The Xennial Aviator

Part 1 of my 2 part interview with Navy P-3C flight engineer AWFC Erik Willison!

This first episode is very comedy laden as we explore Erik's background, the next episode we do a deep dive into the leadership that fuels Naval Aviation

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This weeks episode is a interview that inadvertently turned into a two part episode!  Join me as I talk with AWFC Willison! One of the last remaining active P-3C flight engineers!   In this first episode we delve into Chiefs background and talk about how he ended up as a flight engineer as well as some shenanigan's from Aircrew School along the way!

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DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Join me on my first SOLO flight this episode as I guide you through the soothing waves of Yacht Rock, sharing tales of my own life's journey alongside the genre's mellow tunes. This episode isn't just a musical expedition; it's a personal odyssey reflecting on how these jazz-tinged melodies have been my steadfast companion, from the sun-soaked shores of Southern California to quiet moments of introspection. You'll get an earful of nostalgia, a peek into my transition from the Navy to the FAA, and why Yacht Rock's velvety harmonies have been more than just a playlist – they've been a lifeline through life's peaks and troughs.

As your Xennial Aviator, I'm set to unravel the tapestry of Yacht Rock's smoothest hits, dissecting Kenny Loggins' velvety , to the Doobie Brothers' soulful anthems. We'll reminisce over Christopher Cross's "Sailing" and parse the intricate web of collaborations that tie these artists together. But it's not all serious business – I'll debunk a common genre myth and finally set the record straight on Jimmy Buffett's place in Yacht Rock history.

Before we make our approach to paradise, a shout-out to all you five-star reviewers and my call to arms: let's make this podcast the talk of the marina! If you're ready to trade in your life vest for a lei and a chilled beverage, you won't want to miss a beat of this episode. So tune in, cast off your worries, and let's find that perfect breeze to carry us into the serene harbors of Yacht Rock.

Links to my Top 5 Albums in Itunes:

5. Nightwatch https://music.apple.com/us/album/nightwatch/192660327

4. Christopher Cross https://music.apple.com/us/album/christopher-cross/1656697223

3. Minute By Minute https://music.apple.com/us/album/minute-by-minute-remastered/1110557228

2. Gaucho https://music.apple.com/us/album/gaucho/1715946508

1. Rumors  https://music.apple.com/us/album/rumours/594061854

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Instagram: @thexennialaviator
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DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
Tiktok:@thexennialaviator

DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Ever pondered the secrets behind crafting the perfect homebrew? Just like to drink Beer in general? Join us as Ian Dibble, a seasoned homebrewer, spills the grains on transitioning from a curious onlooker of his dad’s brewing projects to mastering the art of all-grain brewing. 

Ian is a member of the Cowford Ale Sharing Klub or better known as CASK.  CASK is the original Homebrew club of Jacksonville which started back in 2006. Members gather at local breweries on the second Saturday of each month to share their latest creations, get advice on improving their recipes and participate in judging Interklub Competitions. Towards the end of each month, members also enjoy gathering for a Pop-Up Happy Hour at some of the smaller breweries around town for a few pints after work just to socialize.  CASK is open to anyone who loves the craft of  beer, mead, and cider making and always looking to add new members. 

In our flight deck discussion this week, we talk the essentials of homebrewing, from the DIY extraction kits, to the finessed art of grain crush levels, offering an orchestra of advice for those itching to start their own homebrewing journey. As we share stories from the vats and the vaults of our brewing escapades, you'll discover how a potential brewing blunder can ferment into an unexpectedly delightful ale and why temperature control and sanitation are the unsung heroes of home brewing.  

We then enter our cruise altitude where we discuss our likes and dislikes of brews,  some notable varieties as well as some of or favorite brew pubs in the local area! 

But the episode doesn’t stop there! As we prepare for our approach we pop open a few bottles of award winning brews that Ian brought for a tasting! Including a bottle of homemade mead named Viking Blood! 

For our final approach, our conversation turns to the allure of seasonal drinking, and the camaraderie found in local homebrew clubs like CASK. It's not just about the how-to; it's an engraved invitation to a community passionate about the creation and conviviality of exceptional drinks. So whether you're a craft beer aficionado or a homebrew hopeful, join us for an episode steeped in the rich tapestry of brewing culture that just might inspire you to concoct your next homemade masterpiece. Cheers to that!

CASK:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/dR8jpCQDiUuVw36L/?mibextid=K35XfP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caskjax?igsh=MXN4YzVwZ3ptenhqNg==

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Instagram: @thexennialaviator
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DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Coming this Wedensday!! 

Do you like beer? (Of course you do).  Ever wanted to learn to brew beer? Or Maybe step your brew game up?     This is the episode for you!

We talk with local home brewer and member of CASK Ian Dibble on his journey of brewing, winning awards, how to get into home brewing and even have a tasting!  

Crack open a can or pour a glass and get ready for some fun!

Imagine your closet transforming into a makeshift brewery, where the scent of chocolate and alcohol signals a brewing blunder, or better yet, picture a DIY kegerator that's more 'redneck innovation' than high-tech appliance, keeping beer chilled for an astonishing two weeks. These stories, shared with a wink and a clink, are just the foam topping our hop-filled episode. Our guest's anecdotes highlight the art of homebrewing, complete with its challenges and triumphs, all delivered with the comradery that defines the homebrewing community. So, whether you're a seasoned zymurgist or just someone who appreciates a good brew, this episode is a barrel of laughs and learning you won't want to miss.

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
Tiktok:@thexennialaviator

DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Ever wondered what it's like to navigate life's turbulent skies and still land your dreams? That's the flight plan for the continuation of our heart-to-heart with Travis, as we share a cockpit full of stories about the unsung heroes of mentorship, the grit needed to bounce back from life's nosedives, and the power of a supportive community. 

In this Flight Deck Discussion, we tackle the taboo of failure, discussing how each nosedive is a lesson in the making, and why asking for help might just be your jet fuel for growth. We get candid about the importance of setting goals that keep your altimeter climbing steadily, and draw on our own flight logs to illustrate how even the smallest gains can lead to major milestones. Our conversation then cruises into the world of military transitions, and the art of maintaining authenticity in a world that often pushes for uniformity.

Finally, we prepare for our final approach by discussing aviation conferences, where handshakes and business cards can unlock doors to flight decks across the industry. Travis and I share how volunteering and engaging genuinely can lead to more than just career connections—it can enrich your flying career with a sense of purpose and community. So, whether you're perfecting your pre-flight checklist or gunning for the captain's seat, remember: the right crew can make all the difference. Pour a glass, and join us as we conclude the story of a pilot named SUE.

About Spitfireelite:
Interview prep that focuses on authenticity, cultural fit and empathy. Hands down the best and most preferred interview prep services out there. People that just care way more about getting you hired than anyone else. It’s a network, it’s a family, and it makes more millionaires than baseball. 96-97% success rating for clients getting their dream job.

www.spitfireelite.com
[email protected]

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
Tiktok:@thexennialaviator

DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Here's a teaser for the upcoming conclusion to my interview with Travis!  Look for it to drop this Wedensday!

Socials:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
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DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
Tiktok:@thexennialaviator

DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator

 Travis Koch, or SUE as we fondly know him, embodies the spirit of adventure that every aviator aspires to. Pour yourself a glass and join us for a journey that navigates through Travis's roots, his unexpected plunge into aviation, and the bonds of loyalty and trust he's forged along the way. Tales of military flight school and the colorful mosaic of personalities that shaped him as a pilot complement his story, offering a raw look into the culture that crafts the aviators of tomorrow.

In our flight deck conversation, we uncover the layers of growth, learning and culture within the squadron, the camaraderie that defines military service, and the mentorship that steers us through the skies of our careers. Travis and I share the gravity of our experiences, from the learning of first deployments to the wisdom gained in the second, and how a few driven souls can galvanize the spirit of an entire unit. We also delve into the art of leadership that transcends the flight deck, where inclusiveness and understanding the 'why' can inspire and elevate an entire team.

Our final vector heads towards the broader horizon, where Spitfire Elite's mission to empower diversity in aviation takes center stage. We chart how genuine empathy and cultural fit are the new altitudes of training excellence, and reflect on the profound impact of enabling economic advancement through our shared stories and endeavors. Join us as we navigate through these tales of transition and transformation, and discover how the skies we soar in aren't just about the aircraft we pilot, but the lives we uplift along the way.... And this my friends is ONLY Part 1!

About Spitfire Elite:
Interview prep that focuses on authenticity, cultural fit and empathy. Hands down the best and most preferred interview prep services out there. People that just care way more about getting you hired than anyone else. It’s a network, it’s a family, and it makes more millionaires than baseball. 96-97% success rating for clients getting their dream job.

https://www.spitfireelite.com/
[email protected]

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555711167875
Instagram: @thexennialaviator
Tiktok:@thexennialaviator

DONATE and Buy me a Beer! I'll give youa  shoutout on the next episode! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thexennialaviator