The Calm Cockpit Podcast

calmcockpit
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Aviation
  • Updated Biweekly

Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita Brown, a yoga educator and student pilot as they share how the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training can improve your abilities as aviators. Through this podcast they will show how understanding these techniques can create a mindset of excellence not just in flying, but flight training, proficiency, and aviation safety.

  1. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    Monday Briefing: Three Books to Read This Summer

    Season 2 Bonus Episode Monday Briefing 14 In this Monday Briefing, you’ll discover three books that offer practical insights into managing self-interference, handling pressure and resistance, sharpening attention, and staying present in the cockpit. The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey Learn how to get out of your own way and reduce the mental interference that can undermine performance. The War of Art  by Steven Pressfield Explore how fear, procrastination, and self-doubt can show up in training and how to keep doing the work anyway. Present Moment Wonderful Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh Discover simple practices for returning your attention to the present moment, especially when stress or distraction takes over. Three books. Three lessons for pilots: get out of your own way, face the resistance, and come back to the present moment.   Links:   The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey  “A Zen classic” (The Washington Post) about achieving the state of “relaxed concentration” that’s not only the key to peak performance in tennis but the secret to success in life itself—now in a 50th anniversary edition with an updated epilogue and a foreword by NFL coach Pete Carroll The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield  A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War ofArt is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself.   Present Moment Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness Verses for Daily Living by Thich Nhat Hanh (Author), Mayumi Oda (Illustrator)   Developed during a summer retreat at Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh's meditation center, these charming short verses were collected to help children and adults practice mindfulness throughout the day. The verses, or gathas, are designed to make everyday activities such as washing the dishes, driving the car, or turning on the television opportunities to return to a state of mindfulness. As exercises in both meditation and poetry, gathas are very much in keeping with the Zen tradition: the gatha helps readers become attuned to each action, and at its conclusion, even the most mundane activity is imbued with heightened awareness. Reciting these poetic yet practical verses helps readers slow down and savor every moment. Nhat Hanh’s warm, thoughtful commentary provides insight and inspiration.

  2. Aug 5

    Superior Judgement: Risk Management with Mike Jesch

    Season 2 Episode 16   Learn how professional pilots manage risk before it becomes a problem. In this episode, you'll discover practical Threat and Error Management (TEM) strategies that can improve your decision-making, reduce workload, and strengthen your safety margins. You'll learn how to identify and trap threats before they escalate, create effective personal minimums, use mental rehearsal to stay ahead of fear and stress, manage cognitive bandwidth with automation, and avoid the subtle traps of normalization of deviance. Whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, these tools can help you make better decisions both in the air and on the ground. Our guest is Mike Jesch, a senior Boeing 787 captain, flight instructor, and the 2026 National FAA Safety Team Representative. With more than 40 years of aviation experience, Mike has trained pilots at every level, from general aviation to the airlines. He is a passionate advocate for pilot proficiency, recurrent training, and the FAA WINGS program, and shares the lessons, habits, and mindset that help pilots build a lifetime of safe flying.   Links: Mike Jesch’s YouTube Channel:  A great channel that speaks to pilot groups on a range of topics, including: Airspace; Flight Instruments; EFBs; ATC Communications; Emergencies; and more. With all the instrument flying experience he's gathered his favorite subjects are in that realm, including; IFR flight planning, regulations, charts, navigation equipment, and more. The Schiff Show with Mike Jesch: A World War II Tragedy That Can Save Your Life. WINGS credit available.

  3. Jul 27 ·  Bonus

    Monday Brief: The Speed That Keeps You Safe with Brian Schiff

    Season 2 Bonus Episode Monday Briefing 13   In this week's Monday Brief, discover one of the most memorable lessons ever shared on The Calm Cockpit Podcast: there are only two speeds in aviation—slow and screw up. This deceptively simple philosophy challenges the instinct to rush and demonstrates why deliberate, methodical action leads to greater safety, fewer errors, and often no loss of time at all. You'll learn why the perception that hurrying saves time is often an illusion, and how adopting a calmer operational tempo can improve both performance and decision-making. The featured clip comes from Brian Schiff, a seasoned captain for a major U.S. airline with more than 21,000 hours of flight time and experience in over 100 aircraft types. A 40-year Gold Seal Flight Instructor, FAA Safety Team Representative, and former FAA-designated examiner, Brian is widely respected throughout the aviation community for his engaging, practical teaching style and his unwavering commitment to advancing aviation safety for pilots at every level. In this excerpt, Brian shares the fascinating origin story behind his now-famous mantra, explaining how a real-world airline experience forever changed his perspective on operational tempo, time management, and cockpit decision-making. You'll also explore how this philosophy extends well beyond the flight deck. Learn why the habits you build in everyday life often become the habits you rely on under pressure in the cockpit, how slowing down can reduce stress and improve situational awareness, and simple ways to practice intentionality before your next flight. Whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, this episode offers one practical mindset shift you can begin using immediately.   Link: Say Again: Communication,Crew Resource Management, and Cockpit Safety with Brian Schiff from Season 2 Episode 8 of The Calm Cockpit Podcast

  4. Jul 22

    Beat the Heat: Your Summer Flying Survival Guide

    Season 2 Episode 15   Summer flying brings unique challenges that go far beyond comfort. In this episode, we explore how heat and dehydration can quietly erode pilot performance, slow reaction time, impair memory, reduc situational awareness, and increase fatigue. Small aircraft cockpits can become significantly hotter than the outside air, placing additional stress on the body and triggering a physiological "fight or flight" response that pulls valuable mental resources away from flying the airplane. We discuss why high temperatures should be treated as a legitimate operational risk—just like fatigue or weather—and why pilots and instructors alike need to recognize the signs before performance begins to suffer. You'll also learn practical, science-backed strategies to stay ahead of the heat, including why hydration starts the day before your flight, how electrolytes help your body absorb water more effectively than water alone, and why sipping consistently beats chugging at the last minute. We share simple ways to keep cooler in the cockpit through clothing choices, cooling techniques, and smarter scheduling, along with the importance of establishing personal temperature minimums to guide go/no-go decisions. Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, or experienced aviator, these tips will help you protect your health, sharpen your performance, and fly more safely during the hottest months of the year. Links Monday Briefing: Hydration Strategies for Clear Thinking and Steady Energy Everything you need to know about hydration, originally aired on the Calm Cockpit Podcast March 2026   Free Fly Apparel-Heatwave performance clothing LMNT-Science Backed Electrolytes  Super salty! But have nice and portable single serve packs for flight bags; can adjust the salt to your taste.  Smart Water Bottle- LARQ Bottle

  5. Jul 13 ·  Bonus

    A Supplemental Life: 5 Pilot Recommended Supplements for Mental and Physical Performance

    Season 2 Bonus Episode Monday Briefing 12 This briefing focuses on daily supplements and digital tools designed to enhance a pilot's mental clarity, physical recovery, and stress management. We all want to study, test, fly, and exercise better, but in today's world we are inundated with influencers telling us this special substance is going to solve all our problems.  Here are some Calm Cockpit suggestions on where to start, and how to cut through the noise.   Top Five Recommended Supplements (w/Links) Creatine: Ranked as the top recommendation, it is highlighted for its mood-boosting potential and its ability to help build lean muscle and new neural pathways. While it can raise creatinine levels in blood tests, the host notes it does not necessarily indicate negative kidney function. Ashwagandha: This root-based supplement is used to lower cortisol and stress levels, effectively "rounding the corners" of high-stress situations. Users should be aware of potential initial stomach sensitivity. Nootropics (The Genius Brand "Consciousness"): Utilized specifically during high-intensity periods like check ride preparation or training, this formula contains ingredients like lion's mane and caffeine to boost focus and memory retention. Protein: Recommended for physical recovery and mental clarity, especially when integrated with a regular exercise routine. Green Drinks (Beyond Greens): A "superfood blend" used to supplement vegetable and nutrient intake for those who may not consume enough greens in their regular diet. Supplementary Tools for Performance Binaural Beats: Using the Brain Wave app, these sounds are played through headphones to assist with focus, memory, and sleep by affecting brainwave patterns. Supplement Verification: The host uses the Supco app to scan supplement barcodes, which helps verify brand quality, check for natural ingredients, and identify potential negative interactions between different supplements.

  6. Jul 8

    Grief Doesn't Stay on the Ground: A Conversation with Nikki Smith

    Season 2 Episode 14   Grief is an inevitable part of life, but in aviation, it often remains unspoken. Whether it's the sudden loss of a colleague or the death of a loved one, grief can affect focus, decision-making, performance, and well-being in profound ways. In this episode, you'll learn how grief impacts the brain, why healthy compartmentalization is different from emotional suppression, and practical strategies pilots can use to stay grounded during difficult times. You'll also discover tools for managing grief bursts, supporting others through loss, and recognizing when it's time to step back from flying and prioritize healing.   Joining us is Nikki Smith, a death doula, grief coach, and host of the podcast Good Grief. Nikki specializes in helping individuals and families navigate end-of-life, loss, and bereavement with compassion and clarity. Together, we explore the unique challenges aviators face when coping with loss, the barriers that often prevent pilots from seeking support, and why acknowledging our mortality can ultimately help us live—and fly—with greater purpose and resilience.   Links:   Nikki Smith’s Website: Grief coaching, staff support, death doula services, blog, and resources on death and dying  Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula: the podcast dedicated to demystifying and de-stigmatizing grief with compassion and humor   Journaling Prompts for Pilots: these journaling prompts will help give you a concrete, private, and meaningful way to work through your grief. Provided to us from Nikki, download the PDF and try five minutes of journaling; it's a fantastic method and well worth your time.

  7. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    Three Must-Have Apps for Every Pilot

    Season 2 Bonus Episode Monday Briefing 11   Your flight bag is full of tools to help you fly safely—but what about the tools that help take care of the pilot? In this Monday Briefing, we share three simple apps we think every pilot should have: Water Llama for staying hydrated, MyFitnessPal for understanding how you're fueling your body and brain, and Insight Timer for managing stress and training your nervous system. None are aviation apps, but all can help support better focus, decision-making, and overall performance. The key isn't perfection—it's consistency. Just as you rely on checklists and instruments in the cockpit, these apps provide objective feedback that makes healthy habits easier to build. Pick one app, try it for a week, and see what you learn. Small daily actions can make a big difference in how you feel—and how you fly.   Links:   Water Llama: Water tracker app & drink water reminder app   My Fitness Pal 280 million users and counting: log food, track macros, identify nutritional content of food, track work outs, etc...   Insight Timer: simple and clean interface plus guided meditations, breath work, relaxations, and meditation courses

  8. Jun 24

    The Pilot’s Reset Button: Breathing Techniques Every Pilot Should Know

    Season 2 Episode 13   Breathing is one of the few systems in the body that operates automatically while also remaining under conscious control, making it a powerful tool for pilot performance and resilience. This episode explores how breathing influences stress, focus, alertness, recovery, and sleep, and why it serves as a bridge between the demands of the external environment and a pilot’s internal state. Listeners will learn how posture and breathing mechanics affect oxygen exchange, why nasal breathing offers important advantages, and how shallow chest breathing can contribute to anxiety and reduced concentration.   The episode introduces three practical techniques pilots can use throughout the day: the Physiological Sigh for recovering from startle responses and high-workload moments, Coherent Breathing to improve heart rate variability and nervous system balance, and Triangle Breathing for downshifting after long duty days and preparing for restorative sleep. The conversation also explains the role of heart rate variability (HRV) in resilience and how regular breathing practice can help pilots maintain a healthy window of tolerance, enhance recovery, and improve overall performance. Whether used before a flight, after exercise, or at the end of a demanding day, these simple, evidence-informed practices provide accessible tools for flying smarter and stressing less.   Links: 21 Day Hatha Yoga Challenge 2026—Over the course of these 21 mornings, we’ll explore postures, breathwork, and simple awareness practices to reconnect with the body, clear the mind, and establish a steady, supportive rhythm.   Five minute breathing exercise from the Huberman lab   How to retrain your breathing: from the University College, London hospitals NHS   Wim Hoff Method: breathing, cold exposure, and mindset   Yoga with Adrienne full playlist of breathing practices

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Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita Brown, a yoga educator and student pilot as they share how the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training can improve your abilities as aviators. Through this podcast they will show how understanding these techniques can create a mindset of excellence not just in flying, but flight training, proficiency, and aviation safety.

Information

  • Creator
    calmcockpit
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Calm Cockpit Podcast

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