The roar of jet engines, the crack of precision maneuvers, and the spirit of American airpower are all taking center stage at the 2025 Tinker Air Show—and this week’s episode of the Tinker Talks Podcast is soaring right alongside it.

From the flightline, host Mark Hybers welcomes a special guest: Thunderbird #5, the iconic “upside-down” pilot from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team. The conversation dives into the pilot’s inspiring journey from watching jets roar over Arlington National Cemetery as a child to flying F-16s in one of the world’s most elite aerial demonstration teams.

Listeners get an inside look at what it takes to fly the Thunderbirds’ new high-energy, emotionally charged performance debuting at Tinker for the first time since 2017. From the symbolism behind the new routine to the physical training it takes to withstand brutal G-forces, the pilot shares the grit and grace behind the glamour.

In the latest episode of the Tinker Talks podcast, host Mark Hybers sits down for a powerful and reflective conversation with Brig. Gen. Brian Moore, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC) Commander, as he prepares to transition from his role.

This isn’t just a farewell—it’s a deep dive into two years of innovation, transformation, and leadership behind the scenes at the OC-ALC. From standing up a future-focused “Digital Depot” to preparing the workforce for 2050’s sustainment demands, Moore discusses the sweeping changes and enduring challenges of leading one of the Air Force’s most complex and vital logistics complex.

Moore shares valuable leadership insights and reflects on the impact of civilian artisans, first-line supervisors, and a culture of innovation.

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Clayton Cummins sits down with Col. David McCollum. the Commander of the Civil Air Patrol Oklahoma Wing, McCollum, discusses how he and his team of volunteer members support the Sooner state.

The latest episode of the Tinker Talks podcast dives into the critical world of military law with Col. Janet Eberle, the Staff Judge Advocate for the 72nd Air Base Wing. With decades of service in the Air Force and a sharp legal mind, Col. Eberle offers listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how justice and readiness go hand-in-hand on base and beyond.

Eberle discusses her career in the Air Force and shares how the legal profession plays a vital role in maintaining good order and discipline across the force. She also breaks down what happens when an Airman is charged with an offense off base and how jurisdiction is determined. She also explains the differences between military and civilian justice systems, providing a clear picture of how court-martial proceedings differ from civilian trials.

Legal Assistance Readiness Week, a dedicated effort to provide legal services that support Airmen’s personal readiness—from powers of attorney and wills to notary services and more.

Chief Christopher Gradel, Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 72nd Air Base Wing, is the latest guest on the Tinker Talks Podcast.

The Texas native has the important task of leading and mentoring all of the enlisted Airmen in the Airbase Wing. Gradel’s job is a balancing act of gruff, no-nonsense chief, to a softer approach of listening and providing sage guidance. But the most important task is to lay out his priorities, instill a warrior ethos and prepare his Airmen for whatever challenges they may face.

It won’t take long for you, the listener, to understand why Chief Gradel was selected as the Command Chief. He leads with a laser focus and is truly an Airman’s leader.

Chapels on Air Force bases across the globe play a pivotal role in the spiritual health and readiness of Airmen and their families.

The Tinker Chapel serves as a place of worship for service members and their families, providing a space to worship and receive spiritual support from chaplains, catering to a diverse range of faiths and denominations across the military, all while upholding the constitutional right to freedom of religion; essentially acting as a spiritual center for the Air Force community.

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Chaplain (Maj.) Andrew Peck discusses his new role as Chaplain, services the chapel offers and how to navigate the holidays.

Peck is also spreading the word about an upcoming event, ‘Military Chaplaincy Explo: A Day in the Life,’ which will take place March 7, 2025, at Tinker AFB. This event is designed to provide attendees with an immersive look at military chaplaincy and the mission of the Chaplain Corps. It will feature opportunities to:

• Learn about the daily life of a military chaplain

• Enjoy lunch and hopeful conversation with Airmen currently serving on Tinker AFB

• Tour an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft

• Connect with Air Force, Army, and Navy recruiters to discuss service opportunities in Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves.

On this edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, we’re joined by the leadership team for Tinker’s own 507th Air Refueling Wing, Col. Matthew Ghormley, 507th ARW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Darren Wiseman, 507th ARW command chief.

They spoke about the 507th’s mission, vision, priorities, and what it means to be an Okie.

The 507th will soon launch their own podcast, be sure to visit their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to cast your vote for the future name. Voting closes Nov. 8, 2024.

The 507th Air Refueling Wing is the largest Air Force Reserve Command flying unit in the state of Oklahoma. The 507th ARW reports to Fourth Air Force and performs daily missions both locally and around the world in support of Air Mobility Command and U.S. Strategic Command's national emergency war order requirements, operating out of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The deputy commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC), Col. Jeffrey Anderson, is a guest on the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast. Anderson discusses everything from using Art of the Possible to improve processes and drive production to Produce to Promise, producing what is promised to the warfighter on time and on cost.

On this episode of Tinker Talks, we’re discussing National Caribbean American Month 2024, recognized throughout the month of June. National Caribbean American Heritage Month has been designated by Presidential Proclamation since 2006.

The month honors the rich culture and heritage of Caribbean American people and recognizes their significant contributions to the United States of America.

We spoke with Nicola Maye-Leith, 72nd Air Base Wing’s director of integrated prevention about National Caribbean American Month, its significance, the contributions of Caribbean Americans, and cultural diversity.

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month and we’re talking about it on this episode of Tinker Talks. PTSD Awareness Month is dedicated to spreading awareness to PTSD and to encourage those struggling with symptoms of PTSD to seek treatment.

PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. People who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or physical or sexual assault may develop.

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Maj. Carla Turrentine, 72nd Medical Group, mental health element chief discusses National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, its symptoms, its prevalence in the military, PTSD treatment challenges and barriers to seeking help, and how the 72nd MDG supports personnel with mental illness.