Meet author Becky Aikman at 1001 Heroes...

And find out what inspired her to write the heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain.

They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses-all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone-even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. Thus, twenty-five daring young aviators bolted for England in 1942, becoming the first American women to command military aircraft.

In a faraway land, these “spitfires” lived like women decades ahead of their time. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried new, barely tested fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky. Many ferry pilots died in crashes or made spectacular saves. It was exciting, often terrifying work. The pilots broke new ground off duty as well, shocking their hosts with thoroughly modern behavior.

With cinematic sweep, Becky Aikman follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life. Spitfires is a vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women whose lives were as unconventional as their dreams.

Shortly after deploying for the war in Iraq, an unprecedented attack was about to take place; the first of it's kind in U.S. military history. Embedded Enemy is the true story of the deadly attack against the men and women of Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. The Bastogne Brigade was staged at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait where they prepared for combat. During the early morning hours of 23 March 2003, a fellow American soldier, Sergeant Hasan Akbar, executed the unthinkable by throwing hand grenades into his Chain of Command's tents. He then followed up with small-arms fire while his Commanding Officers slept in preparation for war.Shortly after deploying for the war in Iraq, an unprecedented attack was about to take place; the first of it's kind in U.S. military history. Embedded Enemy is the true story of the deadly attack against the men and women of Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. The Bastogne Brigade was staged at Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait where they prepared for combat. During the early morning hours of 23 March 2003, a fellow American soldier, Sergeant Hasan Akbar, executed the unthinkable by throwing hand grenades into his Chain of Command's tents. He then followed up with small-arms fire while his Commanding Officers slept in preparation for war.

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We are the biggest history/literature story podcast on the internet. 10 years, 25M listens, 4.7/5 rating

"Ancient Civilizations & Mysteries: the Cayce Interviews": The first of a multi-part series based upon the readings of the most prolific psychic of the 20th century- Edgar Cayce. The interviews were done with leading authors and experts at The Edgar Cayce Association For Research & Enlightenment. Edgar Cayce has given us a treasure trove of documented readings on holistic healing, man's spiritual journey and purpose, past lives, ancient civilizations, reincarnation, dream interpretation, and much more.

Go to www.edgarcayce.org for information. Todays show contents in chronological order: Stonehenge~Egypt~Atlantis~higher consciousness~merging science and spirituality~the journey of humanity~Cayce's theory on vibration being the creator of the universe~ Cayce's predictions on age of Great Pyramid and Sphinx proven true~Cayce's theories on early civilizations new being proven true~ Cayce reading predicts 27.5 inches, the measurement that built the Pyramids and Stonehenge, comes true~America's first civilizations 50,000 years ago, evidence now being found which backs Cayce's readings~Salutrient tips found ~DNA and the Basque~Cayce 's readings (120) on Essene culture later proven true w/ discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls ~The Akashic Records~ Cayce on Jesus

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Our interview with 'HERO OF TWO WORLDS' author Mike Duncan

Best-selling author Patrick Wyman shares his new book "The Verge"- the story of the 40 years that changed the world as we know it- 1490-1530- and introduces some of the characters good and bad who brought the change, turning a backwater Europe into a thriving financial power. Discussing: the scale of change~exploration~crafty Queen Isabella~Columbus the pitchman and navigator~Martin Luther's printing press leading the reformation in languages everyone could read~Alduus Minutias and his presses and publishing~Suleimann the Magnificent~ and more.

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At the outset of the American Revolution we had practically no navy- and we had to rely on American seamen who would allow their boats to be turned into ships of war. This fascinating story is brought to us by author Jay Dolin in this interview- what a story!

BAR man Harold Frank's story of faith and courage as told by author/interviewer Mark Hager

Award winning author Saul David discusses his new best seller Devil Dogs- the story of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines as they lived, fought, and died during the four major Pacific campaigns leading to Japan's final surrender. His book uses numerous written accounts from marines who were there and experienced the brutal jungle fighting first-hand. Discussed here: New Britain~Cape Gloucester~Bloody Ridge~Pelileu~ Eugene Sledge~ John Baslilone~Chesty Puller~Pavavu~Melbourne~Pavavu-Okinawa, and much more.