Hey everyone, welcome to this week’s episode where we’re diving into the Second Battle of Fallujah, fought from November seven to December twenty three, two thousand four, in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Picture this: over twelve thousand coalition troops, led by folks like Lieutenant General John F. Sattler, clashing with three thousand insurgents under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a city of three hundred thousand turned war zone. It’s the bloodiest fight of the Iraq War, a six-week urban slugfest that smashed insurgent control but left Fallujah in ruins. I’ll walk you through the chaos, from the opening artillery barrage to the gritty house-to-house battles that defined it.

In this episode, you’ll hear about standout moments like Staff Sergeant David Bellavia’s “Hell House” heroics, earning him a Medal of Honor in two thousand nineteen, and how tech like drones reshaped the fight. The coalition won, no doubt—three thousand insurgents down, one hundred ten coalition lives lost—but the cost in civilian lives and a wrecked city sparks debate: tactical triumph or strategic stumble? I’ll break down the aftermath, from Iraq’s shaky first elections in January two thousand five to the insurgency’s stubborn rebound. Stick around for a story of courage, chaos, and lessons that still echo in today’s wars—it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Trackpads Military Newsletter, I take you on a deep dive into the legendary SR-71 Blackbird—the fastest jet ever built. From its origins as a Cold War intelligence asset to its cutting-edge design and record-breaking speeds, this episode explores what made the Blackbird such an engineering marvel. You’ll hear about its ability to outrun surface-to-air missiles, its titanium construction sourced from the very adversaries it spied on, and the incredible reconnaissance technology that allowed it to capture high-resolution images from 85,000 feet.

Beyond the technical specs, I’ll break down the challenges of operating the SR-71, from its high-maintenance demands to the political debates that eventually led to its retirement. We’ll also discuss the aircraft’s lasting impact on modern aviation, its presence in museums and pop culture, and why it remains one of the most admired aircraft in history. Whether you're in traffic or on the go, tune in to hear the full story of this iconic aircraft and why it still captures the imagination of aviation enthusiasts today.

The largest naval battle in history wasn’t just a clash of warships—it was a battle that shaped the future of the Pacific. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s last, desperate attempt to halt the American advance and defend the Philippines. Over four days, fleets clashed in a chaotic struggle that saw massive battleship duels, relentless airstrikes, and the first large-scale use of kamikaze attacks. By the end, Japan’s navy was shattered, and the tide of World War Two had turned irreversibly in the Allies’ favor.

This episode is a special audio edition—a narrated version of my full article on Leyte Gulf, designed for those who prefer to listen on the go. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just want to absorb history through storytelling, this episode delivers the full depth of the battle, from its strategic stakes to the heroic last stands that defined it. Every maneuver, every decision, and every moment of courage is brought to life, so you can experience this monumental battle as if you were there.

So plug in your headphones and dive in. You’ll hear about the four major engagements that made up Leyte Gulf, the critical mistakes that shaped its outcome, and the incredible bravery of the men who fought in this historic battle. This is history told in full detail—so sit back, press play, and let’s explore Leyte Gulf together.

Throughout history, women have defied expectations and broken barriers on the battlefield, from ancient warrior queens to modern-day combat soldiers. In this episode of The Trackpads Podcast, we explore the evolution of women in combat—how their roles have shifted, the challenges they’ve faced, and the undeniable impact they’ve had on military history. From legendary figures like Boudica and Joan of Arc to the Soviet snipers of World War II and the elite female aviators of modern warfare, their stories reveal resilience, skill, and the fight for recognition in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

As warfare evolved, so did the role of women, often out of necessity rather than choice. In the trenches of World War I, they served as medics, intelligence agents, and couriers, risking their lives in ways that blurred the lines between combat and support. By World War II, the Soviet Union deployed women as snipers and bomber pilots, proving their effectiveness in direct combat. Even in resistance movements across Europe and Asia, women took up arms, sabotaged enemy operations, and fought for liberation. Yet, despite these contributions, their role in military history has often been overlooked or downplayed.

In the modern era, women have fought for and earned their place in combat roles across various military forces worldwide. From serving in special operations units to flying combat missions and leading troops on the front lines, their presence continues to challenge outdated notions of gender in warfare. However, full integration has not come without resistance—physical standards, cultural biases, and institutional barriers remain points of contention. This episode delves into the realities of women in combat today, the policies shaping their future, and why their inclusion is not just about equality but about strengthening military effectiveness. Join us as we uncover the past, present, and future of women on the battlefield.

In this podcast episode, I narrate the gripping tale of the Battle of Khe Sanh, a 77-day siege in 1968 where 6,000 U.S. Marines faced off against a North Vietnamese force of 20,000 to 40,000 in South Vietnam’s rugged Quang Tri Province. You’ll hear about the historical stakes—set against the Vietnam War’s escalating tensions and the strategic importance of Khe Sanh near the Ho Chi Minh Trail—as well as the intense opening barrage on January 21 that destroyed 1,500 tons of ammunition. I detail the battle’s key moments: relentless NVA artillery, the fall of Lang Vei, the pivotal February 25 assault, and Operation Niagara’s 110,000 tons of bombs that turned the tide, all culminating in Operation Pegasus breaking the siege by April 8.

This audio version of my newsletter dives into the battle’s aftermath—205 Marines killed, the base’s controversial abandonment in July 1968—and its lasting legacy, from tactical airpower lessons to its role in shifting U.S. public opinion during Tet. I explore why Khe Sanh matters today, offering insights into resilience, strategy, and the complexities of war that echo in modern conflicts like Afghanistan. Narrated for those on the go, this 35-minute episode brings the article to life, blending vivid storytelling with analysis to unpack one of Vietnam’s most debated clashes. It’s a chance to reflect on what Khe Sanh teaches us about endurance and the cost of decisions in war.

In this episode of Trackpads, I take a deep dive into one of America’s most complex and controversial conflicts—the Vietnam War. Narrating directly from the latest newsletter article, I explore the war’s origins, key battles, military strategies, and its lasting impact on both the U.S. and Vietnam. From the early days of Cold War tensions and the Domino Theory to the Tet Offensive and the fall of Saigon, this episode breaks down the major turning points that shaped the war’s outcome. Along the way, I examine the strategies used by both sides, the challenges U.S. forces faced in the dense jungles, and how media coverage influenced public perception back home.

Beyond the battlefield, this episode also highlights the domestic consequences of the war, including the rise of the anti-war movement, the struggles of returning veterans, and the political fallout that reshaped American foreign policy. I wrap up by discussing the long-term legacy of Vietnam, from its influence on U.S. military doctrine to the eventual normalization of relations between the two nations. Whether you’re listening on your commute, at the gym, or just prefer audio over text, this episode brings the story of Vietnam to life in a way that’s engaging, informative, and thought-provoking.

In this episode of Trackpads, I take you through the story of the P-51 Mustang, the fighter that reshaped the skies of World War II. From its rapid development by North American Aviation to its game-changing upgrade with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, this warbird wasn’t just another fighter—it was a revolution in air combat. You’ll hear how the Mustang’s unmatched speed, firepower, and long-range capabilities allowed it to escort bombers deep into enemy territory, cripple the Luftwaffe, and turn the tide of the air war in Europe and the Pacific.

This episode dives into the Mustang’s combat performance, highlighting its role in strategic bombing campaigns, its influence in the Pacific Theater, and how it became an enduring icon of military aviation. I also discuss its post-war legacy, from continued use in conflicts like the Korean War to its place in airshows and museums today. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just love military history, this episode brings the P-51’s incredible story to life. Tune in and discover why this fighter remains one of the most celebrated aircraft of all time.

In this episode, I take you through the incredible military leadership of George Washington, narrating the full article for those who prefer to listen on the go. We explore how Washington transformed an untrained militia into a disciplined army, outmaneuvering the British with strategy, resilience, and the power of endurance. From his early lessons in the French and Indian War to his bold decisions at Trenton and Yorktown, Washington’s leadership was a masterclass in balancing strategy with survival. His use of intelligence networks, strategic retreats, and alliance-building proved that war isn’t always won by firepower—it’s won by outlasting and outthinking the enemy.

This episode also highlights Washington’s servant leadership, his ability to unify a fractured force, and the lasting impact of his military doctrine on modern warfare. His ability to adapt, inspire loyalty, and make the tough calls that others feared is what made him not just a general, but the architect of American independence. Whether you’re in traffic, at the gym, or just prefer to absorb content through audio, this deep dive into Washington’s military genius will leave you with valuable leadership lessons that still apply today.