Madcat Podcast
This podcast captures the history of Pararescuemen (PJ) and Combat Rescue Officers (CRO). "That Others May Live" is the motto PJs and CROs live by, but we are also known for our obsession with late nights, small wooden idols and tattoos on our rear-ends. Join us for stories of new and old.
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Episodes
27 episodes
Al Richmond
Chief Al Richmond was the first PJ Chief of the 129 RQS. Chief joined the Marine Corps in 1954, 3 years later after the Marines wouldn't let him jump he joined the Army. Finally that he joined the Air Force as a Pararescueman. He wa...
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1:27:38
Robert "Willy" Williamson
Chief Williamson served from 1966-2000. Was a major player in the implementation of square parachutes and rescue jumpmaster TTPs. He has some incredible missions and hilarious Charlie stories. Hope you guys enjoy.
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1:03:07
Cliff Caffall
In this episode, we talk with Cliff, a PJ who served in Guam and Southeast Asia before becoming a civilian contractor and TACP. He shares his exciting stories of jumping into typhoons and submarines in the Pacific, along with his memorable miss...
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1:57:45
Skip Kula
Another Alaska legend, we sit with Retired Chief Skip Kula to hear about his 30+ years as a PJ. From summiting Denali to parachuting through blizzards, Skip shares some amazing stories and hard-earned lessons. Don’t miss it!Shameless pl...
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1:03:39
Garth Lenz
Garth Lenz is the former Chief of the 210th and is the current historian up in Alaska. His career is full of amazing stories, we hope you enjoy the listen. This is the first episode in our AK PJ series. Please click th...
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1:40:48
Mike McManus
Chief Mike McManus relives his historic 34 year career in Pararescue among his many assignments to include Japan, New York and Alaska. Chief McManus was a part of 7 jump missions while stationed in Japan, he was instrumental in stan...
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1:03:01
Christopher Tellsworth
Join us in our mentorship series as we sit down with Retired Chief Tellsworth to explore his most memorable missions, including his experience with the Jessica Lynch rescue operation, and crucial lessons learned throughout his Pararescue career...
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1:11:55
Jose Cabrera
Col Jose Cabrera is the Commander of the 563rd Rescue Group. His journey in the Air Force started prior to 9/11, after being tasked to help support personnel working at Ground Zero in New York he found a deep appreciation for first respon...
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Episode 18
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32:17
Tony Negron
In this episode, we dive into the wealth of experience Tony Negron brings from his 26 years in the USAF, including a decade each in AFSOC and ACC, and notable combat tours. Tony shares critical lessons from the field, tips to crush the 24th STS...
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Season 17
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1:22:25
Ramón "CZ" Colón-López
In the inaugural episode of our Mentorship Series, we are honored to host retired SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López. Colón-López, a man of profound experience and wisdom, shares his journey and lessons learned from a distinguished career. From his ea...
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Episode 16
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39:30
Dave Milsten
We're got retired Cheif Dave Milsten back on the podcast to share his incredible jump mission. The man has no fear!
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Episode 15
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27:56
Tommy Miles
At the PJ Reunion, we had the honor of sitting down with 86-year-old Tommy Miles, a man of unparalleled resilience and determination. Tommy's survival story from a 200-foot helicopter fall, resulting in almost every bone in his body broken, is ...
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Episode 15
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23:40
Ed De Shae
Ed De Shae came into the Air Force in 1965 and broke barriers by becoming the first black Pararescuman. Ed describes the adversity he faced throughout his Air Force career and also recounts his most memorable mission which led to him bein...
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Episode 14
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1:02:21
Gavin Fisher
Our good friend Gavin Fisher sits down with us to share his incredible stories in which he’s screwed up severely and found redemption in combat, ultimately leading to a silver star. This interview had us on the edge of our seats one moment, lau...
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Episode 13
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1:57:22
John Tobey
Chief John Tobey represented the Air Force from 1963 to 1989. Four years after enlisting, Chief Tobey earned a Silver Star on his way to achieving two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Airmen's Medals in Vietnam, Korea, and Alaska.&n...
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Episode 12
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1:19:11
Robert LaPointe
With a commendable 26 years of service that began in 1969, Bob LaPointe undertook 8 remote tours in Korea and served two tours in Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, he was stationed in the Alaska and was the first PJ to summit Mount McKinley. But...
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Episode 11
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1:03:01
Ken Fournier
In this episode of the Madcat Podcast, we sit down with Ken Fournier, a 14-year Pararescueman whose remarkable journey led him from high-stakes GRS missions to a career as a Hollywood stuntman. Ken shares memorable missions from his time as a P...
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Episode 10
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42:03
Leif Arvidson
Leif Arvidson, a former Pararescueman, served his country from 1967 to 1993. In this episode, Arvidson recounts his experience that led to his Silver Star award during his first tour in Vietnam. Beyond the battlefield, Lief shares his contribut...
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Episode 9
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1:24:30
PJ Rodeo/Reunion with Steve West
Vice President of the PJ Association Steve West joins us to talk through this week's events for the Rodeo and Reunion! We are humbled to have the support of the Association to document the stories of our community.
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Episode 8
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25:09
Ric Prado
In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Ric Prado, a former PJ and CIA agent. An accomplished New York Times bestselling author, his book "Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior" has sold over 75,000 units. With appeara...
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Episode 7
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1:12:24
Paul Miller
Paul Miller, a career Pararescueman who left a significant impact on the community. From his time as an operator to his role at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attack, Paul shares gripping firsthand accounts. He played a major role in establishing...
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Episode 6
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1:32:43
Ish Antonio pt. 2
Part 2 of an awesome episode with Ish Antonio! We really enjoyed this half of the conversation as Ish shed light on a high profile civilian rescue, his journey as he exited the Air Force and ultimately how he is still deeply invested in the tac...
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Episode 5
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50:38
Ish Antonio pt. 1
Ish Antonio spent 20 years as a PJ in the UK, Alaska, North Carolina, and Albuquerque. After his decorated career in Active Duty, Ish still continues to lead in the world of technical rescue and innovation. It was a pleasure to hear...
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Episode 4
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53:28
