Best Game Pass Tracker Podcasts (2025)

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Am I a Student or a Trainee while I am at the Academy? 40:23

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43m ago40:23

40:23

In this episode, I talk about the mindset that you need to have to do well at the Academy. The Academy is not college, and it is definitely not high school. The Academy is unlike anything you have experienced and if you don't have the right mindset going into it, you are likely to get behind and not be able to catch up. You have to treat the Academ…

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How Does a Government Shutdown Affect Me as an Air Traffic Controller? 29:47

4d ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, I talk about government shutdowns that I have been through and talk about how the shutdowns can affect you as an air traffic controller at the Academy and at your facility. The shutdowns are going to happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared for them so that your family is not impacted. If you have any questions about this e…

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Why I Need an Activity Tracker at the Academy 30:04

11d ago30:04

30:04

In this episode, I talk about how an activity tracker can impact your life and your life as a student at the Academy. I talk about that trackers themselves, as well as why you need one and how it can help. Some things to remember about the trackers themselves: This is for you to use to track YOUR practice. This is not a competition with other stude…

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Being Intentional at the Academy 33:42

22d ago33:42

33:42

In this episode, I talk about being intentional while you are at the Academy. I talk about what this is, what it looks like, why you need this and more. Most students are not intentional about their time while at the Academy. I have never known a student who could coast through and pass. I have know some who have tried. I was actually one of them; …

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How Can I reach My ATC Goal? 38:51

29d ago38:51

38:51

In this episode, I try to build on what I've been talking about for the last couple of weeks. This week, I talk about another John Maxwell podcast that talks about finding your purpose and reaching your dreams. We each need a dream to shoot for, or you may want to call it a purpose for our life. We have to have something that we are reaching, or st…

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How Do I Get Through the Tough Times at the Academy? 36:54

1M ago36:54

36:54

In this episode, I let you know that you ARE going to have tough times while you are at the Academy. It is a given. It happens to 100% of the students! Some things that will help when this happens are: Make the decision to not give up BEFORE you get to OKC. Make sure you do everything you can do TODAY. Don't worry about tomorrow or the next day. Be…

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The One Thing You CAN"T Do If You Want to Pass the Academy 35:41

1M ago35:41

35:41

In this episode, I talk about the thing you can't do if you want to be an air traffic controller: GIVE UP !! You are going to have days when you know that this career is not for you. You are going to have days at the Academy when you ask yourself why you are there. You are going to have bad, bad days. It is going to happen. I know this because it h…

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Should I Try to Become an Air Traffic Controller? 44:35

2M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode, I talk about some questions you should ask yourself if you are interested in becoming an air traffic controller. This career is not for everybody. If your strengths are not geared towards this type of career then, even if you are successful at the Academy, you may find that this career has just turned into a JOB. And not a very fun…

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Review of "Arrival Push- A Game of Vectors" and Other Thoughts 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

In this episode, I review a brand new ATC board game that is out there called : Arrival Push- A Game of Vectors. I have played the game twice so far. The first time, I didn't use all of the rules. I left out the Weather and the Event cards. I was glad I did. This allowed me to get use to the movement of the airplanes and the other aspects of the ga…

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Why is Teamwork SO Important at the Academy? 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

In this episode, I talk about teamwork and how it is not just important in air traffic control, but how it is imperative at the Academy. In the 5 years that I was an instructor at the Academy, I saw numerous classes who worked together throughout their time in OKC. I also witnessed classes who didn't. There was a stark difference between the two. I…

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!! 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

This episode is all about Special Announcements!! First- I am announcing the new Essential Video Lessons. These videos will be in 4 modules and cover: -Non-Radar Classroom -Non-Radar Lab -Radar Classroom -Radar LAb There will be over 100 videos that will be available to you so you can watch as often as you need to understand every concept covered. …

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What is P-A-L-M? 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

In this episode, I talk about one of the most important concepts in radar. The concept of P-A-L-M. In the radar lab, you use PALM to identify actions that you need to take whenever an aircraft is changing a route or an altitude. You do this to ensure that you have covered everything that may happen because you have re-routed, or climbed, or descend…

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Just What is W-H-A-T ? 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode, I talk about what may be the most important concept to understand in Non-Radar. That concept is W-H-A-T. W-H-A-T is the technique that is used to change an aircraft's altitude in non-radar so that all of the traffic for that aircraft is missed. It may sound easy, but it CAN get complicated! And it can get complicated quickly! This …

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The 12 Week Year of the EnRoute Academy or How to Plan for the Firehose 52:45

3M ago52:45

52:45

In this episode, I talk about how to plan for the explosion of information that the FAA is going to shoot your way during the enroute academy. If you are not prepared for this onslaught, you will get behind. Once you get behind, you may never catch up. Primary Goal of the first 6 weeks--- The Non-Radar Evals They are worth 7 points each for a total…

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What is all This STUFF on this Map? 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

In this episode, I talk about what everything is that is on the Aero Center Non-Radar Map. One of the reasons given for not studying the map before you get to OKC is that you don't know what you are trying to memorize. Well, hopefully, this will help. I go through: Sectors- number, name, and frequencies Navaids- VORTAC, VOR/DME, and NDB Airways- Vi…

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What Can I Do to Prepare for the Academy-- And WHY 41:30

3M ago41:30

41:30

In this episode, I talk about 3 things that I think you should do to prepare for the FAA Academy. Whether you are going into the en route program or the tower program, there are 3 things that you should do BEFORE you get to OKC. First: Learn the Phonetic Alphabet for ATC This is probably the easiest of the 3 and that's why I put it first. It is ess…

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Week 12 at the En Route Academy 37:58

4M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the LAST week of the en route academy. Yes! It is finally here! And, " Oh, no!", it is finally here! You have finally finished all that the FAA has given you and taught you and let you practice. And it all comes down to how you can perform on 2 days. The interview process has ended and the FAA …

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Week 11 at the EnRoute Academy 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

In this episode, I talk about what to expect from the next to last week at the enroute academy. That's right, just 1 more week after this one!! In this week, the FAA stops teaching you new tasks and shows you different ways that those tasks may show up in a sector that is going "RED". Everything that you have learned over the last 3+ months is goin…

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Week 10 at the EnRoute Academy 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the 10th week in the enroute program at the academy. This week will be the last week that the FAA will give you new tasks to learn. After this week, you will just be practicing what you have already been taught. You will be showing just how much of the information you can put into practice when…

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Week 9 at the EnRoute Academy 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the 9th week of the enroute academy. This is the week that you start running practice scenarios in the radar lab! The FAA will start you off fairly slowly on the first day, then it picks up speed quickly. The second day you will get an opportunity to watch an instructor run a scenario. They wil…

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Week 8 at the EnRoute Academy 26:52

4M ago26:52

26:52

In this episode, I talk about what this week will be like for you as you continue your journey through the FAA Academy. This week, you will have a number of Computer Message lessons. These will include lessons in class, CBI lessons, and labs with instructors. There will be a LOT of information, but you will BEGIN to learn the different ways that in…

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Episode 50!! Looking Forward, Looking at the Past 45:04

5M ago45:04

45:04

In this episode, I celebrate 50 episodes of this podcast! I talk briefly about numbers and where we are now on the podcast, but then I ask you for a HUGE favor: Please let me know how I can make this podcast even better! Let me know what you like and let me know where you think I stink! Then I talk about some things coming in the future: YouTube ch…

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Week 7 at the EnRoute Academy 25:41

5M ago25:41

25:41

In this episode, I continue going week by week through the EnRoute Academy. This week is week 7, or the start, and the heart, of radar lessons. That's right. This week is the heart and soul of the radar lessons. All of the important, and some not quite as important, lessons are this week. They include: Radar ID Handoffs and Point Outs ( VERY IMPORT…

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Week 6 at the EnRoute Academy 25:41

5M ago25:41

25:41

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the sixth week of the enroute academy. This week is the BIG ONE!! Day 29 is the non-radar eval day! Before you get to that day, you will go through some practice scenarios that are designed to be much harder than the eval scenarios will be. The FAA will take you past what you need to be able to…

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"Practice" vs. "Intense Focused Practice"- Which One is a MUST at the Academy 28:51

5M ago28:51

28:51

In this episode, I take a break from the discussion of each week at the Academy to focus on practice and what that means while you are at the Academy. I alk about: What is practice What is Intense Focused Practice Can you get by with only practice Why you have to be organized in your practice Can Intense Focused Practice allow anyone to pass the Ac…

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Week 5 at the Enroute Academy 21:27

5M ago21:27

21:27

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the fifth week at the Academy. During this week, you will start with your CKT1 Test. It is worth 4 points and will cover all of the information from the non-radar lessons. After this test, you will continue in the non-radar labs doing 3 scenarios a day until your last day in the labs. The compl…

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Week 4 at the Enroute Academy + My Thoughts on the May 1st Press Conference about Air Traffic Controllers 26:40

5M ago26:40

26:40

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the fourth week of the enroute academy. During this week, you will finish your lessons on separation( If you haven't already). You will learn how to read and forward the weather. You will have several "Part Tasks" and walk-throughs where you go through a scenario as a class. You will learn how …

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Week 3 at the Enroute Academy 21:25

6M ago21:25

21:25

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect in the 3rd week of the enroute academy. During this week, you will have your MAP TEST! Yes, the first 2 points of the academy are there for you to take. Aside from that, you will finish up lessons on Holding and Approaches. Then you get into all of the different ways to separate aircraft, such as: v…

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Week 2 at the Enroute Academy 23:39

6M ago23:39

23:39

In this episode, I talk about what you can expect from the second week of the enroute academy. During this week, you will have a LOT of opportunities to study your map and prepare for your map test( which comes up next week!). You will finish off a lesson from week 1 on coordination and what information to forward to other sectors and facilities. Y…

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Week 1 at the Enroute Academy 18:40

6M ago18:40

18:40

In this episode, I begin a new series that will take us through the enroute Academy week by week. S0, this week I start with week 1 of the enroute academy. Your first week is all about the basics that you will need for the rest of the course, not just for non-radar. Included in the first week are an airspace lesson, a lesson on using the radios and…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Lean in to Teamwork, My Thoughts and Takeaways 40:31

6M ago40:31

40:31

In this episode, I finish my walk through John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice." This episode is about Lean in to Teamwork. If there is one thing that will always be needed by air traffic controllers it is teamwork. I talk about Teamwork Truths: Teamwork divides the effort and multiplies the effect. Talent wins games, but teamwork wins champion…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Cultivate Good Relationships, Commit to Responsibility 45:07

7M ago45:07

45:07

In this episode, I continue our journey through John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice." This week the topics include: Cultivate Good Relationships Commit to Responsibility First I look at cultivating good relationships and how that is so important when you are at the Academy. I look at the impact that good relationships have as well as the impac…

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Can Someone Please Explain Non-Radar? How Can I Identify Traffic With the Flight Strips? 35:22

7M ago35:22

35:22

In this episode, I answer the questions: What is non-radar and how can I identify traffic using the flight progress strips? Non-Radar is exactly that...you have to separate aircraft without using radar. There are rules you can use to make that happen. The non-radar section of the Academy is designed to take you from no knowledge to where you can wo…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice-Become More Teachable, Develop Strong Character 43:01

7M ago43:01

43:01

In this episode, I continue my talk about John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice." This week, I cover the topics: Become More Teachable Develop Strong Character. First: Become More Teachable Talked about the fact that teachability is all about attitude! If you desire to learn, YOU CAN!! If you continue to learn, you WILL continue to grow! Truths …

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Embody Perseverance, Demonstrate Courage 43:16

7M ago43:16

43:16

In this episode, I discuss the next chapters from John Maxwell's Book "Success is a Choice". I talk about how we can learn and use these ideas in our journey as air traffic controllers. First, today, I talked about: EMBODY PERSEVERANCE I talked about the Principles of Perseverance- · Perseverance means succeeding because you are determined to, not …

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Value Preparation, Embrace Practice 48:44

8M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode, I continue my talk about John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice". I am talking this week about: Value Preparation Why people fail to prepare Preparation principles Embrace Practice The power of practice The 5 Pillars of practice The Extra that makes people successful I ended by talking about striving for excellence and how the on…

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The Official Launch of the Side by Side ATC Coaching Program 29:43

8M ago29:43

29:43

TODAY IS THE DAY THAT WE LAUNCH THE FIRST EVER COACHING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP STUDENTS AT THE FAA ACADEMY!! DURING THIS EPISODE, I WILL BE GOING OVER WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM, WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM, THE DIFFERENT LEVELS, WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ALREADY AT THE ACADEMY, AND MORE! SO HOLD ON TIGHT! HERE WE GO!! FIRST, LET’S DEAL …

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? 23:05

8M ago23:05

23:05

In this episode, I ask you questions! What do you want me to talk about next? DO you want more info on: The Academy Towers Enroute Centers ATC in general My Coaching Program My Mentoring Program Me The future of ATC Tech More Success in ATC is a Choice You let me know, and I will give you my best! Send your vote to : [email protected] . Th…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Focus Your Energy 33:44

8M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode, I continue talking about John Maxwell's book " Success ia a Choice' and how it pertains to us as air traffic controllers. This week, I talk about- Focus Your Energy. "Having talent without focus is like an octopus on roller skates. Talent with focus directs you and has the potential to take you far."- John Maxwell. Some facts about…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice-Initiate Action 37:00

8M ago37:00

37:00

In this episode, I continue my talk about how we can take some great information from John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice” and apply it to air traffic control. This time I go through the section on taking initiative, or in ATC terms, "Taking Control." I talk about: Taking control is the first step to anywhere you want to go. Taking control clo…

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Success as an Air Traffic Controller is a Choice- Introduction, Believe in Yourself, Fire Up Your Passion 34:21

8M ago34:21

34:21

In this episode, I talk about how we can use Dr. John Maxwell's book "Success is a Choice" and apply it to air traffic control and the Academy. This is only the first of several episodes we will go through about this book and using it to become GREAT controllers. I talk about how you have to make choices that bring success. As part of that, we lear…

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Update on the Crash in DC 29:13

8M ago29:13

29:13

In this episode, I talk about the information that has been released by the NTSB. I go over the staffing at the tower. I go over the use of 2 frequencies by 1 controller I also give my take on the other information that is out there online versus what you will hear from the NTSB. Thank you all for listening!! If you have any questions, please email…

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What Are Your Thoughts on What Happened in DC on Wednesday 30:56

9M ago30:56

30:56

In this episode, I talk about some of my initial thoughts on what happened on January 29 at Reagan National Airport. I give some of my observations from the initial news reports as well as some information from people I use to work with. I also talk about some of my own experiences with working jets and helicopters in the same vicinity. When an inc…

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What Things Should I Do to Get Ready for the Academy Revisited 29:21

9M ago29:21

29:21

In this episode, I talk about 4 areas that you need to have a plan for BEFORE you get to Oklahoma City. These areas are: Getting your relationships ready Getting your mental focus ready Getting you emotional focus ready Getting your finances ready Having a plan for these 4 areas is crucial to success at the Academy. You MUST have these plans in pla…

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Am I Too Old to Become an Air Traffic Controller? 27:57

9M ago27:57

27:57

In this episode, I talk about the question of AGE. The FAA has some strict guidelines for how old you have to be and how old you can be when you apply to become an air traffic controller. What do those guidelines mean when it comes to the Academy and to training at your first facility? Through my own experiences training at ZFW as a 34 year old and…

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How do I Deal With the Evaluators? 25:44

9M ago25:44

25:44

In this episode, I talk about the Evaluators! Yes, those people who hold your career in their hands! There are good ways to deal with them, and I go over those ways in this episode. Those ways include: Being polite when you enter the lab. Acknowledging them when/if they introduce themselves. Ignoring them when the scenario starts. Being polite and …

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Putting Your ATC Dream to the Test 35:44

9M ago35:44

35:44

In this episode, I talk about John Maxwell's book "Put Your Dream to the Test" and how we can apply it to your dream of being an air traffic controller. I go through the 10 questions that he has in his book, which are: Is my dream really my dream? Do I clearly see my dream? Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream? Does my dr…

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Who are You and Why do You do This? 54:33

10M ago54:33

54:33

In this episode, I give you a more detailed look into who this Tom Hanes character is. I talk about everything from my love of soccer, to being a nerd, to high school, and college. I go into how I got into coaching; how I got into air traffic control. Hopefully, you will get to know a lot more about this strange guy who has a podcast about air traf…

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What is a Handoff and Why Should I Care 28:05

10M ago28:05

28:05

In this episode, I talk about handoffs: what they are and what they are not. Join me as I talk about the definition of a handoff, how it is different from a point-out, how you can make a point-out become a handoff, and why this is SUCH a big deal at the Academy. The handoff, both automated and manual, combined with point-outs, putting in flight pla…

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What is a Point Out and Why Should I Care 23:03

10M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode, I talk about point outs and why you should care about them. I start with: What is a point out? I give the definition you will get in the radar class at the FAA Academy. I then talk about why it is SO important to you as a student at the Academy. I also talk about why they are so important at your next facility. Just remember: if th…