Skyward Podcast

Pilot Mercedes
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Hi, I'm so happy you're here! I'm Mercedes, the host of Skyward — a pilot and flight instructor sharing the real stories behind aviation and aerospace, straight from the people living them. In each episode, I chat with the people who make aviation and aerospace happen — pilots, instructors, flight attendants, founders, engineers, and the folks steering missions from the ground up — about everything from flight training and pilot health to career journeys, work-life balance, and the community that makes this world what it is. My goal is simple: to inform, connect, and help you love the skies even more. Season 2 launches Monday, October 5 — and Skyward moves to a new episode the first Monday of every month. Follow so you don't miss it.

  1. Apr 20

    Why Pilots Are in Pain — And How to Fix It | Dr. Jackie White, Aviation PT

    Pilots spend hours locked in cramped cockpits — and their bodies pay the price. In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Jackie White, PT, aviation physical therapist and founder of Skyline Wellness, to talk about what's actually going wrong in pilots' bodies and what to do about it. Dr. Jackie breaks down the most common complaints she sees — low back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder tension — and why the cockpit itself is part of the problem. She shares simple movement habits you can do between flights, how to stay fueled when food access is unpredictable, and why catching an issue early is the difference between a quick fix and months of chronic pain. Whether you're a student pilot, CFI, commercial pilot, or just someone who spends too much time sitting — this one's for you. In this episode: → Why pilots get low back pain (and how to prevent it) → The muscle imbalance caused by right-rudder dominance → Mobility moves you can do between flights → Nutrition on the go: what to keep in your flight bag → How Dr. Jackie works with pilots remotely Chapters 00:43 Introduction to Aviation Physical Therapy 03:02 Dr. Jackie White's Journey to Aviation Physical Therapy 06:03 The Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist 09:00 Experiences at Sun & Fun Airshow 12:02 Merging Aviation with Physical Therapy 15:00 The Birth of Skyline Physical Therapy 18:01 Tailoring Rehab Programs for Pilots 21:06 Common Physical Complaints Among Pilots 31:32 Family Connections and Mobility Insights 32:41 Understanding G-Forces and Their Impact on Pilots 35:27 Challenges for Flight Students and Instructors 39:34 Hydration and Nutrition for Pilots 41:58 Nutrition Strategies for Pilots 45:39 Non-Negotiable Health Practices for Pilots 50:37 Success Stories in Pilot Health and Fitness 55:34 Addressing Muscle Imbalances in Pilots 01:00:23 Gender Differences in Pilot Health 01:02:07 Simple Tips for Immediate Relief 01:03:57 Future Plans for Skyline Wellness Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if this episode hit home, comment your biggest physical complaint from flying below, and share with a fellow pilot! Find Dr. Jackie & Skyline Wellness: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHHOlv4WkU/nMLW8qqb0dQLFAdXrbtzrg/view?utm_content=DAHHOlv4WkU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h403d708cb5&fbclid=PAT01DUARSdl9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAade5gtAtesn546nUynes53vMIoPHxvQ2URgZHX24bqG83NNJal4QDivr_tNyw_aem_auVFP91tO4J3hU924ZPnWA Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you're looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you're looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here's your spot! / skywardpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who's been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  2. Apr 6

    From Seeing No Female Pilots to 99s Maple Leaf Chair | Cailyx Madensky

    Cailyx Madensky shares her inspiring journey into aviation, becoming a commercial pilot trainee, and leading the Ninety-Nines Maple Leaf Chapter. We discuss overcoming COVID delays, the power of mentorship, staying motivated through setbacks, and building community with Let’s Discover Aviation Now events. Chapters 00:57 Introduction to Aviation Dreams 02:59 The Journey Begins: From Curiosity to Training 05:57 Navigating Setbacks: The Impact of COVID-19 09:04 Family Ties: Sibling Support in Aviation 12:04 Mentorship and Guidance: Key Influences 15:03 Lessons Learned: Patience and Persistence 17:55 Future Aspirations: Goals in Aviation 21:07 Advice for Aspiring Pilots 22:53 Community Engagement: Involvement with the 99s 23:31 Introduction to the 99s and Personal Journey 25:44 Community Engagement and Event Planning 30:08 The Impact of Introductory Flights 35:40 Inclusivity and Opportunities in Aviation 39:24 Connecting with the 99s 44:11 Future Aspirations for the Maple Leaf Chapter Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  3. Mar 23

    ALPA Union, Dreams Take Flight & Special Olympics Impact | Alivia Chanyi

    Pilot Mercedes welcomes back Alivia Chanyi, First Officer at Jazz, sharing ALPA’s pilot advocacy, two-crew safety push, mentorship, Dreams Take Flight’s magical Disney trips for kids, and Special Olympics impact. Inspiring aviation + community stories! Subscribe, comment your favorite moment, share with aviation friends. Chapters 01:03 Introduction to ALPA and Mentorship Programs 02:50 Advocating for Aviation Safety and Security 06:03 Career Development and Community Building in ALPA 08:57 Dreams Take Flight: Creating Magical Experiences for Children 11:49 The Role of Air Canada in Dreams Take Flight 15:10 Planning a Dream Flight: Logistics and Volunteer Efforts 18:00 Personal Connections to Dreams Take Flight 21:05 Involvement with Special Olympics 24:11 Encouraging Community Involvement and Support 27:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut... 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  4. Mar 9

    Women in Aviation Canada: What are the 99s, Northern Lights & CWIA? | Alivia Chanyi

    Discover how The 99s, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, and Canadian Women in Aviation empower women in Canada's skies! Pilot Mercedes chats with First Officer Alivia Chanyi (Jazz Aviation, CRJ pilot) about scholarships, mentorship, outreach, and building community in an industry where women are still underrepresented. Key highlights: The 99s history & global growthNorthern Lights: Elsie MacGill Awards & eventsCWIA conferences & connectionsInspired by women supporting women in flight? Share your thoughts—which org excites you most? Subscribe, like, comment, and share with aspiring pilots! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alivia Chanyi and Women in Aviation 01:16 Alivia’s Background and Involvement in Aviation Organizations 03:29 The History of the 99s and Its Significance 06:55 Growth of the 99s in Canada and Worldwide 10:30 Community Projects and Initiatives in Canadian Chapters 11:37 Scholarships and Support for Women in Aviation 13:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Aviation 16:12 Educational Outreach and Inspiring Future Generations 22:53 Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Mission and Activities 26:09 Elsie MacGill and Her Legacy in Aviation 28:49 Nominations and Recognizing Women in Aviation 31:29 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry 35:50 Partnerships and Community Engagement 42:28 Canadian Women in Aviation and Its Role 44:35 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved 46:17 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut... 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  5. Feb 23

    How I Trick My Brain Into Studying After Work (And You Can Too)

    9-to-5 drained? Try the reset: quick workout, top-down list, 25-min bursts. No burnout, real results from personal experience. Chapters 01:07 Transitioning from Work to Study 05:12 Lessons from Past Mistakes 10:52 Effective Study Techniques 15:26 The Importance of Rest and Recovery Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut... 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! #FlightTraining #StudentPilot #studytips #PilotLife #AviationPodcast #fulltimework #BecomeAPilot #flightinstructor  Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  6. Feb 9

    General Aviation Stories: First Solo, Everglades Flights & Hailstorm Survival | Pilot Alan Ash

    Pilot Alan Ash shares his first solo nerves, tense Everglades crossings, hailstorm landing as a student, and planes flown. Timeless GA lessons from a lifelong pilot. Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Chapters: 00:44 Early Flying Adventures and First Solo Experience 11:28 Navigating the Everglades and Flight Safety 16:19 Diverse Aircraft Experiences and Lessons Learned Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859 Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  7. Jan 26

    4 Flight Training Stories Every Pilot Needs

    In this episode, I open up about 4 personal flight training stories that shaped me as a pilot – and mistakes I hope you avoid: My exhilarating (and hilarious) first solo at just 15 years old – the nerves, bumpy landing, perfect second try, and the mix-up that had my head instructor thinking I stole the plane! The costly lesson of NOT researching regulations when switching from Canada to US flight training – how ignoring FAA vs Transport Canada differences set me back during instrument ground school.How an unhealthy teenage relationship drained my energy and hurt my progress... until I learned the power of supportive, healthy relationships that accelerated my training.The heart-pounding real engine failure during multi-engine climb – and how drilling emergency procedures saved the day with an automatic second nature response.Whether you're a student pilot working on your PPL, instrument rating, multi-engine, or just dreaming of becoming a pilot, these stories deliver joy, tough lessons, and practical advice on preparation, mindset, relationships, and mastering emergencies. Key takeaways for aspiring pilots: Always research regs before international training movesProtect your focus – toxic relationships can sabotage studiesPractice emergency procedures until they're muscle memoryFree Resources: Check my Patreon for helpful flight training tools I used (linked below)! If you're in flight school, considering pilot training in Canada or the US (Florida weather wins!), or love aviation stories – this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 The Joy of First Solo Flight 03:03 Navigating International Flight Regulations 05:53 The Impact of Relationships on Training 09:11 Mastering Emergency Procedures Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859 Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! #FlightTraining #StudentPilot #FirstSolo #PilotLife #AviationPodcast #EmergencyProcedures #PPL #InstrumentRating #PilotStories #BecomeAPilot Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

  8. Jan 12

    Breaking Barriers | Lola Reid Allin's Unstoppable Story

    In this inspiring episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with aviation legend Lola Reid Allin — one of Canada's earliest female commercial pilots, flight instructor, Twin Otter captain, award-winning author, photographer, and adventurer who's explored over 65 countries. Lola shares her remarkable journey starting in 1979, when women in the cockpit were rare and often unwelcome. From battling family discouragement and societal expectations, to becoming the first female chief flight instructor at multiple schools, flying bush ops in the North, and facing intense challenges like electrical failures, spins, and outright discrimination — her story is one of resilience, joy, and quiet revolution. We dive into: Growing up fascinated by clouds and planes in a time when girls were steered toward "traditional" rolesTrailblazing milestones as a woman in a male-dominated industryHair-raising in-flight emergencies and how she kept calm under pressureHer new memoir Highway to the Sky: An Aviator's Journey and why she wrote it after a shocking 2014 note to a female captainWhether you're a pilot, aspiring aviator, or simply love stories of determination against the odds, this conversation celebrates the pioneers who opened the skies for future generations. Note for parents & younger readers: While Highway to the Sky is a powerful and worthwhile read, it does explore some mature themes including adult situations, violence, and depictions of abuse. Reader discretion is advised, especially for young audiences. 📖 Highway to the Sky (available on Amazon worldwide + audiobook!) 🌐 lolareidallin.com Remember to rate this podcast and follow for more behind-the-scenes aviation stories! ✈️ Chapters 00:00 Trailblazing in Aviation: Lola Reed Allen's Journey 02:59 Overcoming Barriers: The Challenges of Being a Female Pilot 05:51 Inspiration and Role Models: The Impact of Early Influences 09:12 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Experiences and Insights 11:56 The Evolution of Female Representation in Aviation 14:59 Flight Instruction: Mentoring the Next Generation 18:03 Personal Growth Through Aviation: Lessons Learned 20:58 The Future of Women in Aviation: Progress and Challenges 56:04 The Power of Storytelling in Writing 01:00:06 Facing Challenges in Aviation 01:05:56 The Journey of Writing a Book 01:16:49 The Art of Audiobook Production 01:20:36 Exploring Aircraft Experience 01:29:04 Crisis Management in Aviation 01:43:44 Lessons Learned in Aviation and Life Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, a recreational flyer, considering aviation as a career or hobby, or simply inspired by the skies, these gems will motivate you heading into 2026. Thank you for an amazing launch year — here’s to flying higher in the next! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/ Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859 Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospa Tap this to send Mercedes a message!

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About

Hi, I'm so happy you're here! I'm Mercedes, the host of Skyward — a pilot and flight instructor sharing the real stories behind aviation and aerospace, straight from the people living them. In each episode, I chat with the people who make aviation and aerospace happen — pilots, instructors, flight attendants, founders, engineers, and the folks steering missions from the ground up — about everything from flight training and pilot health to career journeys, work-life balance, and the community that makes this world what it is. My goal is simple: to inform, connect, and help you love the skies even more. Season 2 launches Monday, October 5 — and Skyward moves to a new episode the first Monday of every month. Follow so you don't miss it.

Information

  • Creator
    Pilot Mercedes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Skyward Podcast
  • Show Website
    Skyward Podcast