About this episode
In this unforgettable episode of So There I Was , Howie Franklin—the only steward to serve five U.S. Presidents aboard Air Force One—joins us for an incredible deep dive into presidential history. With unmatched humor, insight, and warmth, Howie shares behind-the-scenes stories about Presidents Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Bush, and Ford. From rock-and-roll boombox diplomacy to emotional moments following family loss, Howie paints a vivid portrait of the human side of leadership. He details what it was like to see President Clinton evolve in office, the unmatched organization of the Reagan administration, and hilarious anecdotes about presidential quirks—including broccoli mishaps and golf trip pranks. Howie’s tales span the globe, from Air Force One logistics in Moscow to midnight flights across the Mediterranean, all grounded in respect and service. With humility and passion, Howie reminds us that behind every commander-in-chief is a hardworking team, and that leadership—at its best—is about compassion, service, and humor. If you’ve ever wanted a fly-on-the-wall perspective of history in motion, this episode delivers.