This week on Late For Changeover, we’re taking a knee and breaking down the real battle at the Super Bowl—the war for your attention in the commercial breaks. Each military branch brought their A-game (or tried to) with ads that ranged from inspiring to seriously, who greenlit this? And speaking of old dogs doing new tricks, the Air Force wants its retirees back. Yes, back-back. So dust off that uniform and pretend you didn’t just Google “how old is too old for PT?”

We also dive into VR therapy that drops veterans into ‘virtual Vietnam’—because nothing says cutting-edge tech like reliving jungle warfare in high-def. Plus, we rewind all the way to the very first Medal of Honor recipient and ask, “Would he have worn a Space Force tiara if given the chance?” Probably not. But who are we to judge? If you like podcasts about Air Force veterans, awkward military ad campaigns, and weirdly informative detours, this is the space force podcast that boldly goes where no E-3 has gone before.

This week on Late For Changeover, we're aiming high and getting weird—starting with the Air Force’s bold new recruiting strategy: advertising on Call of Duty: Mobile. Because nothing says “join the real fight” like sniping from your phone during bathroom breaks. Meanwhile, Space Force steps up its game and launches its first actual Guardian into orbit. Take that, Coast Guard.

We also dig into some not-so-fun News for Vets: Air Force nuclear bases have been sitting on a toxic time bomb with asbestos and cancer-linked chemicals for years. Combine that with the Navy waiving its high school diploma requirement, and you’ve got a full bingo card of military headlines that feel more sci-fi than space flight podcasts. But hey, if refueling satellites is now a thing, maybe there's still hope for the best podcast about space and stupidity.

This week on Late For Changeover, we're flipping the script—literally. Japan landed a spacecraft on the moon upside down (on purpose, they claim), which naturally raises the question: has anyone tried turning it off and back on again? Meanwhile, NASA drops its latest toy: the X-59 supersonic jet, which promises to break the sound barrier without also breaking windows or eardrums. Cue the Top Gun: Whisper Edition jokes.

Back here on Earth, we break down the chaos of retirees trying to score their new USID cards (spoiler: it's not going well), and we throw some elbows into the climate change ring as an astrophysicist enters the chat with a spicy counterpoint. Whether you're into space podcasts, veteran gripes, or just need a break from doomscrolling, this episode delivers jet-fueled absurdity and a healthy dose of News for Vets—no GED required.

This week on Late For Changeover, the Space Force goes gig economy—because nothing says “elite warfighting domain” like a part-time Guardian with weekend availability. We salute the side-hustle hustle while a rogue wave sucker-punches a U.S. Army base in the Marshall Islands (nature’s version of “check your six”). And in a masterclass of military oopsies, a misplaced flashlight gets sucked into an F-35 engine, lighting $4 million on fire.

We also rewind to one of the OGs of badassery: Audie Murphy and his one-man stand in January 1945. Spoiler: he didn’t need stealth jets or supersonic drones—just grit, guts, and a whole lot of ammo. If you're here for space news podcast content, epic fails, or News for Vets with a side of gallows humor, this episode hits harder than a wave at high tide.

This week on Late For Changeover, we’re juggling SpaceX wins and fails like Elon himself—because sometimes rockets fly, and sometimes they flambé. Also, salute to Miss Colorado, who just made history as the first active-duty service member to wear the Miss America crown. That tiara? Regulation approved, probably. Meanwhile, China’s Gravity-1 rocket breaks records, and we ask the obvious question: are we still winning the space race, or just scrolling through it on a space news podcast?

Back on Earth, the Pentagon “misplaces” over a billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine (classic), the first Army NCOs get autopromoted for finishing recruiting school (press F to rank up), and the service academies are suddenly big on talking about oaths and the Constitution—again. From SpaceX news to News for Vets, this episode’s got orbital energy and ground-level absurdity in equal measure.

This week on Late For Changeover, we’re firing up a launch window of chaos and curiosity. First up: the Pentagon’s latest space-age tag team—agencies joining forces to launch hypersonic tracking satellites because apparently, we’re done playing hide and seek with missiles. Meanwhile, a U.S. company’s moon landing dreams might crash and burn before ever leaving Earth. Get your popcorn ready, this one’s part space race, part space faceplant.

Also in the mix: an Air Force officer struts into the Miss America arena—and fights cancer with science while she’s at it. Plus, we kick off our new segment “Midshift Conversations,” where we tackle the College Football Playoff National Championship with the energy of a drunk E-4 during midnight chow. From space force podcast vibes to News for Vets and football debates, it’s your favorite military mess hall with a mic.

Blast off with Late For Changeover as we launch straight into January’s stacked lineup of domestic space missions—and yes, SpaceX is back at it with another Falcon 9 flight from Vandenberg. We break down the livestream like it’s game film from basic training: pixelated, loud, and somehow still motivational. If you're into SpaceX news, space podcasts with attitude, or just like hearing veterans yell about rockets, this one's your fuel-up.

Then we switch gears from boosters to bidding in the Military Auction Game—where tactical gear meets tactical chaos. Want to hear grown adults argue over MRE lots and vintage PT belts like it’s eBay for enlisted? Welcome home. It’s a space news podcast meets PX parking lot showdown—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Strap in and hold onto your challenge coins—it’s the Late For Changeover 2023 year-in-review episode! We're looking back at the biggest wins, wildest fails, and weirdest military moments from the past year, from SpaceX news that had us cheering (and cringing), to Space Force headlines that made even Guardians say, “Wait, what?” It’s a highlight reel packed with orbital drama, Pentagon policy curveballs, and enough acronyms to break a comms officer.

We’re talking botched launches, surprise promotions, uniform updates that still have us scratching our heads, and the best hot mic moments this side of the DFAC. Whether you're a space force podcast junkie, a veteran podcast purist, or just here for the chaos, this is the best podcast about space and military absurdity you didn’t know you needed. 2023 was a trip—let’s roast it properly.

My guest today is former Navy Petty Officer, 2nd Class Steven Leapley.  Steven grew up in the midwest and went to high school in St. Charles, IL.  After graduating, he joined the Navy and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in 1991.  He became a Corpsman and attended A School at Great Lakes.  His first assignment was to the Medical Center at Great Lakes.  His next assignments were to Guam, Mare Island in California, and then to San Diego.  He left the military on September 4th, 2001.  Steven currently owns and operates Leapley Enterprises LLC where his specialty is ghostwriting.  

S3E17 Air Force Lt Col Owen Freeland