Episode 166 - Where to Start: Your Guide to the LiftAffect Back Catalog
Click here to take the Pilot Check-In Survey ! Click here to become a subscriber to receive exclusive content ! | Click here to sign up to receive LiftAffect's Weekly Gouge Newsletter ! Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course! In this episode, Matt and Karl transform the LiftAffect back catalog into a practical navigation map and its applications for pilots who know something feels off but can't quite name it yet. Matt shares strategies for identifying which of the seven core clusters match what you're dealing with right now, finding the right entry points for sleep struggles, imposter syndrome, burnout, anxiety, and emotional turbulence, and building a path toward clarity without having to sort through years of episodes alone. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness in navigating both everyday performance challenges and deeper mental health concerns, supportive resources for pilots worried about medical certification and career implications, and how using the podcast as a structured tool rather than passive entertainment enhances self-understanding and help-seeking, offering a practical first step for anyone carrying too much in the demanding world of aviation and beyond. Enjoy! 1. "I can't shut my brain off at night." (Sleep) EP. 118 — Effortless Sleep Solution series (fear of wakefulness, gas-and-brake model) EP. 151–154 — Medication series — sleep meds (antihistamines, Z-drugs, benzodiazepines) Circadian disruption / reserve sleep unpredictability episodes 2. "I feel like I'm faking it up there." (Imposter syndrome / perfectionism) Ep. 136 — Unmasking the Four Faces of Imposter Syndrome Ep. 135 — The Perfectionism Paradox Ep. 125 — Beyond Perfect Flying Yourself First series, Part 5 (the self-portrait) Ep. 116 — Embracing Risk For Meaningful Experiences 3. "I'm burned out but I don't know how to say it." (Burnout / decision fatigue) Ep. 123–124 — Preserving Cognitive Resources When It Matters Most (2 parts) Flying Yourself First series, Parts 3–4 (routines, mental conditioning) Ep. 115 — Live In Day Tight Compartments Nine Constellations framework episodes 4. "I think I might be depressed. Or something." (Clinical deep dives) Ep. 95 — Understanding Depression Ep. 96 — Understanding Bipolar Disorder Ep. 63–65 — ADD/ADHD (3 parts) Ep. 104–105 — Narcissism Explained (2 parts) Trauma and stress-related disorders episodes Ep. 155 — Listener Q&A on Navigating Anxiety Ep. 106 — Navigating Emotional Turmoil 5. "I need help but I'm scared it will cost me my medical." (FAA / medical) Ep. 148 — The Biggest Mistake Pilots Make When Seeking Mental Health Help (Part 1) Ep. 151–154 — Medication Myths in Aviation (4 parts, esp. Part 4 on culture/FAA policy) Ep. 76 — Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances ARC Report Spirit Pilots episode (May 2026) 6. "I feel completely alone in this." (Isolation / peer support) Ep. 126 — Connected in Isolation Ep. 131 — V1 Rotate Ep. 145 — Launching the V1 Project Peer Support Hotline Ep. 134 — Capt. Ed Smith: From Anxiety to Advocacy Ep. 155 — Q&A sections on relationships/communication with partners 7. "I want to get better — build the skills, not just fix what's broken." (Performance) Ep. 161–165 — Flying Yourself First series (nine pillars, Triad, focus, composure, routines) Ep. 74–75 — The Science of Effective Goal Setting (2 parts) Ep. 158-159 — Nine Constellations framework episodes Habit-breaking episodes (90-second wave, urge surfing) For more information, please visit the following websites: - LiftAffect Website - The V1 Project Website