🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a kid born into aviation paradise grows up surrounded by warbirds, bush planes, and breakfast fly-outs—and decides to make short-field flying his life’s calling? In this backcountry flying focused episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes you deep into the world of STOL (Short Takeoff […]
Episode 30: Backcountry Flying Edition! Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a dream and a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator decides to make it real? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jamail Larkins, one of aviation’s most inspiring trailblazers, whose journey from virtual skies to real-world leadership is nothing short of remarkable. From
Dream, Fly, Repeat: Jamail Larkins on Turning Passion into Purpose Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary What happens when aviation becomes a force for good, an engine for opportunity, and a gateway to the skies for everyone? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes you on a three-part journey that showcases aviation’s true heart—from compassion to innovation to accessibility. First, Shawn dives into the incredible story of the
Special Olympics Airlift, Career Maps, and Affordable Flying Read More »
By Shawn Staerker What do you do when the only thing standing between you and your dreams is money? If you’re Brandon Martini, you max out your credit cards, wake up every morning to check the weather through your bedroom blinds, and refuse to take “no” for an answer. Brandon’s aviation journey didn’t start in
How Stratus Financial is Changing Aviation Finance Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a family logbook sparks a life-changing career in aviation—and leads to a company redefining how pilots fund their dreams? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, to uncover the powerful story behind one of aviation’s most transformative startups. From finding his
Brandon Martini ︱Co-CEO, Stratus Financial Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial and his personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping over 1,000 new pilots earn their wings through
Making Flight Training Financing Easier Read More »
By Shawn Staerker Ever had that moment where everything just clicks? For Jeremy Meyers, founder of Brakes Off Media, it happened at 30,000 feet over Iraq—but the journey that got him there started way back when he was just five years old, standing on the flight line at an air show in Spokane, Washington. Here’s
From F-16 Crew Chief to Brakes Off Media Founder Read More »
Episode Summary What happens when a lifelong aviation enthusiast turns passion into a multifaceted career in air shows and military service? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jeremy Meyers, a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, operations manager for the NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team, and founder
Jeremy Meyers, Founder︱Brakes Off Media Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage in Aviation with some incredible stories! First up, what drives a teenager to climb up on a rooftop in Mexico just to watch airplanes trace paths across the night sky? For Adriana Barragan, it was more than a dream—it was a calling. In this inspiring
Hispanic Heritage in Aviation: Breaking Barriers in the Skies Read More »
🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a passion for Microsoft Flight Simulator refuses to take “no” for an answer? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker shares the incredible journey of Jamail Larkins—from flying virtual Delta jets in his bedroom, to becoming one of the youngest Americans to solo a powered aircraft,
Episode 25: Turning Passion into Opportunity with Jamail Larkins Read More »
