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PODCAST

Books to Battles

School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

Books to Battles is the official podcast of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), where rigorous academic thought meets real-world military application. In each episode, we"ll take you inside our school to explore its courses, students, and faculty. We"ll show how foundational ideas—from classic works of strategy to cutting-edge scholarship—inform the development and execution of air and space power in today’s complex strategic environment. Join us as we bridge the gap between theory

government

All Episodes

30:04

End of 2025 Review

Books to Battles ·

2025/12/24

In this end-of-year episode, the hosts review a turbulent 2025, focusing in particular on December’s rapid sequence of national security developments. They examine U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, the evolving use of economic and military coercion against Venezuela, and historical parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The discussion situates these actions within coercion and deterrence theory, highlighting the importance of clearly defined political objectives. The

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34:46

Mental Health in the Military

Books to Battles ·

2025/12/17

In this episode, the team talks with Lt Col JoLynn Tatum, a clinical psychologist and Air War College faculty member, about the state of mental health in the military. She explains common challenges service members face—often less PTSD than everyday stressors like relationships, sleep, depression, and anxiety—and why stigma and career fears still keep many from seeking help. Tatum discusses rising suicide rates, the limits of current resources, and the importance of early intervention, coping

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44:28

Aquisition Transformation

Books to Battles ·

2025/12/10

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Col. Cory Hollon are joined by Lt. Col. Joshua Cobb, U.S. Army, for a candid deep dive into the complexities of military acquisitions reform. Drawing on his broad experience across infantry, missile defense, special operations, and requirements writing, Josh explains why the U.S. system struggles with speed, agility, and risk acceptance. The conversation breaks down historical shifts—from post–Cold War consolidation to post-9/11

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32:43

Airpower in Limited War

Books to Battles ·

2025/12/03

In this episode, Wendy and Cory sit down with Dr. Tom Hughes, Col. Neil “Gump” Dimmitt, and Lt. Col. Ben “Hojo” Heidenreich to unpack the SAASS course Airpower in Limited War. They explore how the course traces airpower’s evolution from World War II into the era of politically constrained, technologically advanced limited conflicts, and how instructors choose which 80 years of history to cover in just 15 days. The group discusses major themes—nuclear strategy, Vietnam, the space race, drones, and

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32:06

The Return and Current Events

Books to Battles ·

2025/11/26

Dr. Whitman Cobb and Col Hollon reunite after a 43-day government shutdown and discuss how the furlough affected faculty, students, and operations at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. They then examine ongoing U.S. military activity in the Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear, exploring the legal, strategic, and regional political implications of recent strikes on narco-trafficking vessels. The conversation expands to great-power dynamics in the Western Hemisphere, including the

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1:33

Hiatus

Books to Battles ·

2025/10/29

Hiatus Announcement: The Books to Battles team is taking a break for the remainder of the U.S. government is shutdown. We'll be back with full episodes as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!

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30:03

International Relations

Books to Battles ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Lina Svedin and Dr. Paige Reid discuss SAASS 632, International Relations. They explore the major theories, concepts, and debates that frame the study of global politics, highlighting how these ideas intersect with strategy and security. With readings on theory, strategic narratives, and power and change, the course challenges students to think critically about the international system and the role of air and space power within it. Their conversation

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32:28

Understanding International Security

Books to Battles ·

2025/10/15

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Wes Hutto discusses his new textbook Understanding International Security. He introduces the core themes and frameworks that shape the field, from great power competition to emerging challenges in cyber and space. Dr. Hutto explains how the book blends theory and practice to prepare students and professionals for today’s complex global environment. The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking, historical grounding, and strategic insight in

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37:04

Dr. Milena Jakšić

Books to Battles ·

2025/10/08

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Milena Jakšić examines the Luftwaffe’s operational air warfare during World War II and what it can teach us today. She explores how German airpower adapted—or failed to adapt—to strategic and operational challenges, and the consequences that followed. Drawing lessons for modern military professionals, Dr. Jakšić highlights enduring themes in the relationship between doctrine, innovation, and strategic effectiveness, showing how history can inform contemporary

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31:27

Current Events (October 1, 2025)

Books to Battles ·

2025/10/01

In this episode of Books to Battles, the hosts tackle a set of pressing current events shaping strategy today. They discuss the upcoming Artemis II mission and its implications for U.S. space leadership, examine Russian incursions into Polish airspace and their impact on NATO security, and consider the forthcoming National Defense Strategy. Together, these conversations highlight how technological ambition, geopolitical tensions, and policy choices intersect—illustrating the challenges and

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45:37

Thesis Award Winners Part 2

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/24

In this second episode featuring thesis award winners we spotlight three outstanding thesis award winners from SAASS Class 34: Curtis Sinewe, Philip Jenkins, and Joe Regan. Each shares the insights and discoveries from their research, along with reflections on the thesis process itself. From innovative approaches to strategy to lessons learned along the way, their conversation highlights the intellectual rigor and creativity that define the SAASS experience and demonstrates how fresh scholarship can

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43:05

Thesis Award Winners Part 1

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/17

In this first part of a special two part series, Books to Battles highlights the SAASS thesis program and Class 34 award winners. This week's episode begins with Dr. John Maurer, director of the program, who explains its goals, rigor, and impact on strategic education. The conversation then turns to Chance Smith, recipient of the David R. Mets Award for History, who discusses his research, key findings, and the process behind crafting an award-winning thesis. Together, their insights reveal the

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39:12

Faculty Development

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/10

In this episode of Books to Battles, Col Neil Dimmit and Lt Col Rachel Reynolds share their journeys pursuing civilian PhDs and how those experiences shaped their careers as educators and strategists. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of balancing academic study with military service, the unique perspectives gained through civilian doctoral programs, and how those insights enrich their teaching at SAASS and across the Air Force. Their conversation highlights the value of intellectual

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34:48

Airpower in the Age of Total War

Books to Battles ·

2025/09/03

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Rich Muller, Dr. Rob Hutchinson, and Lt Col Ben Heidenreich discuss SAASS 627, Airpower in the Age of Total War. Covering airpower and military history through World War II, they explore technological innovation, strategic transformation, and the lessons learned from early air campaigns. The conversation highlights how the course connects historical context to modern strategic thinking, preparing students to apply the enduring principles of airpower to

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32:26

Major General Parker Wright

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/27

In this episode of Books to Battles, Major General Parker Wright shares his perspectives on leadership, strategic education, and the evolving demands of air and space power. Reflecting on his career and experiences, he discusses the enduring importance of intellectual development for senior leaders, the challenges of modern conflict, and how SAASS prepares strategists to think critically in complex environments. His insights highlight the vital connection between rigorous academic study and the

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33:23

Special Operations Success

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/20

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras discusses his influential book Special Operations Success. Drawing on historical case studies and strategic theory, Dr. Kiras examines what makes special operations effective—and when they fall short. He explores the balance between tactics and strategy, the importance of context, and the enduring lessons for modern military professionals seeking to understand the true value of special operations in contemporary conflict.All views expressed are

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35:05

Strikes on Iran

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/13

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. David Sorenson and Dr. Carl Forsberg of the Air War College join our hosts to analyze the recent strikes against Iran, examining their strategic objectives, regional implications, and potential ripple effects on global security. Drawing on their expertise in Middle East politics and military strategy, they unpack the historical context of Iranian relations with the United States and Israel, the events leading up to the strikes, and the decision-making

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29:03

Military Theory

Books to Battles ·

2025/08/06

In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. James Kiras and Dr. Wes Hutto join the podcast to unpack SAASS 600: Military Theory, a foundational course that explores the nature and character of war through the lens of classical and contemporary thinkers. They discuss the course’s major themes, including the interplay between theory and practice, the enduring relevance of Clausewitz, and how students wrestle with complex ideas about military power and its use. The conversation highlights key texts,

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34:52

Space Policy for the 21st Century

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/30

Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Dr. Derrick Frazier join Books to Battles to discuss their book Space Policy for the 21st Century. They explore key themes in contemporary space policy, including commercialization, security, and governance, and examine how strategic thinking can help navigate the rapidly evolving domain of outer space.All views expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the Department of Defense, the US government, or any other affiliated organization.

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33:27

The Student Experience

Books to Battles ·

2025/07/23

In this episode of Books to Battles, three SAASS students share their personal journeys through the school’s rigorous academic year. They discuss what drew them to SAASS, how the curriculum challenged and changed their thinking, and the value of studying strategy in an intensive seminar environment. From balancing research and writing to engaging in deep discussion with faculty and peers, they offer candid reflections on the highs, lows, and lasting takeaways of the SAASS experience. Whether you're

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