Shows
Date with DestinyEyes on the Stars: Breaking Barriers and Reaching for SpaceIn this inspiring episode of Date with Destiny, Captain Behnam sits down with trailblazing U-2 pilot Colonel Merryl Tengesdal. From a seven-year-old girl in the Bronx dreaming of space to flying at 70,000 feet, Merryl shares her path to becoming the first Black woman to pilot the legendary U-2 Dragon Lady. They dive into overcoming fear, the mindset for success, cockpit challenges, leadership lessons, and balancing a demanding military career with family life. Merrylâs powerful story is a must-watch for anyone who dares to dream big and shatter limits.đ§ Full episode: CaptainBehnam.com/links#Leadership #Aviation #WomenInSTEM #Inspiration #Resilience #Podca...2025-07-021h 29
Former Action Guys PodcastEp. 229 | Merryl Tengesdal | U-2 Spy Plane PilotMerryl Tengesdal had a dream to reach space and believed her best chance was as a Naval Aviator. She began her career flying H-60s, moved on to training students flying the T-34c and T-6a, then applied for an inter-service transfer to screen to become a U-2 spy plane pilot.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysMerryl's siteshttps://merryltengesdal.com/shop-book/https://www.youtube.com/@UC_RCb3DfyEaWv80aQlKooRg00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | mIRC...2025-03-251h 58
The Lounge by Sarah KalmetaOvercoming General MalaiseIn this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Colonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret), the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 "Dragon Lady" in the United States Air Force. Merryl shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity, fighting resistance, and leading with discipline. We discuss her journey from electrical engineering to aviation, the power of embracing fear and growth, and how to build resilience in both personal and professional life. Merrylâs insights are sure to inspire you to tackle your challenges head-on and realize your superpowers.Guest Spotlight:Name: Colonel Me...2025-01-171h 28
Forged In The Fires Podcast with Fireman RobEpisode 346 - Forged in the Fires Guest - Merryl TengesdalIn this electrifying episode, Fireman Rob interviews Merryl Tengesdal, a retired Air Force Colonel, U-2 pilot, and trailblazing leader in aviation and beyond. Merryl shares her journey of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers as the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 aircraft. Her inspiring story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
This conversation dives into her experiences in leadership, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and her mission to inspire the next generation of trailblazers. Be sure to check out Merryl's own podcast, "All Fire No Smoke," available...2024-12-2734 min
The Wellness Driven Life Show70,000 Feet High: The First Black Woman to Pilot the U-2 Spy PlaneJoin The Wellness Driven Life Show for an inspiring conversation with Colonel Merryl Tengesdal, the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 "Dragon Lady" spy plane. âď¸ We'll discover how her childhood mindset set the stage for her to defy expectations and achieve this incredible milestone, flying at 70,000 feet đ in a demanding aircraft unlike any other. The U-2 requires specialized suits and tremendous physical and mental endurance to operate, pushing human limits for national security. đŞ Learn how Merryl's experiences shaped her into an inspirational figure who, even in retirement, continues to live a wellness-driven life, proving that we can all...2024-10-3042 min
My Great Aunt EDNA: The Golden Girl of LeadershipMy Great Aunt EDNA Podcast - Ret. Col Merryl Tengesdal - SHATTER THE SKY - Season 2 Ep 1From humble beginnings in the Bronx, NY as the child of a single black woman, to becoming the only Black woman to ever fly the U-2 Spy Plane for the United States Air Force at 70,000 feet, Ret. Colonel Merryl Tengesdal has never had a problem of directly owning the spirit of the woman she was intended to be! As an inductee into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, Merryl has applied her love for science, math, and the Spirit of Excellence adopted by My Great Aunt EDNA to soar to heights only known to a few.2024-10-0626 min
LD Aviation PodcastHow Merryl Tengesdal Became the Only Black Woman to Pilot the U-2 Spy PlaneIn this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, we sit down with Merryl Tengesdal, a trailblazer in military aviation and the first Black woman to fly the U-2 spy plane. Merryl's career is a powerful example of overcoming barriers, and she shares her journey from The Bronx to becoming a leader in military aviation.Merryl offers valuable insights into her experiences, including the challenges of flying high-stakes missions and the leadership lessons she learned along the way. She also discusses the evolution of military aviation, the importance of diversity in the field, and the critical skills needed...2024-09-1345 min
Military AviatrixCol. Merryl Tengesdal USAF (Ret) Shatter The SkyIn this interview with Col. Merryl Tengesdal, USAF (ret.)Â @dragonlady788, the only Black woman to fly the U2 reconnaissance plane and a contestant on the reality television series TOUGH AS NAILS, she talks about growing up in the Bronx, her start in aviation with the Navy, flying H60 helicopters at sea, challenges with supervisors, the difference in Navy and Air Force aviation cultures, the importance of mentoring and how to find mentors, flying the U2 and how to become a U2 pilot, parenting and how it affects career choices, the journey of fostering to adoption, participating in TOUGH AS N...2024-08-242h 01
AVIATE with ShaestaShattering the Sky: Retired Col. Merryl Tengesdal, the First and Only Black Female U-2 PilotIntroduction:
Introduction of Col. Merryl Tengesdal (Retired), author of "Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me about Self-worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline."
Brief overview of her unique achievement as the first and only African American woman to fly the U-2 spy plane.
Background:
Merryl's upbringing in the Bronx and her early fascination with space exploration.
The journey from her childhood aspirations to joining the military with the goal of becoming an astronaut.
Main Discussion:Career Challenges and Achievements:
In-depth discussion on Merryl's experiences with the U-2 "Dragon Lady."
The physical...2024-01-0352 min
The Rancho Cordova PodcastCol. Merryl Tengesdal, USAFToday's podcast was taped 4 weeks ago, and we saved it to launch this week in honor of Veterans dat.Â
On this week show we speak to Merryl Tengesdal a retired career military officer who is the first and only Black woman to fly the United Sates Airforce's U-2 spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. She is one of five women and only the fourth Black person to be in the U-2 program. She shares the plane's nickname, The Dragon Lady.
Tengesdal is a military veteran, aviator, and commander who served in both the US Na...2023-11-151h 38
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationWP46: USAF Lockheed U-2 'Dragon Lady' reconnaissance pilot Merryl Tengesdal talks about the physiological effects of flying on the edge of spaceSend us a textIn this portion of my interview with retired USAF Colonel Merryl Tengesdal about her book Shatter the Sky, she talks about the physical challenges and long term physiological effects flying the U-2 had on her and her fellow Dragon Lady pilots. Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is available on Bookshop.org, you'll find a link to it on the book page. By shopping through the Literary Aviatrix website a small p...2023-08-2406 min
Sports and Hip-Hop with DJ Mad MaxMerryl Tengesdal on being 1st black female to fly U2 Spy Plane âSports and Hip-Hop with DJ Mad MaxâBig thank you to Colonel Merryl Tengesdal for coming on my show for an interview! Merryl discussed being the first black female to fly the U2 Dragon Lady Spy Plane, attending the University of New Haven, and getting a degree in engineering. She talked about going into the navy, the tests she had to go through to achieve flying the U2, and the risks that come with flying the U2. She got into hanging out with Steven Spielberg while filming Bridge of Spies, being on CBS' Tough As Nails Season 2, and wanting to give opportunities when adopting children. Merryl...2023-07-2255 min
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationAN19: Merryl Tengesdalâs memoir writing advice to women in aviation: âJust Do It. Go take a dive in the sea of uncomfortableness and start doing the back stroke.âSend us a textIn this expert from my Writersâ Room interview with Merryl Tengesdal (which is actually S2E2), she shares her lessons learned from pressing to get her memoir published on a tight timeline driven by her appearance on the reality TV series, Tough as Nails, and she tells all of you out there who are on the fence about writing your memoirs to Just Do It! Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is...2023-07-1611 min
Late Night HistoryEpisode 30: Merryl TengesdalTonightâs guest of the Late Night History podcast is Merryl Tengesdal.
Merryl is a trailblazer in the world of aviation as she is, at this time, the only Black woman to ever fly the U-2 âDragon Ladyâ spy plane. The U-2 spy plane has conducted high-altitude reconnaissance missions for the US since the 1950s and in the last 10-plus years has achieved a 97% mission success rate. The U-2 is unique in that it requires all pilots to wear specialized pressure suits to fly at altitude â which essentially makes them look more like astronauts than avi...2023-07-101h 12
Black Headline NewsBook Author: 'What going to the stratosphere taught me about self-worth, sacrifice, and discipline'Colonel Merryl Tengesdal reveals the background of her new book, SHATTER THE SKY, as the first and only Black woman to fly the United States Air Forceâs U-2 spy plane.In episode 2 of BHN Radio Live with Brigitte Jones, special guest book author extraordinaire, Merryl Tengesdal, has a chat about her real-life experiences in the military as a "first," as well as her early goals as a child to becoming an accomplished astronaut, as a woman of color.2023-07-0653 min
Simply Free Little Talk ShowShatter The Sky Retired Colonel Merryl TengesdalRetired Colonel Dr Merryl Tengesdal US Navy, US Air Force, Motivational Speaker, Author Shatter The Sky, TV Personality (Tough As Nails 2021), Certified Fitness Coach, Military Veteran, Aviator, Commander, served Iraq War and War in Afghanistan. Retired Colonel Tengesdal is the first and only African American woman to fly the U2 spy plane. 2019 Eagle Air Force, 2023 Inducted into Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame more than 18 Awards and Medals. Retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal is available for booking for speaking engagements, interviews, mentorship, events, Coaching, Appearance by contacting Celebrity Publicist Yvonne Forbes info@labelleladiva.com labelledladiva.com 516-469-0587. Follow...2023-05-3037 min
Fuel Your Mind With Your Ears To A Mind-Blowing Full Audiobook.Shatter the Sky by Merryl TengesdalPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/57093to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Shatter the Sky
Author: Merryl Tengesdal
Narrator: Merryl Tengesdal
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 05-22-23
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 14 ratings
Genres: Engineering
Publisher's Summary:
In this inspirational memoir, retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal shares her life lessons on everything from her career in the military, being the first and only Black woman to pilot the U2 aircraft, to marriage and motherhoodâand everything in between.2023-05-225h 32
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationWP26: Retired Air Force Colonel and U2 pilot, Merryl Tengesdal, talks about her path from the Bronx to an electrical engineering degree to U.S. Naval AviationSend us a textIn this clip from my interview with Merryl Tengesdal, author of Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me about Self-Worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline she talks about how her dream of becoming an astronaut led her to join the U.S. Navy where she flew as an H60 helicopter pilot before transitioning to the U.S. Air Force to fly the U-2. Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is av...2023-04-1307 min
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationWP16: Merryl Tengesdal, former US Navy and Air Force pilot, talks about taking off and flying solo in the U2 Reconnaissance 'Dragon Lady' AircraftSend us a textIn this except from my conversation with Retired Air Forces Colonel Merryl Tengesdal, she talks about taking off in the U2 Reconnaissance aircraft with the assistance of 'pogos' - training wheels for the wings on this bicycle-gear configured aircraft with a 103' wingspan. Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is available on Bookshop.org, you'll find a link to it on the book page. By shopping through the Literary Aviatrix website a...2023-02-2307 min
More Than ToughMerryl "The Dragon Lady" Tengesdal - Air Force Colonel, U2 Pilot, Author & TAN S2 CompetitorIt's hard not to be impressed with the accomplishments of Merryl "The Dragon Lady" Tengesdal.  Long before she was a fierce competitor on Tough as Nails Season 2, Merryl was a Navy and Air Force pilot, instructor, and commander attaining the rank of colonel and becoming the only black female to fly the U2 reconnaissance aircraft. Add to the list mother, wife, personal trainer, and author of her autobiography Shatter the Sky. Join us to gain some insight into getting motivated, finding inspiration, overcoming whatever life throws at you and share some laughs.You can purchase Merryl's autobiography, Sha...2023-02-0548 min
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationWP9: Life in the adolescent boysâ locker room: former Navy helicopter pilot and retired Air Force U2 pilot, Merryl Tengesdal, on having a sense of humor in the male military cultureSend us a textRetired Air Force Colonel and U2 pilot, Merryl Tengesdal, and I compare notes on our tolerance levels for our male peersâ antics during our military careers in this clip from my interview about her memoir, Shatter the Sky. Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shopping through my Bookshop.org affiliate links on my website? If a book is available on Bookshop.org, you'll find a link to it on the book page. By shopping through the Literary Aviatrix website a small portion of the sal...2023-01-3107 min
Heroes Behind HeadlinesThe Only Black Woman to Fly the Legendary U-2 Spy PlaneAs the Cold War was taking shape in 1953, the United States accepted Lockheed Corporationâs proposal to build the U-2 spy plane, out of absolute necessity. The program has been such a massive success for the US military and CIA, that the plane remains in service today over 64 years later. However, only one black woman has ever flown the U-2. We are honored to welcome United States Air Force Col. Merryl Tengesdal.Colonel Tengesdalâs remarkable journey began in the Bronx. Despite facing enormous adversity throughout her Air Force career, Merryl surpassed every expectation. She earned her seat...2022-09-1957 min
Facing the WindAlone, Unarmed and Unafraid: Merryl Tengesdal, the only African American woman U2 pilot Merryl Tengesdal is an American retired career military officer and the first and only Black woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. She is one of five women and three Black people to be in the U-2 program. She shares the plane's nickname, The Dragon Lady.  Tengesdal is a military veteran, aviator, and commander who served in both the US Navy and the US Air Force, as well as on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. She served as Director of Inspections for The Air Force Inspector General from October 2015 through Augu...2022-09-0554 min
Stories of StrengthBreaking Barriers with Merryl TengesdalOn this episode of Stories Of Strength, our host Jay Cardiello sits down with Merryl Tengesdal, a retired Air Force Colonel who was the first and only African-American woman to fly the United States Air Forceâs U-2 spy plane. Born in the Bronx and raised by a single mother, Tengesdal was obsessed with Star Trek and exploring the final frontier. Hear about how her love of space, Captain Kirk and adventure has led her down a path of breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way. The duo discuss overcoming obstacles, self reliance and resilience. Learn about her jou...2022-08-0235 min
When Women Fly069 Life Lessons in the Stratosphere and Defying Expectations with U-2 Pilot Merryl TengesdalMerryl Tengesdal is one of aviation's most fascinating women. With accomplished careers in both the Navy and the Air Force, Merrylâs perhaps most notable achievement is being the only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 aircraft, a spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. Flying the U-2 requires grit, confidence, and extreme focus, all qualities that have earned Merryl the privilege of sharing the spy planeâs nickname, The Dragon Lady.Besides her decades of experience in flight, what sets Merryl apart is her inquisitive, passionate nature and belief in her...2022-06-131h 02
Tango Alpha Lima PodcastTango Alpha Lima: Real life "Dragon-Lady" Air Force U2 pilot retired Col. Merryl TengesdalIN THE NEWS
Jeff and Ashley discuss the news of the first Russian soldier sentenced to life in prison in Ukraine's first war crimes trial.
OUR GUEST
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Merryl Tengesdal talks about launching her military career in an effort to fulfill her childhood dreams, her accomplishments along the way, including becoming the first African American woman to fly the U2 Dragon-Lady.
She talks about her appearance on CBS "Tough as Nails," working with Steven Spielberg, motivating youth, and her book, "Shatter the Sky"
RAPID FIRE
...2022-06-0754 min
The Pivotal Moment with Kate BrougCol. Merryl Tengesdal - A U-2 Spy Plane Pilot on Military Service, Flying the U-2, and Defining Priorities.Colonel Merryl Tengesdal is a personal trainer, commencement speaker, leadership consultant or motivational inspiration, reality star on âTough as Nailsââ, and author of âShatter the Sky.â She is a retired Air Force Colonel, veteran, and (Naval/Air Force) aviator. She has held various leadership and training positions, including Director of Inspections for the Inspector General of the Air Force.
Colonel Tengesdal is the first and only African American woman to fly the U. S. Air Force U-2 Aircraft with over 23 years of aviation and leadership experience in both the Navy and Air Force, serving in the Iraq War and th...2022-04-2853 min
From Balloons to Drones25: Colonel Merryl Tengesdal - Through the Stratosphere in the U-2 and in LifeColonel Merryl Tengesdal flew helicopters in the US Navy before transferring to the US Air Force to become the first (and so far, only) African American woman to fly the U-2. She tells us the fascinating story of her career, what it's like to fly an aircraft on the edge of space, and drops some inspirational advice along the way.2022-04-0134 minStories of StrengthStories of Strength Season 2 - Heroes Pushing What is PossibleHear stories from everyday people pushing the envelope of what is possible. Host Jay Cardiello speaks with guests like Merryl Tengesdal, Chris Norton and Jeff Struecker to discuss their successes and the sometimes unconventional journey to their goals. Stories of Strength will highlight their resolve in the face of challenges and redefine how you view strength. Presented by MuscleTech.Follow Us:Â MuscleTech: IG - @muscletech Twitter - @MuscleTechJay Cardiello: IG - @jaycardiello Twitter - @JayCardielloPresented by MuscleTechwww.muscletech.com
2022-03-0200 min
Rebirth With J.R. MartinezMerryl Tengesdal: An Angel Shattering the SkyMerryl Tengesdal is a retired Air Force Colonel, veteran, and (Naval/Air Force) aviator. She is also the first and currently only African American woman to fly the U-2 Aircraft and has over 3,400 flight hours in six different aircraft and over 300 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, Merryl is a fitness trainer at a local sports club. In this episode, Merryl talks about finding enjoyment in the small things, how to keep yourself motivated and moving forward, and her extensive career in the military. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com2022-02-101h 10
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationAviatrix Writers' Room - Merryl Tengesdal on telling her story with a ghost writerSend us a textIn this Writersâ Room conversation with Merryl Tengesdal, the first and only Black woman to fly the U2 reconnaissance aircraft, we talk about what she learned by working with a ghost writer and going the self-publishing route to tell her story. This is a great interview to listen to if youâre someone who has had many people tell you that you should write a book, but you donât necessarily want to pursue writing as a long-term commitment. Did you know you can support your local independent bookshop and me by shop...2022-01-2938 min
Literary Aviatrix: The Power of Story - Women in AviationAviatrix Book Club - January 2022 - Merryl Tengesdal SHATTER THE SKYSend us a textSHATTER THE SKY is the Aviatrix Book Club discussion book for January 2022. In this interview with Col. Merryl Tengesdal, USAF (ret.), the first and only Black woman to fly the U2 reconnaissance plane and a contestant on the reality televisions series TOUGH AS NAILS, we talk about growing up in the Bronx, her start in aviation with the Navy, flying H60 helicopters at sea, challenges with supervisors, the difference in Navy and Air Force aviation cultures, the importance of mentoring and how to find mentors, flying the U2 and how to become a...2022-01-232h 03
Flip Your ScriptMerryl Tengesdal: From Aspiring Astronaut to Trailblazing Pilot2021-07-1332 min
From The Green NotebookSeeing the World at 70,000 feet- Merryl TengesdalSend us a textJoe sits down with retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengsdal to discuss piloting the famed U2 spy plane. There are less than 1500 qualified pilots since the programâs inception in 1955, and he shares her experiences as the only African American woman in its ranks. She also discusses her debut as a contestant on Season 2 of CBSâ Tough as Nails which airs Wednesday Nights2021-03-1434 min
Overcrest: A Pretty Good PodcastHow the U-2 Dragon Lady Saved Us from Nuclear WarSkunkworks Series Part 5 Â - Retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal, a modern U2 pilot calls in to discuss her inspiration to get in the cockpit of one of Skunkworks longest running aviation marvels, the Lockheed Martin "Dragon Lady" U2. The guys also discuss the Cuban Missle Crisis and how the u2 was integral in it.
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Check out Merryls website here.
Support the show on Patreon here!2021-03-0150 min
Mettle MentalityE21. U-2 Spy Plane Pilot Colonel Retired Merryl TengesdalA determined, fun and optimistic person, Col. Retired Merryl Tengesdal Served in the US Navy and Retired in the US Air Force. She is the 1st African American Woman to ever pilot the plane that soars at 70,000 ft, at that height, it takes some real mettle. 0:00-2:14 Intro 2:14 Introducing Colonel Merryl Tengesdal 1994 Commissioned into the US Navy. Nothing she can't fly, she stated confidently. 6:48 Talking about her path to being the first and only African American Woman to fly the the United States Air Force's U-2 spy plane which is used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. She talks about...2020-07-0649 min