In this episode of Deep Dives, guest host Matt Flug and I had an unforgettable conversation with Morgan Proffer, a seasoned Boeing 777 pilot, who shared a glimpse into his life in the sky. 🌍✈️ We explored everything from the technical intricacies of flying one of the largest commercial planes in the world to the personal challenges that come with navigating international flights, jet lag, and the responsibility of safely transporting passengers across continents. Morgan also shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, from facing unpredictable weather to handling high-pressure situations in the cockpit. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just curious about the life of a commercial pilot, this episode is packed with insights, adventure, and real-life experiences that will keep you glued to your seat. Check it out now on Deep Dives—you don’t want to miss this high-flying journey!

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are strictly their own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or policies of United Airlines or any other organization. This conversation is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.

In this week's Deep Dives, I sat down with Scott Tillema, a renowned hostage negotiator with years of experience resolving high-stakes situations. Scott takes us inside the world of crisis negotiation, revealing the techniques and psychological strategies that help bring peaceful endings to dangerous conflicts. We dive into his personal stories from the field, where he’s dealt with life-and-death scenarios, and learn how he remains calm under pressure while building trust with those who have nothing left to lose. Scott also sheds light on how empathy, communication, and quick thinking are crucial to saving lives in some of the most intense environments imaginable.Whether you’re curious about the mental strategies behind negotiating in tense situations or just looking for a fascinating glimpse into a unique career, this episode will leave you inspired. It’s a gripping conversation you won’t want to miss! Listen now on Deep Dives.

In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Maya Warren, a trailblazing ice cream scientist with a passion for exploring the science behind everyone’s favorite frozen treat. Dr. Warren shared her journey into food science, explaining how her curiosity led her to uncover the fascinating chemistry of ice cream. We talked about the delicate balance of flavors, the perfect texture, and even the science behind how ice cream melts. Dr. Warren also gave an insider look into her global adventures in ice cream, from developing new, exciting flavors to studying how different cultures approach this beloved dessert. It’s a fun and insightful conversation that highlights the blend of science and creativity needed to craft the perfect scoop. Whether you love ice cream or are just curious about the science behind it, this episode is packed with cool insights! Don’t miss it!

In this thrilling episode of Deep Dives, Myles Gross and I sit down with legendary professional skier Cody Townsend, who takes us deep into the world of extreme skiing. Known for pushing the limits of what’s humanly possible on the slopes, Cody has skied some of the most dangerous and remote mountains on the planet, earning him a reputation as one of the sport’s most fearless athletes. In our conversation, Cody shares the stories behind his most intense descents, including the risks, challenges, and rewards of navigating unpredictable terrains. We dive into the mental and physical preparation required for skiing at this elite level, how he stays motivated after all these years, and what it’s like to continuously redefine the boundaries of adventure sports. If you’re a fan of action sports, love hearing about daring feats, or are curious about the mindset it takes to push past fear, this episode is packed with inspiration and adrenaline. Listen now to hear Cody Townsend’s incredible story and get an insider’s view of a life lived on the edge.

In this fascinating episode of Deep Dives, we take a dive into the world of underwater archaeology with Brendan Burke, the Virginia State Underwater Archaeologist. Brendan gives us an insider's look at the challenges and thrills of exploring shipwrecks, lost cities, and historical sites hidden beneath the water's surface. We discuss how these discoveries help rewrite history and the cutting-edge technologies used to map and recover submerged artifacts. Brendan shares his most memorable dives, the mysteries still waiting to be uncovered, and what it takes to preserve our submerged cultural heritage. Whether you’re passionate about history, exploration, or just curious about life beneath the waves, this episode is full of awe-inspiring insights!

In this episode of Deep Dives, gust host Jordan Krawitz and I had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Berkley, an award-winning dog trainer and a champion at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. We delve into her fascinating journey in the world of competitive dog training, exploring the dedication, techniques, and unique bond she shares with her dogs that have led her to success. Kim also shares behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to compete at the highest levels, the challenges she’s overcome, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re a dog lover, aspiring trainer, or just curious about the world of dog shows, this conversation offers a captivating look into a truly unique and inspiring career.

In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the pleasure of interviewing Navneeth Murali, a multiple-time spelling bee champion who has made a significant mark in the world of competitive spelling. We delve into his journey from his first spelling bee to his impressive victories, exploring the dedication, strategy, and mental toughness required to excel at such a high level. Navneeth shares behind-the-scenes insights into the world of spelling competitions, the challenges he faced, and how he balances his academic pursuits with his passion for spelling. Whether you're a fan of spelling bees or simply curious about what it takes to be the best, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a champion.

In this thrilling episode of Deep Dives, I sit down with Jennifer Walton, an extraordinary storm and volcano chaser who has ventured into some of the most dangerous and awe-inspiring environments on Earth. Jennifer shares her captivating experiences of chasing supercell storms, witnessing volcanic eruptions up close, and the scientific passion that drives her to explore nature's most powerful forces. We also dive into her inspiring role as a trailblazer for women in storm chasing, proving that girls who chase can hold their own in this high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world. Tune in to hear about the heart-pounding moments, the close calls, and the deep respect she has for the raw power of our planet. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Terry Virts, a retired NASA astronaut who has spent over 200 days in space, including a mission as Commander of the International Space Station. Terry shares captivating stories from his time aboard the ISS, the challenges and triumphs of space exploration, and his unique perspective on our planet from above. We also delve into his transition back to Earth and the lessons he's carried forward from his extraordinary career. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about life beyond our atmosphere, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of an astronaut. You won’t want to miss Terry's insights on what it truly means to be a citizen of the universe.

In this episode of Deep Dives, I had the incredible opportunity to interview David and Jessie Peterson, the brilliant minds behind some of the most fascinating constructed languages in popular culture. Known for their work on iconic shows like Game of Thrones and The 100, David and Jessie share their creative process, the challenges of building entirely new languages from scratch, and how these languages contribute to the richness of fictional worlds. Whether you're a fan of linguistics, world-building, or just curious about the art of language creation, this conversation offers a deep dive into the intricate craft that makes these languages come alive on screen. Don't miss this episode to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of language creation!