Best DPE Podcasts (2025)

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High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained 1:22:27

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2h ago1:22:27

1:22:27

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain practical insight on: • The types of oxygen systems you’ll e…

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Controller Miscommunication, Mic Mistakes, and Funny Flight Moments 48:04

14h ago48:04

48:04

Ever wonder what air traffic controllers really think when a student pilot keys up and nervously says, "Uhh, I think I wanna... land?" In this episode of Flight Tales, Alexandra Ross—a controller and local NATCA president—joins us for a hilarious, honest, and super insightful look into pilot-controller miscommunication, radio anxiety, and why the p…

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Airbus 320 First Officer Ben - From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot 1:46:54

2d ago1:46:54

1:46:54

Pilot Journey: From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot - Ben's Story Join us as we dive deep into Ben's incredible journey from initially being terrified of flying to becoming a major legacy airline captain. In this episode, Ben shares his fascinating origin story, overcoming early fears, navigating challenges such as air sickness, and pr…

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Fastest (and Smartest) Way to Become a Pilot in 2025 28:18

8d ago28:18

28:18

Want to become a pilot FAST? In this episode of Flight Tales, we break down how Owens Flight Training helps students go from zero to CFI in as little as 8 months—on your schedule, with support, flexibility, and thousands in savings. We cover: How our timeline compares to ATP and Lift Academy Why we don’t want your money up front What makes our trai…

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Everything You Need to Know About Special VFR 44:42

15d ago44:42

44:42

Ever taxied out only to hear “the field is IFR—state your intentions”? Welcome to the world of special VFR! In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re joined by air traffic controller Nick Jeffers, who shares everything he thinks you should know about special VFR—from the rules and risks to the realities controllers face on the other side of the mic. L…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset 50:13

22d ago50:13

50:13

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake interviews Nick Adcock, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with a rich background in military and commercial aviation. They discuss common pitfalls applicants face during checkrides, including logbook issues, airworthiness checks, and the importance of preparation. Nick shares insights on t…

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He Just Wanted ANY Aviation Job and Ended Up as Airport Manager with Mitchell Walsh 36:41

22d ago36:41

36:41

Meet Mitchell Walsh—a political science grad who traded campaign trails for taxiways! In this candid and humorous episode, Mitchell shares how a spontaneous discovery flight sparked his passion for aviation and launched a winding career journey from front-desk weekends to airport management at Saint Landry Parish Airport.From polishing vintage plan…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness 1:14:59

25d ago1:14:59

1:14:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth interviews Adam Boyd, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with extensive experience in aviation. They discuss the importance of preparation for check rides, common pitfalls applicants face, and the significance of briefings and debriefings. Adam shares insights on airworthiness, endorsements, and…

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Surviving Checkride Nerves: Chris' Private, Instrument, and Commercial Stories 37:49

29d ago37:49

37:49

In this lively episode of Flight Tales, we chat with Chris, a newly minted Certified Flight Instructor who recently swapped accounting textbooks for aviation manuals. Chris takes us through his early fascination with the Blue Angels, his rocky start in accounting, and the pivotal moment he chose flying as his future. Listen in for entertaining stor…

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Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls 1:01:58

30d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In the premiere episode of Checkride Insights, Seth sits down with Tom Guillebeau, a seasoned Designated Pilot Examiner and C-130 instructor pilot with the Arkansas Air National Guard. Tom shares his journey from mowing lawns for flying lessons to becoming a military evaluator, and gives practical advice for checkride applicants—from setting expect…

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Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know 1:00:59

1M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of personal minimums—how to build them, stick to them, and apply them on checkride day. Using FAA guidance and practical examples, he outlines real-world risk management techniques, including when to cancel a flight and how to safely mitigate marginal we…

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Soloed with the Door Open before I could Drive!: Chaun Kraus' Flight Journey 48:00

1M ago48:00

48:00

What starts as a birthday gift for his dad turns into a lifelong passion for Chaun Kraus. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chaun to trace his path from mouse-and-keyboard flight sim sessions to becoming a certified flight instructor. He opens up about nerding out over Ace Combat, soloing before getting a driver’s license, overcomin…

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Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios 1:00:55

1M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

This is Episode 5 in the Decoding the ACS series, where we break down the Airman Certification Standards one task at a time. In this episode, we cover Area of Operation I, Task E: National Airspace System. Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI checkride, this session explains how this task is tested across all th…

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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …

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CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether getting your MEI is worth the investment, Seth provides practical, experience-based insights. He also tackles how to avoid inadverte…

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#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

2M ago50:08

50:08

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshape…

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From Draft Notice to the Captain’s Seat: Peyton Enloe’s Flying Legacy 1:21:43

2M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Before he was a DPE, Peyton Enloe was herding cattle with helicopters, dodging rotor blades with Santa, navigating Soviet airspace, and logging thousands of hours in Chinooks, Gulfstreams, and more. In this unforgettable Flight Tales episode, Peyton joins Ryan and Brennan to share his wild aviation journey—from being drafted during Vietnam to flyin…

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#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of S…

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Life At 1500 Hours: What Pilot Hiring Actually Looks Like 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

Ryan and Brennan dive into the realities of job hunting after hitting 1500 hours — from regional airlines and 135 ops to NetJets dreams and staying put in Lafayette. They share honest thoughts on timing, applications, family life, and why the industry feels slower (but might just be normal again). If you’re wondering what the aviation world looks l…

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Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions 1:19:31

3M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

In this episode, we celebrate new pilot certifications 🎉, tackle common logbook questions 📘, explain how ForeFlight sources winds aloft 🌬, and clarify cross-country time rules 🗺. We also walk through a real listener landing scenario at KVNY 🛬, give a quick weather symbol refresher 🌦, cover what to do if ADS-B is inoperative 📡, and answer listener q…

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VFR on Top: The Clearance Nobody Uses (But Every IFR Pilot Should Know) 49:29

3M ago49:29

49:29

Most pilots file IFR or fly VFR—few take advantage of the hybrid clearance known as VFR-on-top. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with air traffic controllers and instructors to unpack how this underrated clearance works, when to request it, and why it can be a game-changer for training flights and maneuver practice. We break down miscon…

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Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and Weather Radar Tips 1:08:12

3M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

In this week's episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, we dig into three real-world flying topics pilots must know: Runway Excursion Mitigation: A deep dive into Advisory Circular 91-79B, how to avoid overruns, and a real-world discussion led by Ryan Bow about common landing errors and risk factors. Non-Standard Climb Gradients: Learn how to spot non-…

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Inside the Tower: What Air Traffic Controllers Want Pilots to Know 51:13

3M ago51:13

51:13

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with local air traffic controllers to hear what it’s really like behind the mic. From training new pilots and managing busy traffic flows to dealing with laser strikes and missed approaches, these controllers give us a look into their world—and offer some straight talk for pilots in training. We dive int…

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#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

3M ago27:43

27:43

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Jen Smith, a passionate PE leader and teacher from Denver, Colorado, who recently returned from the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention in Baltimore. Jen has been teaching for over 20 years and is known for her energy, thoughtful leadership, and …

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Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths 1:31:18

3M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

This week on the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into three major topics that affect pilots across the training and professional spectrum. First, he breaks down the difference between wet and dry leases — why it's critical to understand operational control, how to avoid illegal charter situations, and what lease paperwork needs to be in place. The…

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From Trying to Wash Planes to Flight Instructor 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

From showing up asking to wash planes… to becoming a certified flight instructor—Fernando Sequera's aviation journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Fernando to hear how he went from chemistry major to CFI, working Subway and Best Buy jobs to fund each flight lesson. He shares how he navigated student lif…

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Weather, Manifolds, and Multi-Engine Mayhem 23:30

4M ago23:30

23:30

The hosts are back in the hangar and catching up on everything from high winds to 141 school progress! This episode covers wild weather woes, multi-engine myths, and the mystery of manifold pressure. Plus, a few laughs about landing gear fails, a salute to Lindbergh, and some good ol’ cockpit comedy. Stick around for Tower Talk, Today in Aviation H…

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Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment: What Every Pilot Should Know 1:13:09

4M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

In this episode, Seth dives into three critical areas for every pilot: what to do after an accident, how modern digital avionics like MEMS sensors work, and a practical breakdown of maintenance responsibilities and required equipment. You'll get clear, no-nonsense guidance on pilot responsibilities at the scene of an accident, how to interpret comp…

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#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos 45:10

4M ago45:10

45:10

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment? In this episode, I talk with Kristen Santos — a certified yoga instructor and Massachusetts Middle School PE Teacher of the Year — about how yoga can help students self-regulate, focus, and feel more…

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Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A 1:19:21

4M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake dives into runway incursion avoidance, a critical focus area for the FAA and a common checkride discussion point. He shares insights from the FAA’s From the Flight Deck initiative and explains how this content can help applicants prepare—especially for CFI-level checkrides. The second half feat…

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From Flight Sim Kid to CFI: Cole Ruckstuhl’s Unexpected Aviation Journey 1:08:26

4M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Cole Ruckstuhl—pilot, instructor, and lifelong aviation enthusiast. From growing up in New Mexico to navigating the skies over Louisiana, Cole shares how early experiences with Microsoft Flight Simulator, mail-in questionnaires to real airline pilots, and unforgettable cockpit visits shaped his drea…

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#22 - How to Plan an Unforgettable Field Day with Drew Burris 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Drew Burris, an award-winning physical education teacher in Missouri with 14 years of teaching experience and a passion for creating memorable learning experiences for his students. Drew currently teaches PreK–2nd grade at Ridge View Elementary and …

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#21 – Why Dance Belongs in PE: Strategies, Confidence & Inclusion with Victor Spadaro 39:45

4M ago39:45

39:45

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Victor Spadaro, a dynamic and passionate physical educator from Arlington, Virginia. Victor teaches PreK–5th grade at Abingdon Elementary and was recently named the 2025 Southern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. He’s an OPEN National Trai…

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Don’t Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 54:38

4M ago54:38

54:38

In this week’s VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into three critical topics for pilots and instructors alike. First, he breaks down how to get involved with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and make the most of the WINGS Program. Next, he explains the real why behind airspace design—offering a fresh approach for CFIs to improve student understand…

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5 hours of Insurance Flight Time Turned Into 24 Hours, But We Got It! 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

What was supposed to be a routine Cirrus SR22 G7 flight turned into a 24-hour weather-fueled adventure! 🌩️✈️ Join us as we recount the unexpected detours, last-minute route changes, and the struggle to outmaneuver an uncooperative storm system. 🚀 Key Highlights: ✅ Transition training in a brand-new Cirrus G7 🌪️ Navigating surprise weather changes 🛫…

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#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights with Brad Hunter 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Brad Hunter. Brad has been working with students in a physical activity capacity for 19 years—first through a nonprofit that brought meaningful play to schools, then as an elementary PE teacher, and now in his sixth year as an itinerant Adapted PE t…

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ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing 49:44

4M ago49:44

49:44

Welcome back to the VSL Aviation Podcast! I'm your host, Seth Lake, a CFI and DPE here to help you navigate checkrides and general aviation topics. This weekly podcast is recorded live on Discord, with additional streaming on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch. In this episode, we dive into three major topics before opening the floor to listener questi…

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#19 - Becoming a Better PE Teacher Through National Board Certification with Patrick Noel 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Patrick Noel. Patrick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology with a PE emphasis from Fresno Pacific University. He is in his 19th year of teaching in Fairfax …

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How Airports Really Work: Inside Airport Operations with Giles Menard 58:34

4M ago58:34

58:34

Ever wondered what it really takes to run an airport? In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Giles Menard, an airport operations specialist and manager, to dive into the world of airport operations, safety, and management. From daily inspections to runway maintenance and even wildlife control, airport ops is more than just flashing light…

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Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast 1:14:40

5M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

VSL Aviation Podcast – Episode Recap In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into key aviation topics, answers listener questions, and shares insights from real-world flying experiences. Topics Covered: Chapters: 02:30 Understanding Part 135 Operators – How to verify if an employer is legally operating under Part 135, usin…

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Flight Training, ATC, and IFR Challenges with ATC Jake Ross 58:30

5M ago58:30

58:30

In this episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into the world of flight training, air traffic control, IFR procedures, and aviation instruction. 🚀✈️🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ The evolution of instrument approaches and why some methods are fading.✔️ Flight instruction insights—from check rides to student struggles.✔️ Air Traffic Control (ATC) training—w…

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#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice with Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville 53:26

5M ago53:26

53:26

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guests today are Caitlin Schoville and Austin Olsen, two nationally recognized middle school physical educators. Caitlin teaches 7th and 8th grade health and PE at Pleasant Valley Junior High in eastern Iowa. She was named SHAPE Iowa’s Middle School Teacher of the…

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Avoid These Pilot Errors! | 2025 FAR Changes, CFI Privileges & TEM Explained 1:09:15

5M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake covers a variety of key aviation topics and answers listener questions. We kick things off with Threat and Error Management (TEM) and how to apply it in your daily flying. Then we dive into clarifying CFI responsibilities, discuss updates to the 2025 FAR/AIM, and wrap up with insights on CFI pr…

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Rethinking Commercial Pilot Training 1:07:51

5M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jason Blair’s recent article, "Things I Propose We Change in Initial Commercial Pilot Certification Standards and Experience Requirements" (🔗 Read it here). I break down his key points, share my thoughts, and discuss why I completely agree with his take. From there, we opened up the conversation to our live…

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#17 – From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights with Christina Collins 40:54

5M ago40:54

40:54

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Christina Collins, founder and owner of NeverStopMoving365, an organization focused on expanding access to physical education beyond the school day. Christina holds a Master’s in Sport Science and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Lea…

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#16 – Preparing for a Physical Education Job Interview: Tips for Standing Out 13:22

5M ago13:22

13:22

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I explore how to prepare for a physical education job interview in a way that highlights your professionalism, instructional skills, and commitment to student growth. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for a new opportunity, …

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Flying Challenges, Check Ride Wins, and Multi-Engine Training 20:19

6M ago20:19

20:19

In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re back with another round of aviation talk! We catch up on aircraft maintenance updates, including Zero Nine Echo’s new engine and some unexpected flap issues. Plus, we celebrate Chris Sullivan’s recent instrument check ride and dive into multi-engine training—covering everything from VMC demos to handling engin…

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#15 - Encouraging Learning and Growth in Physical Education Through Self-Reflection with Erin Evans 48:33

6M ago48:33

48:33

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Evans, an award-winning physical education teacher whose passion for teaching and dedication to her community have made a meaningful impact both in and out of the gym. Originally from Australia, Erin now teaches in Montana, where s…

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#14 - Legitimizing Physical Education Through Meaningful Assessment with Adam Mullis 50:01

6M ago50:01

50:01

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Today I’m joined by Dr. Adam Mullis, a passionate educator and advocate for health and physical education. Adam is in his 10th year of teaching middle school PE and health, holds advanced degrees in curriculum, assessment, and instruction, and has served in leadershi…

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Navigating Instrument Checkride Challenges: More Tips from a DPE 52:41

7M ago52:41

52:41

Join us as we explore real-world scenarios and insights from instrument checkrides with Designated Pilot Examiner, Peyton Enlo. This episode dives into common pitfalls, from improper frequency setup to missed approach errors, and offers valuable lessons on avoiding these mistakes. Gain a deeper understanding of critical elements such as decision al…