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In this episode, we sit down with Captain Greg “Boss” Wooldridge, a respected leader in naval aviation history.

Greg is the only pilot to have led the Blue Angels three times, a rare distinction that speaks volumes about his leadership, trust, and performance under pressure. His career spans decades of excellence—from a distinguished Navy career, to the flight deck as a FedEx pilot, and now impacting audiences worldwide as a sought-after public speaker.

This conversation is packed with insight on leadership, accountability, preparation, humility, and trust, delivered by someone who has lived them at the very highest level.

🎤Check out his speaker information here:
https://johnfoleyinc.com/greg-boss-wooldridge/

✈️ Blue Angel 2026 Season Schedule:
https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/show/

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Connect with The Pilot Life on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendansodonnell/

“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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A full circle moment to sit down and chat with Captain Mike Swanigan aka "Swani" about his amazing journey to the flight deck.

His dreams of becoming a pilot as a young boy were quickly dashed when he found out that African Americans were not allowed to be pilots. His resilience and drive kept him on a course to become not only an Air National Guard pilot, but also the Chief Pilot and eventual Vice President of Flight Operations for Alaska Airlines. An amazing story told through the eyes of a pilot who witnessed some of the most transformational times in the aviation industry. 

Check out Captain Swani's podcast "Talking Flight" here:
https://talkingflight.libsyn.com

Follow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:
https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/?hl=en

“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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Awesome conversation with Captain Ernie Meeks aka "Big Ern" ( yes, we get the backstory on that call sign!)

From early dreams of being a pilot to flying the C-5 Galaxy - One of the largest military transports in the world. Ernie's aviation journey has taken him around the world and back again! He is currently a B-737 pilot for Southwest Airlines where he shares his aviation stories and experiences on his social media channels "Flyin with Big Ern". 

A truly enjoyable experience and so grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with Captain Ernie. Check out more of his content below!

https://www.youtube.com/@UC3sGT-zxmi0MNKR5M4SzJgg 
https://www.instagram.com/flyingwithbigern/?hl=en
https://aviatorintelligence.com

Follow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:
https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/

“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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The saying "the best things in life aren't easy" comes to mind when hearing Arlette's aviation story. From a young girl in Germany pursuing her dreams of flying to the skies over the United States and beyond, It has been quite the journey to the flight deck for Airline Pilot and accomplished skydiver Arlette Donzey.  Sit back and enjoy her story!

Check out her Instagram page for some incredible flying content:
https://www.instagram.com/arlettedonzey/?hl=en

Follow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:
https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/

“The information provided in this video is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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Such a privilege to sit down with LaMar, one of the longest tenured Horizon pilots where he also served as the chief pilot for 2 decades. Great conversation covering the history of the airline and lessons learned in nearly 40 years of airline flying. 

Check out the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im7F3MKtAOk

“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal podcast and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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Sit down for a jolly good chat with Captain Steve Randall!

From crossing the Atlantic Ocean in small, general aviation aircraft to flying the big iron for the airlines, his aviation journey is one for the books! And speaking of books, he is an accomplished aviation author and master story teller.

BOOK GIVEAWAY! (2 LUCKY WINNERS) DRAWING 9/10/2025 AT 12PM PDT📘 🎉 
Visit the YouTube Video and leave a comment to enter to win!

Purchase his book here: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://redwoodbusdriver.com

Follow Captain Steve on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/redwoodbusdriver/?hl=en

Follow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:
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Great conversation with Bobby ; Hawaiian Airline pilot and co-founder of the Honolulu based Pacific Flight Academy. We talk Career pivots, flying during Covid, starting a flying academy and so much more!

Check out the Pacific Flying Academy here:
https://www.pacificflightacademy.com
https://www.instagram.com/pacificflightacademy

Follow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:
https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/

“The information provided in this video is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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Captain Ron is one of the most experienced, and most humble pilots I have ever met. His story is simply incredible, from flying P-51 Mustangs, Mig-21s and F-14's to heavy iron like the Boeing 747. Sit back and enjoy his aviation journey!

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Excited to share my conversation with Jessie, a pilot and friend I've had the privilege of knowing for 25+ years.  She entered the airline industry during the  early 2000's, a difficult time to start your airline dream.  Hired, furloughed, corporate pilot, airline pilot, around the world and back. 

Enjoy the conversation with Jessie as she talks about her journey to the flight deck of Alaska Airlines. 

“The information provided is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

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Huge thanks to Captain Ron "Rhino" Kirkland for indulging me in my breakdown of famous TopGun scenes. Awesome to be able to sit down with someone who flew the Tomcat and speak about the capabilities and performance of this amazing aircraft. 

Be sure to check out his full podcast on an upcoming episode of The Pilot Life where we talk about not only his journey to the Navy, but also flying as a test pilot, a cargo pilot on the MD11 and B747 and more!