Shows
The Warrior Next Door Podcast"The American St Nick" - Chapters 13 thru 15; Episode 4 of 4Welcome to the final episode of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.In this episode Chapters 13 and 14 will be read by Marie Anne Schweig, the daughter of the man who initiated the search for Richard Brookins: Jeanly Schweig; Chapter 15 and "Of Note" will be read by author Peter Lion and the addendum “The Colmar Incident” will be read by Ryan Fairfield.Support the show
2026-01-051h 01The Warrior Next Door Podcast"The American St Nick" - Chapters 9 thru 12; Episode 3 of 4Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part “The American St Nick” series: a reading of the true WWII story brought to us by Emmy award winning producer and writer Peter Lion.In this episode Chapters 9 and 10 will be read by Don Brookins (son of Richard Brookins), Chapter 11 is read by granddaughter of Frank McClelland, Priscilla Forney and Chapter 12 will be read by Warrior Next Door co-host Ryan Fairfield.Support the show
2025-12-291h 26The Warrior Next Door Podcast"The American St Nick" - Chapters 5 thru 8; Episode 2 of 4Welcome to Episode 2 of the exclusive 4 part reading of Peter Lion's "The American St Nick". In this episode Chapters 5 and 6 will be read by the daughter of Richard Brookins: Carol Brookins-Northrup and Chapters 7and 8 will be read by Richard Brookins eldest son, David Brookins.Support the show
2025-12-221h 25The Warrior Next Door Podcast"The American St Nick" - Chapters 1 thru 4; Episode 1 of 4Welcome to Episode 1 of an exclusive Warrior Next Door Podcast presentation. A full reading of the true WWII story “The American St Nick”. It is the remarkable story of a few GI’s of the 28th Infantry Division who brought Christmas to the children of the small war torn town of Wiltz, Luxembourg on the eve of the Battle of the Bulge. In this episode, Chapters 1 and 2 are read by the author Peter Lion; chapter 3 is read by grand daughter of Frank McClelland, Priscilla Forney and chapter 4 is read by Warrior Next Door co-host Tony Lupo. Support the show
2025-12-1557 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTony and Ryan Share Listener Feedback from 2025! Part 2 of 2Nothing makes us more determined to continue sharing these amazing stories than receiving feedback, good and bad, from our listeners. We wanted to share some of the feedback we've received in the first half of 2025 so that our listeners know we read every comment and that these are often a source of inspiration and change. Listen in!Support the show
2025-10-0635 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTony and Ryan Share Listener Feedback from 2025! Part 1 of 2Nothing makes us more determined to continue sharing these amazing stories than receiving feedback, good and bad, from our listeners. We wanted to share some of the feedback we've received in the first half of 2025 so that our listeners know we read every comment and that these are often a source of inspiration and change. Listen in!Support the show
2025-09-0133 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastThe D-Day Liberation House RevisitedThis is a companion episode to the original series (Season 3 Episodes 105-106) which was the story of the Maison de la Liberation or the Liberation House; a house in Saint Laurent sur mer on Omaha beach which claims to have been the first house liberated on D-Day. In this episode we revisit the story of the Liberation House from the perspective of a person whose family was deeply connected to the house. But you will soon find out that she does NOT agree with the story as it was related to us in the original series. Hear her issues...
2025-06-2348 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastLt. Col Charles "Lee" Smith P-47 Fighter Pilot ETO WWII - Part 1 of 4Welcome to Episode 1 of the 4 part Charles Lee Smith series. Lee flew in the 366th Fighter Group, 391st Fighter Squadron of the 9th Air Force. In this episode we meet Lee and hear what got him interested in becoming a pilot and we learn of his training experiences.Support the show
2025-05-2643 min
Pags' PerspectiveMassapequa's own Fairfield Elementary turned 100 this week!Earlier this week, Fairfield Elementary School in Massapequa, NY turned 100 years old, first opening back in 1925. Class of 2014 graduate Ryan Pagano discusses this news and his experience as a Fairfield student from 2007 to 2014.
2025-05-2306 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 5 of 5This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.Support the show
2025-05-1935 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 4 of 5This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.Support the show
2025-05-1234 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 3 of 5This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.Support the show
2025-05-0540 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 2 of 5This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.Support the show
2025-04-2841 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 1 of 5This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that took so many lives during the war and were underreported as the landings at Normandy pulled attention away from these brave soldiers who fought in conditions more akin to the Pacific theatre.Support the show
2025-04-2138 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastPearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 4 of 4.Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan. Support the show
2025-04-1434 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastPearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 3 of 4.Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan. Support the show
2025-04-0731 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastPearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 2 of 4.Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan. Support the show
2025-03-3132 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastPearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 1 of 4.Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack.Later, he would find himself in Tokyo immediately after the Japanese surrender and shares his observations of a post-war Japan. Support the show
2025-03-2436 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 6/6 SERIES 54Welcome to the final episode of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this Episode Bill describes his trip across the US after leaving the Marines and the heartfelt moment he saw his family again.Support the show
2025-03-1730 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 5/6 SERIES 54Welcome to Episode 5 of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the number of ways you can die on Okinawa.Support the show
2025-03-1048 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 4/6 SERIES 54Welcome to Episode 4 of the Bill Mauch series. Bill talks about the reason for invading Peleliu and provides some intense moments from the battle. He also talks about the landing on Okinawa.Support the show
2025-03-0347 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 3/6 SERIES 54Welcome to Episode 3 of the Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the training on Pavuvu and Guadalcanal before the invading Peleliu in the fall of 1944.Support the show
2025-02-2439 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 2/6 SERIES 54Welcome to Episode 2 of the Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill talks about being assigned to the 8th Amphibious Tactor Battalion and he ships out for the Pacific Theater.Support the show
2025-02-1750 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 1/6 SERIES 54Welcome to Episode 1 of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this episode we meet Sapulpa, OK native Bill Mauch as he tells us how he got involved in WWII and we learn about his training.Support the show
2025-02-1045 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION! Tony and Ryan explore the USO! SERIES 53Many of the vets we've interviewed have had SOMETHING to say about the USO. So, in this Air Raid Edition, we share some of the remembrances and unpack why this was so important to the veterans we've interviewed. Support the show
2025-02-0640 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTWND shares clips from 2024 with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WWII Podcast - PART 2 of 2 SERIES 52Ray has been kind enough to allow TWND to crash his podcast, The History of WWII, for the past three years where we share select clips from veterans we've featured that year on The Warrior Next Door Podcast. These two episodes are what aired on his podcast in November of 2024.In this episode we share clips from an interview with Jack Hamlin, who was a rescue diver for the US Coast Guard during the invasion of Normandy on Omaha beach where he saved countless lives.Support the show
2025-02-0351 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTWND shares clips from 2024 with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WWII Podcast - PART 1 of 2 SERIES 52Ray has been kind enough to allow TWND to crash his podcast, The History of WWII, for the past three years where we share select clips from veterans we've featured that year on The Warrior Next Door Podcast. These two episodes are what aired on his podcast in November of 2024.In this episode we share how we were able to meet and interview Donald Miller, the author of Masters of the Air, which was the source material for the mini-series of the same name that aired on Apple TV. We followed-up with clips from an interview with John "...
2025-01-271h 08The Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION! An overview of future content from our recent trip to Europe - PART 2 of 2 SERIES 51We announced in late 2024 that TWND were invited by author Peter Lion to Wiltz Luxembourg for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the American St. Nick! We decided to add a number of stops to our itinerary to help develop additional content for TWND that our listeners may enjoy. These include historically rich locations around Wiltz, a field trip with Berten and Shane to various WWII battlefields, at tour of the Manhay Museum, a hike through the Hurtgen forest and much more! Support the show
2025-01-2654 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION! An overview of future content from our recent trip to Europe! - PART 1 of 2 SERIES 51We announced in late 2024 that TWND were invited by author Peter Lion to Wiltz Luxembourg for the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the American St. Nick! We decided to add a number of stops to our itinerary to help develop additional content for TWND that our listeners may enjoy. These include historically rich locations around Wiltz, a field trip with Berten and Shane to various WWII battlefields, at tour of the Manhay Museum, a hike through the Hurtgen forest and much more! Support the show
2025-01-2547 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMurphy-Hamlin Online Discussion Ep 3/3, Series 50: HMS Capel, Rescue Flotilla One, SS LeopoldvilleWelcome to Episode 3 of the Hamlin-Morrell series. In our last episode, we learned the details of the sinkings of the SS Leopoldville, HMS Cappell and HMS Affleck around Christmas 1944 off Cherbourg. In this episode, follow up questions are asked in the original Zoom call and we piece together details that might never have been known if not for this amazing meeting of these two heroes.Support the show
2025-01-2057 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMurphy-Hamlin Online Discussion Ep 2/3, Series 50; HMS Capel, Rescue Flotilla One, SS LeopoldvilleWelcome to episode 2 of the Jack Hamlin-Morell Murphy series. In Episode 1 we discussed how this event came to be and we met our 2 veterans: Morell Murphy, an Irish sailor whose ship was sunk by a sub off Cherbourg and Jack Hamlin, a Coast Guardsman who came to his rescue. In this episode we discuss the events surrounding the sinking of the SS Leopoldville, HMS Cappell and HMS Affleck and give our reactions on each gentleman’s observations of the traumatic events.Support the show
2025-01-1342 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMurphy-Hamlin Online Discussion Ep 1/3, Series 50: HMS Capel, Rescue Flotilla One, SS LeopoldvilleWelcome to Episode 1 of this unique new series where we witness a online meeting between an Irish sailor from WWII whose ship the HMS Capel was sunk off Cherbourg, France and the US Coast Guardsman who may have attended his rescue. In this first episode we discuss how this event came about and we meet our two veterans.Support the show
2025-01-0645 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAl Johnson: Episode 5/5 - WWII, OSS, Operation Dragoon and China-Burma India-TheatreWe feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII. Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!In this final episode, we'll learn more about the aftermath of the assault on the Japanese outpost and his journey home.Thanks for your service, Al...Support the show
2024-12-0237 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAl Johnson: Episode 4/5 - WWII, OSS, Operation Dragoon and China-Burma India-TheatreWe feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII. Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!Episode 4 will focus on the transition away from his operation in France and into his new assignment with OG Blueberry training chinese commandos to fight the Japanese occupiers!Support the show
2024-11-2541 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAl Johnson: Episode 3/5 - WWII, OSS, Operation Dragoon and China-Burma India-TheatreWe feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII. Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!In this episode, Al learns that he'll be part of OG Patrick and will land 400 miles behind enemy lines to join up with the French Resistance and capture a hydro-electric plant held by German f...
2024-11-1842 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAl Johnson: Episode 2/5 - WWII, OSS, Operation Dragoon and China-Burma India-TheatreWe feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII. Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!The second episode speaks to the rigorous training and secrecy demanded from those who volunteered for this OSS.Support the show
2024-11-1135 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAl Johnson: Episode 1/5 - WWII, OSS, Operation Dragoon and China-Burma India-TheatreWe feature Al Johnson, who served with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Al was a member of Operations Group (OG) Patrick and Blueberry who fought behind enemy lines in France and China, respectively, during WWII. Of the 14 million+ servicemen who fought in WWII, only ~7,500 served as an OG with the OSS. This is a truly special and remarkable story!The first episode unpacks what the OSS is, how it was formed and Al's journey into this new secret commando unit. Support the show
2024-11-0447 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastEP 3/3 Cpl Ryan Downing - 2004 & 2006 Battle of Ramadi, Iraq; Co. E. 2/4 MarinesWelcome to the final episode of the Cpl Ryan Downing series. In the previous episodes, Cpl Downing described his training, arrival in Iraq and his heavy fighting that he and his unit endured in Ramadi in 2004. In this final episode, Ryan talks about his struggles with post traumatic stress and having to go back to Ramadi in 2006.Support the show
2024-10-2848 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastEP 2/3 Cpl Ryan Downing - 2004 & 2006 Battle of Ramadi, Iraq; Co. E. 2/4 MarinesWelcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part Ryan Downing series. In this episode Cpl. Downing details the heavy fighting that his unit endured in Ramadi in 2004.Support the show
2024-10-2141 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastEP 1/3 Cpl Ryan Downing - 2004 & 2006 Battle of Ramadi, Iraq; Co. E. 2/4 MarinesWelcome to Episode 1 of the 3 part Cpl Ryan Downing series. In this episode we meet Ryan and learn about his enlistment, training and deployment to Iraq in 2003.Support the show
2024-10-1442 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTop 5 WWII Movies Discussion with Ray Harris - Episode 3/3Welcome to the final episode of Ray Harris’s Top 5 WWII movies discussion with Tony and I. Sit back and enjoy as we cover our final picks and try to see if we have any common ground!Support the show
2024-10-0736 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTop 5 WWII Movies Discussion with Ray Harris - Episode 2/3Welcome to Episode 2 of 3 of our series with Ray Harris of the History of WWII Podcast discussing our picks for the top 5 WWII movies. In this episode we get into the first picks of our top 5.Support the show
2024-09-3047 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastTop 5 WWII Movies Discussion with Ray Harris - Episode 1/3Episode 1 of 3. As you may know Ray Harris of the History of WWII podcast has graciously hosted Tony and I on his podcast over the last few years. Well, he invited us to do a series with him for his podcast that was also posted on his YouTube channel on the topic of The Top 5 WWII movies according to Ray, Tony and I. As you might guess, it’s not a particularly scientific list but we do our best to explain our reasoning and insult Ray along the way. It has a bit of strong language here and there (mo...
2024-09-2340 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMarta Warner Tribute - Episode 4 of 4Welcome to the final episode of the Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode Marta discusses what happened to her family after the war as well as her impressions of the USA as she moved to America after the war.Support the show
2024-09-1635 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMarta Warner Tribute - Episode 3 of 4Welcome to Episode 3 of the 4 part Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode we talk about how school was conducted at the end of the war in the ruins of cities, how history books were changed by the nazi’s and she brings out a memento from her time as a Jungmadel during the Hitler Youth education system. Support the show
2024-09-0941 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMarta Warner Tribute - Episode 2 of 4Welcome to Episode 2 of the Marta Warner Tribute. In this episode, we learn of her family’s realization that citizens were being deported to camps and how the black market aided in survival after the war. Support the show
2024-09-0235 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMarta Warner Tribute - Episode 1 of 4Welcome to Episode 1 of the Marta Warner Tribute series. In this episode we discuss how her family endured the changes in German society, her opinion on Adolf Hitler and what it was like to be hungry and searching for potable water. Support the show
2024-08-2638 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAuthor/Astronaut Jan Davis: “Air Born – Two Generations in Flight”, Episode 2 of 2, Series 45Welcome to Episode 2 of the Jan Davis series. In episode 1 we met Jan Davis, retired astronaut who flew on 3 space shuttle missions and the daughter of Ben Smotherman who flew B-17’s in 1943 out of England. We learned about his experiences as a pilot early in the air war and also as a POW till wars end. Join us now as Jan talks about her story as an astronaut and how her fathers story impacted her life. Support the show
2024-08-1938 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAuthor/Astronaut Jan Davis: “Air Born – Two Generations in Flight”, Episode 1 of 2, Series 45Author/Retired Astronaut Jan Davis discusses her book: “Air Born – Two generations in flight” about her WWII B-17 pilot father and the parallels with her career at NASA and her 3 space shuttle missions. In this episode, we met Jan Davis, retired astronaut who flew on 3 space shuttle missions and daughter of Ben Smotherman who flew B-17’s in 1943 out of England. We learned about her fathers experiences as a pilot early in the air war and also as a POW till wars end. Support the show
2024-08-1251 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJan Douma: Episode 4 of 4 ,Series 44 - Filips Douma, WW2, Netherland Police Officer, Dutch Resistance, Concentration Camp SurvivorIn this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended. Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.Support the show
2024-08-0534 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJan Douma: Episode 3 of 4 ,Series 44 - Filips Douma, WW2, Netherland Police Officer, Dutch Resistance, Concentration Camp SurvivorIn this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended. Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.Support the show
2024-07-2942 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJan Douma: Episode 2 of 4 ,Series 44 - Filips Douma, WW2, Netherland Police Officer, Dutch Resistance, Concentration Camp SurvivorIn this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended. Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.Support the show
2024-07-2247 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJan Douma: Episode 1 of 4 ,Series 44 - Filips Douma, WW2, Netherland Police Officer, Dutch Resistance, Concentration Camp SurvivorIn this series we explore the extensive research conducted by Jan Douma, son of Filips Douma who was a police officer during WW2 in NAZI-occupied Netherlands Jan provides a vivid account of what his father endured after he was apprehended helping the Dutch resistance in the summer of 1944 and sent to a series of concentration camps where he would be days from death when the war ended. Join us for a compelling look at a lesser known historical account of what life was like in the NAZI-occupied regions of Europe.Support the show
2024-07-1548 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION: Interview w Nick Devaux/Lars McKie of The Logbook Project Podcast, SERIES 43 Episode 1 of 1Welcome to another Air Raid Edition of the Warrior Next Door Podcast. This episode we feature Nick Devaux and Lars McKie of The Logbook Project Podcast as they discuss their unique effort to gain signatories of WWII veterans from around the world to Nick's fathers WWII RCAF Logbook. They have launched their accompanying podcast we discuss the origins of the project as well as hear of a few signatories in the logbook.Support the show
2024-07-1153 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSammy Lee Davis: Episode 2 of 2, SERIES 42 - Vietnam War, Medal of Honor Recipient, Operation CudgelJoin us as Sammy L. Davis shares his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam who would earn the Medal of Honor for his actions as a cannoneer during Operation Cudgel on November 18th, 1967. His accounts are captured vividly in his book "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient"Support the show
2024-07-0838 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSammy Lee Davis: Episode 1 of 2, SERIES 42 - Vietnam War, Medal of Honor Recipient, Operation CudgelJoin us as Sammy L. Davis shares his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam who would earn the Medal of Honor for his actions as a cannoneer during Operation Cudgel on November 18th, 1967. His accounts are captured vividly in his book "You Don't Lose 'Til You Quit Trying: Lessons on Adversity and Victory from a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient"Support the show
2024-07-0137 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJack Hamlin: Episode 4/4 SERIES 41, Rescue Flotilla 1, DDAY, OMAHA BEACH, USCG, WWIIWelcome to the final episode of the Jack Hamlin series. In this episode Jack describes his participation in the rescue of survivors from the sinking of the SS Leopoldville on Dec 24, 1944 which was stricken by a German sub. Then 2 nights later the same sub sank the HMS Capel where he also mustered for that rescue.Support the show
2024-06-2446 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJack Hamlin: Episode 3/4, SERIES 41, Rescue Flotilla 1, DDAY, OMAHA BEACH, USCG, WWIIWelcome to Episode 3 of the Jack Hamlin series. In this episode Jack describes the aftermath of the DDAY invasion as well as some post DDAY action he participated in from his Cutter #23.Support the show
2024-06-1738 min
Trapped Souls PodcastFairfield County InfirmarySend us a textNuclear Soul Seekers second investigation with Co-host Erin and one of our group members Sarah. I set Sarah up and she doesn't find out about it til the podcast. Is there an evil spirit and Fairfield or just Trapped Souls.https://www.facebook.com/share/T2Embg7nNT1oUVU1/?mibextid=qi2Omghttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2373458
2024-06-1225 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJack Hamlin: Episode 2/4, SERIES 41, Rescue Flotilla 1, DDAY, OMAHA BEACH, USCG, WWIIWelcome to Episode 2. In this episode Jack describes his training in England and the action he saw on DDAY off Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944Support the show
2024-06-1043 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJack Hamlin: Episode 1/4 SERIES 41, Rescue Flotilla 1, DDAY, OMAHA BEACH, USCG, WWIIWelcome to Episode 1 of the Jack Hamlin series: the story of a young man from Springfield, Missouri who would serve as a rescue swimmer aboard USCG Cutter #23 just off Omaha Beach on DDAY. In this episode, we meet Jack as he tells us the circumstances that led to his enlistment in the US Coast Guard during WWII.Support the show
2024-06-0335 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastHow To Conduct a Veteran Interview - Episode 1 of 1; Series 40Hello Everybody! We have been promising an episode about interviewing veterans for a while now. In fact we have had a few listeners request (remind) us that we promised this! Well here it is! In this entertaining episode we cover everything you will need to get started interviewing a veterans or someone interesting in your life. If you do a veteran interview, let us know how it goes. Maybe we will have you on the show?Support the show
2024-05-2749 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSteven Bichler - Episode 4 of 4, Series 39: Iraq War, MiTTs Team, Air Force Communications OfficerSteve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series. Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of...
2024-05-2041 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSteven Bichler - Episode 3 of 4, Series 39: Iraq War, MiTTs Team, Air Force Communications OfficerSteve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series. Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of...
2024-05-1334 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSteven Bichler - Episode 2 of 4, Series 39: Iraq War, MiTTs Team, Air Force Communications OfficerSteve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series. Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of...
2024-05-0637 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastSteven Bichler - Episode 1 of 4, Series 39: Iraq War, MiTTs Team, Air Force Communications OfficerSteve Bichler served with a military transition team (MiTTs) during the last year of US occupation as a communications officer in the US Air Force. During this time, Steve worked closely with Iraqi government officials and, by extension, interpreters from Iraq who signed up to help with the transition. One of these interpreters was Azeez "Simon" Alrifaie, who was featured in an earlier podcast series. Please join us as Steve shares his experiences with the MiTTs team in 2011 as the US forces pulled out of Iraq and how it affected him to learn of the fate of many of...
2024-04-2937 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn "Lucky" Luckadoo - Episode 3 of 3, Series 38, WWII B-17 Co-Pilot in the "Bloody" 100th Bomb GroupThis series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks. Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF w...
2024-04-2243 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn "Lucky" Luckadoo - Episode 2 of 3, Series 38, WWII B-17 Co-Pilot in the "Bloody" 100th Bomb GroupThis series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks. Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF w...
2024-04-1535 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastJohn "Lucky" Luckadoo - Episode 1 of 3, Series 38, WWII B-17 Co-Pilot in the "Bloody" 100th Bomb GroupThis series features an interview TWND conducted with Lucky Luckadoo, a B-17 co-pilot in the 100th BG, along with the author of his biography, Kevin Maurer, titled "Damn Lucky". This interview took place while Masters of the Air was being broadcast on Apple TV where Lucky was featured in the coda to Masters of the Air: The Bloody Hundredth, narrated by Tom Hanks. Listen in as Lucky, who was 102 at the time of recording, describes in vivid detail what it was like to be a part of the 100 BG of the 8th Air Force when the USAAF w...
2024-04-0846 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastGeorge Menkoff: Episode 3/3, SERIES 37, WWII Bomb Ordnance Officer, 385th Bomb Group, US Army Air Corps, ETOWelcome to Episode 3, the final episode of the George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 bomb ordnance officer stationed in Great Ashfield England as part of the 385th BG during WWII. We rejoin him in this episode as he tells us about the danger of arming the bombs mid-flight as well as the ever present danger of mid air collisions. Support the show
2024-04-0144 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastGeorge Menkoff: Episode 2/3, SERIES 37, WWII Bomb Ordnance Officer, 385th Bomb Group, US Army Air Corps, ETOWelcome to Episode 2 of the 3 part George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 bomb ordnance officer stationed in Great Ashfield England as part of the 385th BG during WWII. In this episode we follow him to Great Ashfield England where he describes the daily routine of loading the bombs and ammunition on his B-17’s sometimes several times per day.Support the show
2024-03-2546 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastGeorge Menkoff: Episode 1/3 SERIES 37, WWII Bomb Ordnance Officer, 385th Bomb Group, US Army Air Corps, ETOWelcome to the George Menkoff series: the story of a B-17 Bomb Ordinance officer of the 385th BG stationed in Great Ashfield England during WWII. In episode 1 we meet George Menkoff as he enters military service and trains as an ordnance officer literally all over the US. We also meet his son David Menkoff who is our guest co-host for the series. Support the show
2024-03-1846 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION! Leo Westerholm's Grand Daughter Reaches out to The Warrior Next Door!TWND is honored to have the granddaughter of Leo Westerholm, Sarah Westerholm, as a guest on our podcast! For those new to our show, Leo was featured on TWND podcast in 2023. He was an 101st Airborne trooper who was captured on D-Day and suffered terribly in the POW camps.Sarah's google search to learn more about her grandfather brought her to our website, thewarriornextdoor.com where she was able to access the interview we conducted with him and much more. Join us for a reunion of sorts as Sarah shares her memories of he...
2024-03-1425 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastOur Conversation with Donald L. Miller - Author of Masters of the Air! Episode 4 of 4, Series 36This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest...
2024-03-1140 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastOur Conversation with Donald L. Miller - Author of Masters of the Air! Episode 3 of 4, Series 36This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest...
2024-03-0438 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastOur Conversation with Donald L. Miller - Author of Masters of the Air! Episode 2 of 4, Series 36This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest...
2024-02-2652 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastOur Conversation with Donald L. Miller - Author of Masters of the Air! Episode 1 of 4, Series 36This series features clips from an interview we conducted with author Donald L. Miller. His book, Masters of the Air, has been made into a mini-series produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is being aired on Apple TV.This interview was conducted on Jan 17th, 2024, just a week before the series premiered! It covers a host of topics including his use of oral histories in his books, why he became interested in writing about WWII, what prompted him to write Masters of the Air and how it got selected by Spielberg to be the lastest...
2024-02-1947 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAzeez Alrifaie aka "Simon": Series 35, Episode 4 of 4 - Iraqi interpreter for the US Armed Forces, Operation Desert Freedom, the "SurgeIn this fourth and final installment, Azeez reflects on the chaos he and the Iraqi people faced when the US Forces pulled out of Iraq and whether is was worth it. He also details the two years of purgatory (and danger!) he endured in Iraq as he waited to get his green card, to becoming a US citizen. Support the show
2024-02-1246 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAzeez Alrifaie aka "Simon": Series 35, Episode 3 of 4 - Iraqi interpreter for the US Armed Forces, Operation Desert Freedom and the "SurgeAzeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.In Episode 3, you'll hear what it was like for Azeez to be imbedded as an interpreter with a MiTT (e.g., Military Transition Team) whose role was to help transition Iraq from an occupied country to one led by a newly minted Iraqi government...and it did not go smoothly.Support the show
2024-02-0541 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAzeez Alrifaie aka "Simon": Series 35, Episode 2 of 4 - Iraqi interpreter for the US Armed Forces, Operation Desert Freedom, the "Surge"Azeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.In this episode, you'll hear Azeez talk about the tragedy his family endured due to sectarian violence and this path to becoming an interpreter for the US Armed forces. Support the show
2024-01-2948 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAzeez Alrifaie aka "Simon": Series 35, Episode 1 of 4 - Iraqi interpreter for the US Armed Forces, Operation Desert Freedom, the "SurgeAzeez served as an Iraqi interpreter during Operation Iraqi Freedom during the "Surge" as sectarian strife erupted during the US occupation of Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.In this episode, Azeez shares what it was like growing up in southern Iraq as the war with Iran ended and a new war with the US -led coalition began, and the impact it had on him and his family.Support the show
2024-01-2249 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastAIR RAID EDITION! Ray Harris Jr. has The Warrior Next Door on The History of WWII Podcast!Here is bonus coverage from an interview we did with Ray Harris Jr. of The History of WWII Podcast, the most listened to WWII history podcast IN THE WORLD.Ray has had the co-hosts (Tony and Ryan) on his show for the past three years and we felt it was worth sharing with our audience. We also want to thank Ray for supporting our mission of collecting and sharing first hand person accounts from historical events that is The Warrior Next Door Podcast...Enjoy!Support the show
2024-01-181h 07The Warrior Next Door PodcastFrank McClelland Episode 3 of 3, SERIES 34: WWII Military Police, 110th Infantry, 28th Division, US Army, POWWelcome to the final episode of the Frank McClelland series cohosted by Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In Episode 2 we heard Frank describe the advance thru Paris, the fighting in the Hurtgen forest as well as his capture in the battle of the bulge. In this episode Frank discusses his time as a POW and describes his poor treatment as a returning POW after the war.Support the show
2024-01-1544 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastFrank McClelland Episode 2 of 3, SERIES 34: WWII Military Police, 110th Infantry, 28th Division, US Army, POWWelcome to Episode 2 of the Frank McClelland series. In Episode 1, we were introduced to Frank by our guest cohosts Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In a self recorded interview, Frank describes entering the Army as a military policeman before Pearl Harbor and he covers his training, travel to England and move to France in the 28th Infantry Division were he see’s combat. Now Frank describes the advance thru Paris, and fighting in the Hurtgen forest as well as his capture in the battle of the bulge.Support the show
2024-01-0843 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastFrank McClelland WWII, Episode 1 of 3, SERIES 34: Military Police, 110th Infantry, 28th Division, US Army, POWWelcome to Episode 1 of the three part Frank McClelland series. In this episode, we are introduced to Frank by our guest cohosts Peter Lion, David Brookins and Priscilla Forney. In a self recorded interview, Frank describes entering the Army as a military policeman before Pearl Harbor and he covers his training, travel to England and move to France in the 28th Infantry Division were he see’s combat. Support the show
2024-01-0135 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastMajor General William Matz - Episode 3 of 3: Korea, Vietnam, Operation Just Cause Veteran; Recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and Served on Five Presidential AdministrationsIs this final installment of the General Matz interview, he takes us through what it was like serving at a high level, with distinction, on the Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Obama and Trump administrations. And a whole lot more...Support the show
2023-11-271h 09The Warrior Next Door PodcastMajor General William Matz - Episode 2 of 3: Korea, Vietnam, Operation Just Cause Veteran; Recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and Served on Five Presidential AdministrationsIn this second of three episodes, General Matz recalls being a part of the Riverine Forces in the Saigon Delta in 1967 and 1968, where he would disguising himself by earning the Silver Star for gallantry and our nation's second highest award for valor: The Distinguished Service Cross. He talks about his role in the Tet Offensive and it' aftermath.Support the show
2023-11-201h 00The Warrior Next Door PodcastMajor General William Matz - Episode 1 of 3: Korea, Vietnam, Operation Just Cause Veteran; Recipient of the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart and Served on Five Presidential AdministrationsIn this first episode, you'll hear General Matz as he describes his journey into the the armed forces by overcoming the effects of childhood polio as he starts his storied career as an airborne trooper during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Ole Miss riot of 1962 and the the early days of what would become the Vietnam War. Support the show
2023-11-131h 15The Warrior Next Door PodcastWilliam Bratton - Episode 4 of 4 - Radioman; TBM Avenger, VC-63, Series 31Welcome to Episode 4, the final episode of the William Bratton series. In this episode William describes being in Tokyo Bay immediately after the surrender ceremony and then getting liberty in newly conquered Yokohama, Japan. He also describes enduring a typhoon aboard ship as well as his life after WWII. Support the show
2023-11-0658 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastWilliam Bratton - Episode 3 of 4 - Radioman; TBM Avenger, VC-63, Series 31Welcome to Episode 3 of the William Bratton series. In this episode he goes into combat in the pacific theater in a TBM Avenger and adjusts to life flying off of the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay in VC-63.Support the show
2023-10-3050 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastWilliam Bratton - Episode 2 of 4 - Radioman; TBM Avenger, VC-63, Series 31Welcome to episode 2 of the four part William Bratton series. In this episode we hear about his training experiences in the SBD Dauntless and Avenger.Support the show
2023-10-2349 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastWilliam Bratton - Episode 1 of 4 - Radioman; TBM Avenger, VC-63, Series 31Welcome to Episode 1 of the four part William Bratton series. In episode one we learn about William’s upbringing in Oklahoma and how his interest and natural aptitude in radio develops. We also hear how he chose the navy as his preferred branch of service. Support the show
2023-10-1657 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastNEXT SERIES PREVIEW - William Bratton - TBM Avenger, Radioman, VC-63, WWIIPlease join us for our next series featuring William Bratton – a person of native American heritage who became a Petty Officer and Radio Operator in TBM Avenger squadron VC-63 stationed aboard the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay. During MR. Bratton’s service he witnessed kamikaze attacks, endured a flying accident, participated in the bombing of Japan, and was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender as well as ferried allied POW’s out of Japan after the war in 1945. Tighten your chin strap and affix your headphones radioman! You are deep inside the belly of a TBM Avenger in charge of com...
2023-10-1200 minThe Warrior Next Door PodcastRalph Hettick - Episode 4 of 4 - WWII, US Army, 96th Inf Div, Leyte, Okinawa, Series 30Welcome to the final episode of the Ralph Hettick series. Join us now as we wrap up the battle of Okinawa and detail Ralph's journey back to the US due to his wound. Support the show
2023-10-0933 minThe Warrior Next Door Podcast100k Milestone Special - Tony and Ryan are interviewed by fans of the show: Series 23 Episode 1 of 1As we hit the 100,000 milestone in downloads for the podcast (likely with this very episode) a few listeners of the show asked to interview US. So join us for this fun hour long conversation as we reflect on the show up to this point and what goes into the making of the show.Support the show
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