Ep 364 The Summer Slump: What to Do When Hiring Slows and Everything Feels Like It's on Hold

July 09, 2026 5:00am 18 min

Summer hiring slowdowns can feel frustrating, but delays don't always mean your career has stalled. Learn how to stay current, prepare for training, and keep your options open while waiting for class dates. Discover why ...

Ep 363 Flying Flexjet Worldwide, The Honest Details

July 07, 2026 1:00pm 41 min

Flexjet captain Zach DiGiovanni returns to give an honest, detailed look at life flying in the international large‑cabin program at a 91K/135 fractional. He breaks down the Red Label model, schedule structure, and what p...

Ep 362 Pilot Stories: How I Got Hired, Real Client Hiring Stories Webinar

July 02, 2026 5:00am 1:14

Ep 361 Inside Medevac: The Real Life of a HEMS Pilot

June 29, 2026 5:00am 38 min

Nate "Kiwi" Jaenichen joins Nik for an inside look at helicopter emergency medical services, from base operations and single-pilot flying to the reality of a seven-on/seven-off schedule. Drawing on his military rotor-win...

Ep 360 Key to a Great Interview: Don't Close Past the Sale

June 25, 2026 5:00am 16 min

Nik breaks down why pilots tend to talk themselves out of strong interview answers by "closing past the sale." He explains how over‑explaining and filling silence can cause interviewers to lose interest, even when you st...

Ep 359 From Canvas to Cockpit: Jakhar's Path from Artist to Pilot

June 22, 2026 5:00am 35 min

Jakhar Yunussov, a Kazakhstani pilot known as "@artmonster_" on Instagram, joins Nik to share his unique journey from art school to an architecture degree to his upcoming Airbus training. He reflects on his transition in...

Ep 358 The Aviation Imbalance: Finding Time, Being Present

June 18, 2026 5:00am 22 min

Nik unpacks what it really means for pilots to be present with their families despite long overnights, junior schedules, and constant transitions. He contrasts airline life with his former corporate consulting job, showi...

Ep 357 Perseverance Through Failure with Tim Manley

June 15, 2026 5:00am 43 min

Tim Manley, a current Part 135 pilot, joins Nik to discuss his journey - one shaped by setbacks, resilience, and growth. He emphasizes the value of persevering through failure and turning those moments into opportunities...

Ep 355 The Future of Flight Training

June 08, 2026 5:00am 36 min

Donald Maloy of Maloy Aircraft joins Nik to share his vision for a more streamlined path from zero experience to becoming an airline-ready pilot. Drawing on his background as a Naval Aviator, he explains how the structur...

Ep 354 Think Before You Talk: Applying Radio Discipline to Pilot Interview

June 04, 2026 5:00am 12 min

Nik returns in this solo show with a clear message: think before you speak. While that advice applies in the air with the push-to-talk switch, it's just as critical in an interview setting. Rather than relying on improvi...

Ep 353 Flying Paychecks into Property Wealth with Marty Medve

June 01, 2026 5:00am 37 min

In this Ready for Pushback episode, Nik reconnects with wide‑body captain and Trident Home Loans owner Marty Medve to talk about building a financial legacy beyond the cockpit. Marty breaks down how today's high rates, l...

Ep 352 Solo Sick With Envy

May 28, 2026 5:01am 9 min

On today's solo episode, Nik draws on a powerful excerpt from John Steinbeck to highlight the excellence, discipline, and consistency demanded of aviation professionals. While today's pilots may differ from the Vietnam-e...

Ep 351 Commanding a Navy Reserve Squadron with Ted Kyriopoulos

May 25, 2026 5:01am 23 min

In this special on-location episode, Nik sits down with Ted Kyriopoulos, Commanding Officer of the VR-58 "Sun Seekers," moments after his change-of-command ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. Ted shares his a...

Ep 350 Know When to Stop Talking in an Interview

May 21, 2026 5:00am 11 min

Nik is back today with a simple reminder: don't talk too much in an interview. Rambling can create confusion, invite contradictions, and sometimes signal a lack of confidence. By contrast, pilots who communicate with bre...

Ep 349 Using the GI Bill to Kickstart Your Career with Pray Aviation

May 18, 2026 5:00am 46 min

In this episode, Doug Mitchell of Pray Aviation joins Nic to break down how veterans can make the most of the GI Bill for flight training. He explains why earning a private pilot license is a crucial first step to unlock...

Ep 348 Don't Overthink the Path to Your Dream Job

May 14, 2026 5:00am 11 min

Do you tend to overthink things? You are not alone! In this solo show, Nik implores listeners to go back to the basics and stop overthinking the hiring process. He emphasizes the importance of intentional thinking, creat...

Ep 347 Developing Aviation Professionals at Kansas State University with Ty Pina

May 11, 2026 5:00am 1:03

In this episode, Nik sits down with Ty Pina, Aviation Department Head at Kansas State University. Drawing on 21 years of service in the Air Force, Ty reflects on his journey leading K-State's aviation program and shares ...

Ep 346 After Spirit: A Pilot's Playbook for What's Next Webinar

May 07, 2026 5:00am 1:32

In place of this week's solo episode, Nik is joined by Jaron Roux and Haley Ageton of Spitfire Elite Consulting on a recent webinar focused on helping former Spirit pilots navigate their next career move. Spitfire's core...

Ep 345 Professional Aircraft Detailing with Chris Hibben and JetGlow Aviation

May 04, 2026 5:00am 40 min

Former Navy and Air Force combat photographer Chris Hibben joins Nik to discuss how his unique aviation background led him to create JetGlow Aviation, an aircraft detailing company based in Oshkosh, WI. Chris explains wh...

Ep 344 Stop Telling, Start Offering: Show Hiring Teams Your True Value

April 30, 2026 5:00am 12 min

It's normal for people to have wants, but Nik is here today to remind everyone that wants don't get you hired. Instead of telling companies what you want, shift your focus to what you offer and how you can address a comp...