SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast

Major Isaac Van Zandt Becker Lead C-130J "Fat Albert" Pilot joins us with an update on "Bert" and the latest news in the airshow industry.

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - Well… we tried. There was a moment—right before we hit record—when it felt like we were turning a corner. Lights on. Cameras rolling. SHOW CENTER, finally in full video. And then… well… not quite.Call it a near miss. The kind that’s just close enough to know you’re getting there. So for now, you’ve got us the way it all started—on the mics, where the stories still matter most. And truth be told, this one’s worth it.Because just like that… it’s airshow season again.Fresh off the ramp at the MCAS Yuma Airshow, Matt brings a firsthand look at the Blue Angels kicking off their 2026 season. There’s something about that first show—the pacing, the precision, the feeling that a long winter has finally given way to blue skies and jet noise.Ric and Steph are setting their sights on Lakeland as preparations ramp up for Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo—better known as “Pilot’s Spring Break.” This episode, they’re joined by longtime airshow professional Dennis Dunbar, Director of Airshow & Attractions, offering a look at what’s in store, what’s new, and why Sun ’n Fun continues to mark the true start of the season for so many across the industry.And of course, it wouldn’t be SHOW CENTER without Ric Peterson’s “Prop Wash”—a fast-moving rundown of what’s happening across the airshow world. From ICAS updates to industry movement, it’s the kind of segment that keeps you plugged in, whether you’re on the ramp, in the stands, or somewhere in between.It’s a full episode. It’s a new season. And even without the video (for now)… it’s exactly where we want to be. Ready when you are.#airshowannouncer #airshows #ricpeterson #stephstricklen #sunnfun #mcasyuma #blueangels

SHOW CENTER: The Airshow Podcast, we’re covering the full spectrum of what makes this industry special—from elite preparation to raw resilience, and ultimately, the heart that binds the airshow family together.We start the episode with Aaron Fitzgerald from Red Bull, as he walks us through the team’s upcoming training cycle heading into the 2026 airshow season. Aaron gives us a look behind the curtain at how Red Bull approaches preparation—not just the flying, but the mindset, discipline, and personal routines that keep him sharp when the margins are thin and expectations are sky-high. It’s a reminder that world-class performance is built long before the crowd ever arrives.From there, we roll into Prop Wash, catching you up on the latest industry news and notes you should know as the season starts to come into focus.But the heart of this episode belongs to Dewey Larson of Dream Big.After a tragic accident while leaving International Council of Air Shows, Dewey shares an update on the painstaking restoration of his mobile F-18 cockpit museum—an exhibit that, for countless kids and families, serves as their very first touchpoint with military aviation, and often aviation itself.The airshow community stepped up in a big way to help get Dewey back on the road, and this conversation makes it clear why. This isn’t just about hardware—it’s about access, inspiration, and opening the door to wonder for the next generation.And just when you think the story couldn’t get any better, Dewey drops a big announcement involving the ICAS Foundation, tied directly to paying that generosity forward—if there’s any funding left over.Editor’s Note:We keep it light, but make no mistake—this episode is about heart. It’s about an industry that rallies when one of its own gets knocked down, and understands that sometimes the most important part of an airshow doesn’t happen in the sky, but at eye level, one curious kid at a time.Training. News. Recovery. Giving back.This is one you don’t want to miss.#ShowCenterPodcast #AirshowLife #AirshowFamily #AviationInspires #DreamBig #WhyWeFly #ICAS #RedBullAirRace #NextGeneration #MilitaryAviation #airshowpodcast

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - It’s day three — the final day of the ICAS Convention. As the exhibit hall shuts down and everyone prepares for airshow’s biggest night, the Chairman’s Banquet and Awards Night, we recorded our final episode from the convention floor. Take a listen to this surprise-filled episode — and the pre-show that came with it. And our sincere thanks to Pacific Airshow for bringing us back to the ICAS Convention again this year.

SHOW CENTER THE AIRSHOW PODCAST - Big announcements out of Las Vegas today — Day 2 of the ICAS Convention — and we’re talking to the people at the center of them.Take a listen as we get the inside scoop on the Flying Bulls’ upcoming USA visit, plus hear from the newly appointed Commander of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.And that’s not all — Randy W. Ball from Fighter Jets Inc. joins us to talk about the F-4 and the F-100 returning to the airshow circuit in 2026.A huge news day, packed with big stories you won’t want to miss. Take a listen!#flyingbulls #redbull #airshowannouncer #fighterjetsinc #f4phantom #100supersabre #cfsnowbirds

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - It’s Day 1 at ICAS 2025, and we’re rolling!Recorded just outside the Paris Hotel Convention Center in the Versailles Hall, this first episode from the International Council of Air Shows Convention brings the energy right out of the gate.A huge thank you to our sponsor, Pacific Airshow, for bringing our show back to the ICAS Convention this year. Their support makes these conversations possible—and we’re grateful to be here telling the stories of the airshow community.Australian aerobatic dynamo Emma McDonald joins us to talk about her upcoming season and her highly anticipated 2026 USA tour. Emma—one of the brightest stars of Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach and on the Gold Coast—shares what fans can expect when she brings her high-G talent stateside.We’re also joined by American Air Boss Kellie Hudson, who opens up about her incredible backstory, her path to becoming one of the industry’s top Air Bosses, and what’s new for her team in 2026.As always at ICAS, plenty of friends stop by the mic—and we’ll have even more conversations coming over the next two days from Las Vegas.Take a listen—and stay tuned. The convention is just getting started.#emmabeyondgravity #hudsonairshows #airshowannouncer

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - The 2025 airshow season is in the books—and what a ride it’s been. The U.S. Government Shutdown threw a wet blanket over the circuit, grounding military participation and leaving producers scrambling. But, as always, this industry found a way.In this episode, we look back at how shows turned setbacks into standouts. From creative new programming and local partnerships to inventive ways of keeping fans engaged, airshows across the country proved that when the government can’t show up, the rest of us still do.We’ll also share some fresh ideas to help insulate the industry next time politics gets in the way—because resilience isn’t just a buzzword in airshows; it’s a way of life.And speaking of what’s next—the ICAS Annual Convention in Las Vegas is just weeks away. We’ll be recording onsite, just outside the main hall, with open mics and a few extra chairs. Swing by, say hello, and join the conversation.Another season in the books. Another reminder that no matter the challenge, this community always finds a way to fly.See you in Vegas!

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - It’s another action-packed edition! Ric, Rob, and Matt—along with co-host Steph Stricklen—welcome two incredible guests: former USAF Thunderbirds Commander Colonel Justin Elliott and warbird pilot Jeff Shetterly.From behind-the-scenes insights on leading the Air Force’s premier demonstration team to the thrills of flying classic warbirds, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss. Plus, you’ll hear all the latest airshow updates in Prop Wash, and stick around for a major announcement from our very own Rob Reider.👉 It’s ready now for your listening pleasure—tune in and enjoy the ride!#usafthunderbirds #usaf #radialrumble #airshowpodcast #airshowannouncer #ricpeterson #stephstricklen #mattjolley #robreider #jeffshetterly #airshows #airshowfans

SHOW CENTER: The Airshow Podcast — New Episode Featuring MACE and Dennis Dunbar!Summer’s flying by, and SHOW CENTER: The Airshow Podcast is climbing fast with a brand new episode featuring two powerhouse guests: Michelle "MACE" Curran, former Thunderbird lead solo pilot, and Dennis Dunbar, the man behind Sun 'n Fun and other marquee aviation events across the country.Ric, Matt, Steph, and Rob cover all things summer airshows—what’s just wrapped, what’s ahead before the big fall push, and a preview of their upcoming West Coast sweep. Of course, Ric also delivers the latest buzz and behind-the-scenes news in his must-hear Prop Wash segment.And here’s a bonus—SHOW CENTER isn’t just in your earbuds. You can catch the team featured heavily on Netflix in AIR FORCE ELITE – THUNDERBIRDS, the acclaimed documentary telling the inside story of America’s team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.SHOW CENTER is more than a podcast—it’s a recognized voice of the airshow industry. Honored with both the ICAS Pinnacle Award and the ICAS Special Achievement Award, the team’s work has been celebrated for its contribution to aviation storytelling and its impact on the airshow community.Hosted by North America’s top airshow announcers—Ric Peterson, Matt Jolley, and Steph Stricklen—with airshow legend Rob Reider along for the ride, SHOW CENTER reaches more airshow fans annually than any other announcing team in the world. Their mix of entertainment and insight makes them the trusted voice—and personality—of the aerial event world.🎧 Take a listen to the latest episode—then we’ll see you soon at a show near you!#airshowpodcast #airshowannouncer #airshowfans #airshowshows #afthunderbirds #sunnfun #netflix

SHOW CENTER The Airshow Podcast - Ric and Matt just wrapped up an unforgettable weekend co-announcing the historic Dayton CenterPoint Energy Air Show, and this week’s episode of SHOW CENTER: The Airshow Podcast is one for the books.Right after the final performer touched down, the guys caught up in the hotel lobby with none other than Rob Reider—yes, the Rob Reider—now officially retired from airshow announcing. They sat down for a special conversation filled with laughs, stories, and reflections on his incredible career and what life looks like post-airshow mic.Also on the show: Carol Pilon, team leader of Third Strike Wing Walking, who debuted her brand-new act right here in Dayton. It's an incredibly artistic performance unlike anything the circuit has seen—an emotional, high-flying tribute centered on the theme of love. Carol shares the heart and soul behind this powerful new routine that was memorable not only for the crowd—but even the front desk clerk at the hotel. (We’ll explain in the show.)Plus, we cover all the latest headlines in this week’s Prop Wash and give you a full recap of our time in Dayton—from the roars of jet engines to the quiet moments that reminded us why we love this community so much.Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe at AirshowPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for tuning in—and as always, we’ll see you at show center!#airshows #airshowpodcast #airshowannouncer