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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

50:52

Ep. 325 Learn the Secrets from the Other Side of the...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/23

Beyond Hours and Handshakes: In this episode, Nik sits down with HR specialist and aviation interview legend Angie Marshall of Cage Marshall Consulting, to reveal what really happens on the other side of the airline interview table. Angie shares the origin story behind Cage Marshall Consulting and explains how behavioral interviews have transformed pilot hiring from the 1990s to today. Together, they explore what interviewers truly look for in pilot candidates: authenticity, humility, situational

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09:41

Ep. 324 When Preparation Pays Off: A Real-World CRM Save

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/19

Solo episode alert! Nik shares a powerful real-world story of a crew that turned a serious in-flight generator failure into a calm, controlled divert through preparation, professionalism, and rock-solid CRM. He breaks down how Threat and Error Management and shared mental models like Aviate–Navigate–Communicate, helped the crew manage stress, expand the team, and execute exactly as trained. This episode shows why daily habits, system knowledge, and mindset (not luck) determine success when the

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41:06

Ep. 323 Pretty Pink Pilots: Shaniya Marshall's Flight...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/16

In this episode Nik sits down with fellow pilot influencer Shaniya Marshall as she shares her inspiring path from aviator to founder of Pretty Pink Pilots. Shaniya shares valuable tips and tricks to help aspiring pilots overcome the financial hurdles of flight training with the help of scholarships. She also highlights the value of mentorship, networking, and leveraging social media to foster community in aviation. Her story emphasizes perseverance, embracing personal growth, and encourages the next

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16:32

Ep. 322 No Shoes, No Shirt, No Job Offer

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/12

In this solo episode, Nik goes head to toe discussing interview attire that gets you hired, and getups that get you sent home before you even enter the interview room. Drawing from real-world hiring insights, he explains exactly what pilots should (and absolutely should not) wear, how to prepare for both in-person and virtual interview setups, and why true professionalism starts long before you answer your first interview question. From regionals to majors and everything in between, if you want to

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28:29

Ep. 321 Bridging the College to Cockpit Interview Gap...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/09

Nik welcomes back Travis Koch, founder of Top Rudder Consulting, to discuss the critical role of interview preparation for college students pursuing aviation careers. Travis shares insights on the unique experience challenges students face as they transition from college to the job market and explains how Top Rudder aims to fill the experience gap. Furthermore, Nik and Travis explore why interview skills, effective communication, and authentic self-presentation are just as important as hands-on

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10:47

Ep. 320 The Hiring Team at American Airlines: To...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/05

Nik breaks down how American Airlines views failures in your record and why late disclosure is a major red flag. Learn how to fully disclose busts, match your application to your logbooks, and tell a concise, honest story that shows what you learned and how you've grown as a pilot. Nik explains why integrity beats a "perfect" application every time and gives you practical guidance on preparing your failure narrative, so you walk into the interview confident and credible. CONNECT WITH US Are you

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44:35

Ep. 319 From Professional Poker to the Cockpit: Matt...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/02/02

Pilot Matt Affleck takes Nik through his remarkable transition from professional poker to the world of aviation. Drawing on his poker background, Matt explains how situational awareness at the table translates to situational awareness in the air, and how decision-making under pressure helps him excel as he tackles the challenges of instrument training. Throughout his journey, he emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, networking, and viewing each flight lesson as a valuable investment

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15:04

Ep. 318 Hiring Team at American Airlines: What's...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/29

What is your logbook saying about you? In this solo episode, Nik deep dives into the critical role logbooks play in the airline hiring process, featuring insights straight from the American Airlines hiring team. Nik breaks down why accurate total flight time matters, best practices for logbook documentation and presentation, and what interviewers are really looking for when reviewing your records. This episode also covers what to do if your logbooks are lost and how to prepare supporting documents

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29:00

Ep. 317 Hidden Hours: Why Aerial Survey Might Be Your...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/26

Join Nik as he sits down with aerial survey pilot Joe Foster to demystify the world of aerial surveying and explain why this under-the-radar flying job can be an hours booster for aspiring ATP pilots. Joe walks through a typical day in the life of an aerial survey pilot, from in-depth mission planning to precise execution with only 20 feet of horizontal and vertical tolerance. Along the way, Nik and Joe explore how aerial survey flying delivers meaningful, real-world experience, making it an

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01:32:33

Ep. 316 How to Crush 2026 Webinar

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/22

In this special episode of R4P, Nik teams up with Jaron Roux of Spitfire Consulting for a candid conversation on how to land your dream flying job in 2026. Together they break down the importance of early preparation, maintaining organized logbooks, and presenting a polished, professional image on interview day. Drawing on fresh insights from the American Airlines hiring team, Nik and Jaron share actionable strategies that today's pilot candidates need to know. Hear real success stories along with

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01:18:22

Ep. 315 Family, Podcast, Flying: Justin Seims' Pilot...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/19

Nik sits down with the "OG" pilot podcaster, Justin Seims, for a candid discussion about his journey from growing up surrounded by aviation to discovering his own passion for flying and podcasting. Hear how Justin balanced Division I college football with flight training and built a career at NetJets and beyond. We explore what inspired Justin to launch a successful podcast and his new aviation magazine, titled— you guessed it—Pilot to Pilot. This episode also highlights the importance of family,

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26:27

Ep. 314 Frosty Runways & Hot Tips: Flying Through...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/15

In this solo episode, Nik shares his biggest lessons learned flying through the heart of winter. From Detroit chills to Minneapolis snow, he unpacks how pilots can level-up their cold weather skills with smart preflight planning, personal minimums, and the "clean aircraft concept." Nik dishes out practical advice on de-ice, engine care, and keeping the aircraft on the concrete when things get icy. Whether you're a seasoned captain or just earning your wings, Nik's personal stories and safety

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59:17

Ep. 313 Aviation's Hidden Superpower: Emotional...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/12

In this episode, Nik explores why emotional intelligence is a game-changer for pilots and aviation safety. Dr. James Roesler reveals research showing pilots often lag in E.I., despite its proven links to superior decision-making and teamwork. Real-world stories and the Colgan Air Flight 3407 accident illustrate how boosting E.I. could prevent disasters and reshape flight culture. Listeners get practical steps for building E.I. and making the skies safer for all. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take

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21:37

Ep. 312 Crisis, Communication, and Command: When...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/08

In this podcast episode, Nik recounts two real-world aviation challenges: 1) Maneuvering a large aircraft during an unexpected gate change in Miami, 2) Solving a messy cargo incident involving spilled fish. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety over convenience, expanding the team for collaborative problem-solving, and communicating with empathy under pressure. Through both scenarios, Nik demonstrates how effective decision-making and strong leadership are vital for pilots facing

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32:48

Ep. 311 Leading the Future of Airports: AAAE &...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/05

Today we're stepping out of the cockpit and into the nerve center of the airport itself. Nik sits down with Samantha Spencer, Operations Manager at South Bend International Airport and leader within the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), to unpack what really happens behind the scenes to keep airports safe, compliant, growing, and ready for every takeoff and landing. From runway geometry and snow operations, to emergency drills, youth outreach, industry career paths, and what AAAE

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10:34

Ep. 310 Designing the Pilot You'll Be in 2026

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2026/01/01

Nik reflects on an incredible 2025—family, flying, and the continued growth of the Ready 4 Pushback community—and turns the focus toward meaningful New Year's resolutions. But this isn't about willpower. It's about identity, systems, and direction. In true pilot-mindset fashion, Nik frames 10 powerful resolutions designed specifically for aviators who want to level up in 2026—professionally, personally, and relationally. Whether you're sharpening your skills, building your career, or working on

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30:46

Ep. 309 Breaking Barriers: Benson Truong and the...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/12/29

In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, Nik sits down with Benson Truong, president of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), to unpack what it really takes to lead a massive aviation affinity group while still being a relatively new regional airline pilot. Benson shares his path from Googling "Asian pilots" before he even started training to now running an organization that's changing lives through mentorship, community, and serious scholarship opportunities—including full-ride flight

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23:48

Ep. 308 Chasing the Major… Without Losing What...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/12/25

As 2025 comes to a close, Nik delivers a powerful solo episode about the part of the aviation journey no one warns you about — the impact your pursuit of the dream job has on the people sitting across from you at the kitchen table. Inspired by a late-night writing session and a heartfelt mentoring call, this conversation unpacks the "messy middle" of an aviation career: long hours, commuting, upgrades, Guard duties, volunteering, and the slow march toward a major airline. This episode challenges

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29:36

Ep. 307 Supporting Pilots Through the HIMS Pathway

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/12/22

Today's Monday interview takes us into one of the heaviest, most important conversations in professional aviation. Nik sits down with Scott Whittington, an airline pilot, physical therapist, and dedicated HIMS volunteer, to talk openly about substance abuse, recovery, pilot wellness, and what support truly looks like inside this profession. This is a real, honest conversation with a real dude—one who reached out because he wanted to make sure pilots know there is a path, there is help, and your

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15:21

Ep. 306 When Success Shows Up, So Does Jealousy

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/12/18

Welcome back, Pilot. Today, Nik brings a straight-from-the-heart solo episode built around a hard truth in aviation and life: People are jealous of your results, but they're not jealous of your journey. A simple comment overheard at a function sparks a deeper look into insecurity, comparison, fear, and the grit required to chase aviation dreams. This episode is all about self-awareness, humility, and rising above jealousy while still understanding where it comes from — in yourself and in others

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327 results

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