That Skydive Sim Guy!

What does it really take to become a better skydiver? Is it experience, mental preparation, technology, or a combination of all three?

Brian Germain joins me on That Skydive Sim Guy to rethink how we approach skydiving training, from the psychology of fear and decision-making to the evolution of parachute design and modern teaching methods.

We explore why mental awareness and breathing matter under pressure, how realistic simulations can help develop skills before a jump, and how virtual reality is opening new possibilities for instructors and students alike.

Brian also shares his experiences testing parachutes, coaching canopy pilots, and using Skydive Sim as a training tool.

A wide-ranging conversation about the connection between mind, body, and technology—and what the future of skydiving education might look like.

Learn more at https://skydivesim.com

How do you go from nonprofit leadership, corporate strategy, and advertising to creating immersive brand experiences for Nike, Foot Locker, New Balance, Jordan, Puma, and Adidas?In this episode of That Skydive Sim Guy!, I talk with a longtime friend and collaborator about how we first met nearly 20 years ago, how his career evolved across multiple industries, and why he built Trill Multicultural to help brands show up authentically in multicultural communities. We talk about the mission behind the company, the creative journey that brought us back together over the years, and the projects that pushed things to another level — including Air Max Day, branded VR activations, immersive retail experiences, and transforming physical spaces into unforgettable moments. This episode is about culture, trust, storytelling, and what it takes to create experiences that truly connect.Learn more about Trill Multicultural: https://www.trillmulticultural.com/🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at: https://www.skydivesim.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skydive SimDiscord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8RLink to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.comLink to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/#ThatSkydiveSimGuy#Podcast#ExperientialMarketing#BrandStorytelling#VirtualReality#NikeVR#ImmersiveExperience#CreativeJourney#Entrepreneurship#MarketingCulture

What if you could experience wingsuit flying, BASE jumping, and skydiving with zero real-world risk—yet still feel the fear, adrenaline, and triumph of the jump?

In this episode, I sit down with James Jensen, founder/CEO of Jump and co-creator of The VOID, to talk about building one of the most realistic hyper-reality experiences ever made.

James shares how Jump recreates the psychological and physical sensations of wingsuit flight, why your brain only needs about 20% of reality to fill in the rest, and how real wingsuit pros—including Luke Akins—helped shape the physics and authenticity behind the simulator.

We dive into:

• Why Jump focuses on training, transformation, and fear-management, not gaming

• How motion, wind, scent, and body position eliminate motion sickness

• Unlockable wingsuit performance levels—from beginner assist to full aerobatics

• The future of hyper-reality: running, climbing, traversing, and jumping anywhere

• Why “the jump” itself is a powerful metaphor for entrepreneurship and life

If you’ve ever dreamed of wingsuit flying, wondered where VR is really headed, or believe immersive tech should create real memories, this episode is for you.

Blue skies 🤘🪂

Learn more about Jump: https://www.limitlessflight.com

https://www.instagram.com/jumplimitlessflight/

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Skydive SimDiscord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

In this episode of That Skydive Sim Guy!, I’m joined by Chris Wyllie and Chuck DuVal from the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum for a meaningful conversation about legacy, service, and how history can be preserved in a way that truly connects with people.

The museum was founded to honor the life and sacrifice of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in action during Operation Red Wings and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Located in his hometown, the museum exists not only to tell his story, but to represent the values of service, sacrifice, leadership, and teamwork shared by the broader Navy SEAL community.

Chris, the Museum’s Executive Director and a former Navy SEAL, shares his personal background and explains how the museum came to be, why its mission matters, and the responsibility that comes with telling these stories accurately and respectfully. Chuck, the museum’s Chief Technology Officer, talks about how technology plays a growing role in education and engagement—helping visitors of all ages better understand the environments, challenges, and mindset of those who served.

Together, they offer an inside look at the museum’s day-to-day operations: welcoming school groups, hosting large tours, rotating exhibits, maintaining artifacts, and designing experiences that resonate with veterans, families, and younger generations alike. We discuss why hands-on and immersive experiences are especially powerful in a museum setting, and how they complement traditional exhibits without overshadowing the history itself.

The conversation also explores the museum’s role in the local community, the wide range of visitors it serves, and the realities of operating a museum that relies entirely on admissions and donations rather than government funding. Chris and Chuck talk about major events like the Murph Challenge, which honors Lt. Murphy’s legacy while bringing people together through physical and mental endurance.

Skydive Sim comes into the discussion as one example of how the museum thoughtfully experiments with modern tools to add perspective and context—allowing visitors to experience location and scale in a way that enhances understanding while staying true to the museum’s educational mission.

This episode is about honoring a hero, preserving an important legacy, and finding thoughtful ways to ensure these stories continue to inspire future generations.

Museum Website: https://murphsealmuseum.org/

Press videos: https://murphsealmuseum.org/media/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphsealmuseum/

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Skydive SimDiscord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

#MichaelPMurphy #NavySEALMuseum #SEALLegacy #MilitaryHistory #HonorAndSacrifice #ServiceAndLegacy #skydivesim #virtualreality #metaquest3 #steamgames #podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Ronnie Hughan, the creator and CEO of CanopyPilot and Skydive VR, one of the pioneers bringing virtual reality into skydiving training. With more than 6,100 jumps and 34 years of instructional experience, he has dedicated his career to helping students become safer, more confident canopy pilots — and today, VR is one of his most powerful tools.

Jumping since 1981, he shares the experiences that shaped his mission, including a hard landing early in his career that left a lasting impression on how students learn and how mistakes happen. Years later, as an IT project manager discovering VR in 2015, he immediately saw the potential:
What if skydivers could practice real decision-making under canopy — safely, repeatedly, and with immediate feedback?

We dive into:

• How VR training helps students understand patterns, wind, obstacles, and real landing decisions

• The difference between “coach mode” and “test mode” — and how it reveals who’s truly ready to jump

• Teaching a completely deaf student to fly a parachute in just 45 minutes using VR

• Why many instructors are hesitant to adopt new training methods

• His “theoretical runway” technique for quickly assessing your landing point

• Insights from tight landing areas like those at The Ranch in New York

• How the military and teams like Flight One are already implementing VR for canopy training

• The ongoing study with the French Parachute Federation, with early results looking extremely promising

• The future of VR: streamlined hardware, improved accessibility, and drop zones using VR as both a training and marketing tool

From experiential learning to modern technology, this conversation highlights how VR isn’t replacing instructors — it’s making them more effective and helping students show up prepared, confident, and safe.

If you're passionate about skydiving, canopy progression, or the future of training tools in our sport, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more:

CanopyPilot.io

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skydive Sim

Discord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

Skydive Sim, skydiving, canopy training, VR skydiving, Ronnie Hughan, CanopyPilot, Skydive VR, virtual reality training, parachute training, skydiving instruction, canopy coaching, AFF training, VR flight training, extreme sports VR, skydive safety, parachute landing, experiential learning, skydiving technology, VR canopy piloting, jump training, drop zone training, skydiving simulator, metaverse training tools

In this episode of That Skydive Sim Guy!, we sit down with the creator of Glider Sim, a VR paragliding and ultralight flight simulator that has grown from a passion project into one of the most respected soaring simulators in the world. We dive into the journey behind Glider Sim’s development, its evolving physics system, and how real-world pilots and flight schools use it for training.

Our guest shares incredible stories — from building missions for Microsoft Flight Simulator in Redmond, to discovering VR through the Oculus DK2, to launching early projects like Glider Island that unexpectedly went viral.

We explore the challenges of balancing realism and accessibility, modeling thermals and ridge lift on global terrain, integrating Google Earth–style exploration, and the constant tug-of-war between game design and aviation accuracy.

He also dives into:

• How real paragliding solos compared to his own sim

• Why gusts, micro-climate effects, and launch-site saving matter

• The possibilities for future hardware setups and training tools

• The realities of working solo as a VR developer

• Thoughts on VR’s slow but steady evolution

• And where the future of flight simulation and VR might be headed

Whether you're a VR developer, a skydiver, a paraglider, or just a fan of immersive experiences, this episode is packed with insights into the craft, passion, and obsession behind building a modern flight simulator.

Get Glider Sim:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1422940

https://www.meta.com/experiences/5035807803211287/

More info:

https://5drealities.com/Games.aspx

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skydive Sim

Discord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

glidersim, skydiveSim, skydiveSimVR, vrskydiving, skydivingsimulator, paragliding, vrflight, vrdeveloper, unity3d, cesium, googleearthvr, vrtraining, extremeSportsVR, flightsim, vrentrepreneur, handgliding, speedflying, vrhistory, metaverse, indiegameDev, wingsuitVR, harnesssystemVR, vrmotionrig

In this episode I talk with Charles Lockard, a 39-year-old family man from Ocean City, MD who joins me to talk aviation, skydiving, and how VR helped him fall back in love with canopy flight. He shares the legacy behind his family’s Harbor Inn (the town’s oldest bar, established in 1935), the energy of the White Marlin Open, and his winding path in the sport—starting AFF in 2007, racking up 110 jumps without finishing the A-license, and what on-again/off-again currency taught him about humility and safety. We get into tight landing patterns at Skydive OC’s busy municipal airport, memorable moments (a sudden return-to-field takeoff with a loose fuel cap, a blustery high-pull on a student canopy), and why treating a comeback like day-one AFF is the smartest move. He also breaks down how Skydive Sim, Microsoft Flight Simulator (2024), and other VR titles sharpen his pattern work and confidence—sometimes for an hour or two a day—and why the “gamer mindset” (challenges, repetition, flow) translates so well to real-world procedures. We wrap with dreams of power-paragliding on flat coastal terrain, mixed-reality arcades, and rallying group flights in-sim.

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skydive Sim

Discord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

🪂 Available on Meta Quest – Search “Skydive Sim”#Skydiving #VirtualSkydiving #SkydiveSim #MetaQuest3 #VRTraining #CanopyFlight #ActionSports #ExtremeSports #SkydiveNewEngland #ZephyrHills #BaseJump #AFF #MountainBiking #Snowboarding #Wingsuit #VRGaming #SkydivingPodcast#ThatSkydiveSimGuy #JenAndTony #SkydivingJourney #AFFTraining #SkydiveSim #SkydivingCommunity #SkyFam #TandemJump #SkydiveSimulator #SkydivingAdventure #SkydiveCouple #JumpingFrom14K #SkydivingLife #SkydivePodcast

In this episode of That Skydive Sim Guy 🎙️, we’re joined by Jen and Tony, a couple who jumped into skydiving together and haven't looked back. Their adventure began with a tandem jump on the 4th of July 🇺🇸, and since then, they’ve been hooked on the thrill of freefall 🪂. From booking their second jump on their wedding anniversary 💍 to diving straight into AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training, their journey has been one of excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments.Jen and Tony share their experiences of skydiving at Skydive Grand Haven in Michigan's unpredictable weather 🌬️, the incredible community they’ve found at their drop zone, and how Skydive Sim, the VR skydiving simulator 🕹️, has helped them practice their skills and prepare for real-world jumps. With their sights set on earning their A licenses 🎓, they also talk about the journey ahead and how they’ve come to love the skydiving lifestyle.If you’re looking for some real skydiving inspiration and insight into how virtual training can boost your skills, this episode is for you!

🚀This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.

You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Skydive Sim

Discord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8R

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.com

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/

🪂 Available on Meta Quest – Search “Skydive Sim”#Skydiving #VirtualSkydiving #SkydiveSim #MetaQuest3 #VRTraining #CanopyFlight #ActionSports #ExtremeSports #SkydiveNewEngland #ZephyrHills #BaseJump #AFF #MountainBiking #Snowboarding #Wingsuit #VRGaming #SkydivingPodcast#ThatSkydiveSimGuy #JenAndTony #SkydivingJourney #AFFTraining #SkydiveSim #SkydivingCommunity #SkyFam #TandemJump #SkydiveSimulator #SkydivingAdventure #SkydiveCouple #JumpingFrom14K #SkydivingLife #SkydivePodcast

🎙️ That Skydive Sim Guy - Episode: Skydives, Snowboards & Simulators
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Carter from Nova Scotia who’s done over 180 skydives and still finds time to snowboard, mountain bike, and jump from helicopters —all while staying sharp using Skydive Sim on his Meta Quest.

🌎 From his snowy roots in Canada to his winter trips down to Florida and long drives to Skydive New England, we dive into the real-life and VR journey of a passionate skydiver who’s always pushing for progress. He shares how Skydive Sim helped improve his landing accuracy, kept his skills sharp between jumps, and added value to his real-world canopy flight training.

🚁 We talk:

• First tandems & the thrill of AFF jumps ✈️

• Playing in the sky and staying safe through wind lessons 💨

• Meetups in multiplayer VR with world-class coaching

• Formation flying, docking dreams & simulated high pulls

• Using VR to stay stoked during cold seasons ❄️

If you're a skydiver, a simulator fan, or just love action sports, this one’s for you.

👇 Drop a comment if Skydive Sim has helped you too!

This podcast is made possible by Skydive Sim, the world's most advanced skydive simulator.You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at: https://www.skydivesim.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSimFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/skydivesimDiscord: https://discord.gg/3ZXCB2Fu8RLink to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest (Quest 2 or 3 only): https://www.meta.com/experiences/3711951435596517/?utm_source=applabgamelist.comLink to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/SkydiveSim__Skydiving_Simulator/🪂 Available on Meta Quest – Search “Skydive Sim”

#Skydiving #VirtualSkydiving #SkydiveSim #MetaQuest3 #VRTraining #CanopyFlight #ActionSports #ExtremeSports #SkydiveNewEngland #ZephyrHills #BaseJump #AFF #MountainBiking #Snowboarding #Wingsuit #VRGaming #SkydivingPodcast

In this episode of That Skydive Sim Guy, I sit down with world -renowned author and canopy flight coach Brian Germain to explore his new book, Lift, and dive deep into the evolution of skydiving training. Brian’s new book isn’t just about the physics of flight—it’s a metaphorical journey aimed at uplifting the human mind and rekindling that original spark of joy we all once felt. Designed to be a personal touchstone, Lift offers quick, inspirational moments whenever you need a reminder of your inner happiness.

We also get into the nuts and bolts of skydiving innovation with Skydive Sim, the cutting-edge VR simulator that’s revolutionizing how jumpers train. From realistic 3D environments that let you hone your canopy skills safely, to creative enhancements that bring real-world physics into a virtual space, our conversation covers the full spectrum of techniques, challenges, and breakthroughs in the world of skydiving.

Join us for a lively and insightful discussion that blends literature, technology, and a passion for flight—perfect for anyone interested in the art of skydiving and the science of staying safe in the skies.

Brian Germain contact links:

Canopy Course Schedule and Signup: https://briangermain.company.site/Canopy-Course-Deposit-Day-1-payment-p532633440

Coaching: https://brian-germain-coaching.mn.co/

Training Videos: https://www.adventurewisdom.com/

Books:https://www.adventurewisdom.com/products/books

Brian’s Hanging Harness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQm7ZRlLO5U&t=41s

Skydive Sim is the most advanced virtual skydiving simulator in the world available on Meta Quest and Steam Games! You can find more info and all SkydiveSim videos at:

https://www.skydivesim.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SkydiveSim

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SkydiveSim

Discord: https://discord.gg/3KY4KUe7

Link to purchase SkydiveSim for Quest: https://www.meta.com/experiences/skydive-sim-skydiving-simulator/3711951435596517/

Link to purchase SkydiveSim on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1410000/Skydive_Sim__Skydiving_Simulator/#SkydiveSim #ThatSkydiveSimGuy #VirtualSkydiving #BrianGermain #SkydivingInnovation #VirtualSkydiving #MetaQuest3 #GoogleEarth #VirtualReality