"So - There I was." It's how ALL great aviation tales begin! Join hosts, Fig and Repete, as they bring in some great aviation raconteurs to relate the glamorous, hilarious, poignant, tragic, and incredible tales of aviation. Fig and Repete met more than 30 years ago as Marine Attack pilots in Marine Attack Squadron VMA-223 flying the AV-8B Harrier II. Both have since gone on to careers in the majors. Realizing that they are around the most accomplished professionals in aviation with amazing stories to tell, they decided these stories are too good to be kept quiet. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh until you cry, but you won't ever be bored!

Bill Robinson recounts the harrowing story of being shot down over North Vietnam in 1965 during a rescue mission gone sideways. What followed was nearly eight years as a prisoner of war — making him the longest-held enlisted POW in American history. From in-flight helicopter refueling with 55-gallon drums to the chaos of capture, jungle survival, torture, and eventual release, Robinson shares vivid memories and razor-sharp insights. His humor, humility, and perspective on service, sacrifice, and resilience offer a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the strength of the human spirit. You’ll hear tales of duct-taped helicopters, donkey competitions, and homemade POW education programs — all delivered with unforgettable wit. This is not just a history lesson — it’s living testimony from a true American hero.

So There I Was

The Longest Rescue Episode 157

Former U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Jason “Quinny” Quinn shares the harrowing story behind the Distinguished Flying Cross he earned after saving five people from a burning ship in the Bering Sea. With only one helicopter and 26 people reported in the water, Quinn was deployed near the vessel Galaxy as it rolled violently in 25-foot seas. Swimming close to massive propellers and through smoke and flames, he rescued survivor after survivor—fighting exhaustion, freezing water, and chaos along the way.



Quinn also takes us back to where it all started: growing up on a lake in Massachusetts, joining the Coast Guard, and training to become one of the elite. He describes the intense physical demands of rescue swimmer school and the mental toughness it takes to operate in the world’s most dangerous conditions.



This episode is packed with real-world rescue tactics, unforgettable training moments, and pulse-pounding close calls. It’s a gripping, high-stakes look inside the life-and-death world of Coast Guard search and rescue—told by one of the best to ever wear the fins.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable Episode 156

In this unforgettable episode of So There I Was, Howie Franklin—the only steward to serve five U.S. Presidents aboard Air Force One—joins us for an incredible deep dive into presidential history. With unmatched humor, insight, and warmth, Howie shares behind-the-scenes stories about Presidents Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Bush, and Ford. From rock-and-roll boombox diplomacy to emotional moments following family loss, Howie paints a vivid portrait of the human side of leadership.



He details what it was like to see President Clinton evolve in office, the unmatched organization of the Reagan administration, and hilarious anecdotes about presidential quirks—including broccoli mishaps and golf trip pranks. Howie’s tales span the globe, from Air Force One logistics in Moscow to midnight flights across the Mediterranean, all grounded in respect and service.



With humility and passion, Howie reminds us that behind every commander-in-chief is a hardworking team, and that leadership—at its best—is about compassion, service, and humor. If you’ve ever wanted a fly-on-the-wall perspective of history in motion, this episode delivers.

He's Guilty, But He's a Nice Guy Episode 155

In this episode, Howie Franklin, the only flight steward to serve five U.S. Presidents aboard Air Force One, joins us with jaw-dropping stories from a life lived at the center of American history. It kicks off with a story with former Marine Commandant General Krulak and quickly dives into Howie’s early days — from rubbing elbows with celebs on Fire Island to working in elite kitchens as a teenager. Drafted into the Air Force, he found his way from a toxic chow hall in South Dakota to flying global missions with generals and diplomats. Howie shares how a single flight changed his life, landing him in a world of professionalism and purpose. We hear how he earned the trust of Henry Kissinger, cooked on diplomatic missions across the globe, and eventually became the go-to steward for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. With vivid recollections of world leaders, near-farcical bathroom lines in midair, and White House-level logistics, this episode is a front-row seat to history—with plenty of laughs and a few “Did he just say that?” moments.

Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon

So There I Was by Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon

Episodes