Best Life As A Search And Rescue Pilot Podcasts (2025)

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189: Feeding the Machine: Range Nutrition for Tactical Athletes 43:58

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6d ago43:58

43:58

You train like a pro, shoot like a pro—so why fuel like a rookie? Mike and Jim break down practical, no-BS nutrition tips for high-performance days at the range or on duty for the night shift. Whether you're running drills in full kit, qualifying on a tight schedule, or sneaking in a range session on your day off, what you eat (and drink) matters. …

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Episode 62: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 3 - Erin Edwards 55:16

6d ago55:16

55:16

What’s it like to go from flying helicopters in the Royal Canadian Air Force to becoming the voice in the headset for astronauts aboard the International Space Station? How do you transition from military aviation to serving as Deputy Branch Chief Operations Officer and CAPCOM at NASA? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards — a Spec…

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Episode 61: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 2 - Erin Edwards 51:59

13d ago51:59

51:59

What does it take to pass selection for one of Canada’s most elite aviation units — 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? How do you earn the coveted role of SOF Aircraft Commander? And what happens when you trade a military cockpit for a mission control console at NASA? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a trailblazing Can…

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188: Teaching the Enemy: Lessons from The Dragons and the Snakes 54:12

20d ago54:12

54:12

Jim and Mike dig into David Kilcullen’s The Dragons and the Snakes to explore how modern adversaries—from rogue states to criminal networks—are adapting faster than ever to Western tactics, tech, and psychology. Drawing from Kilcullen’s insights and a CIA review of the book, they unpack the idea that our enemies are evolving because of us—we’re sha…

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Episode 60: The CAPCOM: Earning the Elsie MacGill Award, flying the CH-146 Griffon, and working with NASA in Houston Part 1 - Erin Edwards 53:34

20d ago53:34

53:34

How does a MARS Officer and Ship’s Team Diver become a Special Operations helicopter pilot? What does it take to get through the intense rigours of Phase III helicopter training — and then make the leap to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Erin Edwards, a SOF Aircraft Commander, recipient of the pre…

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Episode 59: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 2 - Dan Conway 1:06:33

27d ago1:06:33

1:06:33

What did it take to fly Search and Rescue in the venerable (but aging) CC-115 Buffalo? What does it feel like to return to 3CFFTS as a seasoned pilot, ready to learn about the world of instructing? What's it like to be taught by your former students as you learn to fly the CC-130H Hercules? Today we sit down for part 2 of our interview with Major D…

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Episode 58: The Seeker: Fixed Wing Search and Rescue and flying the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules Part 1 - Dan Conway 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

What is it like to attend RMC and go through flight training in the RCAF? Why was the CC-115 Buffalo in Comox a desirable posting even with the airplane entering its sunset years? Major Dan Conway is the current Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) of 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Greenwood NS, and soon to be the DCO of 3CFFTS in Portage la Prair…

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187: It's Chess AND Checkers--Tactics and Strategy Unite! 1:07:36

1M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Why do we focus so much on tactics and so little on strategy? In this episode, Mike and Jim tackle the divide between street-level action and big-picture thinking. Drawing on lessons from policing, the military, and community crime prevention, they explore how individual cops, community members, and leaders can influence criminal decision-making—no…

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Episode 57: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 3 - Jeannot Boucher 1:04:30

1M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

What does it take to take on the responsibility of being the Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC) in the wake of the larger culture change effort that the Canadian Armed Forces has pursued over the last 10 or more years? Why is culture change necessary, and what does it even mean within the context of the military? Major…

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Episode 56: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Jeannot Boucher 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

What does it feel like to deploy as the Commander of Task Force Jerusalem in support of OP PROTEUS in the West Bank? What does it take to take over various commands in the Tactical Helicopter force? What goes into developing a defence policy update like "Our North Strong and Free" (ONSAF)? Today we sit down for part 2 of our chat with Major-General…

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186: Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People 1:00:50

2M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

In this episode, we explore the fine line between hazing and hard training in high-performing teams like law enforcement, the military, and the fire service. Mike and Jim talk about how shared hardship, onboarding rituals, and team standards can strengthen—or sabotage—unit cohesion. When does “paying your dues” cross the line? How do we build tough…

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Episode 55: The Culture: The Evolution of Culture in the Canadian Armed Forces and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Jeannot Boucher 57:35

2M ago57:35

57:35

What was it like to deploy to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Canadian Helicopter Forces in Afghanistan (CHFA)? What was the Tactical Helicopter role in Afghanistan at the time and how violent was it in 2009? Today we sit down with Major-General Jeannot Boucher, Chief of Staff Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (COS CPCC). Jeann…

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Episode 54: The Jet Jockey: Supersonic Stories: Flying the CF-188 Hornet in the Cold War Part 2 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:18:44

2M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

What was it like to be one of the first cadres to fly the might CF-188 Hornet? What did it feel like to operate in Europe on the edge of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War? What was it like to deploy in support of the Gulf War? Dan "Alf" McWilliams is a retired RCAF Fighter pilot who operated during the Cold War. Today we sit down and talk about …

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185: Kids These Days - Leading Across Generations 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

Have you noticed that the new guys coming in to your program aren’t as good as you remember yourself being? Does it seem like they need a WHOLE LOT of teaching, cajoling, and coaching? Let’s figure out why and figure out what to do about it. Links: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/next-generation-leadership-special-operations-forces https://www…

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Episode 53: The Jet Jockey: Tutor Tales: Flying and instructing on the CT-114 Tutor Part 1 - Dan "Alf" McWilliams 1:12:26

2M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

What was it like to live in Germany on a NATO base during the Cold War as a teenager? What does it feel like to follow in your dad's footsteps and achieve your dreams to become a jet pilot? What was it like to instruct at "The Big 2" Moose Jaw when there could be up to 30 CT-114 Tutors flying at once? Today we sit down with Cold War fighter pilot D…

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Episode 52: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 2 - Eric Kenny 1:10:00

3M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

What is it like to command the RCAF? What is the RCAF good at, and what needs fixing? Who are our potential main adversaries and why? What challenges will we face as we pursue modernization? Have US politics (as of recording mid-March) affected our strategies with the F35 and other acquisitions? What does the future hold for the RCAF? We will talk …

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184: “Fire As A Weapon, Chapter 12” -Sun Tzu, Probably. 1:07:42

3M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Mike & Jim discuss the tactical considerations for critical incidents involving fire as a weapon. Should we send fire fighters in with cops? Should we add one more training requirement to overtasked police? If someone is making a threat with fire can you shoot him? Should you? Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangent…

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Episode 51: The Commander: Commanding the RCAF and flying the CF-188 Hornet Part 1 - Eric Kenny 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What does it take to complete Canada's "Top Gun", the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course? What is it like to deploy to Bosnia or take part in the bombing campaign in Kosovo with real air-to-air and ground-to-air threats? What does it take to coordinate strikes in Afghanistan? How are we shifting from a counter-insurgency to peer-to-peer warfighting …

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Episode 50: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 2 - Pascal Duclos 51:29

3M ago51:29

51:29

What did it take to get the Pasisade Fires under control in LA County, California in the winter of 2025? How does aerial firefighting compare in Quebec and California? In this final part of our 2 part series on aerial firefighting, we sit down once again with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has been fighting fires across Canada and the Uni…

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183: HONOR: Your Own Rules 1:09:39

3M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Mike & Jim discuss what honor means in the tactical jobs. Is honesty the best policy? What if other people on your team are lying, cheating, or stealing? Does honor still matter in today’s world? Is it okay to cheat on your girlfriend or your workout? Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conver…

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Episode 49: The Inferno: Aerial Firefighting in the Palisades Fires in California and flying the Canadair CL-415 Part 1 - Pascal Duclos 1:02:20

3M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

What was it like to deploy to Los Angeles and fight the infamous fires of the winter of 2025? What does it take to hit the fires with precision every time? How difficult is it to scoop from a heavy sea state on the ocean, or from tight quarters in a California reservoir? In this episode we sit down with aerial firefighter Pascal Duclos. Pascal has …

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Episode 48: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 3 - Chris McKenna 1:20:49

3M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Why does the RCAF need a warfighting focus moving forward? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about the exciting new modernization projects and aircraft that are coming…

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Episode 47: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 2 - Chris McKenna 1:04:14

4M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

What is it like to deploy as the Task Force Commander for a violent mission in Mali? What difficulties does working with the UN bring? What is it like to be the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD, and have 5 different official jobs? What modernization projects and new aircraft is the RCAF getting? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 26…

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182: Catching Up After a Busy Week 1:17:32

4M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Mike tells us about recent lessons from training, and Jim tells us about arguments he had on the neighborhood facebook page about CHEMTRAILS and whether birds are real. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some r…

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Episode 46: The Div Commander: Commanding 1 Canadian Air Division as it prepares for the future and flying the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook Part 1 - Chris McKenna 1:08:52

4M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

What is it like to deploy to Kandahar City, Afghanistan with JTF2 as a young officer in the RCAF? What about to return flying the CH-147D Chinook? Major-General Chris McKenna has over 2600 flying hours and is currently the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, or 1 CAD. In this episode we'll talk about his early flight training, his deployments to …

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Episode 45: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 2 - Mike Reyno 1:01:12

4M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

What is it like to survive a mid-air collision with the Snowbirds? What does it feel like to join an Aurora crew on operations in the Mediterranean Sea for Op Sharp Guard? What does it take to make the jump from publisher to having an aviation podcast network? Today, we sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno to disc…

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181: Times Jim Has Called 911 1:17:30

4M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

Jim tells Mike about some of the emergencies he has faced on the ground. We discuss when to call 911, what to tell them, and what first aid Jim applied as well as whether he got sued for helping someone. Did he thwart a murder plot in a hot air balloon? What exactly is degloving? Tune in and find out. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Insta…

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Episode 44: The Merge: Changes to the podcast, air-to-air photography, and aviation publishing Part 1 - Mike Reyno 54:46

5M ago54:46

54:46

Tune in to this episode for an exciting announcement about the podcast! Following that, we will sit down with renowned air-to-air photographer and publisher Mike Reyno. What is it like to work extensively with the RCAF conducting air-to-air photography with every Squadron in the RCAF? What does it take to get the perfect shot - and what gets you no…

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180: Balance: Pace Yourself, it's a Marathon, not a Sprint 55:07

5M ago55:07

55:07

The boys talk us through how to achieve work-life balance in full-commitment jobs like aviation, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other critical roles. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some re…

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Episode 43: The Service Couple: Being an RCAF aircrew service couple and flying in the CH-149 Cormorant and the CP-140M Aurora - Paul and McKayla Goddard 1:26:38

5M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

What is it like to be an RCAF aircrew service couple? Paul is a CH-149 Cormorant pilot and McKayla is a retired ACSO who flew on the CP-140M Aurora. Hear all about their experience as a service couple from dating at RMC to the trials of being unmarried and long-distance, to finally the ups and downs of being a married service couple in two busy tra…

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179: The Boogeyman of Coeur d'Alene – The Crimes of Joseph Duncan 1:16:05

5M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

We delve into the horrifying crimes of a convicted serial predator whose reign of terror culminated in the brutal murders of the Groene family in 2005. We’ll explore Duncan’s dark past and the stalking and execution-style killings that led to the abduction of Shasta and Dylan Groene. We talk about managing our consumption of evil things in the worl…

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Episode 42: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 2 - Dan Coutts 1:07:13

6M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

What is it like to be in charge of the one of Canada's largest pilot training bases? What does the future hold for pilot training in Canada, and what are we doing now to ensure our pilots are the best of the best? Colonel Dan Coutts is the current Wing Commander of 15 Wing Moose Jaw. In part 2 of our chat with him, we will discuss current and futur…

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178: “Be Curious, Not Judgmental.” How to Deal with a Big Ego 1:23:34

6M ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Cops, military folks, pilots, medical professionals have some things in common. One of the BIG commonalities is a collection of BIG egos. Mike & Jim will walk us through how to navigate those egos to create a tactical advantage in a high performing team. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the con…

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Episode 41: The Wing Commander: Commanding 15 Wing Moose Jaw and flying the CH-146 Griffon Part 1 - Dan Coutts 1:02:01

6M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

What is it like to fly the CH-146 Griffon for 427 Squadron as it transitioned from a normal Tac Hel Squadron to being part of CANSOFCOM? What about flying in Bosnia, or being Special Operations Support in Afghanistan? How do you take 400 Reserve Tactical Helicopter Squadron and help prepare them for high readiness status? Colonel Dan Coutts is the …

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177: Bad Advice 1:42:42

6M ago1:42:42

1:42:42

Should your sister carry wasp or bear spray if she feels threatened by a human? Should you trust that dude behind the gun counter at your local gun shop because he's got a sweet beard? Mike and Jim explore your options and how to sort good advice from bad advice. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can joi…

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Episode 40: The Knight: The Fighter Force and the CF-188 Hornet - Fred 1:04:10

7M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

What is it like to fly a CF-188 Hornet? What does it feel like to break the sound barrier? How do our pilots stack up against friendly partners in exercises? How physically demanding is flying a fighter? Today we sit down for a chat with Fred "Penguin" Roy to talk all things CF-18. Fred is a former Reg Force fighter pilot who now flies as an airlin…

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176: Read the Room - Who is Leading You? 51:51

7M ago51:51

51:51

Most leadership and management training has a top-down approach, but real human interaction involves influence in all directions - especially during a negotiation or confrontation. Mike and Jim discuss how to recognize when the other party is trying to influence or manipulate you, and how to lead your way through a tense situation. This is the esse…

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Episode 39: The Holiday: Deploying at Christmas on the CC-130J Super Hercules - Mike B 38:09

7M ago38:09

38:09

What is it like to deploy away from your loved ones at Christmas? In this special Christmas episode, we'll dive into what it feels like to experience what thousands of CAF members have felt before - being half a world away from family and friends at Christmas. In this episode, we'll talk with Mike Behring, a CC-130J Super Hercules pilot as well as …

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175: The Last Traffic Stop: Kyle Dinkheller’s Story 1:04:27

7M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

This episode examines the tragic 1998 murder of Deputy Kyle Dinkheller, a young Georgia sheriff's deputy killed during a routine traffic stop. Using dashcam footage, we recount the chilling escalation of the encounter, explore the decision-making and mindset to reconcile deadly force and delve into the lessons this event teaches about officer safet…

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Episode 38: The Operator: Changing from SOF to Pilot - Ben 40:14

8M ago40:14

40:14

What is it like to be a member of the elite force known as CJIRU? Why switch from Special Operations Forces Operator to Pilot? What challenges and opportunities do the trades have in common, and what useful traits overlap? Tune in this week as we chat with Ben, a former Special Operations Forces Operator who switched to the pilot trade, currently u…

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174: De-Escalate? Escalate? When can you taser them? 1:46:23

8M ago1:46:23

1:46:23

Mike & Jim explore what the law enforcement use of force continuum is and what it means. They also talk about how to apply lessons from policing toward personal defense and even the military. Conflict Management, De-Escalation, and Reasonableness are universal. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join …

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Episode 37: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 2 - Duncan 1:04:03

8M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

What was it like to fly the legendary CP-121 Tracker, or the mighty CP-140 Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 2 of our 2 part Remembrance Day episode will feature Duncan's t…

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173: Dancing With Exotic Weapons 1:10:43

8M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Mike and Jim discuss how to handle CBRN- Chem, Bio, Rad, Nuke threats and how to set your preparedness to the current threat landscape with synthetic bio-terror weapons on the rise. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, art…

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Episode 36: The Veteran: Remembrance Day and a Career to Remember Part 1 - Duncan 49:30

9M ago49:30

49:30

What was it like to go through Moose Jaw in the 1970s? To fly the Sea King? To fly the legendary Tracker, or the mighty Aurora when it was a new aircraft? Duncan MacIsaac served for 27 years in the Regular Force and another 8 in the Reserves. He has flown many aircraft types in the RCAF, and has a ton of experience to share. Part 1 will feature Dun…

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172: Making Worthwhile Exercises 1:34:41

9M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

A lot of training exercises and drills can be a waste of time. Mike and Jim explore ways to improve military readiness, disaster preparedness, and school safety by making better training events. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our …

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Episode 35: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 2 - Dave 50:29

9M ago50:29

50:29

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Today we'll discuss questions that you the audience asked as well as some FAQs they hear fairly often at CFASC. Join us tod…

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171: Sticks and Stones: Survival Skills 101 1:24:04

9M ago1:24:04

1:24:04

We take it out to the woods with how to build a fire, 7-step Checklist for Land Navigation, knots, PACE planning, forging resilience and a positive mental attitude, and more in this disaster prep, end-of-the-world, stuck-on-a-deserted-island overview of basic field craft and considerations for packing and planning. Find us on social media (Facebook…

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Episode 34: The Selection: The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Test Part 1 - Dave 55:51

10M ago55:51

55:51

All RCAF pilots must pass through the Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre (CFASC) - but what does it take to make it through? We sat down with Dave Chamberlin, former CO of CFASC, to find out exactly that - and much more! Dave has a multitude of experience, having flown and taught on the CT-155 Hawk and the CF-188 Hornet, as well as the CC-130…

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170: “Time is on our side right now…” -Uvalde School District Police Chief 1:09:34

10M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

“Help!” “Help!” “Help!” “I don’t want to die. My teacher is dead.” “One of my teachers is still alive but shot.” “Officer!” “Officer!” “Are they [officers] in the building?” “There is a lot of dead bodies.” These were the words of nine- and ten-year-old children at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, during a call with 911. We…

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Episode 33: The Leader: Part 2 - Developing Coaching Leaders in the RCAF- Scott C 57:39

10M ago57:39

57:39

How can a pilot strive to be a better leader both in the cockpit and on the ground? What is the RCAF doing well for leadership, and what do they need to work on? Today for part 2 of this interview we'll sit down with MGen(Ret) Scott Clancy and talk about some of the successes and challenges Scott faced as a leader, what challenges the RCAF faces in…