Colonel Nathan "Sheik" Malafa didn’t plan on becoming one of the most recognizable pilots in the world—he just followed the spark. From flying combat missions in the F-15E and F-35 to leading the Thunderbirds as Thunderbird 1, Sheik brings a rare mix of humility, precision, and leadership to the air and the team behind it.

In this episode, we dig into the realities behind the paint job: the mindset it takes to lead 130+ people on the road nine months a year, how the Thunderbirds train to fly closer than most of us would ever dare, and what it really means to “chase perfection and catch excellence.”

If you’ve ever looked up and wondered what it takes to be in that cockpit—or lead the team that puts the jets there—this is the one.

(0:16) Introduction of Colonel Nathan Sheikh Malafa

(1:00) Colonel Malafa's career, mindset, and Thunderbirds' season

(3:04) Origin story in aviation and impact of ROTC

(5:08) Transition to F-15E Strike Eagle and F-35

(10:28) Overcoming impostor syndrome and mindset

(12:07) Experience transitioning to the F-35

(17:05) Challenges and team dynamics of the Thunderbirds

(19:01) Balancing flying with command duties

(21:23) Thunderbirds' selection process and importance of replacements

(24:53) Significance of radio chatter and technical challenges of aerial shows

(29:50) Culture of the Thunderbirds and family considerations

(32:18) Tips for traveling with family as a pilot

(33:08) Aerial demonstrations vs. combat missions

(37:00) Rivalry between Thunderbirds and Blue Angels

(39:10) Advice for aspiring pilots and other ways to get involved in aviation

(40:21) Thunderbird show schedule and social media

(40:42) Closing remarks and contact information

In this episode, Adam chats with Raj Shah about his diverse journey in aviation and beyond. They discuss Raj's transition from the Ivy League to the Air National Guard, his early military tech experiences, and his shift to entrepreneurship in cybersecurity. The conversation covers the founding of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and its role in linking Silicon Valley with the Pentagon. They also touch on military budget strategies, balancing legacy systems with new tech, and future cost reductions. Raj wraps up by sharing insights on returning to flying and his venture with Shield Capital, offering advice on finding purpose after military service.

(0:16) Introduction and overview of Raj Shah

(2:31) Discussion on Raj's book and aviation background

(5:26) Raj's journey from Ivy League to Air National Guard

(8:18) Early military technology experiences

(14:56) Raj's transition to entrepreneurship in cybersecurity

(16:20) Founding the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

(19:25) Bridging Silicon Valley with the Pentagon

(23:28) DIU's evolution and mission impact

(25:12) Military budget allocations and support for ground troops

(27:43) Balancing legacy and new technology in the military

(29:10) Future of cost reductions in military tech

(30:09) Raj's return to flying and Shield Capital venture

(34:09) Finding purpose after military service

(35:39) Final thoughts and contact information

In this episode, Adam reads staff writer and overall awesome person's interaction at TPNx that helped her, and the guys, explain what TPN really is...The article is amazing! Better read than listened to so go check it out on our socials. Happy Independence Day everyone!

(0:43) Introduction of Carolyn Kitchen's article and TPNx event recap

(2:06) TPNx experience and community interactions

(5:14) The role of TPN as a support network

(7:14) Testimonials on the impact of TPN connections

(8:17) Contact information and appreciation for Carolyn Kitchen

In this final TPNx episode, Adam recaps past content and introduces Lashae Bacon from Mile High Health Club. Lashae shares her journey and the club's development, focusing on transitioning from military to civilian life. She discusses fitness and nutrition programs for pilots and the challenges of launching her health club. The conversation covers pilot lifestyle health challenges, including meal prep and accountability. Lashae provides motivation strategies and personal fitness insights, along with information on accessing her programs. The episode concludes with contact details and closing remarks on health management.

(0:00) Introduction to the final TPNx episode and recap of previous content

(0:47) Guest introduction: Lashae Bacon from Mile High Health Club

(1:11) Lashae's background and transition to live TPNx conversation

(3:23) Origin and development of Mile High Health Club

(8:39) Transition from military to civilian life

(10:11) Fitness and nutrition programs tailored for pilots

(12:22) Launching Mile High Health Club: logistics and challenges

(16:19) Addressing pilot lifestyle health challenges

(18:26) Meal prep, nutrition, and accountability for pilots

(22:55) Supporting pilots through weekly calls and expert interviews

(25:21) Motivation and personal experiences in fitness

(29:02) Benefits and motivation strategies for pilot fitness

(32:11) How to access Lashae's fitness programs

(34:50) Contact information and importance of health management

(36:16) Closing remarks and outro

In this episode, Adam starts with an introduction and shares updates from The Pilot Network, followed by a discussion on media influences in the aviation sector. He dives into the often complex world of disability paperwork, sharing his personal experiences. Upcoming TPN events and the importance of community interaction are highlighted. Adam offers career advice and mentorship insights, addressing common challenges faced.

(0:18) Introduction, TPN updates, and media discussion

(1:23) Disability paperwork and personal experiences

(5:09) Upcoming events and community interaction

(7:11) Career advice and mentorship in the KC-135 unit

(10:05) Issues with Air Force flight records

(11:17) Personal flying stories and mental health

(14:36) Closing remarks and contact information

In this episode, Adam and Matt join forces live from TPNx 2025! Slim Morgan joins the guys to talk Metrea, TPNx, and the world outside of Part 121 flying. The discussion centers around networking at TPNx and conference takeaways. Insights from Metrea cover their operations in defense and firefighting, with details on fleet size and working benefits, including home basing options. The episode dives into aircraft certifications, operational categories, and advanced technology partnerships. Opportunities for tanker, aerial firefighting, and tactical pilots are highlighted, alongside roles for helicopter pilots. The conversation touches on transitioning service members and mentorship, offering guidance on connecting with Metrea for career opportunities. https://www.metrea.aero

(0:00) Introduction to the episode with Metrea guest insights

(1:33) Networking at TPNx and conference insights

(3:56) Interview with Slim Morgan and Matt Swee on TPNx experiences

(4:49) Metrea's operations, defense, and firefighting projects

(7:24) Fleet size and operational details at Metrea

(13:17) Working benefits and home basing at Metrea

(14:24) Metrea's aircraft certifications and operational categories

(17:12) Advanced technology partnerships and hiring at Metrea

(22:14) Aerial firefighting and tactical pilot opportunities

(23:17) Firefighting roles for helicopter pilots

(23:43) Transitioning service members and mentorship

(24:26) How to connect with Metrea for career opportunities

(25:23) Episode wrap-up and TPN Pro promotion

In this episode, Adam welcomes Linsay Auerbach to explore mentorship and entrepreneurship in aviation. They discuss challenges at TPNx, the importance of mentoring, and highlight TPN Pro and upcoming Hangerfly events. Adam and Linsay share their history and the founding of ARRIS Aviation, touching on transitioning to reserves and challenges female pilots face with uniforms. They emphasize teamwork and mentorship, and Linsay shares insights on finding purpose beyond flying and Aeris' future plans. The episode wraps up with a discussion on Aeris' product expansion and a call to action for listeners.

(0:00) Introduction and Challenges at TPNx

(0:54) Introducing guest Lindsay Auerbach and mentoring in aviation

(2:04) TPN Pro, Hangerfly series, and upcoming events

(3:14) Contact information and conversation with Lindsay Auerbach

(4:23) Adam and Lindsay's history and entrepreneurial journey

(5:54) Transition to reserves and civilian job, challenges with female pilot uniforms

(9:03) Founding ARRIS Aviation and branding collaboration

(13:29) Story behind "ARRIS" and importance of teamwork

(15:34) Mentorship's role and finding purpose outside of flying

(19:10) Transitioning to civilian life, personal passions, and ARRIS future plans

(22:08) Women in aviation, Kickstarter, and ARRIS product line expansion

(24:48) Entrepreneurship, maintaining purpose, and outreach programs

(27:51) Upcycle program and finding ARRIS Aviation Apparel

(29:23) Closing remarks and call to action for listeners

In this episode, Adam opens with a personal introduction and shares an update on his current health journey. He discusses navigating sick call to disability to weird insurances pieces he was unaware of, all along highlighting daily challenges along the way. Adam delves into the delicate balance of recovery while trying to manage family responsibilities and maintaining mental health. He provides insights into staying engaged with The Pilot Network, emphasizing the importance of events and networking for professional growth. The episode concludes with closing remarks and contact information, offering listeners a chance to connect and participate in future TPN activities like Hangar Flys and Chapters.

(0:17) Introduction and health update

(3:02) Insurance, medical support, and daily challenges

(5:17) Balancing recovery with family and mental health

(9:12) TPN engagement, events, and networking

(11:49) Closing remarks and contact information

In this episode, Adam delves into attitude, inspiration, and becoming delusional positive. He shares a few personal tales and achieving a supportive mindset, tailored to the challenges in our industry. He addresses imposter syndrome, emphasizing a positive attitude and childlike confidence. A few insights on career advancement, interview mastery, and resilience stop by too. He highlights the importance of vulnerability, learning from failures, and the role of external motivation and mentorship. The episode wraps up with leaning on your network by brining your family, friends, colleagues and the Network along for the journey. This is a great episode to re-cage your gyros and get ready for a great summer run!

(0:17) Welcome and introduction

(0:35) Dealing with recovery, depression, and inspiration

(2:34) Combating imposter syndrome and the importance of attitude

(5:13) Confidence through childlike mentality and emergency training

(8:02) Preparing for career advancement and interview success

(11:46) Bouncing back from adversity and modeling confidence

(15:51) Embracing vulnerability and learning from failures

(18:12) Finding external motivation and mentoring others

(20:36) Building confidence through family and network support

(22:13) Announcing TPN Pro podcast and upcoming meetups

In this episode, Adam shares the beginning of his journey of navigating surgery and the impending time off the flight deck. He discusses the challenges of handling future disability paperwork and the reinstatement process, shedding light on the role of union support and company policies. Adam also delves into effective recovery strategies and pain management techniques that aided his return. Emphasizing the importance of support networks and family, he encourages listeners to seek help when needed. The episode wraps up with Adam's final thoughts and contact information, offering a supportive message to those facing similar challenges.

(0:17) Introduction and personal update

(1:12) Navigating disability paperwork and reinstatement

(2:13) Union support and company policy on returning to work

(4:12) Recovery strategies and pain management

(6:21) The role of support networks and family

(9:00) Final thoughts and encouragement to seek help

(10:00) Contact information and closing remarks