500 Letters to Nana
A WWII Podcast... sort of
Carson comments as Katie reads her grandmother's letters written by her love-sick husband after being drafted into the Army during WWII. The letters not only document his experiences during the war, but also tell a heart-warming story of separated lovers. Listen as our hosts deliver a fresh perspective on one of history's most significant conflicts sharing laughter, tears, and a glimpse into the lives of those who served during WWII, and those left at home.
Episodes
54 episodes
Episode 1: So Far, I Don't Like It at All
Episode 1: Donald gets drafted!Welcome to 500 Letters to Nana! In this first episode, Carson and Katie discuss the day Donald received his induction orders for military service, marking the beginning of his journey to WWII. Listen as the...
Episode 2: Another Day of Misery
Episode 2: Donald arrives at Camp Adair, immediately hates it. Donald has been selected for the US Army Infantry and has arrived at Camp Adair. Carson and Katie discuss the journey from Pennsylvania to Oregon, and how Donald is (and...
Episode 3: Flatfish Fisherwoman
Donald gets assigned to the 70th Infantry Division, the "Trailblazers," and begins pre-basic training. He is waiting, somewhat patiently, for letters from Feloma.
Episode 4: Keep Them Walking
Donald goes through gas training, and FINALLY gets his first letter(s) from Feloma.
Episode 5: Bayonets, Candy, & Ice Cream
Basic training officially begins and our hosts also discuss the legendary boxer, Joe Lewis.
Episode 6: To the Guard House
Donald goes on his first of many bivouacs and falls asleep writing Feloma.
Episode 7: A Dog's Life
Donald and Feloma are getting used to their new normal. Donald finally gets a radio in the barracks.
Episode 8a (Bonus Episode 1): Letter from Mac
Letter from Mac, dated September 20, 1943.
Episode 9: A Scrambled Egg and a Cup of Coffee
Feloma enters her showgirl era and Donald gets spicy
Episode 10: More Problems to Work Out
Donald discusses training maneuvers and gives up his stripes. He also thanks Feloma for keeping it together when he left.
Episode 11: A Little Army Secret
Donald tells Feloma what "SNAFU" means and gets to see some live artillery!
Episode 12: I'll Never Play Crap Again
Donald admits to a bit of gambling and also tells Feloma his Captain is good looking.
Episode 13: 90 Day Wonders
Donald discusses Army politics and blisters, and Feloma needs still more reassurance that she is the only one for him.
Episode 14: One Mess of Glue
Donald has started his time at the rifle range changing targets, and sends Feloma a booklet of GI issued songs.
Episode 15: Swamp Adair
Donald is a muddy mess at the firing range and Feloma sends a new picture for him.
Episode 16: All the Candy We Want
Donald finally send Feloma his photo taken at Camp Adair.
Episode 16a (Bonus Episode 2): Letters from Jack and Feloma
Donald receives letters from Jack and Feloma.
Episode 17: I Certainly Have a Good Eye
Donald receives a new pair of shoes from Feloma and qualifies expert on his rifle.
Episode 18: In Cahoots With the Dry-Cleaner
Donald wonders if he will ever get a day off.
Episode 18a (Bonus Episode 3): Letters from Feloma
Donald receives letters from Feloma.
Episode 19: Private for the Duration
Donald continues to hope for a furlough and meets General Dahlquist.
Episode 20: Poverty Knob
Donald witnesses a vehicle accident and visits a friend in the hospital.