Yikes: Lessons Learned When Smart Pilots Do Dumb Things with Jeffrey “JJ” Madison
Episode 17
What do ‘smart pilots’ and their mistakes teach us about mindset, mentorship, and resilience in the cockpit? Author and pilot Jeffrey “JJ” Madison joins us to share lessons learned, stories lived, and how humor–when intelligently used–can be an asset that improves safety across all levels of aviation.
Jeffrey is a Harvard-educated flight instructor, mentor pilot, author and airline pilot. He is also the author of Yikes: 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About 'Em.
JJ shares his unlikely path into aviation, including how he overcame setbacks to become a professional pilot. His journey and writing both highlight the critical role of presence of mind in the cockpit, including the dangers of distraction, overthinking, and hesitation.
JJ shares stories drawn from NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) that reveal both the humor and humanity of pilot mistakes. The discussion challenges the “mission-at-all-costs” mindset and shows that resilience is built through mistakes—and that even smart pilots have bad days. And smart pilots are always learning!
Proceeds from the book support the Victor Kilo Fund, which creates pathways into aviation for underrepresented youth and adults—providing scholarships, equipment, and opportunity to build the next generation of pilots, mechanics, and aerospace professionals.
Links:
Buy Yikes: 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Live to Tell About Them here! Autographed copies available! All proceeds go to support the Victor Kilo Fund’s goal of Launching Diverse Careers in Aerospace
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1:18:03
The Burnout Briefing
Episode 16
Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s a chronic state of stress that can affect even the most resilient high-achievers. This episode examines the realities of burnout: what it is, how to recognize it, and what recovery truly requires.
Burnout often shows up as more than exhaustion. Symptoms can include brain fog, cynicism, chronic fatigue that doesn’t respond to rest, emotional flatness, feeling guilty for relaxing, reduced performance, irritability, and even unhealthy coping strategies like using alcohol to try to release stress. High performers are especially vulnerable, as they can push through for long periods of work before finally “crumbling.”
We’ll share our own stories of navigating burnout and highlight how difficult it can be to spot it in ourselves—especially when external rewards reinforce overwork.
Most importantly, this conversation offers hope and practical tools for recovery. Listeners will learn strategies such as:
Creating a sustainable life rhythm.
Scheduling meaningful self-care.
Recognizing personal “tells” before burnout sets in.
Shifting mindset and reevaluating core values.
Burnout thrives in silence. By bringing it into the open, we hope that all pilots and high achievers alike find ways to not just recover, but to thrive.
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1:01:18
The Resilient Aviator w/Dr. Adrienne Adler-Neal
Episode 15
In this episode we team up with holistic psychiatrist Dr. Adrienne Adler-Neal to explore why mental health is not just a personal concern—it’s a professional imperative in aviation. We have an honest and refreshing conversation about the challenges regarding the long-standing stigmas around mental health in aviation, advocating for a culture of openness, compassion, and mutual support.
Dr. Adler-Neal also shares eye-opening insights into neuroplasticity, revealing how pilots can actively train their brains to become more resilient, focused, and adaptive under pressure.
Through simple, evidence-based practices like mindfulness, pilots can reduce stress and anxiety, sharpen their decision-making, and enhance their overall performance.
Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just beginning your journey, this episode will leave you empowered to take proactive steps in nurturing your mental fitness—ensuring you're prepared not just for the cockpit, but for life.
Topics Covered:
What neuroplasticity means for pilot performance
Mindfulness as a practical tool for stress management
Redefining resilience in high-stakes professions
Destigmatizing mental health in the aviation community
The link between wellness, safety, and excellence
Takeaway:
Mental well-being isn't a weakness—it's a strength that fuels safe and exceptional performance. This episode will inspire you to train your mental muscle with the same care and discipline as your flight skills.
Links:
Dr. Adler-Neal’s Website
Books Mentioned During the Show:
Jon Kabat-Zinn “Wherever You Go, There You Are”
Jack Kornfield “A Path with Heart”
Richie Davidson-research scientist: fascinating neuroscience research on healthy minds
Zapolsky “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”
Tara Brach “Radical Acceptance”
Apps Mentioned During the Show:
Insight Timer
Calm
Headspace
Mindfulness App
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1:35:16
Bonus: Dynamic Vision Training for Depth Perception and Acuity
These simple exercises are designed to improve depth perception and peripheral vision, which can be beneficial for tasks like spotting traffic or landing in challenging conditions.
The exercise involves focusing on five progressively distant points; first with sharp, "eagle-eye" focus to discern details, and then with a soft, receptive gaze while introducing peripheral distractions (like waving hands) to stimulate the visual cortex. This practice, which can be performed sitting, standing, or even walking, aims to enhance the brain's ability to process visual information related to distance and motion, thereby reducing visual clutter and improving overall visual acuity.
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9:12
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Bonus: Vision Practice for Relaxation and Rest
This episode features a restorative vision and body exercise, emphasizing techniques to alleviate head, neck, shoulder, and eye strain. These are perfect for the end of a long day or for a quick recharge during busy days.
We’ll cover tips for proper posture and relaxation, then transition into slow, deliberate head movements that are coordinated with eye movements to promote muscular release and improved blood flow. You’ll learn a gentle massage technique for the eyes, designed to recharge the visual system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system for relaxation. The exercise concludes with a mental visualization to further enhance a sense of ease and spaciousness in the visual field. Get the rest your body and mind need, you are worth it!
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.
Listen to The Calm Cockpit Podcast, Sleep Magic: Sleep Hypnosis & Meditation for Sleep Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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