Make the Donuts

Cary Rickoff is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and a proud member of the Blue Angels, the elite flight demonstration team known for their precision, skill, and patriotism. With a background flying the F/A-18 and a passion for leadership and mentorship, Cary represents the highest echelon of aviation excellence.

In this episode of Make the Donuts, host Erik Sabiston dives into what it really takes to wear the iconic blue suit and join the Navy’s most elite aviation team. Cary opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome, the intense pressure of performing at air shows, and the surreal feeling of being seen as a modern-day superhero. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights on training, the camaraderie among pilots, and how his journey shaped him both in and out of the cockpit. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about military aviation, mindset, and mastery under pressure.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewy1105/?hl=en

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

What does it take to fly critical patients across cities, highways, and helipads — and make life-or-death decisions midair? In this episode, Erik Sabiston sits down with veteran HEMS pilot and former naval aviator Scott Moak to uncover what life is really like inside the rotorcraft cockpit of a medical emergency.

From weather calls to teamwork with med crews, and from simulator hours to FAA medicals, Scott shares a no-fluff, honest look at the daily challenges, certifications, and mindset required to thrive in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. If you're an aspiring HEMS pilot, a military aviator looking to transition, or just curious about this high-stakes career, this episode will give you a tactical edge.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmoak/?hl=en

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

Kit Darby shares how he went from an Army fixed-wing pilot to a United Airlines captain and top industry mentor. He talks about choosing seniority over loyalty, surviving furloughs, and helping thousands of pilots land airline jobs — all while staying ahead of every industry curve.

In this episode, Kit breaks down what really drives pilot hiring: retirements, fleet growth, and timing. He gets into how pilots can play the seniority game, avoid career-killing moves, and get ready for the next hiring wave. If you're serious about flying for the airlines, this is the strategy talk you need.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

Resources:

Website: https://kitdarby.com/wp/

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Malerstein-Watkins, a longtime friend and one of Hollywood’s top Script Supervisors!

We dive deep into the vital (and often overlooked) role of the script supervisor… The unsung hero who keeps continuity, tracks every detail, and ensures the director's vision stays intact. Whether you’re an aspiring script supervisor or an actor trying to understand set dynamics, this episode gives you everything you need to break in and succeed.

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

Resources:

Pat B. Miller’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Script-Supervising-Film-Continuity-Third/dp/0240802942

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

SPONSOR:

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

In this episode we’re joined by Tony Dokoupil, CBS Broadcast Journalist and Author of ‘The Last Pirate’.

We discuss how growing up with a father in the drug business changed his life, and transformed him into the person he is today. We dive deep into his career at CBS, stories of growing up in a wacky world and favorite interviews of all time!

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

More on Tony Dokupil:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonydokoupil/?hl=en

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Pirate-Father-Golden-Marijuana/dp/0385533462

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/

Welcome to the first episode of Make the Donuts, a show where I interview people from a variety of professions on their journey to success!

In this episode, I am joined by my great friend, host of “Tall Tales with Taco Bell” and American Airlines pilot, Mitch “Taco” Bell! We go in depth on Taco’s career-to-date, digging in on how he became a pilot, a podcast host and an instrumental piece in helping veterans transition to a career in the airlines!

Let me know what you think! Drop me a comment on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!

For video versions of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MaketheDonuts

More on Mitch “Taco” Bell:

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@talltaleswithtacobell/about

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makethedonutz/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makethedonutz

Check out our website: https://makethedonuts.com/

For one-on-one career help and/or business inquiries: www.sabistonconsulting.com

Phantom Lights: https://phantomlights.com/