Best Midlife Pilot Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
EP130 - Debriefing the Debriefs: Part 2 - Instrument Checkrides 1:07:00

5d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

In the compelling conclusion to their check ride series, the Midlife Pilot crew explores instrument rating experiences drawn from their Patreon community. From developing the perfect instrument scan to battling temperamental autopilots and partial-panel approaches, this episode reveals the unique challenges—and profound rewards—of becoming an instr…

1
Ep 249 It's Hard to See the Road...When You're On It 8:37

3d ago8:37

8:37

In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka reflects on the perseverance, purpose, and the long journey to becoming a professional pilot. Drawing inspiration from the grueling 21-day stage races of professional cycling like the Tour de France, Nik dives deep into what it means to keep going, even when the finish line feels out of reach. Whether you're bu…

1
Betraying a Friendship to Get a Viral Story 1:04:37

5d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

When blogger AJ Daulerio broke the Brett Favre sexting scandal in 2010, it became one of the biggest stories of his career. But it came at a cost: he had betrayed Jenn Sterger, the woman at the center of the story, who had confided in him as a friend and explicitly asked him not to name her. The fallout was immediate and lasting. Jenn became the ta…

1
Ep 248 Flight Plan Interrupted: A Midlife Journey from Runway to Recovery 28:29

6d ago28:29

28:29

GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/bf973f3f In this emotional and motivating episode, host Nik Fialka welcomes Trent Dyrsmid—known to many from "Fly With Trent"—to share his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to regional airline pilot. At 53, Trent boldly changed careers, completed an accelerated flight training program, and built a dedicated online f…

1
Working It Out With Mike Birbiglia: Comedy & Creativity, Podcasting & The Pope 1:26:31

6d ago1:26:31

1:26:31

Mike Birbiglia is a master storyteller, acclaimed comedian, and the creative force behind Netflix specials including "The Old Man & the Pool" and his newest, "The Good Life." This conversation explores the quiet architecture of story—how to shape it, live it, and share it in a way that matters. We talk about finding empathy for the parents who coul…

1
Ep 247 Suck Your Thumb or Get After It! 6:42

10d ago6:42

6:42

Host Nik Fialka shares a motivational solo episode, challenging pilots to take control of their aviation careers by becoming action-takers rather than sitting back and feeling discouraged. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with Tron Williams, Nik emphasizes the power of consistent effort, courage, and embracing discomfort to achieve success i…

1
From The Vault: Neuroscientist Matthew Walker On Why Sleep Is Your Superpower 3:06:59

10d ago3:06:59

3:06:59

Dr. Matthew Walker is a world-renowned neuroscientist, sleep expert, and the bestselling author of “Why We Sleep.” In this conversation, we explore sleep not as a passive state, but as the biological foundation of life itself—the platform from which wakefulness emerges. We dive into the architecture of sleep, its vital role in immune function, dise…

1
EP129 - Debriefing the Debriefs: Part 1 - Private Pilot Checkrides 1:04:40

12d ago1:04:40

1:04:40

In this first installment of their two-part check ride series, the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew mines gold from their community's private pilot exam experiences through intimate Patreon debriefs. Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle everything from the anxiety-inducing oral exam (which Ben likens to "walking into the delivery room") to those heart-stopping lan…

1
Why Chef José Andrés Googled ‘How to Be a Father’ 41:05

12d ago41:05

41:05

José Andrés is at the helm of more than a dozen restaurants and is famous for the humanitarian work that his organization World Central Kitchen does everywhere from Haiti to Gaza. But when it comes to parenting, José says he’s often felt less than confident. In this episode, he discusses his somewhat rocky upbringing in Spain, his successes and str…

1
Ep. 246 Fit to Fly: A Pilot’s Guide to Fitness and Nutrition 28:39

13d ago28:39

28:39

Host Nik Fialka sits down with Lashea Bacon, founder of Mile High Health Club, to explore the often-overlooked topic of pilot wellness. As both an airline pilot and certified personal trainer, Lashea shares her mission to bridge the gap between aviation and sustainable health by helping pilots build better habits—both on the road and at home. From …

1
Olympic Coach Stuart McMillan On The Science Of Speed, Unlocking Your Body's True Potential & Why Sprinting Is The Ultimate Human Activity 2:04:13

13d ago2:04:13

2:04:13

Stuart McMillan is an elite track and field coach who has guided 70+ Olympians to over 30 medals across nine Olympic Games. As CEO of ALTIS, a global leader in sports education, he's revolutionized how we understand human movement. This conversation is an exploration of speed—not just as a metric, but as a kind of alchemy. At the heart of Stuart's …

1
Ep 245 Life is Great...Chaos: Thriving in an Unpredictable World 5:18

17d ago5:18

5:18

In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka dives into the unavoidable chaos of life and aviation, exploring how embracing unpredictability can lead to personal and professional growth. From messy kitchens to turbulent skies, Nik shares how facing challenges head-on not only builds resilience but also sharpens your focus, helping you become a better pilo…

1
EP128 - Two Bounces and a Skip: Planning vs. Reality 1:08:00

19d ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they return from their epic Texas fly-in adventure with tales of triumph, near-misses, and one unfortunate set of wheel pants. Ted recounts his 28.3-hour post-fly-in journey that somehow went east instead of west ("Look, you can only chase tailwinds for so long"), while Brian shares his VFR limits revelation (…

1
Your IRL Dating Stories 54:35

19d ago54:35

54:35

A man delivers an unforgettable pickup line. A woman asks her Uber driver out on a date. A rancher swears off men and then, years later, suddenly develops feelings for the guy down the road. This week, listeners share offline dating stories for the ages, including charming meet-cutes, frustrating missed connections, and happily ever afters. We also…

1
Ep. 244 Wrenches, Waves, and Warbirds: Maintaining Naval Air Dominance in WWII 47:18

20d ago47:18

47:18

Welcome back to Ready 4 Pushback! Host Nik Fialka welcomes Stan Fisher — Naval Academy professor, PhD, aviator, and author of Sustaining the Carrier War — for a deep dive into the untold story of aircraft maintenance during World War II. Together, they explore how the U.S. Navy transformed from a fledgling aviation force in the 1930s into a dominan…

1
High Functioning: The Hidden Depression That May Be Stealing Your Joy & The Tools To Get It Back With Dr. Judith Joseph 1:58:31

20d ago1:58:31

1:58:31

Dr. Judith Joseph is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, clinical professor at NYU Medical School, and a renowned voice on high-functioning depression. In this conversation, we explore the paradox of achievement and anhedonia—the curious, often painful reality that success doesn't always equate to joy. Judith shares her clinical insights into why so ma…

1
Ep 243 Anna Talks Chickens: Finding Fulfillment Even with Ruffled Feathers 13:49

24d ago13:49

13:49

In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, Anna Fialka—Nick’s wife—takes the mic and reflects on finding creativity and connection amid the structure of aviation and parenting. Using her family’s adventures in chicken care, Anna draws parallels between a pilot’s responsibility to maintain safety protocols and a parent’s duty to nurture and protect. She c…

1
Earth's Hidden Wisdom: Paul Hawken On Reframing Carbon, Consciousness & Why Hope Lies Within Nature's Intelligence 1:42:09

24d ago1:42:09

1:42:09

Paul Hawken is one of the great elder statesmen of environmentalism, a bestselling author, and the mind behind Drawdown and Regeneration. This conversation explores the biosphere's intrinsic intelligence through the expansive lens of Paul's latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life. We discuss carbon's improbable origins, examine the mycelial networks …

1
EP127 - Big Texas Send Live from T82: Between Two Wheelpants 1:13:21

25d ago1:13:21

1:13:21

The Midlife Pilot Podcast hosts the Big Texas Send fly in at T82 in Fredericksburg, TX and lands with a thud (but "didn't dent the runway") at the gorgeous TAC Aero hangar. Ben, Brian, and Ted swap harrowing journey tales involving everything from Brian's "measured scud running" to Ted mysteriously ascending to 15,000 feet in a light sport ("Try a …

1
Isabel Allende on Grief, Ayahuasca, and Dating After 70 53:01

26d ago53:01

53:01

Isabel Allende didn’t publish her first book until she was 39, after losing nearly everything in the wake of the Chilean military coup. More than four decades later, she’s become one of the most beloved Spanish-language authors, with over 80 million copies of her books sold worldwide. After political exile, writing books became Allende’s way of mak…

1
Ep 242 What’s a Pilot Union? Inside ALPA’s World of Negotiations, Grievances, and Support 39:01

27d ago39:01

39:01

In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Tom Cross of ALPA—the largest union for airline pilots—to pull back the curtain on union life. Together, they cover everything from the basics of union membership and its benefits to the intricate processes of contract negotiation, grievance handling, and conflict resolution on the flight deck. This episod…

1
Kate Courtney Is Sending It: The Champion Mountain Biker On Redefining Elite Performance, Finding Joy In The Struggle & Seeing Sport As An Authentic Expression 2:14:16

27d ago2:14:16

2:14:16

Kate Courtney is a world champion mountain biker, Olympian, and the palmarès-rich face of American cycling. This conversation examines Kate's Olympic torch moment with Tom Cruise, her athletic philosophy, and her groundbreaking She Sends Racing initiative. We delve into mountain biking's Marin County roots, the tension between data and intuition, b…

1
Ep 241 Asking Questions: The Secret to Building Relationships in Your Career and Beyond 10:24

1M ago10:24

10:24

Nik Fialka is back and shares a powerful reflection from a recent trip with a fellow pilot—one where the conversation never turned into a true connection. The key takeaway? Asking questions matters. Whether you're chatting with a recruiter, networking at an event, or riding the airport bus, showing interest in others is how real relationships begin…

1
EP126 - Information Whiskey: "Like Oregon Trail Without Dysentery" 56:08

1M ago56:08

56:08

The Midlife Pilot crew prepares for their "Big Texas Send" fly-in at T82 while navigating spring weather challenges. Brian celebrates returning to flying after a 42-day maintenance hiatus, sharing stories of tower tours and smoke-signaling air tractors. Ted plans his epic 1800-mile cross-country journey in his LSA, which Brian dubs "Oregon Trail wi…

1
The Patient and Cunning Work of Defending LGBTQ Rights with a Republican Supermajority 56:14

1M ago56:14

56:14

In West Virginia, Republicans hold one of the largest supermajorities in the country, and it’s growing. Just 11 Democrats — down from 14 last year — are in the 134-member Legislature. It's a political reality that isn't necessarily conducive to advancing LGBTQ rights. But that's Andrew Schneider's job. As head of Fairness West Virginia, Andrew has …

1
Ep 240 The Recruiter's Playbook: Key Tactics to Shine at Airline Networking Events 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with “Jimmy”—a recruiter from a major airline—to delve into what it takes for pilots to make a lasting impression during meet-and-greets. Jimmy shares the critical details recruiters look for during these interactions. From resume presentation and the importance of good penmanship to the art of engaging convers…

1
Inside ‘The Telepathy Tapes’: Creator Ky Dickens Reveals The Extraordinary Story Behind The Podcast Sensation 2:00:15

1M ago2:00:15

2:00:15

Ky Dickens is the award-winning filmmaker behind "The Telepathy Tapes," the viral podcast phenomenon. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodiversity and consciousness as Ky shares her journey documenting non-speaking autistic individuals with apparent telepathic abilities. We discuss her transformation from pragmatic skeptic to someo…

1
Ep 239 Lean Into A Challenge: Why Taking Action Makes You A Better Pilot 6:26

1M ago6:26

6:26

In this motivating solo episode, host Nik Fialka explores what it means to lean into the challenges that come with an aviation career. Challenges are constant and unavoidable, but how you face them determines what kind of pilot and person you become. Nik shares mindset strategies to help you step forward instead of retreat, build momentum, and gain…

1
The Modern Elder: Chip Conley On Reframing Midlife, Cultivating True Wisdom & Finding Purpose In Life's Second Half 2:05:30

1M ago2:05:30

2:05:30

Chip Conley is a hospitality maverick, founder of Modern Elder Academy, and the entrepreneurial sage who helped transform Airbnb from a startup to a global phenomenon. This conversation explores midlife as a chrysalis rather than a crisis—a transformative journey from ego to soul. Chip illuminates the path from horizontal achievement to vertical gr…

1
EP125 - "What Am I Doing?": Extinguishing Helmet Fires Before They Consume You 1:04:59

1M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

When your CFI asks for your name and you respond with "standby" – you're experiencing what pilots call a helmet fire. In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the phenomenon of task saturation that affects pilots at every level, from Ben's instrument approach adventures where he made what sounded like "Charlie Brown's teacher" over the radio,…

1
Are Airline Pilots Allowed to Be Depressed? 54:32

1M ago54:32

54:32

To fly a plane, pilots must prove to the Federal Aviation Administration that they’re physically and mentally fit. But when it comes to mental health, the rules are complicated and, some say, outdated. Pilots who need antidepressants are limited to a short list of approved medications and must take a mandatory six-month leave. Even common diagnoses…

1
Ep 238 Time-Building, Failure, and Focus: One Pilot's Real Journey 40:42

1M ago40:42

40:42

In this candid and motivating episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Tyler Wyman, a bartender and aspiring pilot who is carving his own path through flight training and time-building, without the backing of a formal program. From funding flight hours and overcoming a checkride failure to taking control and finding fulfillment, Tyler lays it all on the …

1
Beyond 10% Happier: Dan Harris On Meditation As A Superpower, Transforming Anxiety, & Finding Peace In Uncertain Times 1:58:19

1M ago1:58:19

1:58:19

Dan Harris is the former ABC News anchor whose on-air panic attack catalyzed his transformation from skeptical journalist to meditation ambassador. This conversation explores Dan’s journey with meditation—from stress management tool to profound inquiry into consciousness and uncertainty. We discuss his practice evolving far beyond his bestselling b…

1
Ep 237 Just Keep Swimming: Navigating Uncertainty Without Losing Sight of the Dream 10:00

1M ago10:00

10:00

In this episode of Ready for Pushback, host Nik Fialka reflects on a recent conversation with a close friend who’s battling the fear and uncertainty of possible failure. Nik draws parallels to his own leap of faith into aviation later in life, offering powerful encouragement to pilots (and dreamers) everywhere who are navigating tough transitions a…

1
EP124 - Parking: The Episode That Goes Nowhere 57:29

2M ago57:29

57:29

Join the Midlife Pilot Podcast crew as they tackle the surprisingly complex world of airport parking that flight schools never teach you. Between Brian's maintenance woes with Lucy, Ted's triumphant return of "the egg" from annual, and preparations for their upcoming Texas fly-in, the hosts share hilarious stories about confusing marshaling signals…

1
How the ‘Subway Takes’ Guy Became His Own Nepo Baby 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Kareem Rahma, host of the viral web series Subway Takes, says he’s been working since he was 14 and hasn’t really taken a break. In high school, he worked service jobs. In college, he bought and re-sold motorcycles, jeans, and whatever else he thought he could flip. This week on the show, Kareem explains why he’s had so many jobs, including posts a…

1
EP 235: The Life-Changing Aviation Camp That’s Transforming the Industry! 23:30

2M ago23:30

23:30

In this episode, we sit down with flight instructor and dedicated volunteer Sarah Bauermeister to discuss her journey in aviation and her passionate involvement with PreFlight Camp. Sarah shares insights into the benefits of learning to fly through a community college program, her personal experiences as an instructor, and the impact of mentorship …

1
Phil Stutz & Elise Loehnen Share Tools For Inner Well-being, How To Embrace Pain, Uncertainty & Constant Work As Divine Invitations, & Why Everything You’re Avoiding Will Transform Your Life 1:33:29

2M ago1:33:29

1:33:29

Phil Stutz is the legendary psychiatrist, author, and protagonist in the Netflix documentary “Stutz.” Alongside co-author and writer Elise Loehnen, they explore their new book “True & False Magic.” This conversation delves into “Part X”—the destructive force within us all—along with Universe 1 vs. Universe 2 thinking, and how pain, uncertainty, and…

1
Ep 234. Practice Makes Permanent: The Secret to Flying, Training, and Interviewing 9:10

2M ago9:10

9:10

Welcome back to Ready for Pushback! Today, Nick Fialka dives into a game-changing insight from Spitfire coach Jason Batchelor: "Practice Makes Permanent." Whether you're in flight training, preparing for a check ride, or getting ready for an airline interview, how you practice determines your success. This episode explores why holding yourself to h…

1
Power, Property, & Prestige: Kurt Sutter & Katey Sagal Share The Unfiltered Truth About Marriage, Recovery, Success Addiction & The Path Back To Purpose 2:07:31

2M ago2:07:31

2:07:31

Kurt Sutter and Katey Sagal are the Hollywood power couple behind “Sons of Anarchy,” numerous iconic performances, and hosts of the podcast “PIE.” This conversation strips bare the intoxicating trap of fame, the parallel paths that led them both to sobriety at 31, and the brutal honesty required to save their relationship when “money, property, and…

1
EP123 - The Answer to All Solutions: Level Seven Hangar Living 1:03:41

2M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

In this episode, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into the challenges of finding and maintaining hangar space, or not having one. From ratchet straps (BAD) and tornado warnings (ALSO BAD) to the joys of electricity and the sorrows of cold starts, the guys discuss how far they'd travel for a good hangar and why sometimes your plane becomes 'an outdoor pet.'…

1
Scorpion Venom and Coffee Enemas Didn't Cure My Mother's Cancer 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

At a time when skepticism about conventional medicine has become even more mainstream, we’re revisiting a story about the causes and effects of that mistrust. Archie Matlow’s mother refused to get a surgery that could have saved her life, which led to her and Archie trying to love each other while bitterly at odds. You can listen to the full audio …

1
EP 233: Pilots, Don’t Ignore This! The Medical Battle That Almost Ended a Career 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

Former Army Black Hawk pilot and airline captain Ross McClure shares his deeply personal story of struggling with a back injury that nearly ended his flying career. After an incident involving a lasing on final approach, his back problems worsened, leading to years of medical challenges, surgeries, and legal battles. Ross opens up about navigating …

1
Let Them Theory: Mel Robbins On Reclaiming Your Power, Finding Freedom In Letting Go & The Simple Tool That's Transforming Millions of Lives 1:54:47

2M ago1:54:47

1:54:47

Mel Robbins is a celebrated podcast host, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most sought-after experts in mindset and behavior change. This conversation explores the paradox at the heart of human suffering—that we exhaust ourselves trying to control the uncontrollable. Mel’s counterintuitive “Let Them Theory” offers a deceptively …

1
EP 232. Pilot Career Survival Guide: Smart Strategies for Your Pilot Career 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

The aviation industry is full of opportunities—but many pilots struggle to find the right path. Whether you're just starting flight school, transitioning from the military, or navigating financial and career roadblocks, this episode is for you. Nick Fialka dives deep into the critical decisions pilots face: financing your training, balancing work a…

1
EP122 - "I Plan My Stops Around Food" and IFR Training: CFII Erica Gilbert 1:04:36

2M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Join us for special guest Erica Gilbert, a CFII and TBM pilot who brings her expertise on cross-country planning and adult learning to the show. While Ben mourns his grounded "Beast" waiting on engine work, and Mark celebrates his impressive 693-nautical-mile nonstop flight in his upgraded Cherokee 235, Erica shares her refreshing approach to fligh…

1
Laughing About Hard Things 1:11:29

2M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

Alongside life's darkest moments there often are moments of absurdity that make us laugh. In this episode, from a live San Francisco comedy festival in January, Anna and guests talk about the special kind of comedy born of something sad. Comedians Guy Branum and Carl Tart share stories of writing a sitcom about Zoom-era social relationships. Chanel…

1
Ep 231: Stop Making These Resume Mistakes: Hiring Hacks from an Industry Recruiter 38:09

2M ago38:09

38:09

Struggling to get hired as a pilot? In this episode, Ralyn Wheeler shares her journey from estate management to aviation and her role as a Part 135 pilot recruiter. She dives into what recruiters actually look for in a resume, how to make yours stand out in the right way, and common mistakes that could cost you an opportunity. She also discusses th…

1
You Are Already Enough: Maria Shriver On Finding Your Voice, Healing After Heartbreak, Brain Health Advocacy, & The Power Of Self-Acceptance 1:53:57

2M ago1:53:57

1:53:57

Maria Shriver is a renowned journalist, Kennedy family scion, and award-winning advocate for women's brain health. This conversation explores the parasocial relationship between public figure and audience as Maria shares her authentic journey of self-discovery through poetry. We discuss her upbringing in America's political "royalty,&q…

1
Ep 230: Stop Flying on Autopilot! Take Control of Your Aviation Future 9:42

2M ago9:42

9:42

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic and evolving world of aviation, and learn to reflect on the continuous growth and learning that come with every flight. From starting with ambitious goals to adapting to unexpected turns in your aviation journey, the discussion emphasizes the importance of evolving your dreams and embracing new opportunitie…

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Midlife Pilot Podcast

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