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Kirk Verner is a true legend in skydiving, with a remarkable career spanning decades. As a founding member of Arizona Airspeed, Kirk has amassed an incredible 72 gold medals at world and national levels in both 4-Way and 8-Way formation skydiving. His achievements place him among the most successful competitors in the history of the sport.

Kirk has also made significant contributions beyond competition. He captained both the 300- and 400-way world record formations and has coached thousands of skydivers, revolutionizing training and flying techniques in both indoor and outdoor settings. He’s held leadership roles, including as a USPA National Director and chairman of the competition committee, and currently serves as the General Manager of Skydive Paraclete XP in Raeford, NC.

In 2022, Kirk was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame. Just weeks after his induction, he secured another victory at the World Championships in Eloy, Arizona, the birthplace of Airspeed. His team continued their winning streak by claiming gold at the US Nationals and World Championships in Beaufort, NC, setting records with 37 points in a single round and achieving the highest average in 8-Way history with 23.9 points. Kirk's legacy in the sport continues to grow.

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Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode

Zainab Alibhai has defied expectations and broken significant barriers, earning a place of recognition within the international skydiving community.

Originally from Kenya, Zainab made her first skydive in 2014—a life-changing experience that set her on a remarkable path. From that moment, she embarked on an unconventional journey, traveling across the globe to log enough jumps and earn multiple ratings.

Today, Zainab is not only a Tandem Instructor, AFF Instructor, and Senior Rigger, but she is also the proud owner of a Go Jump Kenya, with operations in two locations.

Her inspiring story of perseverance and determination in becoming a Dropzone Owner (DZO) is a testament to anyone facing obstacles in the pursuit of a dream. It’s an honor to welcome Zainab Alibhai to the 20 Minute Call Podcast.

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Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode

Sherry Butcher is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the skydiving community. She co-owns Aerohio Skydiving Center in Ashland, Ohio, and has been actively involved in the sport for over 30 years. Sherry made her first jump in May 1993 and has since made over 10,000 jumps. Her passion for skydiving led her to become a skilled instructor, eventually achieving certifications as an AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor, Senior Rigger, and Skydive University Coach.

Sherry has been engrained at Aerohio Skydiving since 1996, where she remains deeply involved in teaching, coaching, and organizing skydiving events. Her dedication to the sport extends beyond her business; she has served on the United States Parachute Association (USPA) Board of Directors since 2001, holding positions such as Secretary, President, and currently, Vice President. Sherry is particularly proud of her work with the USPA's Safety & Training Committee, where she has contributed to the development of global training methods and safety standards.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of Rook Nelson, a respected figure in the skydiving community and the owner of the legendary Skydive Chicago. With an astounding 26,000+ jumps to his name, Rook is a decorated competitor, boasting 13 World Championship Titles, 17 World Records, and 36 National Titles. His passion for skydiving transcends personal achievement as he opens the skies to others through Skydive Chicago, hosting the renowned Summerfest, among other prestigious events from POPS Nationals to the World Championships. 

Listen in as we chat about Rook's personal thoughts on a myriad of topics  from the perspective of being a skydiver, competitor, event host and business owner. 

TOPICS DISCUSSED 

• Alchemy
• Motivations
• Running Summerfest
• Running Skydive Chicago
• Mental Health
• Winning and Competition
• Fatherhood
• 200-Way 2025
• Proud Moments
• Cancer

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Join us for an exhilarating episode as the master storyteller, Rich Grimm, returns for a second time to recount his latest adventures in the Seychelles and South Africa boogies. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as Rich shares the thrilling highs and challenging lows of organizing skydiving events in some of the world's most remote and breathtaking locations.

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Matt Fry is a well-respected free flyer with a curiosity for various disciplines that include artistic freefly, big way VFS and even Speed Skydiving! If you’re not familiar with Matt Fry, you’ve seen his work as he served as one of the organizers for this year’s Max Pyro jump which must be considered one of the most spectacular skydives ever made! 

Matt is also a key organizer working with Rook Nelson and others on the dive engineering for next year's Vertical Elite VFS World Record attempts to be hosted at Skydive Chicago in 2025. Though Matt is at a top level in the sport, his interests go beyond free fall - he is a triathlete, SCUBA diver, and mountaineer. 

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Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode

Craig O'Brien has accomplished so much that often his title as a 5-time US National Champion and 3-time World Champion is overlooked! This oversight only happens because of the glowing items on his resumé which includes filming the epic skydiving scenes in Iron Man, Iron Man 3, Kingsman, Godzilla, Point Break, the Hangover III, The Bucket List, Charlie’s Angels,  and perhaps the most iconic skydiving scene ever filmed - the famous HALO jump out of a C-17 military aircraft from 25,000’ with Tom Cruise in frame for the movie Mission Impossible Fallout.

SHOW NOTES 

• Family 
• Sky Surfing & X Games 
• The Start: Charlie’s Angels
• Jumping in Taft
• Tim Rigby & Joe Jennings
• First Big Film: Stealth
• Mission Impossible: Getting the Call
• Working with Tom Cruise

MEDIA LINKS

• VIDEO: Charlie's Angels
• VIDEO: Stealth - Ejection Seat Scene
• VIDEO: Mission Impossible Fallout: Behind The Scenes
• VIDEO: Mission Impossible: Tom Cruise and Craig
• VIDEO: Hall of Fame Reel
• VIDEO: Team Firestarter 
• VIDEO: 3 Point 217-Way
• Article: The Falling Star

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Doug Smith has been in the sport of skydiving for 30 years and is renowned for creating one of the world's most beautiful dropzones - Chicagoland Skydiving Center. In 2011, CSC transitioned from Hinckley, Illinois, to a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot facility in nearby Rochelle. This impressive center features a restaurant and bar, gear store, sand volleyball courts, and two Cessna Grand Caravans. Notably, it is the first skydiving facility powered by solar energy.

Before becoming a Drop Zone Owner (DZO), Doug gained extensive experience as an instructor, videographer, and Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA), and he is an active pilot with over 5,200 flight hours. Despite his busy schedule as a DZO, he continues to jump with a team and recently participated in Operation VK in Florida.

LINKS
DZ: Chicagoland Skydiving Center
Book: The Gap and the Gain
Book: Profit First

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Sara Curtis is our guest today, and her resumé reads like a thrilling adventure novel. She’s a stuntwoman, business owner, politician, and world record skydiver. With three World Titles, 11 National Titles in Vertical Formation Skydiving (VFS), 20 World Records, and over 17,000 skydives to her name, Sara Curtis is nothing short of phenomenal.

Sara burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with Arizona Arsenal, a revolutionary vertical skydiving team that redefined what was possible in vertical relative work. She has since led and participated in major vertical formation world records, co-founded the Highlight Pro Skydiving team, joined the Eloy City Council as Vice Mayor, performed stunt work in major Hollywood productions, and co-founded a business that trains US Military forces and consults for Firebird, a container manufacturer.

Join us as we delve into Sara’s incredible journey and explore the experiences that have shaped her extraordinary career.

MEDIA 

• Max Pyro  (VIDEO)
• Sara Jumps with Her Car (VIDEO)
• Classic Arizona Arsenal (VIDEO)
• Sara Curtis on Blue Skies Fun Days (VIDEO)

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