“Reconnaissance Man” Podcast Created in Our Makerspace Preserves U.S. Marine Corps History

Written by Ella D., Library Communications

In December 2025, investigative journalist Ashly McGlone, opens a new window had a story to tell. Ashly was new to the Bay Area and in need of podcasting equipment to bring her latest project to life—a series exploring her grandfather's 30-year military career as a Force Recon Marine.  

Ashly connected with David Vargas, senior librarian at San Mateo County Libraries, and together, the pair spent the next three months recording episodes of Reconnaissance Man, opens a new window in the Belmont Library makerspace. 

"It never dawned on me that the local library could be an option for this project until then. I searched and called around and learned about the Belmont Library podcast space and was thrilled," said McGlone. 

Reconnaissance Man follows the career of Marine Corps veteran James Lyle Steele. The nine-episode podcast chronicles Steele's journey from his small-town roots to his elite military career spanning several decades. Through a compilation of research and interviews, McGlone captures Steele's firsthand accounts of endurance, loss and sacrifice during his service in the Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis and Dominican Civil War. 

A History Preserved 

Working side by side, McGlone brought her passion for storytelling while Vargas brought his technical makerspace knowledge. "It felt like I was sitting front row, soaking up all the details of her grandfather's battles, family life and tours as a Marine," said Vargas, who helped record each podcast episode. 

"The expertise of library staff was key to getting the quality narration recording I needed to finish the project. David Vargas demystified the process and helped make this project possible," said McGlone. 

McGlone was able to access the professional-grade podcasting equipment she needed for free at the Belmont Library makerspace, including microphones, filters, headphones, recording software, amplifiers and editing software. Throughout the course of the project, the makerspace transformed into an epicenter for living history where Steele's irreplaceable stories and memories were preserved for generations to come.  

"These types of military veteran stories are worth capturing and sharing before they are lost, and they hold valuable insights still useful today. Modern technology with some expert assistance from your local library makes such projects easier than ever," said McGlone. 

After completing the podcast series, McGlone accepted a partnership with the Combat Story and Marine Reconnaissance Foundation to develop a video series, opens a new window based on her recordings. The first three episodes of Reconnaissance Man, opens a new window are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Get in touch to learn more about our makerspaces and what's possible with San Mateo County Libraries.