49 episodes
SNAFU Canto34 Studios
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- History
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5.0 • 18 Ratings
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It's March 1944, and the world remains engulfed in war. The United States is locked in a fierce battle to establish air superiority over Europe. Over the past year and a half, the Eighth Air Force has conducted bombing missions primarily targeting coastal cities. However, the focus is now shifting deeper into Nazi-occupied Europe.
The death toll among the Eighth Air Force continues to rise, with most bomber crews failing to complete even half of their 25-mission tour. Flak fields have become denser and more accurate, posing a grave threat to any plane that dares to fly through them. Nazi fighter pilots, growing in skill, relentlessly pursue American bombers, despite the defensive measures onboard.
Unknown to the American bomber crews, a significant change has occurred in their mission objectives. Under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, the Eighth Air Force now employs a risky strategy. Bombers are used as bait to lure Nazi fighters into combat, allowing escort fighters to pick them off one by one. This shift means the lives of bomber crews are no longer considered sacrosanct but rather as expendable casualties in the pursuit of victory.
By this time next year, the death toll of the Eighth Air Force will reach a staggering 26,000, surpassing the losses of Marines throughout the entirety of World War II. This podcast chronicles the experiences of one such bomber crew during the early months of 1944.
Lieutenant Bakas, a 24-year-old pilot from Youngstown, Ohio, leads a B-17G named "Load of Bull" and commands a 10-man crew with a singular goal: survival. With daunting odds stacked against them, Lieutenant Miller, a 23-year-old co-pilot, must navigate the challenges of leadership, perseverance, and duty.
Tasked with motivating a crew comprised mostly of young men fresh out of high school, Bakas and Miller grapple with the weight of their responsibilities. As they confront the harsh realities of their suicidal missions and the uncertain impact on the war effort, they must find the strength to inspire their men to keep fighting.Starting in July 2021, SNAFU, a historical fiction podcast, will begin to tell the story of a group of men, as their families never knew them.
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S2, E1: Mortem Obire
The men of The Bull try to make sense of the events that occurred in the season 1 finale and realize that all they have to comfort them are their brothers around them, and the many vices that await them. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snafupodInstagram: ht...
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S2, E2: Alone
The Men of The Bull are greeted by their new replacements and things don't go well. Jack wrestles with the idea of leading his men, and The Boss is haunted by his past. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snafupodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/snafupodIf ...
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S2, E3: France
Jack goes on a mission with a rookie crew, The Boss meets Sal and Timothy and tries to persuade Col. Poole into transferring Timothy to a different crew, and The Boss comes face to face with the consequences of his actions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/...
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S2, E4: Amen
The Boss puts Timothy and Sal through the ringer to see if they're worth bring apart of "Load of Bull". Jack faces his inner struggles when he comes in contact with two very unlikely people and their dog. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snafupodInstagram: https:/...
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S2, E5: "For Mother and Country"
Jack ends up leading his crew to bomb a mission in Nates, France and things don't go according to plan. Willy becomes a legend and Muth realizes just how slim of a chance he has at getting through his tour. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snafupodInsta...
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S2, E6: Tommy
Willy pulls some strings to get him and Tommy off base just for him to meet a girl, Muth tries to convince himself that has what it takes to be a good soldier, and Col. Poole pays The Boss a visit. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism by privately messaging me through one of the various SNAFU Social Media Pages. Also, check out our website for more information by clicking here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snafupodInstagram: https://w...
Customer Reviews
I can’t stop listening!
I feel like I’m right there in the Load of Bull over Berlin with the exceptionally detailed storytelling and immersive production. I really appreciate the depth of characterization and fine detail that Masters of the Air and the Memphis Belle didn’t have time to go into.
Incredible storytelling
I’ve studied local casualties of WWII for years and this amazing podcast has taught me so much about what an average bomber crew experienced during the war. The podcast is a labor of love, done with the highest level of respect. The host is a truly gifted storyteller. I’ve found myself laughing at times, particularly when it comes to Willy. I’ve also cried along with the guys. The sense of loss when a brave crew member doesn’t make it is real and palpable. Thank you for all you do to ensure these men and their sacrifices are never forgotten.
WHAT. A. SHOW!!
This podcast is incredible. Entirely immersive, from the writing to the voice acting to the sound effects. It really takes its time telling the stories of these fictional men, in a way that still embodies a reverence for the real men they are based on and all the brave endeavors they undertook in the skies above Europe. I can’t believe one person could produce all of this, let alone in a consistent fashion and with such great production value. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall of a B17 during WWII flying treacherous bombing missions over Germany, look no further. A must for every history buff, and anyone who appreciates great story telling. Keep up the good work!