Skyward Podcast
Hi, I'm so happy you're here! I'm Mercedes, the host of Skyward — a pilot and flight instructor sharing the real stories behind aviation and aerospace, straight from the people living them.
In each episode, I chat with the people who make aviation and aerospace happen — pilots, instructors, flight attendants, founders, engineers, and the folks steering missions from the ground up — about everything from flight training and pilot health to career journeys, work-life balance, and the community that makes this world what it is. My goal is simple: to inform, connect, and help you love the skies even more.
Season 2 is on the way — and Skyward will be moving to a new episode the first Monday of every month. Follow so you don't miss it!
Skyward Podcast
Latest Episodes
Why Pilots Are in Pain — And How to Fix It | Dr. Jackie White, Aviation PT
Pilots spend hours locked in cramped cockpits — and their bodies pay the price. In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Jackie White, PT, aviation physical therapist and founder of Skyline Wellness, to talk about what...
From Seeing No Female Pilots to 99s Maple Leaf Chair | Cailyx Madensky
Cailyx Madensky shares her inspiring journey into aviation, becoming a commercial pilot trainee, and leading the Ninety-Nines Maple Leaf Chapter. We discuss overcoming COVID delays, the power of mentorship, staying motivated through setbacks, a...
ALPA Union, Dreams Take Flight & Special Olympics Impact | Alivia Chanyi
Pilot Mercedes welcomes back Alivia Chanyi, First Officer at Jazz, sharing ALPA’s pilot advocacy, two-crew safety push, mentorship, Dreams Take Flight’s magical Disney trips for kids, and Special Olympics impact. Inspiring aviation + community ...
Women in Aviation Canada: What are the 99s, Northern Lights & CWIA? | Alivia Chanyi
Discover how The 99s, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, and Canadian Women in Aviation empower women in Canada's skies! Pilot Mercedes chats with First Officer Alivia Chanyi (Jazz Aviation, CRJ pilot) about scholarships, mentorship, outreach, an...
How I Trick My Brain Into Studying After Work (And You Can Too)
9-to-5 drained? Try the reset: quick workout, top-down list, 25-min bursts. No burnout, real results from personal experience.Chapters01:07 Transitioning from Work to Study05:12 Lessons from Past Mistakes10:52 Effective Stud...