Skyward Podcast

Pilots spend hours locked in cramped cockpits — and their bodies pay the price. In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Jackie White, PT, aviation physical therapist and founder of Skyline Wellness, to talk about what's actually going wrong in pilots' bodies and what to do about it.Dr. Jackie breaks down the most common complaints she sees — low back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder tension — and why the cockpit itself is part of the problem. She shares simple movement habits you can do between flights, how to stay fueled when food access is unpredictable, and why catching an issue early is the difference between a quick fix and months of chronic pain.Whether you're a student pilot, CFI, commercial pilot, or just someone who spends too much time sitting — this one's for you.In this episode:→ Why pilots get low back pain (and how to prevent it)→ The muscle imbalance caused by right-rudder dominance→ Mobility moves you can do between flights→ Nutrition on the go: what to keep in your flight bag→ How Dr. Jackie works with pilots remotelyChapters00:43 Introduction to Aviation Physical Therapy03:02 Dr. Jackie White's Journey to Aviation Physical Therapy06:03 The Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist09:00 Experiences at Sun & Fun Airshow12:02 Merging Aviation with Physical Therapy15:00 The Birth of Skyline Physical Therapy18:01 Tailoring Rehab Programs for Pilots21:06 Common Physical Complaints Among Pilots31:32 Family Connections and Mobility Insights32:41 Understanding G-Forces and Their Impact on Pilots35:27 Challenges for Flight Students and Instructors39:34 Hydration and Nutrition for Pilots41:58 Nutrition Strategies for Pilots45:39 Non-Negotiable Health Practices for Pilots50:37 Success Stories in Pilot Health and Fitness55:34 Addressing Muscle Imbalances in Pilots01:00:23 Gender Differences in Pilot Health01:02:07 Simple Tips for Immediate Relief01:03:57 Future Plans for Skyline WellnessSubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if this episode hit home, comment your biggest physical complaint from flying below, and share with a fellow pilot!Find Dr. Jackie & Skyline Wellness: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHHOlv4WkU/nMLW8qqb0dQLFAdXrbtzrg/view?utm_content=DAHHOlv4WkU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h403d708cb5&fbclid=PAT01DUARSdl9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAade5gtAtesn546nUynes53vMIoPHxvQ2URgZHX24bqG83NNJal4QDivr_tNyw_aem_auVFP91tO4J3hU924ZPnWALearn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you're looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...Patreon Community is up and running! If you're looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here's your spot! / skywardpodcast🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who's been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

Cailyx Madensky shares her inspiring journey into aviation, becoming a commercial pilot trainee, and leading the Ninety-Nines Maple Leaf Chapter. We discuss overcoming COVID delays, the power of mentorship, staying motivated through setbacks, and building community with Let’s Discover Aviation Now events.Chapters00:57 Introduction to Aviation Dreams02:59 The Journey Begins: From Curiosity to Training05:57 Navigating Setbacks: The Impact of COVID-1909:04 Family Ties: Sibling Support in Aviation12:04 Mentorship and Guidance: Key Influences15:03 Lessons Learned: Patience and Persistence17:55 Future Aspirations: Goals in Aviation21:07 Advice for Aspiring Pilots22:53 Community Engagement: Involvement with the 99s23:31 Introduction to the 99s and Personal Journey25:44 Community Engagement and Event Planning30:08 The Impact of Introductory Flights35:40 Inclusivity and Opportunities in Aviation39:24 Connecting with the 99s44:11 Future Aspirations for the Maple Leaf ChapterSubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

Pilot Mercedes welcomes back Alivia Chanyi, First Officer at Jazz, sharing ALPA’s pilot advocacy, two-crew safety push, mentorship, Dreams Take Flight’s magical Disney trips for kids, and Special Olympics impact. Inspiring aviation + community stories! Subscribe, comment your favorite moment, share with aviation friends.Chapters01:03 Introduction to ALPA and Mentorship Programs02:50 Advocating for Aviation Safety and Security06:03 Career Development and Community Building in ALPA08:57 Dreams Take Flight: Creating Magical Experiences for Children11:49 The Role of Air Canada in Dreams Take Flight15:10 Planning a Dream Flight: Logistics and Volunteer Efforts18:00 Personal Connections to Dreams Take Flight21:05 Involvement with Special Olympics24:11 Encouraging Community Involvement and Support27:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut...🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

Discover how The 99s, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, and Canadian Women in Aviation empower women in Canada's skies! Pilot Mercedes chats with First Officer Alivia Chanyi (Jazz Aviation, CRJ pilot) about scholarships, mentorship, outreach, and building community in an industry where women are still underrepresented.Key highlights:The 99s history & global growthNorthern Lights: Elsie MacGill Awards & eventsCWIA conferences & connectionsInspired by women supporting women in flight? Share your thoughts—which org excites you most?Subscribe, like, comment, and share with aspiring pilots!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alivia Chanyi and Women in Aviation01:16 Alivia’s Background and Involvement in Aviation Organizations03:29 The History of the 99s and Its Significance06:55 Growth of the 99s in Canada and Worldwide10:30 Community Projects and Initiatives in Canadian Chapters11:37 Scholarships and Support for Women in Aviation13:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Aviation16:12 Educational Outreach and Inspiring Future Generations22:53 Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Mission and Activities26:09 Elsie MacGill and Her Legacy in Aviation28:49 Nominations and Recognizing Women in Aviation31:29 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry35:50 Partnerships and Community Engagement42:28 Canadian Women in Aviation and Its Role44:35 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved46:17 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsSubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut...🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

9-to-5 drained? Try the reset: quick workout, top-down list, 25-min bursts. No burnout, real results from personal experience.Chapters01:07 Transitioning from Work to Study05:12 Lessons from Past Mistakes10:52 Effective Study Techniques15:26 The Importance of Rest and RecoverySubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_...Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut...🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!#FlightTraining #StudentPilot #studytips #PilotLife #AviationPodcast #fulltimework #BecomeAPilot #flightinstructor Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

Pilot Alan Ash shares his first solo nerves, tense Everglades crossings, hailstorm landing as a student, and planes flown. Timeless GA lessons from a lifelong pilot.Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Chapters:00:44 Early Flying Adventures and First Solo Experience11:28 Navigating the Everglades and Flight Safety16:19 Diverse Aircraft Experiences and Lessons LearnedLearn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

In this episode, I open up about 4 personal flight training stories that shaped me as a pilot – and mistakes I hope you avoid:My exhilarating (and hilarious) first solo at just 15 years old – the nerves, bumpy landing, perfect second try, and the mix-up that had my head instructor thinking I stole the plane! The costly lesson of NOT researching regulations when switching from Canada to US flight training – how ignoring FAA vs Transport Canada differences set me back during instrument ground school.How an unhealthy teenage relationship drained my energy and hurt my progress... until I learned the power of supportive, healthy relationships that accelerated my training.The heart-pounding real engine failure during multi-engine climb – and how drilling emergency procedures saved the day with an automatic second nature response.Whether you're a student pilot working on your PPL, instrument rating, multi-engine, or just dreaming of becoming a pilot, these stories deliver joy, tough lessons, and practical advice on preparation, mindset, relationships, and mastering emergencies.Key takeaways for aspiring pilots:Always research regs before international training movesProtect your focus – toxic relationships can sabotage studiesPractice emergency procedures until they're muscle memoryFree Resources: Check my Patreon for helpful flight training tools I used (linked below)!If you're in flight school, considering pilot training in Canada or the US (Florida weather wins!), or love aviation stories – this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 The Joy of First Solo Flight03:03 Navigating International Flight Regulations05:53 The Impact of Relationships on Training09:11 Mastering Emergency ProceduresSubscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedesEmail: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!#FlightTraining #StudentPilot #FirstSolo #PilotLife #AviationPodcast #EmergencyProcedures #PPL #InstrumentRating #PilotStories #BecomeAPilotTap this to send Mercedes a message!

In this inspiring episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with aviation legend Lola Reid Allin — one of Canada's earliest female commercial pilots, flight instructor, Twin Otter captain, award-winning author, photographer, and adventurer who's explored over 65 countries.Lola shares her remarkable journey starting in 1979, when women in the cockpit were rare and often unwelcome. From battling family discouragement and societal expectations, to becoming the first female chief flight instructor at multiple schools, flying bush ops in the North, and facing intense challenges like electrical failures, spins, and outright discrimination — her story is one of resilience, joy, and quiet revolution.We dive into:Growing up fascinated by clouds and planes in a time when girls were steered toward "traditional" rolesTrailblazing milestones as a woman in a male-dominated industryHair-raising in-flight emergencies and how she kept calm under pressureHer new memoir Highway to the Sky: An Aviator's Journey and why she wrote it after a shocking 2014 note to a female captainWhether you're a pilot, aspiring aviator, or simply love stories of determination against the odds, this conversation celebrates the pioneers who opened the skies for future generations.Note for parents & younger readers: While Highway to the Sky is a powerful and worthwhile read, it does explore some mature themes including adult situations, violence, and depictions of abuse. Reader discretion is advised, especially for young audiences.📖 Highway to the Sky (available on Amazon worldwide + audiobook!)🌐 lolareidallin.comRemember to rate this podcast and follow for more behind-the-scenes aviation stories! ✈️Chapters00:00 Trailblazing in Aviation: Lola Reed Allen's Journey02:59 Overcoming Barriers: The Challenges of Being a Female Pilot05:51 Inspiration and Role Models: The Impact of Early Influences09:12 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Experiences and Insights11:56 The Evolution of Female Representation in Aviation14:59 Flight Instruction: Mentoring the Next Generation18:03 Personal Growth Through Aviation: Lessons Learned20:58 The Future of Women in Aviation: Progress and Challenges56:04 The Power of Storytelling in Writing01:00:06 Facing Challenges in Aviation01:05:56 The Journey of Writing a Book01:16:49 The Art of Audiobook Production01:20:36 Exploring Aircraft Experience01:29:04 Crisis Management in Aviation01:43:44 Lessons Learned in Aviation and LifeWhether you’re an aspiring pilot, a recreational flyer, considering aviation as a career or hobby, or simply inspired by the skies, these gems will motivate you heading into 2026.Thank you for an amazing launch year — here’s to flying higher in the next!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/Email: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospaTap this to send Mercedes a message!

As 2025 comes to a close, join host Pilot Mercedes for a special year-end episode of Skyward — the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the aviation and aerospace world.In this “Best of 2025” compilation, we revisit the most powerful, honest, and actionable advice shared by our incredible guests throughout the year. From seasoned airline captains and military pilots to flight attendants, hobby flyers, NASA-funded scientists, and those overcoming unique challenges like diabetes in aviation, this episode packs timeless wisdom for anyone passionate about flying.You’ll hear standout insights on:- Cultivating a growth mindset and handling feedback- The importance of frequency, recency, and never letting ego outpace skill- Staying adaptable, networking, and finding mentorship- Why weather is the #1 factor every pilot must respect- Advice specifically for women breaking into the industry- Balancing family, mistakes, and humility in high-stakes careers- Turning challenges into opportunities and never losing the joy of flightChapters00:00 Introduction to Skyward Podcast and 2025 Highlights02:58 Guidance for Aspiring Aviation Professionals05:56 Tips for New Pilots and Flight Attendants09:06 Exploring Aviation as a Career or Hobby12:01 Navigating Challenges in Aviation14:47 Advice for Women in Aviation18:08 Managing Health Challenges in Aviation21:10 Learning from Mistakes in Aviation24:09 Conclusion and Future AspirationsWhether you’re an aspiring pilot, a recreational flyer, considering aviation as a career or hobby, or simply inspired by the skies, these gems will motivate you heading into 2026.Thank you for an amazing launch year — here’s to flying higher in the next!Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/Email: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

In this episode host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Captain Jason McGillis, an 18-year Royal Canadian Air Force maritime helicopter pilot and current CH-148 Cyclone instructor.Jason takes us from joining the RCAF straight out of high school with ZERO flying experience → flying the legendary Sea King on deployments around the world → transitioning to the modern fly-by-wire Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone → and now teaching the next generation of Canadian naval aviators.We go deep on:Joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a pilot with no prior flight timeThe intense RCAF pilot training pipeline (Phase 1, 2, 3 explained)Why he chose rotary/maritime helicopters over fighters or transportLife married to a Royal Canadian Navy officer and how they kept both careers on the same coastFlying and deploying on the Sea King (including the famous “coupler” and in-flight refueling)Being on the very last HMCS Athabaskan (280-class destroyer) sail and the first operational Cyclone detachment at seaThe massive differences between the 1960s Sea King and the glass-cockpit CycloneWhat it’s really like deck-landing in rough seas, bear-trap operations, and dual-helo opsBecoming a Cyclone instructor and what the RCAF looks for in future maritime pilotsPowerful career & life advice: “Never make the same mistake twice” and “You haven’t failed until you’ve stopped”Whether you’re an aspiring military pilot, a helicopter geek, a Canadian aviation fan, or just love real behind-the-scenes RCAF stories, this episode is packed with rarely heard insights.If you enjoyed this episode, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more real aviation careers, and let us know in the comments: Would YOU join the RCAF as a pilot with no experience?Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Captain Jason McIllis00:58 - Journey into the Canadian Armed Forces10:14 - Educational Background and Early Flying Experiences25:46 - Choosing Helicopters: A Personal Decision35:01 - Early Fleet Experiences and Aircraft Qualifications49:56 - Operational Insights from the Sea King01:05:21 - Transitioning to the CH-148 Cyclone01:15:36 - Instructing Future Pilots01:35:36 - Advice for Aspiring PilotsLinks:Day in the Life of the RCAF: Shearwater - Flying the CH-148 Cyclonehttps://youtu.be/hf2jLPVQv74?si=e1vQXK54re01wP8nFree Show Notes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EM4qQ8AL1YiNRTNw7o44rvoGmFXPU9ju1eeOPY3duU8/edit?usp=sharingLearn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/Email: [email protected] you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink🎙️ Hosted by Pilot MercedesWith years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!Tap this to send Mercedes a message!