Mike was in Abu Dhabi when everything changed.US evacuation orders. Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure. One of the busiest airports in the world in chaos. And he was still there.In this episode, Mike sits down with co-host Jay to tell the full story — what he saw on the ground in Abu Dhabi during the Iran-US/Israel conflict, what the evacuation actually looked like beyond the headlines, and what it revealed about leadership, decision-making, and what actually matters when everything is on the line.This isn't a news recap. You can get that anywhere.This is what it felt like to be inside it.——————————————————————————IN THIS EPISODE:→ What the first hours of the escalation looked like on the ground in Abu Dhabi→ The reality of the US evacuation orders vs. what the government was saying→ The class divide — who could leave easily and who couldn't→ CEO brain in a crisis — decisions, communication, and leadership under pressure→ What the media is getting wrong about the UAE right now→ The moment the wheels touched down back in New York City

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In the season finale of the Last Flight Out Podcast, hosts Mike and Jay discuss the concept of "rebranding" or reintroducing yourself to the world—a shift often forced by major life events.The hosts were inspired by the quiet evolution of artists like Gunna, who focused on fitness, health, and work after a public controversy. They agree that "the work is showing for itself," making it the best kind of rebrand.Key Takeaways:Public vs. Private: Announcing a rebrand publicly subjects you to questioning and criticism; sometimes it is better to operate privately, like Gunna did.The Power of Plan: Just like at the gym, if you want to evolve and see results, you need a plan and must know what you are doing.Personal Rebrands: Mike is undergoing a rebrand in his 40s, focusing on health, finances, and cultivating relationships to set himself up for the next four decades.Intentionality and Peace: Jay’s time in the Middle East taught him the value of peace and being intentional with the time and relationships he has in New York.Alone Time: Alone time is crucial for self-reflection and "contending with the thoughts that they didn't like about themselves".Shedding: A successful rebrand requires shedding old habits, relationships, or even ego that are no longer conducive to your new lifestyle.FOLLOW OUR HOSTS: Jay ➡️ / jloubriel26 Mike ➡️ / ifmikewashere FOLLOW LAST FLIGHT OUT PODCAST: YouTube ➡️ / @lastflightoutpodcast Website ➡️ https://www.lastflightoutpodcast.com Instagram ➡️ / lastflightoutpodcast TikTok ➡️ / lastflightoutpodcast Apple Podcasts ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2xZJhd2...Pods Media (Onchain) ➡️ https://pods.media/last-flight-out#LastFlightOutPodcast #Podcast #Rebrand #PersonalGrowth #Evolution #Entrepreneurship #Gunna #YoungThug #YSL #HipHop #SelfDevelopment #AloneTime #Purpose #KnowWhatYoureDoing #WorkSpeaksForItself #IntentionalLiving #LifeHacks #SelfReflection #MikeAndJay #NewYork #Dubai #AbuDhabi

In this episode of Last Flight Out, we sit down with Aaron Cooper, a true design legend whose work at Nike helped shape modern sneaker culture.Aaron breaks down what it really takes to design at the highest level—inside one of the most influential brands in the world. From the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce to how storytelling drives product, this conversation goes far beyond sneakers.We talk about:What it’s like designing inside NikeHow culture influences sneaker designThe pressure of creating timeless productsWhy most people misunderstand creativityWhere sneaker design is headed nextThe future of footwear, technology, and cultureThis episode is for creatives, designers, founders, and anyone obsessed with sneakers and culture—or anyone trying to understand how iconic products are really made.FOLLOW OUR HOSTS: Jay ➡️ / jloubriel26 Mike ➡️ / ifmikewashere FOLLOW LAST FLIGHT OUT PODCAST: YouTube ➡️ / @lastflightoutpodcast Website ➡️ https://www.lastflightoutpodcast.com Instagram ➡️ / lastflightoutpodcast TikTok ➡️ / lastflightoutpodcast Apple Podcasts ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2xZJhd2...Pods Media (Onchain) ➡️ https://pods.media/last-flight-out#AaronCooper #NikeDesign #SneakerCulture #SneakerDesign #Nike #Podcast #PodcastInterview #LongFormPodcast #CreativePodcast #LastFlightOut #ProductDesign #DesignThinking #CreativeProcess #DesignInspiration #Streetwear #CultureAndCreativity #BrandStorytelling #CreativeBusiness