Best James "Sandy" Winnefeld Podcasts (2025)

1
Air Combat Lessons From Navy Ace Bill Driscoll 45:55

18d ago45:55

45:55

How do you become a flying ace when outnumbered and shot down on fire? Decorated Naval Flight Officer Bill Driscoll shares his incredible Vietnam combat story here today revealing the intense preparation, critical pilot/RIO bond, and mindset needed under unimaginable pressure - going well beyond dogfight myths. Driscoll details the stark realities …

1
The Unexpected Challenges of Being An Opera Star With J'Nai Bridges 39:32

1M ago39:32

39:32

Ever wonder what it takes to stand on the world's most prestigious stages, captivating audiences with your voice? J'Nai Bridges unveils the intense athletic discipline, linguistic mastery, and emotional depth required to thrive in the demanding world of opera. From navigating the pressures of performing to championing diversity in classical music, …

1
Fighting Fire from 300 Feet with Diego Calderoni 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

Discover the intense focus and critical decisions aerial firefighting pilots make while battling wildfires as Diego Calderoni of 10 Tanker reveals the challenges and rewards of flying the largest firefighting aircraft in the world. Most pilots dream of a comfortable airline career, but Diego found his calling diving into the heart of blazing infern…

1
Iditarod Strategies: What It REALLY Takes to Win with Dallas Seavey 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Discover the exhilarating world of ultra-long distance sled racing as six-time Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey reveals what it means to push the limits of human and animal endurance. It's not just physical strength that matters; it's the unbreakable bond he has with his dogs. Dallas emphasizes precognition, needing to know how situations today will…

1
Soaring into the Eye of the Storm with Lieutenant Commander Christopher Wood 40:17

2M ago40:17

40:17

Are you ready to confront nature's raw power head-on? Imagine piloting an aircraft directly into the eye of a hurricane, where the fate of coastal communities hangs in the balance. In this episode, Sandra and Sandy go deep inside the Adrenaline Zone to meet a member of the elite National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps who have th…

1
Uncovering A Life Undercover with Joe Pistone 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

Imagine having to constantly look over your shoulder while living a lie, taking on a false persona and immersing yourself deeply to penetrate a high-risk underworld group without slipping up. Listen in today and discover how former FBI agent Joe Pistone, under the alias Donnie Brasco, successfully infiltrated the Bonanno crime family, and lived to …

1
Fighting Fentanyl with Mike Sena 50:36

3M ago50:36

50:36

The Adrenaline Zone shines a spotlight today on the deadly fentanyl crisis in the US as Sandy and Sandra interview Mike Sena, Director of Northern California's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Mike reveals the grim realities of the epidemic and the complex battle to combat it, offering a unique perspective from his undercover backgroun…

1
Working The Mighty Mississippi with Captain Doicus Langley Jr. 44:03

10M ago44:03

44:03

“Both engines died instantly, the hit was so hard. I immediately just kind of lay down on my bed because I knew how bad the impact was going to be. It threw my bed all the way across the room, dresser laid over, refrigerators downstairs on the floor - it was a hard impact.” Captain Doicus Langley Jr. joins Sandy and Sandra on the podcast today to s…

1
Risk Equals Musical Magic with Ángel Gil-Ordóñez 47:40

10M ago47:40

47:40

Spotlight tight, hometown faces fill the hall – a mix of pride and pressure. Baton raised, you begin to lead the revered National Orchestra through a score that explodes into a whirlwind of notes demanding perfect harmony. Suddenly, a discordant note cuts through. The soloist, a celebrated artist in his own right, takes an unscheduled detour into a…

1
So Others May Live with Mike Romano 42:45

10M ago42:45

42:45

While it’s true that everyone has rough days at work, few people have ones where they find themselves dropped into the middle of a fishing boat mutiny, tasked with getting the bleeding Captain to safety. Today’s guest is one of those precious few - and, in fact, that day wasn’t even close to his most difficult assignment! 20-year U.S. Coast Guard v…

1
Keeping the Pedal to the Metal with Bud Moeller 50:13

10M ago50:13

50:13

“Braking at 180 something, I literally saw the left front wheel twist off with the entire suspension assembly; twist off, take a bounce and go flying a hundred yards. At that point, I've got three wheels, no front brakes, and again, pretty much riding a missile. I just was able to get the car turned at about 45 degrees, and that at least kept it fr…

1
Mastering The Masters with Stewart Hagestad 50:43

11M ago50:43

50:43

Stepping up to the first tee, you are enveloped by an electric yet serene atmosphere. The soft grass under your feet and the crisp sound of your golf club making contact with the ball resonate deeply, as meticulously manicured fairways stretch out before you. Surrounded by vibrant azaleas and the deep green backdrop of one of golf's greatest stages…

1
Trailblazer On Fire with Kathy Jarvis 50:48

11M ago50:48

50:48

The thunderous growl of the engine as the car accelerates is quickly followed by the acrid scent of burning rubber with tires screeching against the pavement. The world spins into a blur as the car flips through the air, glass shattering and metal crunching in a symphony of destruction. With adrenaline pumping and every sense heightened to the extr…

1
Going Deep with Mark Teixeira 45:01

11M ago45:01

45:01

The roar of the crowd fills your ears as the electric atmosphere of World Series Game 2 Yankee Stadium crackles all around you. Stepping up to the plate, the ever dangerous Pedro Martinez stares you down from the mound just before rocketing the ball towards you. The tension is palpable as you make the split-second decision to swing with all your mi…

1
Brent Hall’s Hydroplane Heroics 43:21

11M ago43:21

43:21

Strapped into the cockpit of a roaring hydroplane, racing along at 200 mph mere inches above the churning water, you feel every bump and current as you navigate tight turns and avoid competitors, all while managing an intricate ballet of high-velocity precision and raw power. This is hydroplane racing at its most elite level, a sensory overload whe…

1
Walking the Iron with John Steinmetz 35:13

1+ y ago35:13

35:13

“Coffee time” is over, so you polish off the rest of your beer, grab your bags of bolts, begin your climb up the column and step out to “walk the iron” 20 stories above the ground - all without a hard hat, a harness, or any means of being “tied off”. The world of high-rise ironwork has evolved considerably over the years, and today’s guest is here …

1
Defection Perfection with Olga Sheymov 45:36

1+ y ago45:36

45:36

Your car comes to a halt at a border checkpoint, guard dogs barking, the guards themselves talking over each other, and now one of them is about to open the car’s trunk, searching for stowaways or anything even remotely suspicious. Will he discover your husband and sleeping daughter carefully hidden behind the seats? Will your painstaking plan to d…

1
Saving Lifetimes with Dr. Mary Brandt 36:37

1+ y ago36:37

36:37

As the inevitable adrenaline begins to course through your body, you draw upon all your training and skill to channel it, allowing you to steady your hands and make split-second decisions. Throughout it all, you remain acutely aware that distraught parents have placed all of their hope and faith in you and your team to save the life of their precio…

1
Aviation Thrills, Chills, and Skills with Vicky Benzing 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

Imagine yourself soaring through the air - sometimes just a couple hundred feet above the ground - at hundreds of miles an hour, performing such maneuvers as spins, loops, rolls, as well as the somewhat ominously titled ‘Hammerhead’, all while being subjected to up to 10 g’s of force and knowing full well that one misstep could very possibly lead t…

1
Behind the Scenes with Santa 23:50

1+ y ago23:50

23:50

In today’s very special rereleased episode, Sandy and Sandra are joined by the one and only Santa Claus to discuss his annual toy delivery and the risks associated with it. Santa explains the logistics of North Pole operations and the challenges they have faced due to labor shortages and supply chain issues. While so many details of Santa’s operati…

1
Digging Deep with Major Miner Vicky Peacey 34:23

1+ y ago34:23

34:23

For anyone who would love to work not only with 165 degree material, but explosives as well, in a mini-city located some 7000 ft below the surface of the Earth, Sandy and Sandra have unearthed the perfect job for you! As President and General Manager of Resolution Copper for Rio Tinto, Vicky Peacey is responsible for all aspects of planning, develo…

1
Tour de France Femmes with Marianne Martin 36:35

1+ y ago36:35

36:35

How does a farm girl from Fenton, Michigan, go from being an injured runner in college suffering from anemia and a lack of formal cycling coaching, to becoming the first American winner of the Tour de France? Learn all about it by joining Sandy and Sandra as they embark on a thrilling journey into the world of competitive cycling alongside Marianne…

1
No Quit Climber with Alison Levine 48:06

1+ y ago48:06

48:06

What kind of person chooses to go climbing in places where they are in constant danger of being crushed by moving ice chunks the size of small buildings, all the while being surrounded by huge open crevasses into which they could very well fall hundreds of feet to their death? Well, allow us to introduce you to the indomitable mountaineer, Alison L…

1
Real Life Yellowstone with Andrea Nicholas Perdue 38:19

1+ y ago38:19

38:19

In this riveting installment of The Adrenaline Zone podcast, Sandra and Sandy explore the modern landscape of ranching and farming alongside special guest Andrea Nicholas Perdue, the visionary CEO of Wagonhound Ranch in Wyoming. This episode masterfully examines the delicate balance between upholding traditional ranching values and embracing cuttin…

1
Choreographing Global Health and Happiness with Beto Pérez 46:06

1+ y ago46:06

46:06

How does a Grease loving, teenage aerobic instructor from humble beginnings in his beloved Cali, Colombia, end up living out the ‘American Dream’ as the ‘Father’ of an international fitness craze, and the Co-founder of a $500M exercise class company? Today, Sandra and Sandy sit down with a true fitness visionary and the creator of the Zumba phenome…

1
The Puck Stops Here with Martin Brodeur 38:31

1+ y ago38:31

38:31

Be sure to check out today's sponsor, Culligan Water: https://www.culligan.com/ What exactly possesses a person to pursue a career of sacrificing their body to intercept frozen vulcanized rubber missiles whistling along at up to 100+ MPH? Discover the answer to that question and so much more as Sandy and Sandra welcome internationally renowned ice …

1
Blasting Off Into the New Frontier with Col. Doug Hurley 52:43

2y ago52:43

52:43

Retired astronaut Colonel Doug Hurley takes center stage alongside Sandy Winnefeld and former colleague Dr. Sandra Magnus, marking the monumental 40th episode of The Adrenaline Zone podcast. Together, they embark on an enthralling voyage, tracing Col. Hurley's awe-inspiring journey from upstate New York to the vast expanse of space. As a recipient …

1
Rocket-Fueled Genius with Garry Lyles 35:30

2y ago35:30

35:30

Join Sandy and Sandra as they embark on an awe-inspiring exploration of the captivating world of rocket science with the esteemed guest, Garry Lyles, as he shares his personal journey, from a childhood fascination with rockets to becoming a revered figure in the space sector on the podcast today. Garry also reviews the challenges, triumphs, and tra…

1
Unleashing Artemis with Rick LaBrode 38:31

2y ago38:31

38:31

Welcome to an exhilarating new episode of the podcast as Sandra and Sandy embark on a captivating journey behind the scenes of Mission Control with none other than Rick LaBrode, the distinguished Lead Flight Director of the groundbreaking Artemis One mission. Together, they unravel the multifaceted role of a flight director and the immense responsi…

1
Dr. Deep Sea’s Oceanic Adventures with Dr. Joe Dituri 38:31

2y ago38:31

38:31

In this episode of the Adrenaline Zone, Dr. Joe Dituri, a former commander in the US Navy, shares his experience as a deep-sea diver, special operations officer, and engineering duty officer. His passion for diving started at a young age when his father gave him a double hose regulator that allowed him to breathe underwater. He eventually found his…

1
The Perils and Possibilities of AI with Gilman Louie 38:14

2y ago38:14

38:14

On this episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with guest Gilman Louie. As a former video game designer turned venture capitalist, Gilman brings valuable insights into the current state of AI, including the emergence of Generative AI and algorithm Chat GPT, which can generate text that …

1
High Sea Hazards with CAPT Cynthia Robson 38:49

2y ago38:49

38:49

High Sea Hazards with CAPT Cynthia Robson Captain Cynthia Robson finds herself in The Adrenaline Zone today to discuss with Sandy and Sandra the exciting world of operating merchant ships at sea and details from her career in the field. Along the way, she also touches upon such topics as the risks associated with piracy, the challenges of rough wea…

1
The View at Mach 3 with Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding 32:44

2y ago32:44

32:44

This week, Sandra and Sandy host Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding, a former SR-71 pilot who famously flew the plane on over 90 worldwide reconnaissance missions. Their discussion begins with a look at the development of the SR-71 and how it was a response to the need for better photographic reconnaissance during the Cold War. From there, Yeilding goes on to sh…

1
The Grapes of Risk with David Duncan 36:22

2y ago36:22

36:22

David Duncan, CEO of Silver Oak Cellars, joins Sandra and Sandy on the podcast today to discuss the art, science, and risks of winemaking. Their conversation covers topics such as the difficulties associated with winemaking, the risks involved, and the sustainable practices and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. David shares …

1
Spying: Analysis Matters with Michael Morell 37:25

2y ago37:25

37:25

In this episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandra and Sandy sit down with former Acting/Deputy Director of the CIA and host of the Intelligence Matters podcast, Michael Morell - a man with a wealth of experience on the analytical side of the CIA, advising presidents and other senior leaders during crises and critical national security decisions. Toget…

1
Born Survivor and Wingsuit Flyer Jeb Corliss 48:25

2y ago48:25

48:25

Sandra and Sandy are back and today they welcome professional adventurer, Jeb Corliss, to the podcast for a truly fascinating conversation. Jeb has dedicated his life to BASE jumping, and wingsuit proximity flying, and our hosts begin by reviewing some of his impressive accomplishments in these areas. They also chat with Jeb about his childhood, ho…

1
Serial Entrepreneur with Tom Noonan 40:08

2+ y ago40:08

40:08

Risky Business with Serial Entrepreneur Tom Noonan In today’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandra and Sandy Winnefeld welcome serial entrepreneur Tom Noonan to the podcast. Tom shares his experiences starting businesses from scratch and offers insights and lessons learned for those interested in taking risks to achieve success. He discusses the …

1
Iron Man Bull Rider with Shane Proctor 42:48

2+ y ago42:48

42:48

Professional bull rider Shane Proctor joins Sandy and Sandra on the podcast today to discuss both the dangers and thrill of his exciting sport. Often referred to as the "most dangerous 8 seconds in sports," bull riding requires riders to stay on the bull for at least 8 seconds while holding onto a rope and with one hand free. In this episode, Proct…

1
Bombing Avalanches with Samantha Haberman 38:33

2+ y ago38:33

38:33

In today’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandra and Sandy welcome veteran ski patroller, avalanche expert, and Assistant Director of Ski Patrol on Aspen Mountain, Samantha Haberman, to the podcast. Together, they delve into the intricate and high-stakes world of ski patrol and avalanche control, the physical and mental challenges of working in ha…

1
Behind the Scenes with Santa (and NORAD General Glen VanHerck) 37:51

2+ y ago37:51

37:51

In today’s very special episode, Sandy and Sandra are joined for the first segment by the one and only Santa Claus to discuss his annual toy delivery and the risks associated with it. Santa explains the logistics of North Pole operations and the challenges they have faced due to labor shortages and supply chain issues. While so many details of Sant…

1
It Is Brain Surgery with Dr. Ralph Dacey 35:47

2+ y ago35:47

35:47

It Is Brain Surgery with Neurosurgeon Dr. Ralph Dacey Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical fields, with practically no margin for error when operating. One small miscalculation can have profound effects on the patient. As a neurosurgeon and former chair of the Washington University Department of Neurosurgery, today’s guest, Dr. Ralph D…

1
Under the Ice with Submarine Commander Sean Flanagan 36:34

2+ y ago36:34

36:34

Under the Ice with Submarine Commander Sean Flanagan Chatting with Sandra and Sandy today is Sean Flanagan, former captain of the USS Pasadena, a nuclear powered submarine that sails in the Arctic Circle. When operating military machinery under ice caps and keels, some reaching 200 feet deep, the term ‘Cold War’ takes on a new meaning. Since 2009, …

1
Himalayan Odyssey with Hyatt Chairman Tom Pritzker 41:37

2+ y ago41:37

41:37

Himalayan Odyssey with Hyatt Chairman Tom Pritzker The Himalayas are a massive mountain range in Central Asia that inspire awe and respect in anyone who visits. Humans have been living in their shadows for centuries, and the region is rich in culture and history. As well as being Chairman of Hyatt Hotels and The Pritzker Organization, Sandy and San…

1
The Thrill of the Chase with Storm Chaser Hank Schyma 42:29

2+ y ago42:29

42:29

On this episode of the Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra are joined by storm chaser Hank Schyma, aka Pecos Hank. Unlike most who go indoors when thunder roars, Schyma does the exact opposite. When a severe storm warning crosses his path, he packs up his car with film gear and heads off to rendezvous with the storm. Today he talks about all things M…

1
Catching Heat with Major League Catcher Yan Gomes 39:56

2+ y ago39:56

39:56

On today’s episode, Sandra and Sandy are joined by professional baseball catcher Yan Gomes of the Chicago Cubs. Yan is one of the best in the game, having spent ten years of his thirteen-year career in the major leagues, including as a world champion with the Washington Nationals in 2019. He kicks off the episode by sharing his journey from growing…

1
Upping HERGaming with Rebecca Brock Dixon 41:16

2+ y ago41:16

41:16

Today on The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra welcome Rebecca Brock Dixon, founder of the*gameHERs, a media platform and social network for women who game. In this episode, Rebecca lets us into the world of esports, what it takes to start a business, and why what she’s doing with gamers is changing the sport. First up, Rebecca shares how she got i…

1
Nuke Aircraft Carrier Skipper with Captain Amy Bauernschmidt 40:26

2+ y ago40:26

40:26

On today’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra welcome Captain Amy Bauernschmidt, the first woman to ever serve as the Executive Officer and then as the Commanding Officer of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Amy starts the conversation by taking us all the way back to her beginnings and telling us about her journey of becoming a naval avi…

1
Navigating a Lifelong Run in Big Mountain Skiing with Chris Davenport 38:58

2+ y ago38:58

38:58

On today’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra interview two-time World Champion skier and lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Chris Davenport. Widely recognized as one of the top skiers in the world, he is the first person to ski all fifty-four of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in less than one year. Chris starts the conversation by talking ab…

1
Swimming with Sharks and Loving It with Dr. Jess Cramp 35:12

2+ y ago35:12

35:12

On today’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra welcome Dr. Jess Cramp, a marine biologist and shark researcher. Jess is also the founder of Shark Pacific, which is a non-profit organization for studying and protecting sharks. Jess kicks off the episode by telling us about her exciting journey from quitting a high-paying job to beginnin…

1
Saving Millions of Lives at Warp Speed with Dr. Matt Hepburn 39:26

2+ y ago39:26

39:26

On this week’s episode of The Adrenaline Zone, Sandy and Sandra are joined by former army doctor and infectious disease physician Matt Hepburn, who led the COVID-19 vaccine development effort with Operation Warp Speed. Matt opens their conversation by sharing how his parents instilled in him a sense of service to others and his country that led him…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

James "Sandy" Winnefeld Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen