New Research Resource: Fighter Pilot Podcast Episode Catalog

The National Institute for Cold War Studies (NICWS) has launched a new research resource: the Fighter Pilot Podcast Episode Catalog, now available through the NICWS website.

This searchable catalog organizes the growing archive of interviews from the Fighter Pilot Podcast, helping researchers and enthusiasts quickly locate episodes by topic, aircraft, and historical theme.

The podcast was created and hosted by retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello. Drawing on decades of operational experience, Aiello built a remarkable series of interviews with pilots, engineers, and military professionals whose careers span the Cold War and modern military aviation.

NICWS has established a working relationship with the Fighter Pilot Podcast to organize and reference these interviews for historical research and educational use. The new catalog provides a structured guide to this expanding body of oral testimony, making it easier for students, educators, journalists, and historians to explore firsthand perspectives on military aviation and Cold War history.

NICWS also congratulates Aiello on the publication of his memoir, Through the Yellow Visor: The Life and (Mis)Adventures of a US Navy Fighter Pilot (March 2025), reflecting on his career and the experiences that shaped the podcast.

Earlier this year, hosting responsibilities for the Fighter Pilot Podcast transitioned to Tucker Hamilton, call sign “Cinco.” NICWS looks forward to following the continued development of the podcast under his leadership.

The Fighter Pilot Podcast represents an exceptional contribution to preserving the professional experiences of aviators. NICWS is honored to help make this growing archive more accessible for research and historical study.