The Pilot Life

Max Lyons / Hillsboro Aviation

Pull up a chair and sit down for a great conversation with Max. A 4th generation logger and world traveler, his career path changed when he ventured out on a solo trip that would inspire his dreams and set him down the path of aviation.  A remarkable adventure full of surprises! Check out more aviation podcasts and content here:    / @thepilotlife   “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

Captain Yokko Okamura / Horizon Air

"I was not trying to become a first, I just wanted to be an airline pilot". Captain Yokko's drive to become an airline pilot was truly remarkable, overcoming vast obstacles at a time when Japanese women were not allowed to become pilots. An inspiring journey pursuing her dreams to become an airline pilot. Check out more aviation podcasts and content here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCf4iOF34spaZUAC-ZdOUwJQ “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.”

Learn to fly in 2026

Terry Shaffer / Flying the F8 in Vietnam

Great conversation with Captain Terry Shaffer, retired airline captain, former fighter pilot, and all around great guy! From his early dreams of Hollywood stardom to flying the F-8 off aircraft carriers, to teaching and training the next generation of airline pilots, his stories and experiences are certain to enlighten and entertain. Check out more aviation podcasts and content here:https://www.youtube.com/@ThePilotLife“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.”

Kali Retzler / Part 135 Captain

Great conversation with Captain Kali about her journey to the pilot seat of a Cessna Grand Caravan and the challenges overcome along the way. She has a ton of great insights for pilots looking to pursue a career in aviation with her great stories from learning to fly in Hawai‘i.  Check out more aviation podcasts and content here:   / @thepilotlife  Learn more about the Pacific Flight Academy here:https://www.pacificflightacademy.com“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.”

Captain Ty Frisby / Aerobatics to Airlines

Great conversation with Captain Ty about his aviation journey from Aerobatics to the Airlines. He shares a lot of great instructional content on his podcast as well as instagram account. Talk Flying podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@tyfrisbyInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ty_frisby/?hl=en“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.”

Greg Wooldridge / 3-Time Blue Angel Flight Leader

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/Follow The Pilot Life on Instagram for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/?hl=enConnect 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.”

Mike Swanigan / Alaska National Guard / Airline Captain (ret)

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.comFollow 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.”

Captain Ernie Meeks / Southwest Airlines

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=enhttps://aviatorintelligence.comFollow 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.”

Arlette Donzey / Airline Pilot

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=enFollow 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.”