinctive artwork and storytelling, John captures the spirit of aviation history and the extraordinary individuals who shaped it. We'll explore his creative proces…

1
Episode 41: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Dan Coutts 1:02:01

4M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

What is it like to fly the CH-146 Griffon for 427 Squadron as it transitioned from a normal Tac Hel Squadron to being part of CANSOFCOM? What about flying in Bosnia, or being Special Operations Support in Afghanistan? How do you take 400 Reserve Tactical Helicopter Squadron and help prepare them for high readiness status? Colonel Dan Coutts is the …

1
Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred 1:04:10

5M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

What is it like to fly a CF-188 Hornet? What does it feel like to break the sound barrier? How do our pilots stack up against friendly partners in exercises? How physically demanding is flying a fighter? Today we sit down for a chat with Fred "Penguin" Roy to talk all things CF-18. Fred is a former Reg Force fighter pilot who now flies as an airlin…

1
CAF Warbird Tube - AC-47 Spooky Gunship 1:01:33

5M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

**Warning - This video discusses actual combat events during the Vietnam War. Sensitive viewers should be advised.** This special episode delves into the legendary AC-47 Spooky Gunship, the latest addition to the Commemorative Air Force fleet and proudly operated by the Gulf Coast Wing. Known for its iconic role in the Vietnam War as the original g…

1
CAF Warbird Tube – Battle of the Bulge: Winter 1944 1:04:20

5M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

In this episode, historian Chris Kolakowski of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum joins us to discuss the Battle of the Bulge, one of World War II’s most brutal and decisive clashes. During the frigid winter of 1944, a desperate German offensive ambushed Allied forces in Belgium's dense forests. Kolakowski shares insights into the battle’s strategic imp…

1
Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B 38:09

6M ago38:09

38:09

What is it like to deploy away from your loved ones at Christmas? In this special Christmas episode, we'll dive into what it feels like to experience what thousands of CAF members have felt before - being half a world away from family and friends at Christmas. In this episode, we'll talk with Mike Behring, a CC-130J Super Hercules pilot as well as …

1
Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben 40:14

6M ago40:14

40:14

What is it like to be a member of the elite force known as CJIRU? Why switch from Special Operations Forces Operator to Pilot? What challenges and opportunities do the trades have in common, and what useful traits overlap? Tune in this week as we chat with Ben, a former Special Operations Forces Operator who switched to the pilot trade, currently u…

1
Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan 1:04:03

7M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

What was it like to fly the legendary CP-121 Tracker, or the mighty CP-140 Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 2 of our 2 part Remembrance Day episode will feature Duncan's t…

1
Full Circle (S2 E2) 31:25

7M ago31:25

31:25

Captain Pete Musters chats about the roots of his passion for flying, his experience as an RCAF pilot and flying instructor, and connecting past and present in one unforgettable flight.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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CAF Warbird Tube - "Black Week" A Turning Point in WWII 56:59

7M ago56:59

56:59

An in-depth look at one of the most devastating periods of World War II—Black Week. Our special guest, Nathan Huegen, Vice President of Education for the Commemorative Air Force, will guide us through the harrowing events of this pivotal week in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany, targeting heavily defend…

1
CAF Warbird Tube - Grumman TBM Avenger 59:48

7M ago59:48

59:48

Dive into the remarkable history of the Grumman TBM Avenger, one of the most iconic torpedo bombers of World War II. Built for power and endurance, the Avenger played a critical role in naval battles. In this episode, we explore the legendary aircraft's design, development, and combat legacy, now proudly preserved and operated by the Commemorative …

1
CAF Warbird Tube - P-39 Airacobra “Miss Connie” 54:49

7M ago54:49

54:49

In this episode, we take you on an exciting journey through the history and restoration of one of the rarest WWII fighters still flying—the CAF’s P-39 Airacobra. Known for its unconventional design with a mid-engine layout and nose-mounted cannon, the Airacobra played a significant but often overlooked role in the war. Join us as we explore the sto…

1
Episode 36: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 1 - Duncan 49:30

7M ago49:30

49:30

What was it like to go through Moose Jaw in the 1970s? To fly the Sea King? To fly the legendary Tracker, or the mighty Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 1 will feature Dun…

1
Episode 35: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 2 - Dave 50:29

7M ago50:29

50:29

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Today we'll discuss questions that you the audience asked as well as some FAQs they hear fairly often at CFASC. Join us tod…

1
Episode 34: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 1 - Dave 55:51

8M ago55:51

55:51

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Dave has a multitude of experience, having flown and taught on the CT-155 Hawk and the CF-188 Hornet, as well as the CC-130…

1
From Cockpit to Command (S2 E1) 56:23

8M ago56:23

56:23

Major-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Deputy Commander of the RCAF, discusses her career journey, cultural evolution, and preparing today’s RCAF for the challenges of tomorrow.By Royal Canadian Air Force

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CAF Warbird Tube - Chuck Yeager -What A Ride! 1:01:36

8M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Join us for an intimate journey into the life and legacy of one of America's greatest aviators, Chuck Yeager, through the eyes of his wife, Victoria Yeager, author of "Chuck Yeager: What a Ride." Victoria shares personal stories, untold anecdotes, and reflections on Chuck's extraordinary career, from breaking the sound barrier to his profound influ…

1
CAF Warbird Tube: The U.S. & The DH Mosquito 59:26

8M ago59:26

59:26

In this episode, we welcome back Ross Sharp, a renowned expert on the De Havilland Mosquito, to explore the fascinating history of the U.S. and the "Mossy." Although Mosquitoes are known as RAF aircraft, the versatile and innovative aircraft played a crucial role for the U.S. in various missions, from reconnaissance to bombing, and became an icon o…

1
CAF Warbird Tube - F8F Bearcat 58:49

8M ago58:49

58:49

We are taking a closer look at the CAF’s F8F Bearcat in this week's Warbird Tube. Members of the Southern California Wing join host Steve Buss, to discuss the impressive history, importance, and current maintenance status of the Bearcat. Find out what improvements they’ve made since being assigned the powerful Navy fighter back in 1991. You can wat…

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Episode 33: The Leader: Part 2 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C 57:39

8M ago57:39

57:39

How can a pilot strive to be a better leader both in the cockpit and on the ground? What is the RCAF doing well for leadership, and what do they need to work on? Today for part 2 of this interview we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk about some of the successes and challenges Scott faced as a leader, what challenges the RCAF faces in…

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Episode 32: The Leader: Part 1 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C 47:03

9M ago47:03

47:03

What does it take to be a leader in the RCAF? How does that translate to being a good pilot? What is the difference between coaching and leading, and how can we utilize both skillsets? Today we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk all things leadership as well as his book "Developing Coaching Leaders". Scott served for 37 years in the R…

1
Episode 31: The Cormorant Trophy: Conducting a Rescue in the CH-146 Griffon- Paula 56:51

9M ago56:51

56:51

A plane is down. Help is needed. You get the call. What is it like to know that seconds count? What happens when you're fuel critical and have a patient that needs to get to a hospital? What does it take to earn the coveted Cormorant Trophy? Paula Findlater is a Search and Rescue pilot in the RCAF. She has over 1000 hours on the CH-146 Griffon flyi…

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CAF Warbird Tube: The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line 54:01

10M ago54:01

54:01

On this week's Warbird Tube, join author MajGen Mari K. Eder to talk about the women of World War II and her book, "The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II". Let us know what you think of the video! Aired on: Apr 21, 2023 Guest: MajGen Mari K. Eder Host: Steve Buss Producer: Blaine Seabo…

1
CAF Warbird Tube - WWII B-17 Pilot John “Lucky” Luckadoo 34:39

10M ago34:39

34:39

Step into history with our riveting interview with the legendary World War II aviator John “Lucky” Luckadoo. Join us to explore Luckadoo’s journey from his enlistment after Pearl Harbor to piloting the B-17 Flying Fortress in the 8th Air Force. Discover the harrowing experiences of the "Bloody Hundredth," where Luckadoo was one of just four survivo…

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RCAF Podcasts

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