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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

16:52

Ep. 297 Gratitude on the Flight Deck: Tiny Acts. Big...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/11/13

After a long, stressful day, one unexpected pay-it-forward moment at an airport burrito line sent Nik down a rabbit hole: why does gratitude feel so good—and how can pilots use it to boost safety, performance, and culture? In this solo episode, Nik breaks down the brain science (dopamine, serotonin, prefrontal "rest & digest"), then turns it into cockpit-ready habits you can use with FOs, flight attendants, ramp, maintenance, students, and chief pilots alike. Short, practical, and instantly usable.

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36:47

Ep. 296 Building The Pilot Network with Adam Uhan:...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/11/10

In this episode, Nik welcomes back Adam Uhan, President and CEO of The Pilot Network (TPN), for an inside look at what's ahead for pilots in 2026 and beyond. Adam shares exciting updates about the next TPNx Conference, which is moving to Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), and reveals a brand-new pilot-focused app: TPN Go — a smart networking tool that helps aviators connect on layovers and stay linked to their flying community wherever they land. This conversation dives deep into what makes TPNx unique: a

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17:28

Ep. 295 The Career-Saving Skill of Not Interrupting

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/11/06

In this solo episode, Nik unpacks why interrupting kills momentum, damages first impressions, and can quietly cost you opportunities--especially at conventions, hiring fairs, and on the flight deck. With fresh stories from the road, he turns everyday "oops" moments into a playbook for professional poise. Watch for the surprise guest about halfway through! 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 "R4P2025" and save

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33:18

Ep. 294 Picking the Perfect Flight School. What They...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/11/03

Former flight school owner and current major-airline pilot Joe Theis joins Nik for a practical, in depth guide to picking a flight school. From Part 61 vs Part 141 to pricing, aircraft, scheduling, financing, and matching learning styles, this one's a 101 + "things nobody tells you" rolled into one. Joe has hired instructors, built syllabi, dealt with FSDOs, and trained pilots across both 61 and 141 environments, so he is perfect for this roadmap to flight training. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to

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16:55

Ep. 293 Commuting: The Hidden Pilot Lifestyle Costs

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/30

In this solo episode, Nik dives deep into one of the most debated topics in an airline pilot's career—commuting vs. living in base. With personal stories of late nights, stranded jumpseats, airport sleeping, and the tough lessons learned along the way, Nik lays out the real-world tradeoffs that most new pilots never see coming. Whether you're dreaming of airline life or already living it, understanding the lifestyle implications of commuting could change your entire career trajectory. CONNECT WITH

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01:09:51

Ep. 292 Flying 18 Inches Apart: Inside the Blue...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/27

In this extended deep-dive, Nik sits down with former Blue Angel and Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot Brandon Cordill for a fascinating look into the world of one of aviation's most elite teams. From combat deployments over Afghanistan to the grueling Blue Angels selection process and life on the road, Brandon brings you into the cockpit — and behind the curtain — of precision flying at its highest level. Hear what it takes to get selected, the challenges of the 40-pound stick, and the reality of balancing

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09:04

Ep. 291 Fly Higher with Dream Builders

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/23

In this motivational solo show, Nik Fialka lays down a critical truth for every pilot and dream-chaser: who you surround yourself with will make or break your flight path. It’s not just about skill in the cockpit—it’s about the company you keep, the support you receive, and the belief you build. From toxic negativity in the jumpseat to life-changing encouragement from a true partner, Nik explores how “dream builders” fuel your ascent, while “dream destroyers” quietly sap your confidence and stall

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30:01

Ep. 290 Pilot Wellness Takes Flight: Building Mental...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/20

What happens when a professional counselor trades the therapy couch for the flight deck? In this episode, Nik sits down with Jason Pogue, a regional airline captain and founder of FlyingWell.org, to explore the remarkable journey from mental health counseling to commanding an Embraer 170. Jason shares how his background in psychology and counseling continues to shape his leadership and communication in the cockpit — and why he believes the next frontier in aviation is pilot wellness. Before flying,

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23:09

Ep. 289 Paperwork Perfection: The Checklist to...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/16

When the interview invite finally lands in your inbox, excitement quickly turns into stress: “What documents do I actually need to bring?” In this episode, Nik Fialka walks you step-by-step through the essential paperwork you’ll need to secure your dream airline job. From licenses and logbooks to transcripts, background checks, and even the dreaded FCC permit, Nik breaks it all down so you can show up fully prepared and stress-free. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your pilot certificates,

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32:40

Ep. 288 Flying, Finances & Finding the Right Mortgage...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/13

In this episode Nik welcomes back Marty Medve, Delta Captain and President/CEO of Trident Home Loans. Marty shares his incredible journey of recovering from a serious eye injury, regaining his FAA medical, and returning to the flight deck—all while running one of the top VA lenders in the nation. Nik and Marty dive into the unique challenges pilots face when navigating mortgages and refinancing. From understanding the timing of rate drops to avoiding costly mistakes when buying your first “forever”

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19:27

Ep. 287 Cracking the Code on Airline Assessment Tests

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/09

If you’re on the path to the airlines, there’s a good chance you’ll face an assessment test along the way. These tests aren’t just about checking your flying ability—they’re designed to measure traits like decision-making, teamwork, and stress tolerance. In today’s solo episode, Nik dives into what pilots need to know before sitting down for one of these crucial assessments. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why major airlines use assessment tests and what they’re really looking for The different

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32:11

Ep. 286 The Long Way Back: Man Phung on Persistence...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/06

This week, Nik sits down with his friend Man Phung for a two-part conversation that’s as real as it gets. Man’s path through aviation is full of twists, setbacks, and victories—and at the heart of it all is a powerful message: don’t quit. Man fell in love with aviation as a kid in Hawaii, saving money as a teenager to earn most of his ratings before he even turned 18. But when the money ran out, he stepped away from flying for nearly two decades, building a successful career in sales and business

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23:20

Ep. 285 Pilot Resume' Masterclass. Learn How to Get...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/10/02

Every pilot dreams of that moment when the wheels lift off, the earth falls away, and the sky becomes home. But when it comes to landing your dream aviation job, skill in the cockpit isn’t enough — it takes strategy on the ground. In this episode, Nik breaks down the art of the pilot resume. After reviewing more than a thousand real pilot resumes, he shares the top mistakes he sees and the top 10 tips to help you stand out. From formatting to flight hours, leadership to community service, Nik walks

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42:35

Ep. 284 From Cabin to Cockpit: Diversity in Aviation

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/29

In this episode, Nik sits down with Michael Nixon, a flight attendant who is now preparing to begin his flight training to become a pilot. Michael’s path hasn’t been traditional—private security, marina work, a serious injury, and eventually the cabin—all of it shaped his drive to move toward the cockpit. Aviation is built on diverse backgrounds—military, civilian, international, first-generation pilots, flight attendants, engineers, and everything in between. Michael’s story shows how these

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06:53

Ep. 283 Grit: The Secret Fuel for Aviation Success

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/25

Welcome back, pilots! Today, Nik is flying solo and diving deep into one of the most powerful qualities a pilot — or any leader — can have: GRIT. This episode unpacks why grit matters more than raw talent, how perseverance beats perfection, and what it takes to keep pushing when the skies get turbulent. From chair-flying one more rep to sending that next application, grit is the force that keeps you moving forward when everything else says quit. Nik walks through: What grit really is — passion +

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57:33

Ep. 282 Surviving the Crash: CDR AJ Edwards on...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/22

What happens when the unthinkable happens—and you crash an aircraft? For most pilots, it’s the nightmare scenario we hope we’ll never face. But for CDR AJ Edwards, U.S. Navy, it became reality. In this special extended episode, AJ takes us through the full journey: from the day of his helicopter mishap, to the intense investigations that followed, and ultimately, to how he rebuilt both his career and his confidence. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: The Mishap – A 2015 training flight that

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10:26

Episode 281 Beyond the Cockpit: What Defines You...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/18

In this solo episode, Nik shifts the focus from flying skills to life outside the cockpit. Too often, pilots struggle when asked to share something about themselves beyond aviation. Nik breaks down why that matters and how those personal stories can strengthen connections during meet-and-greets, interviews, and in the crew room. He walks through eight areas you can draw from—like community involvement, teamwork, hobbies, family, and continued learning—to help you show up as a well-rounded, authentic

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41:17

From Backcountry to Gunship: Jared Butler’s Wild...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/15

In this episode, Nik sits down with Air Force pilot Jared Butler, who shares his remarkable journey from flying in the backcountry of Idaho to operating the AC-130 gunship with Air Force Special Operations Command. Jared recounts high-stakes moments, including helping locate injured firefighters using low-altitude search patterns and riding out a sudden snowstorm at a one-way mountain airstrip. He also offers an inside look at the AC-130’s unique mission and the high level of crew coordination and

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14:04

Lead with Empathy, Land with Truth: How to give and...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/11

In this solo episode Nik takes on an essential skill every pilot and leader must master: giving and receiving feedback. Drawing inspiration from a listener request, Nik explains how constructive feedback is the key to building trust, sharpening skills, and keeping crews safe. He compares feedback to ATC instructions—specific, timely, and critical to staying on course. Whether you’re an instructor guiding a student, a first officer addressing a captain, or a leader in any field, Nik shares practical

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31:23

Inside RTAG 2025: Joshua Lee on the Convention,...

Ready 4 Pushback ·

2025/09/08

In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Joshua Lee, founder of RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group), about how the organization has grown to the point where it hosts the largest aviation convention in the U.S. RTAG’s mission is simple: help veterans transition into aviation careers—not just as pilots, but across the entire industry. From scholarships to mentorship, RTAG connects veterans with opportunities in flying, maintenance, engineering, and beyond. Josh also shares his own journey, from flying in

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298 results

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