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The Future in Flight Podcast

The Future in Flight Podcast

By: Creative Relay Media
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 Ready to explore the skies and unlock your potential in aviation? The Future in Flight Podcast is your go-to weekly show for inspiration, education, and empowerment. Produced by Creative Relay Media and AviNation USA, this engaging podcast connects young adults, teens, and their families with the tools and insights they need to pursue fulfilling aviation careers and hobbies. Each episode features captivating stories, expert interviews, and practical advice, blending family-friendly entertainment with cutting-edge industry insights. From highlighting young achievers to diving into the latest aviation technology, The Future in Flight Podcast is your roadmap to discovering the endless possibilities in the world of flight. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a pilot, exploring aerospace engineering, or simply curious about the aviation industry, this podcast equips you to take off toward your goals. Subscribe now and join a growing community of future aviators ready to soar to new heights!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
Episodes
  • Doves in Flight: The Special Olympics Airlift┃ St. Louis’ Aerospace Revolution┃ Affordable Flying Expo 2025

    Doves in Flight: The Special Olympics Airlift┃ St. Louis’ Aerospace Revolution┃ Affordable Flying Expo 2025
    Oct 28 2025
    🎧 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, the world’s largest peacetime volunteer airlift. You’ll hear how Textron Aviation and hundreds of volunteer pilots have transported over 40,000 Special Olympics athletes to compete on the world stage, proving that flight can lift more than just airplanes—it lifts spirits and possibilities. Then, we head to St. Louis, a region that’s redefining what an aerospace career looks like. With over 300,000 aviation and aerospace jobs, billions in investment, and high schools partnering directly with industry leaders like Boeing, Gulfstream, and Westar, St. Louis is showing the nation how to build the workforce of tomorrow—without requiring the traditional college route. Finally, we take a look ahead to the Affordable Flying Expo (AFE25), happening November 6–8, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. This event, held on the legendary SUN ’n FUN grounds, celebrates the new era of accessible flight through the FAA’s Mosaic rule. From kit planes to light sport aircraft, AFE25 is proving that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a pilot. This episode is about heart, opportunity, and the simple truth that aviation is for everyone—from the athletes who fly for the first time, to the students building careers, to the dreamers ready to take flight. Special thanks to Flyte Sunglasses—light on weight, not on quality! ✨ Key Points The Special Olympics Airlift Began in 1985 when Cessna CEO Bruce Meyer donated aircraft to transport athletes. Has since grown into a 40-year tradition, flying 40,000+ Special Olympics athletes to world competitions. Features over 100 jets landing within minutes of each other in a highly choreographed airlift. Supported by Textron Aviation companies including Beechcraft, Cessna, EZ-GO, and Tug Technologies. Dove One, the lead aircraft, has featured partners like Coca-Cola Consolidated and country artist Dierks Bentley. Showcases aviation’s power to bring people together for something greater than flight alone. The St. Louis Aerospace Ecosystem Home to 300,000 aerospace and aviation jobs and $5B in infrastructure investment. Companies like Boeing, Gulfstream, and Westar collaborate with high schools and colleges. Programs like CAVE (Lindbergh High School) give students real-world experience with drones, simulators, and maintenance. Career Roadmaps show clear, debt-free pathways from high school to high-paying jobs (some starting at $50K+). Highlights how collaboration and regional strategy create sustainable, high-tech job ecosystems. The Affordable Flying Expo (AFE25) Takes place Nov 6–8, 2025, on the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo campus in Lakeland, Florida. Focused on affordable aircraft, kit planes, and the FAA’s Mosaic rule expanding light sport aviation. Features hands-on workshops, demo flights, and the Mosaic Town Hall for live Q&A. Adult tickets: $15 | Youth 12–17: $5 | Under 12: Free. Includes admission to the Florida Air Museum. Proceeds benefit the Aerospace Center for Excellence, supporting youth aviation education. Celebrates the growing community of everyday aviators, builders, and dreamers making flight attainable. 🕒 Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – 0:45 | Introduction: The heart of aviation and helping others take flight 0:46 – 5:18 | The Special Olympics Airlift: From two jets to a global movement 5:19 – 7:03 | Inside the choreography: How Textron and volunteers make it all happen 7:04 – 8:25 | Dierks Bentley and the future of the airlift 8:26 – 10:12 | Reflection: Aviation as a force for good 10:13 – 11:35 | Transition to St. Louis: Building futures through aerospace 11:36 – 15:35 | How St. Louis became an aerospace powerhouse 15:36 – 17:56 | High school to high-paying career: Real pathways, real results 17:57 – 18:44 | How to find your runway to success 18:45 – 19:38 | Affordable Flying Expo: Aviation for everyone 19:39 – 21:00 | Mosaic explained: The FAA rule changing everything 21:01 – 22:45 | Hands-on experiences and community connection 22:46 – 23:23 | Supporting the future: ACE and aviation education 23:24 – End | Closing reflections and call to action 🔗 Links & Resources Textron Aviation – https://txtav.com AeroSTL Careers – https://aerostl.com/jobs The Freightway – https://thefreightway.com Affordable Flying Expo (AFV25) – https://affordableflying.net Flyte Sunglasses – https://www.flyte.aero AviNation USA – https://www.avinationusa.com Creative Relay Media – https://creativerelaymedia.com
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    26 mins
  • Making Aviation Training Affordable, Aeroverse, and Drone Soccer!

    Making Aviation Training Affordable, Aeroverse, and Drone Soccer!
    Oct 15 2025
    🎧 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, COO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.

    Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.

    This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.

    ✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!

    ✈️ Key Points Brandon Martini’s Journey
    • Inspired by his grandfather’s logbook and funded his first lessons with $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.
    • Maxed out credit cards to finish flight training while supporting a family.
    • Opened a one-airplane flight school in Riverside, California.
    • Founded Stratus Financial after traditional banks rejected aviation students.
    • Helped nearly 1,000 pilots finance their dreams, partnering with 400+ flight schools.
    • Recognized on the NBAA 40 Under 40 list for innovation in business aviation.
    Lessons from Brandon’s Story
    • When opportunity doesn’t knock, build your own door.
    • Persistence is more valuable than perfect timing.
    • Aviation finance can be human, ethical, and built around student success.
    • Barriers are only permanent if you let them be.
    Inside Aeroverse: The Streaming Home for Aviation Enthusiasts
    • Founded by Charles Cook on the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight.
    • Features exclusive content like Throttle Jockey (hosted by Chelsea Smith), Creating Scrappy with Mike Patey, Aviation 101, and Jimmy’s World.
    • Partnerships with AOPA and EAA make Aeroverse both entertaining and educational.
    • $7/month subscription with ad-free aviation shows, live airport streams, and downloadable content.
    Drone Soccer: Where Aviation Meets Esports
    • Originated in South Korea; now growing across the U.S. through schools and STEM programs.
    • Combines coding, aerodynamics, and teamwork into one competitive sport.
    • Supported by the US Drone Soccer Association and companies like Boeing.
    • Helps students earn real-world aviation experience and pathways to FAA Part 107 certification.
    🕒 Chapter Timestamps

    0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge 0:45 – 6:40 | The Journey of Brandon Martini: From logbook to legacy 6:41 – 8:21 | Lessons in persistence and the power of building your own system 8:22 – 8:50 | Transition: From finance to the future of aviation media 8:51 – 14:26 | Inside Aeroverse: The new streaming world for pilots and dreamers 14:27 – 15:46 | Acknowledgment: Carol Cali and GlobalAir.com article on Aeroverse 15:47 – 20:26 | The Drone Zone: The rise of drone soccer 20:27 – end | Challenge and closing thoughts: The future of flight is in your hands

    🔗 Links
    • Stratus Financial: https://www.stratus.finance
    • Aeroverse: https://www.aeroverse.tv
    • ASA: https://asa2fly.com/
    • US Drone Soccer Association: https://www.usdronesoccer.org
    • Done Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/
    • AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
    • Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
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    24 mins
  • A Conversation with Jeremy Meyers, Founder︱Brakes Off Media

    A Conversation with Jeremy Meyers, Founder︱Brakes Off Media
    Oct 7 2025
    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 of Brakes Off Media. From his early days as a five-year-old captivated by the Thunderbirds to launching aircraft in Iraq and mentoring the next generation, Jeremy shares his inspiring journey through aviation. This episode is about persistence, passion, and the impact of mentorship in shaping the future of aviation.

    Thank you to our newest show supporters, Flyte sunglasses! “Light on weight, not on quality.” Check out their incredible selection at flyte.aero!

    Key Points Jeremy Meyers’ Journey
    • Fell in love with aviation at age five at Felts Field, Spokane, inspired by the Thunderbirds and B-52s.
    • Attended over 140 air shows across multiple countries, including a memorable lunch with General Chuck Yeager in 2009.
    • Served 19+ years in the Air Force as a maintainer and crew chief on F-15s and F-16s, with deployments to Iraq, Pakistan, and the UAE.
    • Founded Brakes Off Media to revitalize the air show industry through storytelling, photography, and mentorship.
    • Operations manager for the NextGen Eagles, managing ground operations for their iconic Christian Eagle biplane performances.
    • Pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling to support the aviation community’s well-being.
    Lessons from Jeremy’s Story
    • Mentorship is critical for success in the fast-paced air show industry.
    • Persistence and clear communication are key to navigating challenges and building a professional reputation.
    • Aviation offers diverse career paths, from maintenance to media, beyond just piloting.
    Chapter Timestamps
    • 0:00 – 1:39 | Introduction: From a young aviation enthusiast to a multifaceted career
    • 1:40 – 24:27 | Jeremy Meyers’ Journey: Air shows, military service, and Brakes Off Media
    • 24:28 – 31:49 | Next Gen Eagles: Behind the scenes of their aerobatic performances
    • 31:50 – 43:36 | Military Career: Maintainer to crew chief to instructor
    • 43:37 – 46:45 | Mental Health in Aviation: Addressing a critical need
    • 46:46 – 48:22 | Under His Wing: Jeremy’s guiding philosophy
    • 48:23 – 54:44 | Closing Reflections: Motivation, advice, and fun questions
    Links
    • Brakes Off Media FB: https://www.facebook.com/brakesoffmedia/
    • Flyte Sunglasses: flyte.aero
    • Next Gen Eagles: thenextgeneagles.com
    • AviNation USA: avinationusa.com
    • Creative Relay Media: creativerelaymedia.com
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    46 mins
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