Emma McDonald: How I Smashed Aviation’s Boys Club

Selema Masekela propels into the dizzying world of high-speed air racing with Air Race X pilot and aerobatic phenomenon, Emma McDonald. Emma breaks down her incredible career pivot from pole fitness champion to elite world-class pilot, the legacy of her flying family, and the terrifying moment she hit an eagle while flying upside down at 200mph. Check out Team Ignition on Social for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, highlights, and more: Website: ⁠https://www.teamignition.net⁠ TikTok: ⁠  / teamignitionofficial  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠  / teamignitionofficial  ⁠ Facebook: ⁠  / teamignitionofficial  ⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/TeamIGNOfficial⁠ 00:00 - Introduction 03:16 Capabilities of a Race Plane 05:10 The 8G Experience 09:34 Gymnastics & Pole Fitness Origins 14:25 Breaking Barriers as a Diesel Mechanic 21:45 Old Station Air Show 23:50 Family Legacy & The Reality of Tragedy 33:50 Selling It All for a Dream 40:17 A Father’s Perspective 42:43 Pre-Flight Rituals & Visualization 44:20 The Bird Strike Incident 50:07 The Meaning of "Beyond Gravity" 51:52 Empowering Women in Aviation 52:41 Legacy 53:40 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Selema Masekela steps inside the world of Freestyle Motocross (FMX) with Australian Nitro Circus star and X Games medallist, Jarryd McNeil. Jarryd breaks down why riding FMX is insane, the injuries that come with it, and how his signature Whip turned going sideways into one of the most crowd-pleasing tricks in action sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 10 of The Team Ignition Show, Leticia Bufoni and graffiti legend RISK dive deep into his incredible journey during an intimate podcast session. From dodging life-threatening situations—including being shot at—to getting arrested for his art, RISK opens up about the real-life stakes of pursuing his passion in the gritty world of graffiti. He also shares one of his most surreal moments: being contacted by Aerosmith to create art for their tour announcement. Through these stories, RISK offers an unfiltered look at the challenges, triumphs, and sheer determination it takes to carveout a legacy in street art. Don’t miss this raw and captivating conversation as RISK reveals the risks behind the art and what it takes to turn rebellion into recognition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 9 of The Team Ignition Show, poker legend Dan "Jungleman"Cates sits down with Leticia Bufoni for an unfiltered conversation about the highs and lows of life as a professional poker player. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories,including the time he lost a staggering one million dollars in a single day, offering a raw glimpse into the risks and rewards of high-stakes poker. From his early days discovering poker as a teenager to becoming one of the most feared players in the world, Dan opens up about the challenges, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in such a volatile field. He also dives into the mental and emotional toll of playing at the highest levels, revealing how he’s managed to thrive during the extreme ups and downs. Don’t miss this candid discussion where Dan shares valuable lessons about risk-taking, perseverance, and finding balance in a world defined by uncertainty.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 8 of The Team Ignition Show, Leticia Bufoni takes a closer look at the exhilarating world of motorsport alongside Amanda Sorensen, a professional race car driver known for her expertise in drifting.Amanda opens up about her journey, highlighting what makes drifting unique among racing disciplines. She delves into the adaptability required on the track and the valuable life lessons she’s gained through her career in motorsport.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the fearless mindset needed to thrive in high-adrenaline racing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 7 of The Team Ignition Show podcast, Leticia Bufoni joins world record-holding adventurer Ryan Robinson high in the mountains above San Bernardino. Ryan dives into the basics of slacklining and highlining, explaining how the two differ, while sharing his incredible journey - from watching daredevils on TV to breaking world records himself. Leticia is amazed by Ryan’s fearless feats, especially when he reveals that, like her, he battles a fear of heights. Ryan opens up about how he conquers that fear, using highlining as a form of meditation. He also takes Leticia through some of his most extreme highlining stunts, from mountain passes to river crossings, and explains how mastering his mindset is key to achieving these jaw-dropping challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, William Spencer joins Leticia Bufoni for an in-depth conversation about his life as a Hollywood stunt actor and pro skateboarder. William and Leticia connect over their shared background in skateboarding, with William explaining how he pioneered a unique blend of skating, parkour, and acrobatics to carve out his place in stunt work.    Leticia delves into William’s experiences working on the Spider-Man movies, where he served as the stunt double for Andrew Garfield. William shares his first, unforgettable encounter with Garfield, describing how they immediately hit it off and built a dynamic partnership both on set and beyond.     He reflects on the physical and creative demands of embodying an iconic superhero, recounting the intense training, technical mastery, and fearless mindset required to pull off Spider-Man’s daring stunts. From epic falls to perfectly timed flips, William gives an inside look at what it takes to perform some of Spider-Man’s most jaw-dropping moves.  Throughout the episode, William and Leticia explore the dedication and artistry involved in stunt work, highlighting the risks, rewards, and relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries that define their careers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alana Blanchard joins Leticia Bufoni for a relaxed conversation on the shores of O'ahu, Hawaii, with the iconic Pipeline break in the background.  Alana reflects on her early days growing up in Hawaii and learning to surf at one of the most famous spots in the world. She explains the significance of Pipeline and why surfers from around the globe are drawn to it, highlighting the risks not only from the massive waves but also from the sharks that inhabit Hawaii's waters.  As the conversation continues, Alana talks about raising a family as a professional athlete, discussing how she balances her career with family life and the decisions she makes for their well-being. Leticia relates to this, expressing her own desire to start a family someday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Leticia Bufoni sits down with Dashawn Jordan for an intimate conversation about his life, career, and perspective on risk-taking. Drawing from their long-standing friendship, the discussion flows naturally, unveiling the nuances of Dashawn's journey. Dashawn's also discusses his estranged father, who has recently re-entered his life, and the impact of this reconnection. The duo also reflects on Dashawn's most significant achievements, including his unforgettable laser heel flip at the 2017 Chicago SLS finals. Leticia finds a deep connection with Dashawn's approach to risk-taking, as they explore the idea that skaters must embrace substantial risks to achieve remarkable victories. Tune in for an engaging dialogue filled with insights and camaraderie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ocean joins Leticia at a beach house the next day to talk about their shared experience. During their conversation, Leticia learns about Ocean’s childhood and her deep-rooted fascination with sharks. They discuss the grave threats sharks face, including being hunted for their fins and the impact of ocean pollution.  Leticia is shocked to learn the staggering statistic that humans kill around 100 million sharks annually, while only about 10 people are killed by sharks each year—highlighting the stark imbalance in perception. Ocean also addresses the risks to humans and what precautions to take when swimming in Hawaiian waters, before concluding with the critical role sharks play in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices