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Helmut Cloth is a German engineer and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking contributions have forever changed skydiving safety. After taking up the sport in 1972, Helmut became an active participant in European relative work (RW) record attempts. But a tragic accident in 1986—when a close friend died without deploying either canopy—sparked a mission that would shape the future of parachuting.

Motivated to prevent similar losses, Helmut spent four and a half years researching and developing what would become the world’s most trusted Automatic Activation Device (AAD). After testing twelve prototypes, he introduced the first CYPRES (Cybernetic Parachute Release System) in 1991—a revolutionary tool that automatically deploys the reserve parachute under life-threatening conditions.

To bring this vision to life, Helmut founded Airtec GmbH & Co. KG Safety Systems in Bad Wünnenberg, Germany in 1990. His innovation set a new global standard in skydiving safety and has since been credited with saving thousands of lives. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, he was awarded the prestigious FAI Gold Medal in 1997.

Today, CYPRES remains a cornerstone of safety in the sport, and Helmut Cloth’s legacy continues to guide the evolution of parachuting equipment and protocols worldwide.

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Alethia Austin is a skydiving coach whose influence reaches far beyond the dropzone. Known for her calm presence, thoughtful leadership, and global impact, Alethia is the founder of LSD—Level, Slot, Dock—a sold-out series of skill camps hosted around the world. Her approach to coaching blends technical precision with mindfulness, energy management, and personal growth.

Raised in a small town in southern Oregon, Alethia set out on her own at just 17, carving a life path that would span continents and careers—from the entertainment industry in Los Angeles to marketing roles across Europe. But skydiving was the throughline. After a tandem jump in 2002, she followed the pull of the sport, eventually shaping her professional journey around it.

A respected leader in angle flying and a Regional Captain for Project 19, Alethia is equally at home talking about safety procedures as she is about the deeper, emotional currents of the sport. Her travels—including a pivotal journey through India in 2020—have informed her philosophy, one that bridges movement in the air with inner awareness on the ground.

Plant-based for more than 20 years, a yoga teacher, and handpan musician, Alethia brings an intentionality to skydiving that has inspired countless students to not just fly better, but live more consciously.

This episode is a reflection of Alethia herself—honest, grounded, and quietly powerful.

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My guest today has truly lived a life that transcends even the wildest dreams of a successful career in skydiving. With over 500 BASE jumps and 17,000 skydives, Jon Devore is a highly respected camera flyer, BASE jumper, wingsuiter, world champion free flyer, and stunt performer. His work has been featured in major films such as 2015’s Point Break, Iron Man 3, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, and Ad Astra.

Jon also serves as the event coordinator for the world-renowned Red Bull Air Force, one of the most exciting and recognized demonstration teams globally. In 2023, he was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.

Despite his incredible achievements, Jon remains as humble as he was when he first arrived at Skydive Arizona over 30 years ago, dreaming of completing 500 jumps to become a tandem instructor back in Alaska. Along the way, he encountered a few remarkable individuals who would forever change the course of his life.

MEDIA 

• VIDEO: Jon on the Ellen Degeneres Show
• VIDEO: Jon landing in downtown Los Angeles
• VIDEO: Jon in the iconic wingsuit scene in Point Break
• VIDEO: Wingsuit Formation: Flying the Crack
• PODCAST: Red Bull Bulletin with Jon Devore

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With over 28,000 skydives to his name, Ian Bobo is one of the most accomplished and versatile skydivers in the history of the sport. A true multi-discipline athlete, Ian is one of the rare individuals to win world championships in both Formation Skydiving and Canopy Piloting—a testament to his precision, adaptability, and mastery of flight.

Ian is the co-founder of two pioneering initiatives in the skydiving world: the PD Factory Team and Flight-1, the global leader in canopy piloting education for both civilians and military jumpers. His competitive achievements include multiple world records and national titles, including the 4-Way FS World Record (45 points), the 16-Way FS World Record (19 points), and participation in the Largest Canopy Formation World Record (47-way).

An innovator at heart, Ian helped design and popularize key advancements in canopy flight, including the Removable Deployment System (RDS) and the Mutant supine harness. His high-performance canopy expeditions have taken him from the cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the breathtaking fjords of Norway.

Beyond competition and innovation, Ian is a passionate educator and mentor who has spent over two decades coaching thousands of skydivers to become safer, more skilled canopy pilots. His legacy in the sport was cemented with his induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ian continues to jump, coach, and inspire—driven by a deep love for flight and a commitment to pushing the sport forward.

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Pancho Campo’s life story is one of global reach and bold reinvention. Born in Santiago, Chile, Pancho began his career in professional tennis, serving as the captain and manager of the Chilean Olympic Tennis Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He also held leadership roles in the Qatar Tennis and Squash Federation and coached on the ATP Tour.

After stepping away from tennis, Pancho transitioned into the world of international events. He founded Chrand Events, an agency responsible for organizing high-profile concerts, sporting events, and conferences around the world—working with major names including Sting, Pink Floyd, Enrique Iglesias, and the Gypsy Kings.

In 2003, his passion for wine led him to establish The Wine Academy of Spain. Just five years later, he became the first Spanish-speaking person to earn the prestigious title of Master of Wine.

In recent years, Pancho has become a respected voice in climate advocacy, using his expertise in event management to create meaningful platforms for dialogue. He has collaborated with global figures such as Al Gore and Kofi Annan to bring attention to climate change.

Pancho Campo’s career is a fascinating journey through sport, culture, and cause—driven by curiosity, passion, and a desire to make a difference.

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In this episode, we welcome Jay Stokes—a legendary figure in the skydiving world whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on both military and civilian skydiving. Jay holds the Guinness World Record for the most parachute jumps in a 24-hour period, completing an incredible 640 jumps on September 8–9, 2006. This extraordinary feat took place at Greensburg Municipal Airport in Indiana and required precision, endurance, and a massive team effort, with Jay averaging a jump every 135 seconds.

A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Jay played a key role in military free-fall training and brought that same commitment to excellence to the civilian sector. He has personally trained over 10,000 coaches, instructors, and examiners, becoming one of the sport’s most respected educators.

Jay also served on the U.S. Parachute Association’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2018, including terms as President and Chairman, helping shape the direction of skydiving in the U.S.

In 2018, his decades of leadership and achievement were recognized with his induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.

Join us as we hear from one of skydiving’s most accomplished and humble contributors—Jay Stokes.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Greg “Miff” Smith—a true pioneer in Australian skydiving. With nearly five decades in the sport and more than 12,000 jumps to his name, Miff has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of skydiving in South Australia and beyond.

Since making his first jump in 1977, Greg has become one of the country’s most respected Chief Instructors. In 1986, alongside Gavin Northsworthy and Kevin Taylor, he helped introduce tandem skydiving to South Australia, making the sport more accessible to newcomers. Over the years, his leadership has helped advance safety protocols and raise equipment standards across the region.

At SA Skydiving—founded in 1989—Greg serves as Director, Senior Pilot, Drop Zone Safety Officer, Examiner, and Instructor for both Tandem and AFF. His contributions have helped shape SA Skydiving into one of Australia’s premier drop zones, offering breathtaking experiences and high-quality training.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg has mentored generations of skydivers—including his own children—creating a tight-knit community rooted in passion and progression.

Join me as I speak with Greg “Miff” Smith about his journey, his impact on the sport, and the legacy he continues to build in Australian skydiving.

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In this episode, we sit down with Chazi Rutz—an accomplished skydiver, coach, and competitor whose career is as dynamic as it is inspiring. Based in Eloy, Arizona, Chazi has completed over 10,700 jumps and earned silver and bronze medals at the USPA Nationals in freestyle and freeflying. She has contributed to 13 Vertical World Records and numerous state and world records in both head-down and head-up formations.

Beyond competition, Chazi is a respected load organizer, tandem instructor, and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in skydiving. Her work with Sisters in Skydiving (SIS) reflects her commitment to creating a welcoming and empowering space for women in the sport.

A certified yoga instructor, Chazi blends mindfulness and movement with her skydiving philosophy—rooted in fun, progression, and resilience. Her personal mantra, “Get up,” speaks to her unwavering passion and drive to push boundaries.

Join us as we explore Chazi’s journey through skydiving, coaching, record-setting, and her mission to keep the sport accessible, vibrant, and community-driven.

MEDIA 

VIDEO: Chazi Freeflying
VIDEO: Women's Vertical World Record | Project 19
Parachutist: Jumper Profile

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In this episode, we welcome Chris Wagner—an accomplished skydiver, competitor, and leader in the sport. A former member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, Chris has helped shape the evolution of Formation Skydiving, earning multiple gold medals at the World Skydiving Championships and setting a world record in 8-way Formation Skydiving with 23 points.

Beyond skydiving, Chris served 25 years with the Army Special Forces and continues to give back to the sport as the USPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. Still actively jumping and competing, he recently participated in the XP Power Games, completing five 16-way jumps with first- and second-place teams.

Join us as we dive into Chris’s journey, his contributions to skydiving, and his passion for preserving the sport’s legacy.

MEDIA 

VIDEO: Jumping Into the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games

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Mike Gruwell is a skydiving entrepreneur, master rigger, and industry leader whose journey in the sport began with a single jump in 1995. What started as a passion quickly turned into a career, leading him to become an FAA Master Rigger, AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor, and 4-way competitor.

In 1999, he founded ChutingStar, which began as a small rigging loft and grew into one of the most recognized skydiving gear suppliers in the world. Over the years, it expanded to include online gear sales in 2005, a DeLand, Florida storefront in 2011, and an international online presence serving skydivers worldwide.

His entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop at skydiving. In 2012, inspired by his twin sons, he ventured into skateboarding, opening a skate shop and park, blending extreme sports culture with his deep commitment to quality gear and expert support. Throughout it all, his wife, Stephanie, has played a vital role in growing and structuring the business.

Outside of skydiving and business, Mike is also a freelance drummer, proving that his love for rhythm extends from music to freefall. His journey is one of passion, innovation, and building a career in an industry he never originally planned to join—but now helps lead.

Join us as we dive into Mike’s journey from jumper to entrepreneur, his insights into the skydiving industry, and how he’s shaped ChutingStar into what it is today.