114 episodes
So There I Was Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon
-
- Leisure
"So - There I was." It's how ALL great aviation tales begin! Join hosts, Fig and Repete, as they bring in some great aviation raconteurs to relate the glamorous, hilarious, poignant, tragic, and incredible tales of aviation. Fig and Repete met more than 30 years ago as Marine Attack pilots in Marine Attack Squadron VMA-223 flying the AV-8B Harrier II. Both have since gone on to careers in the majors. Realizing that they are around the most accomplished professionals in aviation with amazing stories to tell, they decided these stories are too good to be kept quiet. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh until you cry, but you won't ever be bored!
-
It's All Combat Episode 112
Spook joins us to talk about becoming a Marine pilot, Reuniting with Fig after 37 years, Flying the Hornet in the Marines and the Royal Australian Air Force. Find out why he chose the Marines over the Air Force and the Navy. Find out how he got his callsign. Learn that he has video proof that HE was the one to shoot down a drone tractor. Hear how he placed in a race he wasn't even in. Find out why he was grounded on his 1000th hour in the Hornet - and why he became the Supreme Commander of Marine Forces, Northern Australia. All this and more in a great week with another great aviator!
-
That Escalated Quickly Episode 111
Th is Kemo's hat-trick show as we comes to tell us all about flying CAS (Hint - It's NOT about Close Air Support!)Flying Contract Air Services is a job most of us aren't aware exists - What a waste! And a myriad of other subjects... try 'n keep up!
-
Pulled the Handle! Just Not Very Hard Episode 110
In this episode, we delve into our experiences in the Marine Corps and aviation tales, prompted by guest Dan of the excellent Danger Close Podcast. Subscribe to that show here: Danger Close
Reflecting on how military service shaped us, we share stories of fallen comrades, challenges faced in emergencies, and the unique focus of the Danger Close podcast on war films. From Marine Corps values and leadership qualities to aviation missions and the intricacies of air traffic control, we explore the impact of perseverance, leadership, and the importance of staying calm under pressure in these roles. Discussing the attention to detail in war films, we analyze examples like "Saving Private Ryan," balancing historical accuracy with entertainment value. Expressing gratitude for veterans and service members, we conclude with reflections on military portrayals in media and extend an invitation for further discussions on air traffic control and war films.And for a bit of extra from Dan, look at SoThereIWas.us/Patreon to get exclusive extra content, like Dan telling about what happened in the Control Tower the day Asiana 214 Crashed in San Francisco in 2013. -
We’re Not Ready You Idiot Episode 109
This week on "So There I Was," join hosts Fig & RePete and special guest Dan from the "Danger Close Podcast" as they embark on a thrilling exploration of a Marine Air Traffic Controller's life turned podcaster. Experience firsthand the intense challenges of boot camp and the critical responsibilities within an Air Traffic Control Tower where every decision is crucial.
In this special collaboration episode, we delve into the gripping realities of Air Traffic Control (ATC). Discover jaw-dropping stories, including an unprecedented verbal confrontation that's been kept secret until now. Ever wondered how a single word can flex as a noun, verb, adjective, gerund, participle, and exclamation? Tune in to learn how ATC professionals master the art of communication under pressure!
Plus, do you recall the Asiana Flight 777 incident at San Francisco Airport in 2013? Curious about what really happened in the control tower during that crisis? We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look just for our Patreon supporters. Visit our Patreon page at [https://sothereiwas.us/patreon] for an insider's view during a major airport emergency. Buckle up for a riveting journey into the world of air traffic control—it's going to be an unforgettable ride! -
It's a Lot Like Yesterday Episode 108
Join us on this week's episode where we sit down with Bill "The Weatherguy" Korbell, a man who’s forecasted everything from monsoons in Thailand to the less-than-perfect day for a presidential flight. Starting off his career in the sweltering heat of 1960s Thailand with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bill was the go-to meteorologist briefing for Operation Bolo, which aimed to outsmart the nimble NV MiG 21s that were giving our bombers a hard time.
But as winds do, they shifted unexpectedly, and a last-minute change in orders rerouted Bill's life straight to Washington D.C. There, among his high-flying duties, he briefed missions for none other than Air Force One.
Ever wondered how a small slip-up in weather forecasting could lead to an unforgettable podcast title? You’ll chuckle as Bill explains the mishap that inspired this week’s episode title: "It’s a Lot Like Yesterday."
Post-Air Force, Bill didn’t just hang up his barometer. No, he soared into the world of radio and TV, where he managed to snag a ride in the Goodyear Blimp, Air Force One and flew with the Blue Angels—talk about a career high!
Now, grab your aviator glasses and tune in. Bill’s about to share some sky-high tales and invaluable insights on aviation weather that might just save your next flight from being a washout. Buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling ride with Bill, where every cloud has a silver lining!
US Space Force Logo
Turbulence
Bill & Sal in their Cirrus
LtCol Bill Korbel, USAF
1st Lt Korbel Thailand 1966
General Robin Olds USAF
I got to fly the Goodyear Blimp
Cirrus hit this metroliner
A Ride with The Blues -
Bad-Assery & Jack-Assery Episode 107
Join us this week for an engaging conversation with Isaac G. Lee, author of "Hangar 4." This groundbreaking book is the first to detail the Marine Corps' CH-53E "Super Stallion" operations during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Known by his call sign "Whisky," Lee provides a fascinating look at his illustrious career. His journey begins in Quantico’s dense forests and progresses to leading a CH-53 squadron. His experiences are detailed through personal journal entries.
Lee offers a unique insight into the challenges of flying the Marines' largest helicopter in support of combat missions. His stories combine sharp humor with steadfast professionalism.
For exclusive content, visit our Patreon page at https://sothereiwas.us/patreon. Enjoy a gripping story about a 'near-death' encounter involving a lucky mule! Your support helps us deliver special content exclusively for our patrons.
May 8, 2005, Two CH-53 from Marine Heavy Lift Squadron 465 sit on the flight line of Al Asad, Iraq as a fire from the base dump illuminates the sky. (USMC photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia)
U.S. Marine Maj. Isaac G. Lee, Operations Officer, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), transports a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook for transport while piloting a CH-53 E Super Stallion during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), undisclosed location, Afghanistan, March 20, 2011. HMH-461 performs TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. Armed Forces equipment and conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/FOUO).