Shows
Blue Angel PhantomsInside the Blue Angels: Flight Leader “Boss” Adam Bryan on 2026 and the Road AheadAs the Blue Angels prepare to head to Winter Training for the 2026 season, we’re joined by Captain Adam “Boss” Bryan, Flight Leader and Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, for an in-depth and candid conversation on the road ahead.In this episode, Boss Bryan reflects on his first year leading the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, sharing insight into the highs and lows of the 2025 season — including the introduction of the new Delta Aileron Roll and the impact of the government shutdown on the team. He also discusses his personal journey to the Blue Angels, the leader...
2026-01-2628 minBlue Angel PhantomsInside the Rivalry: Blue Angels vs ThunderbirdsInside the Rivalry: Blue Angels vs. ThunderbirdsWhat really separates the U.S. Navy Blue Angels from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds? In this exclusive episode, we dive deep into the history, aircraft, training, team culture, and yes—a bit of the friendly rivalry—between America’s premier flight demonstration teams.Joining me are two pilots who lived it:🔵 Matt Seamon, Blue Angels Pilot (1989–1991)🔴 Mike “Mo” Beale, Thunderbirds Pilot (1990–1991) and President of the Thunderbird Alumni AssociationTogether, they share never-before-heard stories, unique insights on what makes each team special, and personal reflections...
2025-07-0156 minBlue Angel PhantomsHe Led the Blue Angels. Then He Disappeared in Vietnam. His Wife's Fight for AnswersSUPPORT THE MISSIONThis is the third episode in a special four-part series launching during Mental Health Awareness Month to support the Blue Angels Foundation, whose mission is to provide critical care and services to wounded veterans transitioning back to civilian life.Donate today ➡️ https://blueangelsfoundation.givevirtuous.org/donate/support-our-nations-veterans-blue-angels-phantoms-fundraiserAnyone who donates $250 or more will receive a limited-edition Blue Angel Phantoms trucker hat—this hat is not available for sale.All donors, regardless of amount, will also be entered into a drawing on July 1, 2025 to receive a giveaway bundle that includes:
2025-06-2345 minBlue Angel PhantomsWhat Really Happened to the Blue Angels on 9/11SUPPORT THE MISSIONThis is the first episode in a special four-part series launching during Mental Health Awareness Month to support the Blue Angels Foundation, whose mission is to provide critical care and services to wounded veterans transitioning back to civilian life.Donate today ➡️ https://blueangelsfoundation.givevirtuous.org/donate/support-our-nations-veterans-blue-angels-phantoms-fundraiserAnyone who donates $250 or more will receive a limited-edition Blue Angel Phantoms trucker hat—this hat is not available for sale.All donors, regardless of amount, will also be entered into a drawing on July 1, 2025 to receive a giveaway bundle that includes:
2025-06-1730 min
Blue Angel PhantomsInside the 2025 Blue Angels: Lcdr Lilly Montana's Incredible JourneyThe Blue Angels are back and ready to kick off their 2025 airshow season! In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, we sit down with LCDR Lilly “Lunchbox” Montana, Blue Angel #8 and the Team’s Events Coordinator, to get an inside look at what it takes to make the Team and execute one of the most logistically complex schedules in aviation.In this episode, we discuss:Winter Training in El Centro – How the team has been preparing for the seasonThe Role of an Events Coordinator – The behind-the-scenes work that ensures the Blue Angels’ su...
2025-03-1722 min
Blue Angel PhantomsFrom Near Extinction to Naval Squadron, the Rebirth of the Blue Angels ft. Boss Tony Less1973 was a bleak year for the Blue Angels with exacting consequences. Three distinct incidents resulted in the destruction of six F4 Phantoms and the tragic loss of three team members, including flight leader LCDR Skip Umstead. The future seemed uncertain for the Navy’s Flight Exhibition Team, which had showcased demonstrations worldwide for the last quarter-century. However, Navy Leadership recognized the Blue Angels' significant recruiting potential and initiated a plan to reorganize the Team, aligning them more effectively with the demands of their high-performance culture.In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, you'll hear from Bo...
2023-09-2421 min
Blue Angel PhantomsThe TRUE STORY of the Blue Angels' F7U Cutlass Featuring Edward "Whitey" FeightnerWith its sleek and unusual tailless design, the Vought F7U Cutlass seemed like a perfect fit for the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. However, as the Blues would find out, the aircraft's complex development history led to significant challenges and several near brushes with tragedy. In this brand new episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, you'll hear directly from RADM Edward "Whitey" Feightner, a WWII Ace and Navy test pilot, who was charged with developing the Cutlass program on the Blue Angels for the 1952 airshow season. What makes this particular interview a...
2023-08-0648 min
The Cool Grandpa PodcastSharing a Love for the Skies Ryan Nothhaft joins us to discuss his grandfather, Roy "Butch" Voris. We talk about Butch's life, growing up in Northern California and developing an interest in flying before the outbreak of WW II. We find out that Butch worked as a mortician before starting his pilot training. We also find out that Ryan and his grandfather were not both stellar students in high school, but the post-high school, they both "flipped a switch" and were able to focus and excel after leaving high school. Ryan shares some touching stories of spending lots of...
2023-04-0747 minBlue Angel PhantomsHarley Hall II Honors his father's legacy with a VIP flight in the back of Blue Angel #7With the U.S. Navy Blue Angels launching into their 77th year, the 2023 airshow season kicked off in grand fashion at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The event not only marked a rare occurrence for both the Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds performing at the same airshow, but also the Blue Angels paying tribute to CAPT Harley H. Hall, the Team’s former Flight Leader and the last naval aviator to be shot down during the Vietnam War. Honoring Boss Hall’s legacy and sacrifice fifty years after his disappearance on January 27, 1973, the Blue Angels exten...
2023-03-2648 min
Fighter Pilot PodcastFPP156 - Blue Angels Phantoms to Skyhawks with "Turkey"Retired U.S. Navy Commander and two-time Blue Angels demonstration pilot Jerry "Turkey" Tucker describes flying airshow performances first in the F-4 Phantom II and then the A-4 Skyhawk, even years later after a fatal mishap caused him to be drafted back on the team.Visit the website of Ryan Nothhaft, grandson of Blue Angels' founder Butch Voris, here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
2023-01-161h 25Blue Angel PhantomsMeet the NEW Blue Angels' Flight Leader: Cmdr. Alex ArmatasFor the first time in three years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have a new flight leader. Cmdr. Alexander Armatas officially took command of the Naval Flight Exhibition Team on November 13, 2022, at a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. He replaced Captain Brian Kesselring, who led the Team during its 75th anniversary and the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. In this interview, Boss Armatas discusses his priorities and focus as the new commanding officer and flight leader for the Blue Angels, including getting to know each member of the Team, m...
2022-12-2817 minBlue Angel PhantomsA Blue Angel's Journey Featuring Boss Gil RudFeaturing Boss Gil Rud, Blue Angels Flight Leader (1986 - 1988) | Produced & hosted by Ryan Nothhaft, Blue Angel PhantomsIn this Interview, Boss Rud discusses his brand new memoir “From the Prairie to the Pacific: A Blue Angel’s Journey” that details his life from growing up in a small remote farming town in North Dakota to becoming the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels and later the Captain of an aircraft carrier. With ten deployments under his belt, Boss Rud attributes many of the lessons learned from his informative years on his family’s farm to later serving him well...
2022-08-2754 minBlue Angel PhantomsThe Untold Story of the Blue Angels Visit to Moscow with John "Gucci" FoleyIn what was once thought to be an impossibility, the Blue Angels made history in 1992 by becoming the first United States flight team to fly over the skies of Moscow, Russia. The momentous visit served as a way to ease tensions between the once Cold War rivals. The Team’s trip to the former Soviet Union was highlighted by two air shows and a ride exchange between the Blue Angels and pilots from the Russian Knights Aerobatic Flight Team. The significance of these events were not lost on the Blue Angels’ Lead Solo Pilot, John “Gucci” Foley, who joins...
2022-08-1254 min
Blue Angel PhantomsIn the Cockpit of "Top Gun: Maverick" with Blue Angel Pilot, Frank WeisserDescribed as a “love letter to aviation” by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the new box office sensation “Top Gun: Maverick” is receiving critical acclaim for its state of the art cinematic sequencing and putting actors inside the cockpit of F18 Super Hornet jets, leaving audiences spellbound. But who was actually at the controls of the twin-engine Boeing fighters during the making of the film? While Tom Cruise is known for executing his own stunts, for this production, he had to rely on the help of the US Navy to achieve the aerial excellence that is creating so much buzz. Enter...
2022-05-2841 minBlue Angel PhantomsFat Albert's first JATO takeoff featuring former pilot, Steve PetitFat Albert is the Blue Angels C-130 support aircraft that has served as the team's primary transport since 1970. However, many air show enthusiast know Fat Albert for the breath taking JATO takeoff if used to perform prior to 2009 when the team ceased using the rocket bottles as part of their demo. In this episode of the podcast, you'll hear the origin story of the first Fat Albert JATO takeoff from former pilot, Steve Petit who served on the team from 1975 through 1977. Steve also details his military career including his selection process with the Blue Angels and shares insig...
2020-11-1432 minBlue Angel PhantomsThe story of the Blue Angels' transition to the A4 Skyhawk featuring former solo pilot, Jerry "Turkey" TuckerDuring the course of their 74 year history, the Blue Angels have flown eight different aircraft and will be transitioning to their ninth, the F/18 Super Hornet, for the 2021 season. In this episode of the podcast, former Blue Angels solo pilot, Jerry "Turkey" Tucker, shares his recollections of when the team transitioned aircraft for the 1974 season to the A4 Skyhawk. Support the show
2020-11-0630 min
Blue Angel PhantomsFat Albert Pilot, Major Katie Higgins Cook (2015 - 2016)Marine Corps aviator and veteran of Afghanistan, Major Katie Higgins Cook is the first female pilot to fly with the famed Blue Angels.In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, Major Cook discusses her family's incredible legacy in military aviation and the impact that it had during the course of her childhood and her decision to pursue a career as a Marine Corps aviator. She also shares insights into how she selected the C-130 Hercules as her platform of choice before being deployed oversees to Afghanistan and Uganda. Major Cook goes on to sh...
2020-09-2651 min
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Maintenance Officer, Lt. Brian AbeLt. Brian Abe is the current Maintenance Officer (MO) for the United States Navy Blue Angels. In this episode of the podcast, Lt. Abe shares insights into his 22 year naval career and gives a breakdown of the 2020 airshow season. Key topics covered include the impact of COVID-19 on the Blue Angels schedule, the team's salute to frontline medical workers during Operation America Strong, the transition to the F-18 Super Hornet, Fat Albert, and much more. Interview conducted by Ryan Nothhaft as part of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast & YouTube channel. Available on all major podcast netw...
2020-09-0145 minBlue Angel PhantomsState of the YouTube channel: Blue Angel PhantomsIt's been two months since I last published an episode of the podcast so I thought this was the perfect time to catch up and let you know what has been going on behind the scenes as well as share the story of the recently published short documentary about the 1982 Blue Angels team that I published on the Blue Angel Phantoms YouTube channel. Don't worry, there will be more interviews of former Blue Angel pilots and crew in future episodes! Support the show
2020-07-2318 min
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Flight Surgeon, Dr. Gary Mullen (2003 - 2004)Dr. Gary Mullen was the Flight Surgeon for the United States Navy Blue Angels during the 2003 & 2004 air show seasons. On this episode of the Podcast, Dr. Mullen details his unexpected path to the Navy, rushing and joining the Blue Angels organization, and providing constructive feedback to the best naval aviators in the business. Prominently featured in the documentary series "Blue Angels: A Year in the Life", Doc Mullen recalls his experience working with the film crew and gives insights into one of the most challenging moments captured on film when he had to make a medi...
2020-05-0751 min
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels F4 Phantom Team Photographer, Ron Rentfrow (1970 - 1973)Ron Rentfrow was the official photographer assigned to the Blue Angels from 1970 to 1973. During this episode of the podcast, Ron shares insights behind some of the most iconic moments during the F4 era of the Blue Angels, including the team's visits to Panama, Ecuador, and Hawaii. He also shares his experience documenting some of the more terrifying moments during his tenure, including multiple pilot ejections. Ron also provides his perspective of what it was like to work with team leaders Harley Hall, Don Bentley, and Skip Umstead, as well as pilots Jim Maslowski, JD Davis, and Ernie Christensen. Finally, Ro...
2020-04-251h 06
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Leader, George Dom (1997 - 1998)George Dom is the former leader of the United States Navy Blue Angels and served on the team during the 1997 and 1998 air show seasons. During this episode, Boss Dom shares how his father motivated him to join the Navy, details his early deployments, and provides insights into the application process to become commanding officer of the Blue Angels. Boss Dom also gives a behind the scenes look into how the team brought back the diamond landing for the 1998 season, and tells some hilarious stories about a few unannounced fly overs. Support the sho...
2020-03-211h 06
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Solo Pilot, Denny Sapp (1975 - 1976)Denny Sapp is a former Blue Angels solo pilot and served on the team for the 1975 and 1976 air show seasons. Born in Iowa, Denny graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1968 and joined the US Navy and received his wings in 1969. He made 3 deployments to Vietnam compiling 367 combat missions and receiving numerous personal decorations. Sapp then was assigned duties as a test and evaluation pilot at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California. From there he was selected as a member of the Blue Angels based in Pensacola, Florida where he flew as a solo demonstration pilot. Following t...
2020-02-031h 26
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Maintenance Officer, Doug Hill (1983 - 1984)Doug Hill was the Blue Angels Maintenance Officer during the 1983 & 1984 air show seasons. On this episode of the podcast, Doug details his early career in the Navy as well as the incredible transformation he underwent in order to be considered for the Blue Angels. Doug also shares stories from his time on the team, including the requirements to maintain the A4 Skyhawk, riding in the back of Fat Albert, and the interesting people he met along the way. Support the show
2020-01-211h 04
Blue Angel PhantomsBlue Angels Crew Chief, David KentDavid Kent was a crew chief for the United States Navy Blue Angels during the 1969 air show season. 1969 was the first year that the Blue Angels flew the F4 Phantom, where David worked on the #3 jet piloted by Ernie Christensen. During this interview, David discusses his humble beginnings in Vermont where he attended a one room school house and would eventually develop an interest in aviation after seeing a poster of Charles Lindbergh. He was later drafted in the Army but ended up enlisting in the Navy, where he was assigned to NAS El Centro during the he...
2020-01-0851 min