Fighter Pilots on Merit, Mentorship, and the DEI Debate

In this episode, Ryan “Motor” Riley and Caroline “Blaze” Jensen—former Thunderbirds, combat pilots, and longtime wingmen—get real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in military aviation in their experiences flying together and the careers that followed. Drawing from deployments, flight training, and years in elite squadrons, they explore what truly matters in building a lethal, unified force: trust, mentorship, and performance under pressure. From challenging assumptions to advocating for a wide talent pipeline without lowering standards, Merryl, Motor, and Blaze offer an unfiltered take on what diversity should look like in high-stakes environments—and why it can't come at the cost of competence.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

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Flying the F-16. Leading the Thunderbirds. Fighting for instructors.

Ryan “Motor” Riley pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to fly one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and perform precision maneuvers with the Thunderbirds. But this episode goes beyond the stick and rudder. Riley talks about the weight of leadership, balancing egos and morale, and what it meant to be the guy who spoke up for instructors when others didn’t. From flying the F-16 and T-38 to championing the T-6 as a more capable training platform, Motor shares how every role—whether in combat, in the airshow circuit, or behind the scenes—shaped his view of service, teamwork, and what really moves the needle in military aviation. No fluff, just straight talk from a pilot who’s done it all.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

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Erasing History? Why the Military is Quietly Removing Stories of Trailblazing Women and People of Color

This episode confronts a disturbing trend: the quiet removal of pioneering service members’ stories—like that of Betty Preszler, the first woman to fly and eject from the F-16—from official military websites. We explore why these narratives matter, how they’ve inspired generations, and what’s at stake when they’re erased. Preszler and fellow voices argue that far from dividing units, these stories build pride, resilience, and a more inclusive force. From leadership struggles to recruiting impact, this discussion sheds light on a broader effort to rewrite history—and why pushing back matters now more than ever.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

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In the flagship episode AFNS Season 2, we feature the first woman to fly the F-16: Sharon "Betty" Preszler. 

Betty “Sharon” Preszler was one of the first three women selected to fly fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force in 1993, going to to set a number of other firsts in a massive career in aviation. In our interview with her, she shares what it was like to break some of the first barriers for women in the fighter community, facing intense scrutiny and pressure with every decision. Preszler reflects on the importance of real leadership, the support she received from her squadron commander, and how she developed a mindset to rise above the doubters in the 1990's.

She also recounts a harrowing emergency ejection from her F-16 and the psychological toll that followed, offering a rare look into the stakes of high-performance decision-making. Preszler emphasizes that in the fighter world, performance speaks louder than politics. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, progress, and what it takes to thrive when the odds are stacked against you—making this episode essential listening for anyone interested in leadership, aviation, or overcoming adversity.

Also, how does one get such a standard-sounding call sign?

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

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[SKIP TO 1:15 TO SKIP INTRO]

Oh, you thought that was just a one-time thing? Ha! We're back! And, as is standard protocol, we're bringing the fire, but now this time with unfiltered, guest-driven episodes. Here's a fun, quick intro from our hosts to set the tone of SEASON 2 of All Fire No Smoke.

Stay tuned for our full-length episodes as we record guest interviews with the women and men who have paved the way for a stronger, QUALIFIED aviation industry today.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

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SEASON 1 FINALE

How does the right inspiration unlock your next move—no matter your age? Whether it’s a mentor, a movement, or a piece of media that sparks something inside you, the right fuel can change everything. In this episode, Blaze and The Dragon Lady talk about the power of surrounding yourself with the right influences, how to tap into relentless motivation, and --as ridiculous as it sounds--why the fire inside you is only as strong as the sparks you feed it. No excuses—just ignition.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

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How does routine set you free instead of holding you back? In a world full of expectations, outdated traditions, and external pressures, trusting your gut can feel like breaking the rules. But real performance—whether in the cockpit, in business, or in life—comes from optimizing your own system, not forcing yourself into someone else’s mold.

In episode 7, Blaze and The Dragon Lady unpack the power of structure, routine, and mental agility, and why it's time to ditch the stigma around doing what actually works.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

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How does even the most experienced pilot get humbled in the cockpit? No matter how many flight hours or how many impossible maneuvers you’ve mastered, aviation has a way of keeping you on your toes. In episode 6 - Blaze and The Dragon Lady break down how even elite pilots can get schooled by the simplest training scenarios—and why, as women in aviation, the margin for error is razor-thin. From hard lessons in the sky to the relentless pursuit of excellence, this episode is all about resilience, precision, and proving yourself over and over again.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

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How do military aviators balance the high-stakes demands of their careers with the equally challenging responsibilities of parenthood? 

In episode 5: "Warfighter," our hosts dive head first into their simoltaneous experiences as military leaders and new mothers, sharing the wins and also the trials of navigating motherhood in the armed forces.

From timing the decision to have children to facing the cultural stigma around women in the military starting families, their stories reveal the strength, adaptability, and unwavering determination required to thrive in both roles.

Dragon Lady and Blaze discuss the importance of support systems, the resilience of military children, and how their families became part of their careers.

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or simply curious about the lives of military families, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

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How do compassion and adaptability shape the path to leadership in military aviation? In this powerful conversation, our hosts share their experiences from the cockpit to the command room, offering insight into what it takes to lead with empathy and humility.

In Episode 5 of All Fire No Smoke, “We Ride at Dawn,” Blaze and Dragon Lady reflect on their historic careers and the lessons they’ve learned as women leaders in the military. They discuss standout moments of both great and poor leadership they witnessed, emphasizing the crucial nature of being approachable, humble, and leading by example. They also explore the challenges of what it means to care for yourself while caring for the team around you.

From flying reconnaissance at 70,000 feet to performing high-stakes aerial maneuvers with the Thunderbirds, Episode 4 illustrates that effective leadership isn’t just about skill—it’s about connection, trust, and never losing sight of the human element. Plus, you won’t want to miss the laughter-filled detour into some “questionable drawings” that left a lasting impression in their journey.

Get ready because…. we ride at dawn! No one? Okay sorry we’ll show ourselves out.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. All episodes are recorded with permission.

© 2025 All Fire No Smoke Podcast. All rights reserved. For media inquiries, guest submissions, or more information, visit https://shows.acast.com/all-fire-no-smoke-podcast

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered official advice or endorsement.

Contact us: allfirenosmoke.podcast.com

Instagram: @allfirenosmoke.podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.