In this episode, we take you deep into the world of the Silent Service—America’s undersea warriors of World War II. From the early struggles with limited intelligence and defective torpedoes to the evolution of daring attack strategies, this episode covers how U.S. submarines transformed into one of the most devastating forces in the Pacific. You’ll hear about the critical role submarines played in crippling Japan’s supply lines, the high-stakes missions of legendary boats like USS Tang and USS Wahoo, and the commanders who pushed the limits of naval warfare.

Whether you’re driving, working out, or just prefer to listen, this episode brings the history of America’s submariners to life. Tune in and discover how these stealthy war machines helped turn the tide in the Pacific and left a lasting impact on modern naval strategy.

In this episode of Trackpads, I bring the Battle of Thermopylae to life, narrating the legendary last stand of King Leonidas and his warriors as they faced the overwhelming might of the Persian Empire. We’ll explore the strategic brilliance behind the Greeks’ choice of terrain, the brutal clashes that unfolded in the narrow pass, and how the disciplined phalanx formation allowed a small force to hold back an army many times its size. From Xerxes’ frustration to the betrayal that sealed the Greeks’ fate, this episode breaks down the tactics, resilience, and sacrifice that made Thermopylae one of the most studied battles in history.

Beyond the battlefield, we’ll discuss the lasting impact of this heroic stand—how it delayed the Persian advance, inspired Greek unity, and set the stage for victories at Salamis and Plataea. Thermopylae’s lessons in leadership, strategy, and the power of terrain remain relevant even today, studied in military academies and immortalized in literature, film, and history. Whether you’re in traffic, on a run, or just want to experience this epic moment in military history, tune in and relive the courage, tactics, and sacrifice of those who stood against impossible odds.

Hello everyone, welcome to this week’s episode taking you to the Battle of Corregidor, fought on May 5-6, 1942, in Manila Bay’s rocky fortress. Picture 13,000 American and Filipino troops, led by General Jonathan Wainwright, facing 75,000 Japanese under General Masaharu Homma in a desperate two-day clash. This is the story of World War Two’s last Allied stand in the Philippines—a five-month holdout crushed by sixteen thousand shells and a final invasion that left no escape. I’ll walk you through the courage and collapse that defined this Pacific turning point.

In this podcast episode, we take you through the key lessons of Operation Desert Storm, narrating the full article for those who prefer to listen on the go. From the geopolitical tensions that led to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait to the overwhelming military response by the U.S.-led coalition, this episode explores the strategies, technological innovations, and battlefield maneuvers that defined the Gulf War.

You’ll hear about the Powell Doctrine’s role in shaping the campaign, the dominance of airpower through precision-guided munitions and stealth technology, and how coalition forces executed a rapid, decisive ground assault in just 100 hours.

In this episode, I take you through the gripping and brutal nine-month battle for Mosul, one of the most intense urban warfare campaigns in modern history. You’ll hear how Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, fought street by street, building by building, to reclaim Iraq’s second-largest city from ISIS. From the initial assault to the desperate final stand in Mosul’s Old City, this episode captures the strategy, chaos, and human cost of a battle that reshaped the war against ISIS.

Beyond the combat, we’ll explore the aftermath—how the victory shattered ISIS’s territorial ambitions but left Mosul in ruins, setting the stage for a long and difficult recovery. What were the key lessons from this battle? How did it redefine modern urban warfare? And what does Mosul’s destruction mean for the future of counterinsurgency? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of Trackpads, I take you through the psychology of leadership under fire, exploring what it takes to make critical decisions in the heat of battle. Leadership in combat is more than strategy and tactics—it’s about resilience, decisiveness, and the ability to maintain composure when everything is on the line. I break down the mental demands faced by those in command, from managing fear and stress to balancing authority with empathy. Whether it’s rapid decision-making, morale-building, or handling the weight of life-and-death choices, this episode dives into the traits that define great leaders in the most unforgiving environments.

For those who prefer listening on the go, this episode brings the full Trackpads article to life, making it easy to absorb key lessons while commuting, working out, or just taking a break. Through real-world examples, historical insights, and personal reflections from my time in Iraq and Afghanistan, I highlight what makes battlefield leadership unique and why its lessons extend far beyond the military. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of leadership under extreme pressure and how these principles apply in any crisis.

In this episode of the Trackpads Podcast, I take you through the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, the first major independent offensive led by the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I. This was a defining moment for U.S. military history—550,000 troops, 148 tanks, and 1,500 aircraft came together in a massive combined arms operation that shattered a German stronghold in just 56 hours. We’ll explore the strategy, key figures like Pershing and Patton, and the battle’s lasting impact on modern warfare.

Whether you’re stuck in traffic or multitasking, this episode brings the story to life with a gripping battlefield narrative, historical insights, and analysis of how Saint-Mihiel shaped future U.S. military operations. Tune in to hear how this battle proved America’s military strength and set the stage for the final push to victory in World War I.

In this episode of Trackpads, I take you through the incredible history of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. From its groundbreaking design and Cold War origins to its legendary service across five decades, Enterprise redefined naval warfare. We’ll explore its role in key conflicts like the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, and Desert Storm, as well as its contributions to space exploration and humanitarian missions. With a reputation as a powerhouse of air superiority and global force projection, the Enterprise wasn’t just a ship—it was a revolution at sea.

As I narrate this week’s newsletter, you’ll get a front-row seat to the innovations that made the Enterprise a game-changer, the battles that cemented its legacy, and the lessons it left behind for modern carrier operations. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a military professional, or just someone who loves learning about naval power, this episode is for you. So, plug in your headphones, hit play, and let’s dive into the story of the legendary “Big E.”