Episodes 138
Avg. Duration 7m
Activity Dormant
Since Oct 2024
Latest Episode Aug 2025

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Hosting
feeds.fireside.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Welcome to Dearest Suzie, a podcast and photo series that brings to life the personal letters, diary entries, and photographs of U.S. Army helicopter pilot William “Bill” Lowie during his service in the Vietnam War. In this introductory episode, host Alexander Lowie—Bill’s grandson and an anthropologist—sets the stage for a journey through family history and wartime memories. With the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaching, Alexander will share Bill’s experiences in a unique “on this day in history” format, pairing each diary entry or letter with a corresponding photograph. These materials offer a deeply personal glimpse into the war, with over 100 letters to his wife, Susan (“Suzie”), and more than 500 photos captured during his deployment. More than just a historical archive, Dearest Suzie is about discovery, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re interested in military history, personal stories, or exploring your own family’s past, this podcast encourages you to listen, learn, and share your own stories. Join us as we uncover Bill’s memories, one letter at a time.

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Recent Episodes

All Episodes, August 1965

Aug 31, 2025 47m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we reach the final stretch of Popi’s tour. August 1965 was a month of counting days, packing bags, and fighting nerves. Stationed in Da Nang, Popi spent most of the…

Episode 122: Dearest Suzie Finale

Aug 26, 2025 16m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, I write not just about Popi’s time in Vietnam, but about everything that’s come after. Sixty years after his letters home, I’m the same age he was in 1965 and I took…

Episode 121: Undated | Looking to the Sky

Aug 20, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes an undated letter from Vietnam. Charlie, his mischievous monkey, has finally been locked up after stealing candy from a care package. His cage now sits…

Episode 120: 1965-08-16 | Next Stop: Rucker

Aug 16, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 16, 1965. His orders still haven’t come through, but the destination is set: Fort Rucker, Alabama. He’s already packed, ready to ship his…

Episode 119: 1965-08-13 | A Too-Small Tablecloth

Aug 13, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 13, 1965, from a villa in Saigon. He’s groggy, hungry, and still waiting on the orders that will send him home. But in between complaints about…

Episode 118: 1965-08-09 | Packing Out

Aug 09, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 9, 1965, just after returning to Vinh Long. It’s his final stop before heading home, and the tone of the letter reflects that shift, lighter,…

Episode 117: 1965-08-06 | Not Meant to Live in Ink

Aug 06, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 6, 1965, just two days before he’s set to return to Vinh Long. His mission up north, “a mess” as he calls it, is finally over, and with less…

Episode 116: 1965-08-02 | Waiting to Write

Aug 02, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 2, 1965. He’s still stuck in limbo without orders, unsure where to send his letters, New Jersey or Florida, and frustrated by the instability…

All Episodes, July 1965

Jul 31, 2025 43m

In this compilation episode of Dearest Suzie, we revisit the letters of July 1965—a month of unbearable heat, long missions, and mounting exhaustion as Popi enters the final stretch of his tour.…

Episode 115: 1965-07-24 | Not in the Movie

Jul 24, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 24, 1965, during a rare day off. He’s not sure where Suzie is, in Florida or still in New Jersey, so he’s sending his letters home and hoping…

Episode 114: 1965-07-22 | Your World In A Bag

Jul 22, 2025 5m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 22, 1965. He’s still living out of a duffle bag, waiting for orders, and counting down the days—just 62 left in-country. Suzie’s letter has…

Episode 113: 1965-07-19 | Faith in War

Jul 19, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 19, 1965. The Viet Cong have been active, and he’s running on little rest. He’s relieved to hear Suzie is feeling better and jokes about the boys…

Episode 112: 1965-07-13 | The Long Way Home

Jul 13, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 13, 1965, reflecting on the grind of daily missions and the long shadow of homecoming. He’s finally received mail and it comes as…

Episode 111: 1965-07-08 | Little Games

Jul 08, 2025 7m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 8, 1965. He’s recently been relocated and is settling in for what he assumes will be a 30-day extension. Still no mail has…

Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam: Full Piece

Jul 07, 2025 17m

In this extended episode of Dearest Suzie, we take a deep dive into one of the most unsettling intersections of memory, military routine, and moral reckoning. Sparked by a real Stars and Stripes…

Episode 110: 1965-07-06 | Thirty-Six Hours and Counting

Jul 06, 2025 6m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 6, 1965, after completing a brutal 36-hour stretch of non-stop duty. He’s exhausted, running on fumes, and facing a major disappointment, what…

All Episodes, June 1965

Jul 03, 2025 1h 21m

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we turn the page to June 1965—a month that captures the emotional, physical, and moral exhaustion of war. From routine missions to the haunting fallout of…

Episode 109: 1965-07-02 | War At Home In Middle Georgia

Jul 02, 2025 12m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 2, 1965, sharing a short note from Da Nang. He’s still flying missions from dawn until dark, suffering through the relentless heat, and counting…

Episode 108: 1965-06-30 | His Shoes

Jun 30, 2025 15m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes to Suzie on June 30, 1965, from Da Nang, exhausted from a grueling work schedule that has him flying from dawn until after dark. Though short and weary,…

Episode 107: 1965-06-27 | The USO: A Home Away From Home

Jun 27, 2025 9m

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Da Nang on June 27, 1965, using stationery supplied by the USO, which prompts a reflection on the organization’s unique role in the Vietnam War and…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Dearest Suzie have?

Dearest Suzie has published 138 episodes since October 2024, covering topics in Education, History.

Is Dearest Suzie still active?

Dearest Suzie is currently dormant with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 7m.

How do I contact Dearest Suzie for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Dearest Suzie, including email and social media links.

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