Best Vietnam Veteran Memoirs Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 097: 1965-05-28 | When You’ve Seen One 6:52

5h ago6:52

6:52

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes with a tone that feels heavier, wearier. He opens with warmth, thanking Suzie for pictures of the kids and slipping in a flirtatious remark he quickly retracts. But the letter shifts quickly. He’s just learned that Ed Piper—a man Suzie knew—was killed in a mid-air collision at Quinhon. Popi doesn’t dwel…

1
Episode 096: 1965-05-25 | It Won’t Be Long Now 6:09

3d ago6:09

6:09

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 25 with a rare sense of warmth and optimism—thanks, in part, to receiving two letters from Suzie in a single day. He mentions that his brother Jim, a Marine, is being sent to the Dominican Republic for a conflict unfolding at the same time as Vietnam acting as part of the wider Cold War logic tha…

1
Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil | All Episodes 35:11

4d ago35:11

35:11

In this personal narrative episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the war letters and into a birthday dinner in suburban Florida—a setting that slowly reveals a decades-spanning story of intergenerational trauma, systemic failure, and the quiet desperation that leads ordinary people to seek help from extraordinary places. What begins as a quie…

1
Episode 095: 1965-05-22 | A White Knight, Not the Snake 7:03

6d ago7:03

7:03

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about a surreal mission supporting South Vietnamese troops on a disputed island off the coast of Ha Tien. While the island was claimed by both Vietnam and Cambodia, the mission itself felt more like a break than a battle. Back at base, his thoughts turn to home: a surprise gift for Billy, who hasn’t mis…

1
Episode 3050 – Last two American troops lost in Vietnam honored at Worth, ILL 10:45

7d ago10:45

10:45

Episode 3050 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the good people of Worth, Illinois honored the service of all American veterans with emphasis on Corporal Charles McMahon and Lance Corporal Darwin Lee Judge, the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3049 – Mississippi road dedicated to fallen Vietnam Vet LCpl Mac Hamburger 7:39

8d ago7:39

7:39

Episode 3049 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the dedication of a road in Mississippi to honor the memory of Vietnam Vet Marine LCpl Mac Hamburger. The featured story appeared on the Mississippi DOT website … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 094: 1965-05-20 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil, Finale 8:22

8d ago8:22

8:22

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Vinh Long on May 20 after a rare slow day, sharing simple pleasures and family pride. He compliments Billy’s school paper, jokes about toddler haircuts, and eagerly awaits new photos from home. With little news from the field beyond a trip to the range and an upcoming U.S.O. show, Popi admits there…

1
Episode 3048 – How the DAV helped Blue Water Navy Vietnam Vet Edward Nachel get VA help 11:50

9d ago11:50

11:50

Episode 3048 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran Edward Nachel was able to get help from the VA with help from the DAV. The featured story appeared on the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 093: 1965-05-18 | A Quagmire on the Horizon 5:51

10d ago5:51

5:51

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 18, sharing a quiet day in Vinh Long marked by a short operation and a long-awaited letter from home. His tone is warm and affectionate, filled with light updates about insurance policies, family visits, and his role as an instrument instructor. Though officially recognized by the Army as an airc…

1
Episode 3047 – Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick helped close down Chu Lai base 10:15

11d ago10:15

10:15

Episode 3047 – Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick helped close down Chu Lai baseListen to Episode 3047 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick of Marshall, MN. He served with D Company, 26th Engineer Battalion, the Americal Division at Chu … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 092: 1965-05-17 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 5 9:21

11d ago9:21

9:21

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a much-needed break after several intense flying days. He’s still receiving letters from home and sends updates about camera gear, anniversary gifts, and the lack of desire to ever extend his tour in Vietnam—"not for all the tea in China," as he puts it. Between updates about taxes, slide projectors,…

1
Episode 3046 -How Marine COL Gerrry Berry ended the Vietnam War 8:51

13d ago8:51

8:51

Episode 3046 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about retired Marine COL Gerry Berry explaining how he ended the Vietnam War. The featured story appeared on WHO Channel 13 in Des Moines and was titled: Iowa … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 091: 1965-05-15 | Popi’s Souvenir Rifle 10:48

13d ago10:48

10:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a rare day off, reflecting on a grueling two-day operation that left over 200 Viet Cong reported dead. It’s May 15, 1965, and though the battle is over, the war lingers—in photographs, memories, and a souvenir rifle he brings back from the field. Popi casually mentions photographing the aftermath and…

1
Episode 3045 -Vietnam Dustoff Pilot receives Gold Medal Award 18:40

14d ago18:40

18:40

Episode 3045 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Bobby Barret, the Vietnam Dustoff pilot who received the Congressional Gold Medal honor. The featured story appeared in the Monroe Journal of Mississippi and was titled: Former … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3044 -The Story of San Jose’s Vietnamese Community 12:51

15d ago12:51

12:51

Episode 3044 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the vibrant Vietnamese community of San Jose. This episode is inspired the contributions to this podcast by a good friend, Andy Pham. The featured story appeared on … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 090: 1965-05-13 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 4 9:53

15d ago9:53

9:53

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes after an exhausting day—17 hours of flying, including a major operation that left 125 Viet Cong reported killed and one American wounded. It’s May 13, 1965, and his fatigue seeps into every word of the letter. Despite being overwhelmed, he takes time to connect: recounting a chance meeting with Captain …

1
Episode 3043 -Vietnam Vet Linwood Riddick recently graduated from college 8:07

16d ago8:07

8:07

Episode 3043 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Linwood Riddick who recently graduated from college as he celebrated his 80th birthday. The featured story appeared on NPR radio and was titled: He graduated … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 089: 1965-05-11 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 3 9:23

17d ago9:23

9:23

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from an unusually quiet night in Vinh Long. It’s May 11, 1965, and for once, he’s alone on base. While the rest of his unit is off at Ben Hoa responding to an attack that left five Americans dead, Popi remains behind after a supply run to Saigon, teaching new pilots and preparing for a farewell party. T…

1
Episode 3042 – Oregon National Guardsmen help search for MIA remains in Quang Tri 8:05

18d ago8:05

8:05

Episode 3042 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Oregon National Guard Soldiers Who go on a Recovery Mission for Missing Vietnam War Service Member In a powerful display of dedication and national pride, Oregon … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
An Interview with Suzie 1:02:32

18d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the battlefield and into the memory, voice, and wisdom of the woman who saved the letters. Recorded over Zoom, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with my grandmother, Susan “Mema” Lowie, about her life before, during, and after the Vietnam War. It’s a deeply personal portrait o…

1
Episode 3041 – Aussie Airmen Remember the Fall of Saigon 8:57

19d ago8:57

8:57

Episode 3041 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the last ANZAC aircraft to leave Saigon just before it fell to the North Vietnamese. The featured story appeared on the Australian Government Defense website and was … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3040 -U.S. – Vietnam Friendship Status after 50 years – Part 2 8:48

20d ago8:48

8:48

Episode 3040 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the status of U.S, – Vietnam relations fifty years after reunification of the southeastern nation. The featured story is titled Vietnam’s wary friendship with US shows signs … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 088: 1965-05-08 | Showing Off 7:52

20d ago7:52

7:52

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Vietnam with a mix of weariness, routine, and yearning. It’s May 8, 1965, and while most of his day is spent giving instrument instruction and catching up with familiar faces over lunch, the heart of the letter lies in a quiet reflection about home. Suzie is planning a summer trip with the boys, an…

1
Episode 3039 -U.S. – Vietnam friendship status after 50 years 12:03

21d ago12:03

12:03

Episode 3039 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the status of U.S, – Vietnam relations fifty years after reunification of the southeastern nation. The featured story is titled Vietnam’s wary friendship with US shows signs … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 087: 1965-05-07 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 2 8:54

21d ago8:54

8:54

In today’s episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes during a quiet afternoon, though the tone is edged with tension. The Viet Cong have been growing more active, and six helicopters from his platoon were damaged in a recent attack, yet thankfully, no one was hurt. Between missions and radio static, he’s listening to “Country Corner” on AFN and teasing…

1
Episode 3038 – Remembering the human side of the Vietnam War at Tacoma 15:56

22d ago15:56

15:56

Episode 3038 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the new exhibit in Tacoma that sheds light on the overlooked personal histories of Vietnam Veterans. The featured story is titled Remembering the human side of the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3037 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Army SSG Marvin R. Young. – A Saint 14:01

23d ago14:01

14:01

Episode 3037 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SSG Marvin R. Young. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the 5th Infantry Regiment Association website. In the sweltering jungles of … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 086: 1965-05-05 | Finding Popi’s Camera 10:27

23d ago10:27

10:27

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we hear from Popi as the rainy season begins in Vinh Long. His letter is calm, full of updates from a quiet day — a trip to the range, a short note about mailing gifts, and a few thoughts on the Hong Kong R&R he’s decided not to take. The real excitement in today’s letter, though, comes when he casually mentions pi…

1
Episode 085: 1965-05-04 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 1 8:47

24d ago8:47

8:47

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we hear from Popi on May 4, 1965, as he responds to three letters from Suzie and shares how much he loved the photos of the boys. There’s no mission report today, no combat update — just a quiet letter about family, missed birthdays, and the difficulty of shopping for gifts in a place where anything nice has to be …

1
Episode 3036 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Air Force LTC Gerald O. Young – A Saint 14:50

26d ago14:50

14:50

Episode 3036 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force LTC Gerald O. Young. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Air Force Historical Support Division website. During the Vietnam … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 084: 1965-05-02 | Navy Bombers 6:40

26d ago6:40

6:40

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from a quiet day in the air, flying support for a Navy bombing run. From his Huey, he watches jets drop 500-pound bombs across the landscape — a moment that sparks reflection on the uneasy collaboration between different branches of the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. While Popi’s experience might…

1
Episode 3035 – The Book Farm to Freedon and author Dr. Roy Vu 41:42

27d ago41:42

41:42

Episode 3035 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Professor Roy Vu who will discuss his book Farm to Freedom. Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast will introduce and interview Professor Vu about his … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
All Episodes, April 1965 1:20:06

27d ago1:20:06

1:20:06

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the April 1965 letters from Bill Lowie—a month defined by loss, guilt, long stretches of boredom, and small moments of unexpected joy. Now firmly settled into his new role with the Cobras, Popi spent April flying missions that ranged from uneventful to harrowing, often with little warning as…

1
Episode 3034 – A Displaced Nation 50:06

28d ago50:06

50:06

Episode 3034 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Phi-Van Nguyen, the author of A Displaced Nation. Cody Billock will serve as the interlocutor and Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast will introduce the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 083: 1965-04-30 | Cry On Their Shoulder 7:01

28d ago7:01

7:01

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes home after what he calls a "better outcome" in the field. A large Viet Cong weapons cache has been captured, and while the victory lifts spirits briefly, there’s no triumph in his tone — just exhaustion. One day before, he witnessed the death of a friend during a failed recovery mission. Now, he’s tryin…

1
Episode 3033 – David Levinthal and Lon Holmberg tell about their Vietnam War picture books 45:40

29d ago45:40

45:40

Episode 3033 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a conversation with Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast, David Levinthal and Lon Holmberg. Levinthal and Holmberg have recently published picture books about the Vietnam War. In his … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 082: 1965-04-29 | The Worst Letter 7:17

29d ago7:17

7:17

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we reach a letter that many in my family consider the most difficult to read. Dated April 29, 1965, this letter doesn’t relay an ordinary mission or a humorous aside. It’s a moment of personal reckoning. Popi writes in the aftermath of a mission that left two of his friends dead — and he blames himself. The day had…

1
Episode 3032 – Vietnamese Life after the War 45:00

30d ago45:00

45:00

Episode 3032 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a conversation with Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast and writer Anvi Hoang. Anvi was born and raised in Vietnam, Twenty Five years ago she came to this … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3031 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Army SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema – A Saint 10:05

1M ago10:05

10:05

Episode 3031 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia. SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema, a true American hero, exemplified extraordinary courage during … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 081: 1965-04-26 | Military Industrial Complexities 7:41

1M ago7:41

7:41

In this episode, Popi writes after a long day chasing Viet Cong forces through the heat. His tone is dry, understated, tired. He asks about the boys, about birthday parties and photographs, about sizes and gifts and letters never received. In his own words, the work is “not boring, really, but not something that you can write home about.” And yet —…

1
Episode 080: 1965-04-24 | Swimming Monkeys 6:12

1M ago6:12

6:12

In this episode, Popi writes on a sweltering day in Vinh Long, where the only mission was beating the heat. With no combat updates or news from the front, today’s letter slows down, offering a glimpse of life in between the action, where even the monkeys are desperate for relief. From Easter reflections to tales of Charlie and Doll’s makeshift swim…

1
Episode 079: 1965-04-23 | The Nuclear Option 6:12

1M ago6:12

6:12

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on April 23, 1965 after finally receiving a long-awaited letter from home. He reflects on family updates, a recent alert mission that came too late, and yet another upcoming awards ceremony — this one to add four oak leaf clusters to his Air Medal. In the same week, American military leaders in Honolulu…

1
Episode 3030 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Army SFC Rodney J. T. Yano- A Saint 16:04

1M ago16:04

16:04

Episode 3030 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SFC Rodney J. T. Yano. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross. In the heart of the Vietnam War, U.S. … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3029 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Army 1SG Maximo Yabes – A Bonafide Hero 15:45

1M ago15:45

15:45

Episode 3029 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1SG Maximo Yabes. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross. During the Vietnam War, U.S. Army First Sergeant Maximo Yabes … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 078: 1965-04-21 | The Viet Cong Rest Area 9:40

1M ago9:40

9:40

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on April 21, 1965, during a lull in operations. The letter itself is quiet — just a few notes about office renovations, a short range trip, and his ongoing frustration with the mail system. Still, even in a slow week, he finds ways to stay connected to home. He ends the letter with a simple dream: when …

1
Episode 3028 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCPL Kenneth L. Worley – A Saint 10:14

1M ago10:14

10:14

Episode 3028 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCPL Kenneth L. Worley. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia. In the dense jungles of Quang Nam Province during the Vietnam … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 077: 1965-04-19 | Some Old Friends 6:27

1M ago6:27

6:27

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi returns from two nights of R and R in Saigon and slips into an easy rhythm of gossip and small comforts. There are no firefights in this letter. Instead we get pizza in the city, an afternoon at the Saigon Zoo, and late‑night stories with old friends like Al Guthrie and Fox. He even chuckles at the news that a…

1
Episode 3027 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Army PFC David F. Winder – A Saint 12:09

1M ago12:09

12:09

Episode 3027 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC David F. Winder. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross. During the Vietnam War, countless acts of heroism emerged, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 3026 – Tribute to Vietnam MoH Recipient U.S. Marine Corps PFC Alfred M. Wilson – A Saint 11:45

1M ago11:45

11:45

Episode 3026 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps PFC Alfred M. Wilson. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia. In the heat of the Vietnam War, U.S. Marine Corps Private … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

1
Episode 076: 1965-04-17 | People of the Landscape 6:32

1M ago6:32

6:32

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s letter from April 17, 1965 takes us to a medal ceremony in Bạc Liêu, where he receives the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The moment should feel triumphant, yet his tone is subdued. He stands in the heat, listens while his citation is read in Vietnamese, and has a wreath placed around his neck by young…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Vietnam Veteran Memoirs Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide