On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah interviews Cristina Star, the founder of Cosmic Citizen Trainings, physicist, Buddhist, and advocate for the intersection of environmentalism, human potential, and space exploration. Cristina has spent over a decade helping others navigate their inner space with proven, repeatable methods that deliver long-lasting results. We’ll explore how understanding and processing our inner space can directly impact our ability to navigate the outer space of our environment and beyond.

Topics include:

Guest Spotlight:

Cristina Star is a Scientist Mystic, studying both Inner & Outer Space. With a background in physics from UC Berkeley and climate physics from the University of Michigan, she has conducted trans-disciplinary research at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and the Berkeley Space Sciences Lab.

Cristina is a founding member of the SETI Institute Council of Advisors and the External Board Science Committee for the Institute of Noetic Sciences. She is nearing completion of a Masters in Space Policy and leads the Environmental Task Force for the Human Space Program.

Cristina founded TRU Education, a mindfulness & emotional intelligence training company, and now offers Cosmic Citizen Trainings (2024) to cultivate the highest potential in science and technology professionals, astronauts, and space enthusiasts. These programs integrate self-awareness, ethics, and a balanced worldview to tackle the urgent challenges of our time.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Cristina Star and her fascinating career journey.

[00:10:15] Exploring self-awareness and why it’s key to navigating both inner and outer space.

[00:20:30] Identifying unconscious biases and making conscious choices in life.

[00:30:00] The importance of an expanded worldview for space exploration and environmentalism.

Learn More & Connect with Cristina Star:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah sits down with Lisa Jaster, a woman of extraordinary mettle, drive, and a passion for helping others unlock their potential. Lisa is a self-mastery advocate, and her mission is to show that you are more than the labels people assign to you. We dive deep into the power of shedding those labels, exploring the challenges of being a female Army Ranger, and the critical importance of cognitive diversity in leadership and teams.

Topics include:

Guest Spotlight:

Lisa Jaster graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Civil Engineering and served in the U.S. Army, including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2015, Lisa became one of three women to graduate from the first integrated Army Ranger School course.

After leaving the Army, Lisa worked for Royal Dutch Shell before returning to military service as a reservist. She currently serves as the Director of Civil Engineering at M&S Engineering and is a partner at Talent War Group. As an Executive Coach, Leadership Development Expert, and Keynote Speaker, Lisa is dedicated to helping others improve their leadership and effectiveness both professionally and personally.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Lisa Jaster’s incredible journey.

[00:10:30] Breaking free from labels and the power of “Delete The Adjective.”

[00:18:00] The challenges of being a female Army Ranger and how it shaped Lisa’s leadership.

[00:25:00] How cognitive diversity fuels success in teams and leadership.

Learn More & Connect with Lisa Jaster:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, a space to kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah interviews Erin Miller, an attorney, author, pilot, and passionate advocate for women in aviation. Erin is also the granddaughter of Elaine Danforth Harmon, one of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during WWII.

We discuss the legacy of the WASP, the trailblazing women who served during WWII, and Erin’s pivotal role in securing their recognition. Erin led a successful campaign to get a bill passed through Congress, ultimately allowing WASP members to be honored with burials at Arlington National Cemetery.

Topics include:

Guest Spotlight:

Erin Miller is a passionate advocate for women in aviation, an attorney, and a pilot. She is the proud granddaughter of Elaine Danforth Harmon, one of the WASP members. Erin’s grandmother’s final wish—to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery—was initially denied by the US Army, but Erin’s tireless advocacy led to the successful passage of HR 4336, which authorized WASP members for burial at Arlington.

Erin is the author of two books in honor of her grandmother: Final Flight Final Fight, which chronicles the campaign and her life with her grandmother, and What Grandma Did, a children’s book that brings the story of the WASP to a younger audience.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Erin Miller and the WASP legacy.

[00:08:45] The fight to secure recognition for the WASP members at Arlington.

[00:15:30] The challenges and triumphs of advocating for change.

[00:22:00] What it means to honor the legacy of the WASP today.

Learn More & Connect with Erin Miller:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, a space to kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are Analog Missions—and why are they critical to the future of space exploration?

On this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah interviews the remarkable Jas Purewal: Senior Scientist, Physicist, and Co-founder of the Analog Astronaut Community & Conference. With a passion for human space exploration, Jas shares how analog missions bridge the gap between Earth and the cosmos.

Topics include:

Analog missions are field tests conducted in extreme Earth environments to simulate conditions on asteroids, Mars, and the Moon. These missions test new technologies, habitats, and team dynamics under isolation and confinement—paving the way for real-life spaceflight success.

Guest Spotlight:

Jas Purewal is a trailblazer in analog space exploration with a Master’s degree in Physics with Astrophysics. Over her decade-long career, she has worked as a research scientist in the UK and collaborated with several US national labs.

In 2020, Jas made history by building a low-fidelity “space dome” during the pandemic and conducting the first solo analog mission in the UK. She is now the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Analog Astronaut Community and Conference.

Outside her scientific pursuits, Jas is a certified scuba diver, avid traveler, and electric guitar enthusiast.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Jas Purewal and the concept of analog missions.

[00:10:15] How analog missions simulate extraterrestrial environments.

[00:22:30] What it takes to thrive as an Analog Astronaut: skills, mindset, and resilience.

[00:35:00] Behind the scenes of the world’s biggest analog mission project.

Learn More & Connect with Jas Purewal:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, a space to kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no direct translation for the beautiful French phrase Joie de Vivre, but the closest meaning is "Joy of Living.”

In this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah interviews Sheryl Barden, President and CEO of Aviation Personnel International (API). As a veteran in aviation recruitment and talent identification, Sheryl has built an esteemed career focused on empowering individuals and organizations to find the perfect fit.

Topics include:

Sheryl’s remarkable career includes serving on numerous prestigious boards and councils, such as the NBAA Advisory Council and the Corporate Aviation Management Committee. As a writer for Aviation International News and a thought leader in aviation recruitment, Sheryl is passionate about applying her expertise to advance the industry.

A native of New Orleans, Sheryl embodies the Joie de Vivre philosophy by embracing golf, travel, Mardi Gras, food, wine, fashion, and constant personal growth. She inspires others to pursue their passions and gratifications independent of external approval.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Sheryl Barden

Bio: President and CEO of Aviation Personnel International, recruitment and talent expert, thought leader, and aviation advocate.

Links:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introducing Sheryl Barden and her Joie de Vivre philosophy.

[00:08:15] Addressing the aviation talent shortage and recruitment insights.

[00:20:45] Professionalism in aviation: The current challenges and opportunities.

[00:33:30] Joie de Vivre as a tool for success in life and leadership.

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to SHAKE UP the status quo!

In this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah interviews Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides—Founder Astronaut with Virgin Galactic and author of The New Right Stuff: Using Space to Bring Out the Best in You. Loretta is a visionary leader in the aerospace industry, driving forward the future of space exploration and leadership development.

Topics include:

Loretta’s book serves as the foundation for her groundbreaking SpaceKind training program, of which Sarah is a participant. Beyond being an author, Loretta is the co-founder of Yuri’s Night, the World Space Party, and a passionate advocate for ensuring that humanity doesn’t carry its current problems into new frontiers.

Loretta’s diverse achievements include being a TEDx speaker, a former Flight Director of Zero G with over four hours of weightless floating experience, and even journeying to the Titanic with James Cameron to film Aliens of the Deep. Her work reflects her deep compassion and commitment to positive change on Earth and beyond.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides

Bio: Founder Astronaut with Virgin Galactic, author, and leadership trainer through SpaceKind. Co-founder of Yuri’s Night, TEDx speaker, and advocate for meaningful space exploration.

Links:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides and shaking up the status quo

[00:09:30] Becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be

[00:21:15] The Overview Effect and preparing for EclipseFest 2024

[00:33:45] Building leadership in aerospace through SpaceKind

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perseverance is the secret of all triumphs.

In this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah interviews the officially bad@ss Tammy Barlette—Founder of Athena’s Voice and Mindset Performance Coach for Aviators. Tammy shares her invaluable insights on perseverance, a critical skill for navigating change, achieving success, and weathering the inevitable challenges of life.

Topics include:

Tammy’s career as a US Air Force fighter pilot spans over 20 years, flying multiple aircraft including the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, A-10 Warthog, MQ-1 Predator, and MQ-9 Reaper. With more than 3,000 total flying hours and over 1,500 hours of combat support time, Tammy’s experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Post-retirement, Tammy founded Athena’s Voice, a speaker referral business featuring female military pilots, and continues her mission as a mental performance coach specializing in perseverance. Tammy’s wisdom, drawn from lived experiences, is an inspiration for all.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Tammy Barlette

Bio: A retired US Air Force fighter pilot and Founder of Athena’s Voice, Tammy is a mental performance coach specializing in the art of perseverance. She’s a graduate of the US Air Force Weapons School and holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Tammy is married to a US Federal Agent and is a proud mom of three.

Links:

Website: https://www.athenasvoiceusa.com/tammy...

Website: www.tammybarlette.com

Social:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Tammy Barlette and perseverance as a key to success

[00:08:15] Facing challenges and pursuing your dreams

[00:20:30] The mission-focused mindset: staying grounded in high-stakes situations

[00:32:00] Lessons learned as a woman in a male-dominated industry

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when your career or life hits an unexpected speed bump? You think, "MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH ME!"

In this Star Wars-inspired episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah sits down with Jill Meyers, a Driver of Good Things and recipient of the 2022 Katharine Wright Trophy. Together, they explore the powerful topic of change—both desired and unexpected.

Topics covered include:

Jill’s incredible career spans over 40 years in aviation and aerospace, including eight years in the U.S. Air Force and more than 30 years as an aerospace engineer, program manager, and business leader. She is also an independent aviation management consultant and a passionate advocate for inspiring girls and women to pursue STEM and aviation careers.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Jill Meyers

Bio: A pilot since age 17, Jill has dedicated her life to aviation and aerospace. As a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the 2022 Katharine Wright Trophy recipient, she is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the industry and her tireless mentoring of young girls and women worldwide.

Links:

Website: https://www.jillrmeyers.com

Social:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Jill Meyers and the episode theme

[00:06:15] Navigating unexpected change and adapting to “off plan” scenarios

[00:18:30] Appreciating what you have and working with what you know

[00:28:00] Balancing a structured plan with the flexibility to pivot

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah interviews Leeanna Tolles, Vice President of Aircraft Solutions at Elite Aircraft Services. Leeanna shares her journey from being an 18-year-old line technician to becoming a leader in aviation, while working on her Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) certification and studying for her A&P license.

 Topics covered include:

Leeanna’s incredible journey proves that external circumstances do not have to dictate your internal state. Despite her fear of heights and motion sickness, she has embraced her love of flying, demonstrating resilience and passion.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Leeanna Tolles

Bio: Vice President of Aircraft Solutions at Elite Aircraft Services, with 24 years of aviation experience. Leeanna is a trailblazer in her field, dedicated to continuous growth and inspiring others through her leadership. She is currently pursuing her CAM certification from NBAA and studying for her A&P license.

Links:

Website: Elite Aircraft Services

Social: 

LinkedIn: Leeanna Tolles

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Leeanna Tolles and the episode theme

[00:05:15] Representing "You, Inc." and being proud of your brand

[00:15:30] Challenges and opportunities as a minority in aviation

[00:25:00] Requirements for operating in high-stress environments

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Lounge by Pivot Point, Sarah sits down with her 7-figure business coach, former elite athlete, and unicorn enthusiast Nicole Cherie Hesse. Nicole shares how being upside down—literally—helped her gain clarity on life, business, and navigating daily turbulence. 

Topics covered include:

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Nicole Cherie Hesse

Bio: A 7-figure business coach and former elite athlete, Nicole helps entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Links:

Website: https://nonstopnotifcations.com

Social:

Facebook: nicole.barker.165

Instagram: nicolecherie27

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Nicole Cherie Hesse and the episode theme

[00:05:15] The power of handstands in shifting perspectives

[00:15:30] Building a 7-figure business in 13 months

[00:25:00] Nicole’s conscious choice to pivot away from alcohol

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we kick back, relax, and nourish the mind before jetting off to our next destination. While we all face turbulence in life, I believe the PIVOT is your Superpower. 

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices