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PODCAST

Ready 4 Pushback

If you"re looking to enter the commercial aviation industry, we"ve got the right podcast for you! With pilot and interview coach Nik Fialka as your host, we will deliver exceptional and insightful content to help you understand the landscape of professional aviation. We will help you organize your thoughts, score interview points, and ace the aviation recruitment process. You will get a deep dive into all the facets of the aviation industry by hearing directly from leaders and recruiters. You"ll

leisure aviation

All Episodes

47:48

Ep 369 Dating Advice to Ace Your Airline Interview

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/27

What do first dates and airline interviews have in common? More than you think. Dating and relationship coach Lauren Mathues shares why authenticity, confidence, and real connection create lasting first impressions. Learn how to overcome self-doubt, connect with recruiters, and stop trying to impress so you can show up as your best self. If you're preparing for a recruiter meet-and-greet or your dream airline interview, this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation

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17:25

Ep 368 Naked in Public

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/23

The biggest mistake on your application isn't failure. It's hiding it. Hiding failures creates doubt and can cost you the opportunity. Learn how transparency can strengthen your airline interview and career. This episode explains why integrity is your greatest competitive advantage. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2026" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want

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55:31

Ep 367 When One Airline Closed, Another Door Opened

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/20

Former Spirit pilot Steffany shares her journey from cargo flying to the Airbus flight deck, what made Spirit's culture so special, and how she navigated the uncertainty of the airline's closure. She discusses interview preparation, networking, logbook organization, and how those efforts led to multiple CJOs. Now an interview coach with Spitfire, Stephanie is helping other pilots prepare for their next opportunity. This episode is packed with practical career advice and a reminder that setbacks can

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20:44

Ep 366 The Power of Intellectual Margin

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/16

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43:00

Ep 365 Out of the Tower Into the Cockpit: Ben...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/13

Nik sits down with Ben Lobaugh, a former FAA air traffic controller and now a First Officer at JSX, to discuss how he left a stable FAA career to get back into the cockpit. Ben shares what ultimately drove his decision to make the leap, including staffing pressures, pay trade-offs, recency requirements, and family considerations. He explains how he rebuilt his flight currency, navigated the hiring process, and what life looks like today flying semi-private with more predictable time at home. Whether

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18:59

Ep 364 The Summer Slump: What to Do When Hiring Slows...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/09

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 treating uncertainty as part of the process—not the end of it—gives you a competitive edge. Stay ready, stay flexible, and position yourself to move the moment opportunity arrives. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too

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41:26

Ep 363 Flying Flexjet Worldwide, The Honest Details

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/07

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 pilots can really expect from days on and days off, especially with a young family at home. Zach also walks through Flexjet's in‑person interview and simulator ride, sharing the mindset, CRM habits, and stick‑and‑rudder skills that help candidates succeed. The conversation closes with

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01:14:08

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

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/07/02

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38:29

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

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/29

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-wing background, he shares what led him to air ambulance flying and what the transition into HEMS was really like. Nate also discusses the lifestyle, including family considerations and location flexibility. The conversation closes with an honest look at the rewards of the job, the

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16:40

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

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/25

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 start with a solid response. You'll learn how to balance brevity and substance, using clarity, gravity, and decisiveness to make every answer count. Nik also shares practical tactics for practicing concise communication so you can show up confident, prepared, and genuinely compelling

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35:50

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

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/22

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 into aviation, including the challenge of rapidly advancing his English and aviation knowledge to complete flight training in Ireland. Along the way, Jakhar has continued to nurture his artistic talent, creating detailed hand-drawn aircraft on IFR charts - a passion that has earned him

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22:21

Ep 358 The Aviation Imbalance: Finding Time, Being...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/18

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, showing how pilot schedules can actually create deeper presence at home when used intentionally. Nik shares real-world examples of missed holidays, side hustles, homeschooling on the road, and the crucial role of community support. He emphasizes honest communication with your spouse,

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43:35

Ep 357 Perseverance Through Failure with Tim Manley

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/15

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 to learn and improve. With his faith, support from his wife, and an ability to roll with the punches, Tim has demonstrated the dedication required for success in the aviation industry. He then takes it a step further, highlighting the importance of owning your mistakes and

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Ep 356 Pilot Resume Strategies for Standing Out in...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/11

Spitfire Elite resume expert Vinh Do joins Nik to break down what separates a successful pilot resume from the forgettable stack. They share the most common mistakes they see at conferences, from overdesigned templates and tiny fonts to multi-page resumes full of non-aviation fluff. They explain how to turn business or military experience into clear leadership, safety, and CRM stories on a clean, one-page resume. You'll also hear practical tips on layout, paper choice, and using unique flying

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36:34

Ep 355 The Future of Flight Training

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/08

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 structure, standards, and consistency of military flight training could translate to more efficient outcomes in the civilian world. He also introduces his company's first aircraft – expected in 2029 – which takes cues from military trainers with its tandem cockpit and high-performance

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12:54

Ep 354 Think Before You Talk: Applying Radio...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/04

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 improvisation in the moment, he encourages preparing in advance: identifying key questions and crafting structured, authentic stories that bring your answers to life. As always, Nik encourages everyone to put in the reps ahead of time so you can perform with confidence on the big day

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37:20

Ep 353 Flying Paychecks into Property Wealth with...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/06/01

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, low inventory, and hot pilot hubs shape decisions around first homes, second homes, and investment properties for aviators. He shares hard‑earned lessons from past market downturns and overleveraging, explaining how a shift toward smarter debt, cash‑flowing properties, and long‑term

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09:15

Ep 352 Solo Sick With Envy

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/05/28

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-era aviators who left Steinbeck "sick with envy," the standard of mastery remains unchanged. Nik challenges modern pilots to stay sharp, remain humble, and continually raise the bar. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too

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23:55

Ep 351 Commanding a Navy Reserve Squadron with Ted...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/05/25

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 aviation journey – from early flights in a Cessna as a teenager to flying the T-34, MH-53, MH-60, and ultimately the C-40, a military variant of the 737 – while offering insight into the squadron's global logistics mission supporting Sailors, Marines, and operations around the world

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11:27

Ep 350 Know When to Stop Talking in an Interview

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/05/21

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 brevity and clarity tend to make stronger, more confident impressions and put more points on the table. The best way to avoid over-talking? Practicing and getting reps! CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the

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