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Ever wonder what it truly costs to make magical memories at Disney? Prepare for sticker shock as we break down the eye-watering expenses of taking a family to major theme parks this summer. With admission alone costing $640 for a family of four at Disney and nearly as much at Universal, plus hundreds more for food, parking, and those irresistible souvenirs, your wallet will feel lighter than Tinkerbell by day's end.

We share a personal financial revelation that left Shawn simultaneously elated and furious—discovering his wife had an HSA card with a lot of money sitting unused in her desk for two years! This prompts an important conversation about knowing your benefits and understanding your company's compensation package beyond just the paycheck.

The conversation shifts to aviation as we discuss the bizarre incident of a pilot getting locked out of the cockpit when his first officer fell asleep, and the tragic story of a tall ship striking the Brooklyn Bridge. We also explore the fascinating history of the Concorde and exciting developments with "Boom," a company bringing supersonic travel back to commercial aviation.

From road rage encounters to homemade dog treats and the potential benefits of PEMF mats for pain management, this episode weaves through life's everyday challenges and unexpected discoveries. Whether you're planning a vacation, dealing with health issues, or simply navigating today's hectic world, you'll find useful insights and a few laughs along the way. Join us for a journey that reminds us that while life's flight path may encounter turbulence, attitude determines our altitude.

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Remember when car safety meant "try not to fall out"? Shawn kicks off this episode with a story about doing exactly that – rolling out of a moving car as a child when the door flew open during a turn. His young nieces are appropriately horrified, having grown up in an era of five-point harnesses and booster seats. This leads to a nostalgic journey through the massive station wagons and bench seats of yesteryear when fitting six kids in the backseat was standard weekend entertainment.

The conversation shifts to remarkable people in the news, specifically Johnny Kim – whose career trajectory reads like a collection of childhood dream jobs. From troubled beginnings, Kim became a Navy SEAL with 100 successful combat missions, then a Harvard-educated doctor, and now NASA's first Korean-American astronaut. While most of us struggle to master one profession, Kim collects elite careers like trading cards, exemplifying the warrior mindset in everything he pursues.

Aviation news dominates the middle section, with updates on Starlink internet being installed across commercial fleets, Newark Airport's operational nightmare (or "the armpit of the nation" as the hosts affectionately call it), and ridiculous passenger requests – including one individual who provided flight attendants with a list demanding no coffee brewing, no nuts, no fragrances, and impossibly, "no airplane fuel smells" on an aircraft. We also explore bizarre incidents like a plane diverting because the autopilot stopped working (prompting the logical question: aren't pilots supposed to fly planes?) and a baggage handler who fell asleep in the cargo hold and woke up mid-flight.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or an aviation enthusiast, this episode delivers the perfect blend of nostalgia, industry insights, and the absurdity that makes air travel simultaneously frustrating and fascinating. Subscribe now and share with your weirdest coworker – you know the one.

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Have you ever wondered if college is really necessary for success? Or what happens when airline staff completely lose their cool on camera? Shawn and G tackle these questions and share wild workplace stories that'll make your job seem like a dream by comparison.

The conversation kicks off with local dangers on country roads before Shawn whisks us away to Charleston, South Carolina, where he discovered "booze pops" - the adult version of popsicles served alongside ice cream for kids. This leads to reflections on how airline culture has shifted, separating crews and diminishing the camaraderie that once defined the industry.

When the hosts dive into the viral video of gate agents verbally sparring with a customer in Raleigh-Durham, they don't hold back their criticism. "Customer service F...they get a total F," Shawn declares, sparking a discussion about de-escalation and professionalism in an age when everything gets recorded.

The episode's most thought-provoking segment challenges our educational priorities. "Fifty or more of the people that go to college shouldn't be there," G asserts, highlighting how trades like plumbing and welding offer six-figure incomes without student debt. The hosts lament how schools have eliminated shop classes, creating generations who can't handle basic home maintenance.

Shawn delivers the episode's most memorable moment during a time travel discussion, refusing to go to the past with a perfectly timed "I take my black ass back in time, I ain't gonna be happy." This blend of humor and social commentary exemplifies what makes Cabin Pressure unique - the ability to tackle serious topics while keeping you laughing.

Subscribe now and join the conversation that's making listeners see their workplaces, education choices, and travel experiences in an entirely new light.

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The skies get turbulent in more ways than one when Shawn announces his decision to transfer to international flying after 35 years as a flight attendant. This major career move sparks a conversation about seniority, schedule control, and why some flight attendants commute across the country for better work opportunities.

The episode takes a dramatic turn as Jean recounts a harrowing medical emergency when a passenger passed out mid-flight after having just one mimosa. The hosts share vital advice for travelers experiencing light-headedness on planes: get down immediately before gravity makes the decision for you. And just when you think the flight couldn't get worse, a passenger's dog leaves a nasty surprise in the aisle during deplaning, creating a stomach-turning cleanup situation that will make you appreciate flight crews even more.

Between discussing the remarkable story of a mother who found her missing son after 27 years through a TikTok video and debating who truly deserves the basketball GOAT title (Michael Jordan or LeBron James?), the hosts reveal the bizarre phenomenon of "jump seat therapy" – where flight attendants inexplicably share their most intimate personal details with colleagues they've just met. The conversation shifts to current aviation challenges as Newark Airport operates with just one runway while suffering from critical air traffic controller shortages so severe that airline CEOs are advising passengers to avoid the airport entirely.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or aviation enthusiast, these behind-the-scenes stories from veteran flight attendants will forever change how you experience air travel. Subscribe to Cabin Pressure, leave a review, and drop your wildest airport stories on our Facebook page – your story might just make it onto our next episode!

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What drives someone to trade the comfort of flight for 81 days and 4,500 miles on a bicycle? Flight attendant Rich takes us through his remarkable cross-country cycling adventure from Virginia to Oregon, revealing the physical and mental challenges that pushed him to his limits.

The journey began with a simple tradition—dipping his rear wheel in the Atlantic Ocean. What followed was an odyssey of lung-busting climbs through Kentucky's unforgiving hills, lightning storms above the treeline, and nights spent in the most unexpected places. With only a small one-wheeled trailer carrying his belongings, Rich simplified his existence to three daily goals: finding places to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom.

Beyond the physical feat of climbing 100,000 feet in elevation (equivalent to scaling Mount Everest multiple times), Rich's story illuminates something profound about human connection. Despite arriving in small towns with a mohawk, long beard, and what he describes as a powerful stench after days without showering, strangers welcomed him with extraordinary kindness—offering meals, laundry services, and safe havens.

From the mayor who opened city hall during a rainstorm to random bar patrons who paid for his lunch, these encounters restored Rich's faith in humanity. "People in general don't suck," he discovered, perhaps the most valuable lesson from his journey.

Now planning adventures through New Zealand, Iceland, and the Great Divide, Rich embodies the spirit of challenge and discovery that keeps life vibrant at any age. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest rewards come when we get ourselves "in over our head and see if we can get out."

Want to hear more incredible stories from the skies and beyond? Subscribe to Cabin Pressure for weekly episodes that will change how you see travel and adventure.

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Remember when the entire family gathered around the television for the nightly ritual of watching our favorite sitcoms? When catchphrases became part of our everyday language and theme songs permanently etched themselves into our memories? This nostalgic journey through television's golden era explores how these shows shaped American culture and reflected societal changes during transformative decades.

From "Brady Bunch" to "Batman," we unpack the cultural significance of these beloved programs that did far more than entertain—they introduced controversial subjects to mainstream audiences, normalized changing family structures, and created shared cultural touchpoints across generations. The conversation reveals how these shows served as social mirrors, tackling everything from divorce and remarriage to racial integration and changing gender roles, all while making us laugh.

The discussion takes unexpected turns, from Shawn's creative adventures in AI-assisted storytelling (featuring a unicorn named "Stinky Corn") to jarring airline passenger incidents that remind us what flight attendants are truly trained for. We reflect on how entertainment has evolved from the communal experience of classic television—where families gathered around a single screen—to today's fragmented media landscape where shared cultural moments have become increasingly rare.

Whether you're old enough to remember these shows firsthand or discovering them through streaming services, this episode celebrates television's power to unite, educate, and reflect our collective experience. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of the programs that didn't just entertain us but helped shape who we are. What show from your childhood still brings a smile to your face? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

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Step into the cockpit with John, a veteran pilot with 51 years of flying experience and 39 years in commercial aviation. His journey through the skies spans 53 different aircraft types and countless adventures that illuminate both the joys and challenges of a life spent above the clouds.

The conversation tackles a controversial topic in aviation: the mandatory retirement age of 65 for commercial airline pilots. John argues this represents outdated age discrimination, particularly as pilots undergo rigorous medical exams every six months and proficiency checks regularly. Why should capable, experienced pilots be forced to ground themselves when they can still pass every test thrown their way? The timing seems especially problematic given the industry's current struggle with pilot shortages.

Wildlife encounters feature prominently as John shares hair-raising stories about birds, rabbits, and other creatures meeting unfortunate ends in aircraft engines. One particularly memorable incident involved geese being "cooked" in an engine after a strike, filling the cabin with smoke and necessitating an emergency return. Despite these challenges, John maintains that "the best flight is boring and uneventful."

The episode offers rare glimpses into pilot culture, from judging colleagues' aircraft walk-arounds to dealing with problematic flight attendants. In one hilarious exchange, a co-pilot responded to repeated cabin calls about a passenger vomiting by asking with perfect deadpan delivery: "What color is the vomit?" claiming it was now required information. The camaraderie and humor that sustain aviation professionals through challenging situations shines throughout these stories.

What emerges is a passionate case for valuing experience in the cockpit. As one host observes about flying with veteran pilots during turbulence: "Never did I think twice about it when you and Chris are up in the cockpit." In an industry where split-second decisions matter, perhaps we should reconsider rules that prioritize age over demonstrated ability.

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Ever wondered why you feel bloated for days after a flight? Turns out your body takes a full seven days to expel all the gas from flying—just one of many surprising revelations in this eye-opening episode about what really happens at 35,000 feet.

We dive into the truth about airline food and why it tastes so strange (hint: your taste buds partially go numb during flights). Flight attendants share their insider knowledge about which foods to absolutely avoid on planes—with Chinese food topping the "never eat this" list—and why even seemingly healthy options are loaded with hidden salt, sugar, and fat. Those steel-cut oats with mango sauce? Nutritional disaster. That tiny bag of trail mix? Contains a shocking 18 grams of sugar.

The conversation takes a more serious turn when we discuss how airline crew members absorb more radiation than an X-ray with each flight, accumulating significant exposure over their careers. "I'm probably as green as your shirt right now," jokes one host about the potential cumulative effects.

We share the bizarre story of a 76-year-old woman stranded in Puerto Rico when her emotional support parrot was denied boarding for her return flight, plus the time pilots nearly turned a plane around after passengers airdropped nude photos to the cockpit.

For travelers headed to Minneapolis, we offer insights about the massive Mall of America and recommend trying the region's famous "Juicy Lucy" stuffed burgers—where cheese melts inside the patty rather than sitting on top.

Whether you're a frequent flyer looking to make smarter food choices or simply curious about the hidden side of air travel, this episode will forever change how you think about your in-flight experience. Subscribe now and join our growing community of aviation enthusiasts who love peeking behind the galley curtain!

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What happens when your coworkers are more turbulent than the flight itself? Flight attendants Shaw n and G lift the veil on airline crew dynamics, specifically addressing the challenging "one-percenters" who make life difficult at 35,000 feet.

The hosts start by discussing the unseen health hazards of their profession – working in a "germ-infested tube" where constant exposure to illnesses is inevitable. "We're worse than a two-year-old," G admits about how flight attendants inadvertently spread germs across the country. This vulnerability creates a unique occupational hazard that passengers rarely consider when boarding.

The heart of the episode focuses on categorizing troublesome colleagues: "chia pets" who refuse to communicate, "fire starters" who create conflicts then disappear, "avoiders" who hide from work, and those who insist on wearing earbuds despite safety concerns. Through humorous anecdotes, Sean and G reveal how these challenging personalities affect both crew morale and passenger experience, offering an insider's view of workplace dynamics that mirror challenges in many professions.

Beyond crew discussion, the hosts share critical travel updates, including the May 2025 Real ID requirement deadline and recent travel advisories affecting popular destinations. They conclude with an extensive exploration of Orlando beyond its famous theme parks, highlighting hidden gems along International Drive, remarkable escape rooms, and dining experiences like the Hash House.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share your wildest airport stories on our Facebook page – we might read them on air! Remember: stay strapped in, stay hydrated, and please keep your clothes on in the terminal.

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Take flight with us as we explore the fascinating world of commercial aviation through the eyes of a veteran pilot. In this captivating conversation, our guest John shares his remarkable journey from a wide-eyed four-year-old experiencing his first helicopter ride at a county fair to becoming an accomplished airline captain. 

What truly sets this episode apart is John's candid breakdown of what it actually takes to earn your wings. Far from an overnight achievement, he details the seven-year path of intense training, certification challenges, and the methodical building of flight hours through instruction and charter work before landing professional flying positions. His story powerfully illustrates that aviation careers, while accessible, demand extraordinary dedication and perseverance.

Beyond career pathways, John pulls back the curtain on pilots' daily realities that passengers never see. From the extensive pre-flight planning and weather analysis that happens hours before departure to the surprisingly intense simulator training sessions every nine months where pilots face worst-case scenarios under intense scrutiny. We explore the misconception about glamorous layovers (spoiler: most involve simply resting for the next demanding day) and the crucial importance of crew familiarity and coordination.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, considering a pilot career, or simply curious about what's happening in the cockpit during your next flight, this episode delivers fascinating insights into one of the world's most demanding yet rewarding professions. Listen now for a first-class journey into the pilot's perspective!

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