In honor of Women's History Month this episode features the extraordinary journey of Lola Reid Allin from surviving domestic violence to becoming a groundbreaking female aviator with over 6,000 flight hours and numerous historical firsts in aviation. Lola shares how flying became both her passion and her path to freedom from an abusive marriage.
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When Lola Reid Allin's husband suggested they take flying lessons together, she never imagined aviation would become both her passion and her escape route from domestic abuse. This powerful conversation traces her remarkable journey from controlled spouse to groundbreaking female pilot—accumulating over 6,000 flight hours and becoming the first woman to hold numerous prestigious positions in aviation during an era when women were actively discouraged from such pursuits.

With unflinching honesty, Lola shares the reality of recognizing abuse patterns and finding the strength to leave. The tipping point? Her husband calling her flight instructors to announce her pilot certification before she could share her own accomplishment—a seemingly small but profoundly controlling action that crystalized her decision. 

Beyond her aviation achievements, Lola reveals her fascinating second chapter living in Mexico as a scuba dive master and immersing herself in Maya communities across Belize and Mexico. Her anthropological adventures living with indigenous families showcase her boundless curiosity and courage.

Most striking is Lola's revelation about writing her memoir "Highway to the Sky" after discovering in 2014 that despite progress, only about 5% of commercial pilots today are women—barely higher than during her active flying years. Her story illuminates how breaking free from controlling relationships and breaking through gender barriers require the same qualities: unwavering self-belief and the courage to venture into uncharted territory.