The 20 Minute Call James La Barrie

Danny Smith has been the DZO at Skydive Carolina for 38 years and counting! Throughout his tenure, he's endured major challenges, and yet he still loves it (a rarity!). In this episode we talk about Danny's amazing career and love for skydiving. 
This is a special episode for me as Danny Smith has done so much for me personally. Without him, my discovery of skydiving and my residency in the United States wouldn't exist. 

I'm deeply grateful for this man who gave me an opportunity when I needed it most. 

I hope you'll enjoy this episode with DZO, Danny Smith! 

Larry Hill is the visionary behind one of the most recognized dropzones in the world, Skydive Arizona. 
Larry’s influence extends beyond the operation of his famous dropzone. He has been a crucial supporter of competitive skydiving, particularly through his backing of the storied, Arizona Airspeed. This support helped catapult the team to national and world recognition, embodying Larry's commitment to excellence and competitive spirit in skydiving​​. Moreover, Skydive Arizona is not just a drop zone that has hosted every major skydiving event in the world,  but a hub for  the worlds most talented skydivers. You’ll be hard pressed to find any of today’s top competitors who have not journeyed to the town made famous by its dropzone - Eloy. 
In 2020, Larry was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame for his tremendous contributions to the sport. 

My guest today is arguably one of the most accomplished skydivers in history. Cheryl Stearns has received every major accolade in skydiving and holds an incredible record as a pilot. Cheryl holds: 
33 National Championships30 World Records 22,000+ Jumps First Female Member of the Golden KnightsMost Jumps by a Woman in 24 Hours - 352Int'l Skydiving Hall of Fame Member (2010)Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame Member (2007)Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award Airbus Captain for American Airlines IN THE MEDIA
Cheryl in the NewsOvercoming Every Obstacle (Video)2023 National ChampionshipsCheryl Stearns Demo at the Statue of Liberty (1978 VIDEO)Cheryl's POV on an Accuracy JumpCherylStearns.com
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My guest today can best be described as a force! Lesley Gale is the owner of 11 World records, 3 British records 4 European records, has competed and medaled at more than 100 skydiving competitions, has been a key organizer for 20 female world, national and European Records. Lesley was also the editor of British Skydiving’s magazine from 1996 to 2010, receiving the Royal Aero Club Nexus Trophy for Aviation Journalism in 2009. She launched her online magazine, SkydiveMag.com in 2013 which today is one of the most-read skydiving magazines in the world and last, but not least, was inducted into the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame in 2022.

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My guest today can best be described as a pioneer for his significant contributions to the sport. 

Paul Fayard has competed at the highest level having a national and world champion in 4-way, has served as an instructor, rigger, pilot, dropzone owner, operator and most famously, aircraft owner. 

It should also be mentioned that he has trained more than 150 jump pilots, many of them still flying today. If you haven’t met Paul, you have jumped from one of his aircraft, as he has owned a total of 62 jump planes throughout his career. At one time, he owned 34 planes and has provided aircraft to over 50 dropzones. 

What made Paul unique is he had empathy for his DZO customers because he himself owned and operated Carolina Sky Sports for 35 years and Florida Skydiving Center Lake Wales as co-owner and eventually full owner between 2003 and 2007. 

Name a major world record skydiving event and it’s likely Paul was there! He has seen it all and done it all and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the 20 Minute Call podcast. 

Born in Tempe, Arizona, Craig Girard made his first jump on March 14, 1981, at Sky Hi-Pioneer DZ, Phoenix, AZ, and has since accumulated over 32,000 jumps. His illustrious career spans more than four decades, and he has won numerous awards and championships, including US National Champion 8-way for an impressive 18 times, and US National Champion 4-way six times. Craig's success in World Cups is equally outstanding, securing five 8-way championships and two 4-way championships. He is also a two-time World Games Champion, a four-time Bodyflight World Challenge Tunnel Champion, a six-time World Champion in 8-way, and a two-time World Champion in 4-way.
A former U.S. Army Golden Knight, a long-time member of Arizona Airspeed, and the chief freefall instructor at Skydive Dubai, Craig's achievements also include being a key member of the 300, 357, and 400-way large formation world records. His influence on the sport earned him a place in the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.
Whether flying with the Golden Knights, leading Airspeed's 8-way team, or coaching the next generation of World Class teams, Craig's influence on the sport is truly unparalleled.

SHOW NOTES 
Defying Odds: Remaining Injury-Free After 32,000 SkydivesThe Ultimate Risk: Taking the Leap with... A Unicycle?Elite Lessons: Gleanings from the Legendary Golden KnightsDream Match-ups: Who Craig Wished He'd Battled in the SkyThe Edge: Harnessing a Killer Instinct in the SportUnforgettable Heights: Craig's Most Cherished Competition MemoriesBeyond the Dive: The True Essence of Being a SportsmanMental Mastery: Building Resilience and Fortitude for the JumpLegends in the Sky: Skydivers Craig Holds in High EsteemBehind the Scenes: The Vital Role of Sponsorship in Skydiving SuccessThe Inner Circle: Understanding Team Dynamics Among Skydiving ElitesThe Pact: Crafting a "Contract for Working Together"The Blueprint: Inside the Systems of Arizona AirspeedSurreal Skies: Unforgettable "Pinch Me" Moments at Skydive DubaiPresidential Encounters: The Unforgettable Day Meeting George HW BushGlobe-trotting Freefalls: Experiencing the World's Most Exotic SkydivingFacing Time: Craig on Aging and Life's Changing ChaptersUnder the Hood: Craig's Mechanic DaysWheeling with Weber: Craig's Miata Purchase from Mary EllenTurning Point: Craig's Defining Decision
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Love the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:

- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast
- learn what interviews will be upcoming
- submit questions for future guests
receive show swag

Join our community and support the pod!

Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcast


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