Welcome to the Midlife Pilot Podcast, where we share the experiences and the challenges of flying in midlife. Whether you're a seasoned pilot, training for private or instrument ratings, or just thinking about getting started in aviation, we like to think of the podcast as your aviation companion, and your weekly dose of aviation inspiration. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted - the show is not instruction - it's all about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure ...
…
continue reading
This podcast is dedicated to empowering women-especially moms and those in midlife-who are stepping onto the mats and embracing the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
…
continue reading

1
Episode 5: Stronger Together: Supporting Women in BJJ with Black Belt Tyler Scalisi
1:17:51
1:17:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:51In this episode of The Midlife Mount, we explore what it truly means to build a stronger, more inclusive BJJ community. Black belt Tyler Scalisi, owner of Olympic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, joins the conversation to discuss the role male leaders play in supporting women on the mats. We dive into the challenges women face in BJJ, how gym culture can make …
…
continue reading

1
EP122 - "I Plan My Stops Around Food" and IFR Training: CFII Erica Gilbert
1:04:36
1:04:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:36Join 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…
…
continue reading

1
EP121 - Information Whiskey: Between Patience and Numbness
1:03:48
1:03:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:48Join Ben, Brian, and Ted for hangar talk about the joys (and pains) of annual inspections in this episode of the Midlife Pilot Podcast. The guys commiserate over their planes being simultaneously grounded, with Ben's Beast down to five cylinders and showing remarkable "patience" (or is it numbness?). Brian dishes on his new book of aviation essays …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 4: Game of Rolls-Crafting Your BJJ Style
31:40
31:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:40In this episode, we explore how to craft your own BJJ game and develop a style that fits your strengths and personality.By The Midlife Mount Podcast
…
continue reading

1
EP120 - Descending from Mount Stupid: with Paul Craig
1:04:17
1:04:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:17For this very special episode we welcome Paul Craig, author of "The Killing Zone," "Be a Better Pilot," and numerous other aviation books including his memoir "Flight Times: Stories from the Second Best Instructor." In this episode, we explore how aviation has evolved since Paul's last book edition, from the rise of electronic flight bags to the We…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 3: Tap Into Success Without Tapping to Belt Envy
41:29
41:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:29In this episode, we're rethinking what success in BJJ truly means and exploring the aspects of the journey that really matter.By The Midlife Mount Podcast
…
continue reading

1
Episode 2: The White Belt Woes and Whoas!
33:50
33:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:50In this episode, we talk about the challenges of being new to BJJ and how to push through the 'white belt blues' as you find your footing on the mats.By The Midlife Mount Podcast
…
continue reading

1
EP119 - The Cockpit Lies, Data Doesn't: Flysto Debrief
54:42
54:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:42Join Ben, Ted, and special guest Mark (aka 1DullGeek) as they talk Flysto, the flight-tracking app that brutally reveals they're better and worse pilots than they thought. Geek out over landing scores, wind data, and traffic playback that "takes the emotional component out of the debrief" – perfect for analyzing that crosswind landing you swore was…
…
continue reading
This podcast is created for midlife women in BJJ, by midlife women in BJJ. We dive into the unique challenges we face as older female grapplers in a sport often dominated by younger men, offering insight, encouragement, and camaraderie along the way. Get to know your hosts, Christinna and Courtney, as they share their personal experiences and persp…
…
continue reading

1
EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership
49:21
49:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:21"Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to marriage, Ted discusses his aversion to suction cups, and Ben reveals he's "fully funded on my pro rata share" of an eventual engine overhaul. They discu…
…
continue reading

1
EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown
52:21
52:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:21"If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each other. Ben, Brian, and Ted debate the merits of each design, from the hanging sensation of high wings to the "sportiness" of low wings. Plus, updates …
…
continue reading

1
EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries
1:02:48
1:02:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:48Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in hot in the other direction here!" Meanwhile, Ted confesses "I just forget how to land" and explains why being "the only VFR pilot out" is "usually no…
…
continue reading

1
EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business
54:23
54:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:23From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs "a grandmother in every town" thanks to sport pilot restrictions, and Brian ponders partnership puzzles, Ben proves that sometimes the best business t…
…
continue reading

1
EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s)
1:03:08
1:03:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:08In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned into owning Checkmate Aviation after his DIY checklist started peeling apart. Between Ben's tales of impressing passengers with instrument approaches and…
…
continue reading

1
EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes
51:59
51:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:59Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of…
…
continue reading

1
EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure
1:03:14
1:03:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:14When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead found himself pulling 6Gs during actual bomb runs at 375 knots. While he's up there burning through 4,000 pounds of fuel faster than Ted burns in a yea…
…
continue reading

1
EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting)
1:04:57
1:04:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:57"Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close calls and lessons learned. From Ben's accidental "skywriting" performance (thanks to one loose screw) to his sweaty-palms moments watching those notor…
…
continue reading
Join us for a special Appy Hour episode! We talk aviation apps and tools we love, and some we even know how to use. From the "suspiciously good and free" flight analysis tools that'll keep you up until 4 AM, to website tools that look straight out of the "Angel Fire website" era (rotating fire GIFs not included), we're diving into the digital tools…
…
continue reading

1
EP109 - Information Whiskey: Dented Wings and Announcing Big Texas Send 2025!
1:02:17
1:02:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:17Join the crew as they announce their epic 2025 fly-in at the retro-cool Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas! Between planning cross-country routes and debating who gets "shotgun" in Erica's TBM, the hosts share hilarious stories and valuable pilot wisdom. Featuring gems like "I can't tell if I'm being insulted or not" and "What if we just keep fl…
…
continue reading

1
EP108 - Trip, Fall, Succeed : When Bad Judgment Makes Good Stories
51:40
51:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:40Ever pushed the wrong button while talking to ATC? Landed on the wrong runway but nailed the landing? Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they confess their most memorable aviation oopsies and why they still stare at the ceiling some nights thinking about them. From "Roger, I have the weather" moments to getting an earful from ground control, discover why …
…
continue reading

1
EP107 - Overcoming Perfectionism: Sexy Indifference for Mediocre Pilots
56:03
56:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:03Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into why perfection might actually be holding you back in the cockpit! Between Brian's obsession with landing "THE MIDDLE of the centerline stripe" and Ben's tales of learning to embrace "sexy indifference" in the pattern, these midlife pilots share why being "just adequate" isn't always a bad thing. Plus, find out why "low…
…
continue reading

1
EP106 - From Dawn Patrol to Jumping Fences: Multi-Day Flying Tips
1:00:00
1:00:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:00When your ETA increases by 30 minutes while on final approach, you know you're in for a story. In Episode 106, Ben's "one-day-feels-like-multi-day" adventure sets the stage for a lively discussion about planning extended flying trips. Between battling 60-knot headwinds, debating the merits of various approaches, and discovering why a credit card mi…
…
continue reading

1
EP105 - Information Whiskey: Fly in planning, dad hats, saggy flaps
1:02:37
1:02:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:37Join the crew as they plan their spring fly-in while debating the merits of ignorance-is-bliss flying versus obsessing over engine monitors. Ted confesses to having saggy flaps (on his plane, of course), Brian explains why Super 8 footage isn't just an Instagram filter, and Ben discovers that dad hats might be the aerodynamic solution for the folli…
…
continue reading

1
EP104 - Flying With Strangers From the Internet: Vetting Co-Pilots
59:56
59:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:56The crew dives into the delicate art of vetting your cockpit companions - from evaluating potential co-pilots to dodging those who claim '8000 simulator hours.' Listen in as Ben recounts literally flying with 'a stranger from the internet' (it turned out fine!). Between tales of night landing adventures, atmospheric rivers, and accidental wrong-run…
…
continue reading

1
EP103 - Finding Flight Time: If You're Not Lying to Yourself, You're Not Flying
1:01:11
1:01:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:11Need more time to fly but life keeps getting in the way? The Midlife Pilot crew tackles aviation's eternal struggle - finding time to get airborne while juggling work, family, and that ever-growing honey-do list. From strategic calendar blocking to creative "errands" (like Ben's suspiciously convenient forgotten jacket that required a flight to ret…
…
continue reading

1
EP102 - Cheaper Fuel is Cheaper: Flying on a Budget
58:26
58:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:26Can aviation ever truly be budget-friendly? Ben, Brian, and Ted tackle the art of fiscally responsible flying in this lively episode. From owner-assisted annuals to strategic fuel planning, discover practical ways to keep your aviation passion aloft without completely emptying your wallet. Plus, hear special insights from "Cheapskate" Nate on smart…
…
continue reading

1
EP101 - Information Whiskey: ATC Mumbling, Mountains & Mediocrity
57:27
57:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:27Ben, Brian, and Ted share stories and adventures from their recent non-event gathering in West Virginia, including Ben's memorable "seven-mile base" skywriting approach with a fuel leak, Brian's encounters at unique mountain airports, and various flying experiences in challenging terrain. The hosts discuss their stops at small airports like Logan C…
…
continue reading

1
EP100 - A Very Special Non-Event - Live from Fairmont Airport!
1:05:22
1:05:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:22Broadcasting from a cold hangar at Fairmont Airport, the gang unites in-person for their 100th episode spectacular non-event! Join the original "Chairman Emeritus" Chris Moran (who now prefers conducting symphonies to podcasts), Brian (who claims learning to land with only lap belts builds character), Ben (inventor of the "emergency fuel-venting se…
…
continue reading

1
EP99 - 100 Hours of Questionable Decisions
1:05:21
1:05:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:21As they approach their 100th episode, the crew digs through their logbooks to share stories from their 100th flight hour and 100th landing. From Ben's adorably redundant "power-on stalls and recovery" logbook entry (yes, he survived to tell the tale) to a theatrical listener letter from Lord Alpha Juliet, the crew reminisces about their aviation mi…
…
continue reading

1
EP98 - Embracing the Plateau, and Naptime
59:02
59:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:02From landing woes to pre-checkride jitters, Episode 98 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast dives into those dreaded training plateaus that make every pilot wonder if they've forgotten how to fly. The crew shares their personal stories of getting stuck (Brian's memorable "ugly landing" phase included), while offering hope and humor for pushing through the …
…
continue reading

1
EP97 - A Little Stitious: Hula Girls, Lucky Socks, and Cockpit Voodoo
52:35
52:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:35Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they explore the wild world of pilot superstitions. Brian admits to thanking his plane after flights, while Ben confesses to repositioning his dashboard hula girl based on landing quality. Ted reveals his habit of wearing outlandish socks during training flights. The chat chimes in with their own quirks, like bringing st…
…
continue reading

1
EP96 - With You or Without You - Pet Peeves
57:37
57:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:37Buckle up for a hilarious journey through aviation's most annoying quirks! In this episode, we're dishing out our top flying pet peeves, from unnecessary "with you" radio calls to those infuriating C-17 patterns flown by Cessnas. Listen in as Brian confesses his frustration with people who can't handle airplane doors gently, and stick around for Be…
…
continue reading

1
EP95 - Information Whiskey: Marbles in Mouths, Mitsubishi Misery, Malibu Miracles, and More
55:38
55:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:38In this episode, our hosts stumble through tales of spontaneous flights and radio call blunders, while a listener steals the show with a perfect flight following call. We explore the art of forgetting your own location, nailing instrument approaches, and more. Join us for a mix of triumphs, facepalms, and the occasional moment of midlife pilot bril…
…
continue reading

1
EP94 - Beyond the $100 Hamburger, no fence jumping
58:18
58:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:18Join Ben, Brian, and Ted as they explore unique flying adventure ideas that go beyond the typical "$100 hamburger" flight. From discovering hidden gems like Alabama's Ave Maria Grotto to planning hobby-based trips (like flying for 25 cent blackberries), the guys share inspiration for memorable flights. Amidst the hangar talk, you'll hear tales of a…
…
continue reading

1
EP93 - Travels, checklists, flows, and did he call Ted Mark?
1:02:13
1:02:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:13Join us as we share stories from our recent flying adventures, including trips to Marfa, Texas and Washington State. We'll talk about handling crosswind landings, managing density altitude, and yes, even being the butt of a few jokes. We'll explore how we balance checklists and flows during flights, discussing when we rely on each method. Plus, we'…
…
continue reading

1
EP92 - Short memories and embracing the suck
46:04
46:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:04Ben and Ted talk about making mistakes and learning from them. They emphasize the importance of short memories and moving on from mistakes to avoid making things worse. They also highlight the importance of learning from the mistakes and using them to improve flying skills. Mentioned on the show: * Sandel HSI: https://www.bennettavionics.com/sn-330…
…
continue reading

1
EP91 - From Impostor to Aviator: 10 Tips for New Pilots
59:13
59:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:13In Episode 91 of the Midlife Pilot Podcast, Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into a treasure trove of wisdom from listener Braeden D. Join us as we navigate through 10 essential tips for new pilots. We unpack: The money pit: Saving for flight training (spoiler: it's more than you think) Brain training: Why rote memorization won't fly CFI shopping: Finding …
…
continue reading

1
EP90 - Information Whiskey - NORDO in a Bravo, orcas diversion, cloud dancing
1:03:12
1:03:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:12The guys swap tales of dodging clouds, diverting around storms, and wrestling with an ancient audio panel that picked the worst possible time to conk out (IFR over Atlanta - yikes!) Ben, Brian and Ted dish on what it's like to fly with a pilot you haven't shared a cockpit with before. Is your flying buddy all good? - or a hazardous attitude waiting…
…
continue reading

1
EP89 - Aviation Mentors, the freshmakers of pilots
59:19
59:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:19Why is having aviation mentors so important? We tell tales of mentors saving the day, how to be mentored, and the importance of never missing an opportunity to shut up. Listeners Bruce and Neil give feedback about last week's discussion of flying in heat. Mentioned on the show: * Cape Girardeau airport, Missouri: https://www.airnav.com/airport/CGI …
…
continue reading
How does flying in the heat affect you? Do you know when to say when? We talk about the trials of flying in summer heat, things we think about to keep safe, Ben's ride in an L39, and more! Mentioned on the show: - Larry Lee flying his L39 (this is who flew Ben): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46BWO26mNpE - FlightChops, flying aerobatics with his d…
…
continue reading

1
EP87 - Owning bad weather routing with ATC and AJ
52:04
52:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:04Friend of the show AJ joins the podcast to recap a masterful flight that Ben and 1dullgeek took with careful routing through thunderstorms. AJ's work with controllers was instructive for Ben. AJ also joined the Chock Club with Ben. Mentioned on the show: * BUKHD3 arrival: https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2407/00469BUKHD.PDF * Eagleville Soaring club: …
…
continue reading

1
EP86 - Information Whiskey - Broken Things Happened
1:00:44
1:00:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:44We are joined by Mark, aka 1DullGeek, to debrief the alternator loss on an instrument approach while returning from Osh Kosh. We discuss how the near-emergency was handled, how flying with a second pilot worked, and how Instrument training can only prepare you for so much. Mentioned on the show: * Flying Midwest Podcast - Information Foxtrot with B…
…
continue reading
Which hazardous attitudes do we find ourselves falling into sometimes? Are some of the classic 5 hazardous attitudes more or less common in midlife pilots? We talk them all through from our point of view.Mentioned on the show:- Aeronautical Decision Making AC with the Hazardous Attitudes, AC 60-22: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory…
…
continue reading

1
EP84 - Midlife radio tips with RH - reading the room
1:04:48
1:04:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:48RH of Opposing Bases joins Ben, Brian, and Ted to offer some midlife radio tips. What's the perfect flight following call? Does it matter? Should you call "in the blind"? What does a controller hear when they're listening to multiple frequencies? OB will be at Airventure in Oshkosh, recording a show Saturday, July 27 2024 at 10am. Mentioned on the …
…
continue reading

1
EP83 - 100 Hours vs. 500 Hours - feral cats in the pattern
59:32
59:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:32Ben, Brian, and Ted compare perspectives from what it's like to have 100 hours vs. the point of view from 500 hours - and the pursuit of mastery. - People Places & Adventures with Dee and Vee: https://www.youtube.com/@planeplaces/videos - RHP - Andrews North Carolina: https://www.airnav.com/airport/RHP - SSI - St Simons Island: https://www.airnav.c…
…
continue reading

1
EP82 - Flight Simulators and Jitters
1:02:30
1:02:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:30Ben, Ted, and Brian catch up, then Ben talks with Chris C about his flight simulator use. The community shares opinions and suggestions, then Ted shares a clip from Chris C's recent video talking about having "jitters" after not flying for a while. Mentioned on the show: * Chris C, Flying Past 50, Rebuilding Confidence and Proficiency: https://www.…
…
continue reading

1
EP81 - Information Whiskey: broken hoses, hangar rant, and mailbox lasagna
57:33
57:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:33Join Ben, Brian, and Ted discussing a potpourri of topics, including Ted's trip that was 4x as fast as driving, Josh's Cirrus emergency, 1dullgeek's rant on hangars, and Brian landing Lucy on grass. Mentioned on the show: - Buzzfeed: How Nashville Became One Big Bachelorette Party: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/how-nashvill…
…
continue reading
We are joined by CFII and friend Nathan Ballard to talk about checkride failures. Several cases are discussed and the learnings from them. * Nathan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying/videos * Brian Siskind's new (two hour) video, "the LONGEST most UNWATCHABLE flying video in HISTORY and also mountain flying" https://www.yo…
…
continue reading

1
EP79 - Airplane Partnerships: the good, the bad, the ugly
58:47
58:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:47Airplane partnerships are often the best way for us midlifers to enjoy flying, and while there is good, there is sometimes the bad, or even the ugly. Several unique examples are given, plus a anonymous horror story from a listener. Mentioned on the show: * OG Chris Moran on the news: https://www.wdtv.com/2024/03/21/first-4-forum-chris-moran/ * Bria…
…
continue reading

1
EP78 - OG Midlife Pilot - Carb Ice Anxiety and the Joy of Not Flying
59:36
59:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:36Ben is away for this week, so Brian and Ted are joined by OG host and OG Midlife Pilot Chris Moran! They catch up with Chris, talking about how it's okay to not fly, how proficiency is affected with time, flying clubs, airport authorities, anxiety, carb heat, Super Deltas, cargo cults, West Wing, and more. Mentioned on the show: * Ted's Copalis bea…
…
continue reading