Best Todd Weld Podcasts (2025)

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Mike Taylor | Life-Threatening Accidents, Million-Dollar Risks & a Legacy of Grit 1:28:43

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7M ago1:28:43

1:28:43

Send us a text What does it truly mean to be a "walking miracle"? Mike Taylor's life story answers that question in the most extraordinary way possible. Having survived three catastrophic motorcycle crashes (including hitting a cow at 75 mph), battling polycystic kidney disease that led to a transplant, and literally dying twice on the dialysis tab…

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Richard Rogers | Financial Collapse, Defying Death & Second Chances 2:00:39

8M ago2:00:39

2:00:39

Send us a text What happens when life knocks you down repeatedly, only to find yourself standing taller after each fall? Richard Rogers, a 71-year-old entrepreneur from South Pittsburg, Tennessee, shares his remarkable journey of resilience that defies belief. At 15, Richard moved out of a toxic home environment, sometimes sleeping in the woods wit…

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Ian Ale | Addiction, Incarceration & the Road Back to Strength 1:19:06

9M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

Send us a text It all started with an Adderall prescription for ADHD that turned Ian Ale from a C student to an A student. Then came the break-in where his medication was stolen. A neighbor offered something "similar" to help him stay focused in college. That seemingly small decision launched a journey through methamphetamine addiction, federal pri…

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Michael Brandt | Federal Prison, Welding & the Power of Redemption 1:35:38

10M ago1:35:38

1:35:38

Send us a text Michael Brandt pulls no punches as he shares his extraordinary journey from federal prison inmate to successful business owner, revealing how welding skills and a commitment to integrity transformed his life. Growing up in a broken home with minimal supervision, Michael found himself experimenting with drugs and alcohol by age ten. D…

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Dwayne Mattox | Engineering, Blacksmithing & Overcoming Life’s Hardest Battles 1:19:08

10M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Send us a text If you've ever faced a tough battle, you know that perspective can change everything. Dwayne Maddox, an engineer and blacksmith, exemplifies this principle by sharing his remarkable life story, pivoting from a childhood filled with curiosity and comics to overcoming the trials of cancer. This episode reveals how Dwayne transformed hi…

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Jeff Harmon | Military Service, Inmate Transport & Lessons in Resilience 1:23:15

10M ago1:23:15

1:23:15

Send us a text Join us for an extraordinary journey as Jeff Harmon, a man of many talents and experiences, shares his unique life story. From his upbringing in Rossville, Georgia, to events like witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall during his military service. Now residing in Trine, Georgia, Jeff opens up about his career as a maintenance expert,…

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Turbulence: What Causes Bumps in the Sky? 20:44

2y ago20:44

20:44

Send us a text Nearly everyone who travels will experience turbulence at some point in their life. For some, it's no big deal, but for nervous flyers it can be incredibly uncomfortable. This week we'll be talking about what causes turbulence, and addressing whether or not it's a dangerous (spoiler alert: it isn't). Follow me on Instagram: https://w…

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Announcing Plaid Aviation! 3:15

2y ago3:15

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Send us a text I'm excited to announce Plaid Aviation, your new home for aviation training resources and community. To make sure you are notified when we go live, please sign up for the mailing list at http://www.plaidaviation.com And don't forget to like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/plaidaviation/ See you over there!…

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Safe VS Legal 23:43

2y ago23:43

23:43

Send us a text This week we finish our discussion of the Pilot Qualifications in the Commercial ACS, with a topic that is covered in the Private Pilot and Instrument Rating ACS as well. We discuss the difference in safe and legal, and examine some risk management items associated with unfamiliar airplanes and equipment. Follow me on Instagram: http…

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Commercial Pilot Checkride Prep: Pilot Qualifications 23:53

2y ago23:53

23:53

Send us a text Beginning our discussion of ground school topics, this week we talk about pilot qualifications for the Commercial Pilot Checkride, and the privileges and limitations around your new certificate. Commercial Pilot ACS: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/acs/commercial_airplane_acs_change_1.pdf eCFR: https:…

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Merry Christmas! 2:41

2y ago2:41

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Send us a text Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you are getting to finish out the week spending time with loved ones and planning the goals you will set for the coming year. Hope to see you next week! Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidpilot/ Like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpilot Email Me: t…

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Ye Olde Pub 52:46

2y ago52:46

52:46

Send us a text On December 20th 1943, the crew of the B-17 known as Ye Olde Pub flew their first combat mission together and almost didn't make it home. Flying on only one fully functional engine, with half a tail, and leaking hydraulics, things looked bleak as Franz Stigler, a German ace, pulled up behind them to finish them off. Instead he made a…

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Five People Who Flew Before the Wright Brothers 25:30

2y ago25:30

25:30

Send us a text On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers became the first people to achieve manned, controlled, heavier than air flight. Take away all of the qualifiers, though, and they were far from the first in flight. This week I talk about 5 aviators who beat the Wright Brothers to the sky. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the…

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Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner: Devotion, Friendship, and the Forgotten War 38:36

2y ago38:36

38:36

Send us a text This week we are talking about the incredible story of Jesse Brown, who was the US Navy's first African American fighter pilot, and Thomas Hudner, who received the Medal of Honor after crash landing his own plane behind enemy lines in an attempt to save Jesse's life. Thomas Hudner Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKHh9vnzyU…

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The Vin Fiz Flyer 31:48

2y ago31:48

31:48

Send us a text Happy Thanksgiving! This week we talk about the 20th century's craziest soft drink (developed by a meat packing company) and the transcontinental flight it inspired. Calbraith Rodgers became the first person to fly coast to coast when he landed in Pasadena, CA in December of 1911 with the Vin Fiz Flyer. Vin Fiz Revisited: https://www…

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Revisiting A History of Veterans Day 18:15

2y ago18:15

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Send us a text This week, we revisit the history of Veterans Day, a holiday that began with the end of the first World War. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidpilot/ Like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpilot Email Me: [email protected] Music by Monday Hopes…

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Three Things You Probably Didn't Know About the B-29 (And One You Probably Did) 34:39

2y ago34:39

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Send us a text This week we talk about the B-29 Superfortress, the most advanced bomber in the American fleet during WWII. Bell X-1 Drop Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5xFJRcHFqU Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidpilot/ Like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpilot Email Me: todd@theplaidpilo…

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Revisiting A Haunted Aviation Museum 51:43

2y ago51:43

51:43

Send us a text For this week’s Halloween special we are revisiting an old episode where I got to talk to Barb Kramer from the haunted Kansas Aviation Museum. We talk about the history of the museum and aviation in Kansas, and Barb shares some ghost stories from her time as Director of Operations. Kansas Aviation Museum Website: https://kansasaviati…

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Champaign Gal: Interview with a B-25 Pilot 49:44

2y ago49:44

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Send us a text This week I had the honor of sitting down with Bill Weidenhammer, a retired pilot with the US Navy, and B-25 pilot with the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana, Ohio. On the show he talks about the history of Champaign Gal, the museum's own B-25, and gives some tips to the aspiring warbird pilot. Sadly, Champaign Gal is currently str…

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Lake Havasu PIREP 30:45

2y ago30:45

30:45

Send us a text This week we mix things up a little and instead of aviation history, I'm sharing a PIREP (that's short for Pilot Report) about a recent flight to Lake Havasu, AZ. Email me: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidpilot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpilot Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thep…

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A Brief History of Ballooning 43:41

2y ago43:41

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Send us a text This week, Lynne Newton of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum joins me to talk about the 239 year old history of ballooning from 18th century Versailles to the Balloon Fiesta that takes place in Albuquerque every year. She also gives us some insight into getting into the hobby. Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Mu…

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A History of Flight Instruments 42:56

2+ y ago42:56

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Send us a text On September 24, 1929 Jimmy Doolittle made the first flight completely on instruments, so in this episode, we take a look at the history of instruments on the flight deck from the first flight at Kitty Hawk to satellite navigation. Airmail Route Recreated Article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/omaha-salt-lake-city…

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Training Update: Part 61 vs Part 141 Flight Training 37:38

2+ y ago37:38

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Send us a text After finishing the first part of my Commercial Pilot training, I'm back to share a little about my journey and talk about the differences I've experienced in Part 61 and 141 flight training. Email me at [email protected] Instagram: @theplaidpilot Music by Monday HopesBy Todd Weld

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I Failed My Instrument Checkride! 48:33

3y ago48:33

48:33

Send us a text I finally passed my instrument checkride on my second attempt! In this episode I talk about my instrument training journey and lessons learned from two attempts at the checkride. Email me at [email protected] Instagram: @theplaidpilotBy Todd Weld

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Going On Hiatus 3:55

3y ago3:55

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Send us a text Thank you guys for all of the support the last five months. The show will be on hiatus starting this week as I get ready for my checkride and start commercial training. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and fluffy landings! Email Me - [email protected] Todd Weld

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Who Was D.B. Cooper? 36:05

3y ago36:05

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Send us a text On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305 bound for Seattle from Portland, OR and after receiving $200,000 cash as ransom for the passengers, parachuted into the rainy night never to be seen again. This week I tell his story. Aviatrix of the Week: Alex from KSNA - IG: https://www.inst…

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Happy Thanksgiving! 1:13

3y ago1:13

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Send us a text Due to technical difficulties, I wasn't able to get this week's episode recorded, but I still wanted to stop in and say Happy Thanksgiving! See you next week!By Todd Weld

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Silent Heroes of the Cold War 1:00:32

3y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Send us a text On November 17, 1955, a US Air Force C-54 crashed on the way to Area 51 on a mission to support the development of the U-2 spy plane. On this week's episode, I get to talk to Ky Plaskon, author of Silent Heroes of the Cold War, about the story behind the crash. Guest Speaker: Ky Plaskon - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kyplask…

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A History of Veterans Day 15:38

3y ago15:38

15:38

Send us a text On this week's episode, I take a break from aviation history and briefly talk about the history of Veterans Day from its World War I origin in 1918 and how the holiday has evolved today. Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram: @theplaidpilot Aviator of the Week: Rod from KPVG Music by Monday Hopes…

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Who are the 99s? 1:06:02

3y ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Send us a text In 1929, Amelia Earhart got together with fellow aviatrixes to form an organization dedicated to promoting aviation, keeping records of women in aviation, and giving women pilots a community to grow with. Over nine decades later, the 99s are a thriving organization. This week I'm joined by Natalie Gramer to talk about the history of …

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A Haunted Aviation Museum! 47:46

3y ago47:46

47:46

Send us a text For this week’s Halloween special, I get to talk to Barb Kramer from the haunted Kansas Aviation Museum. We talk about the history of the museum and aviation in Kansas, and Barb shares some ghost stories from her time as Director of Operations. Kansas Aviation Museum Website: https://kansasaviationmuseum.org/ Kansas Aviation Museum F…

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Instrument Checkride Update 2:19

3y ago2:19

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Send us a text It has been an eventful week, not with all the results I'd hoped for. But catch next week's special Halloween episode where I get to talk with the Director of Operations at a museum where paranormal aviators still walk the halls. Check out the Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theplaidpilot/ Email Me - [email protected]…

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Hear Me on the Food 4 Thought Podcast! 4:54

3y ago4:54

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Send us a text I'm taking this week off as I prepare for my Instrument Checkride, but you can still catch me talking about aviation history on the Food 4 Thought Podcast at https://thefood4thoughtpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1958889/11457241 Music by Monday HopesBy Todd Weld

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Fast Eddie: The Story of Eddie Rickenbacker, Part 2 43:56

3y ago43:56

43:56

Send us a text After becoming the Ace of Aces for the United States in WWI, with 26 kills, Eddie Rickenbacker returned home a hero, but his story was far from over. From designing cars, to writing books, to pledging his airline to help in WWII, life after the Army was anything but mundane. Greg Primus joins me in a special two-part episode followin…

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Fast Eddie: The Story of Eddie Rickenbacker, Part 1 37:30

3y ago37:30

37:30

Send us a text Dropping out of school as a teenager after his father's death, Edward Rickenbacker would eventually become a famous race car driver, WWI ace, and go on to purchase the largest sporting venue in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Greg Primus joins me in a special two-part episode following the incredible story of "Fast Eddie"…

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The Flying Hobos 30:44

3+ y ago30:44

30:44

Send us a text Ninety years ago this week, James Banning and Thomas Allen took off from Los Angeles, California to become the first African Americans to fly coast to coast. Relying on the generosity of others for food, lodging and fuel, they called themselves The Flying Hobos. On this week's episode, I talk about their incredible story. Aviator of …

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Podcast Stickers! 0:49

3+ y ago0:49

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Send us a text I'm taking the week off, but I want to say thanks for listening by giving away free The Plaid Pilot Podcast stickers. If you want one, send me an email at [email protected] or on Instagram - @theplaidpilot Music by Monday HopesBy Todd Weld

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Boeing 747: Five Variants of the Queen of the Skies 45:48

3+ y ago45:48

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Send us a text In this week's episode, we talk a little bit about the history of the Boeing 747 and look at five of the coolest variants that have been produced over the years. Aviator of the Week: Mike from KGED - IG: @pilot_mikey_b Music by Monday HopesBy Todd Weld

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Five Pioneering Aviatrixes You Should Know 55:57

3+ y ago55:57

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Send us a text Blanche Scott became the first woman to solo an airplane in the United States 112 years ago this week. On this episode I'm joined by Northrup Grumman test conductor Casey Truman as we talk about her life and the lives of Hazel Ying Lee, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Cochran, and Willa Brown: all women who paved the way for those who came af…

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How I Became a Pilot/Get to Know Me 24:32

3+ y ago24:32

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Send us a text In this episode, we take a break from aviation history to get to know your host. I talk about growing up as an avgeek, and how I ended up becoming a pilot. The Plaid Pilot Podcast Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpilot/ Music by Monday HopesBy Todd Weld

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Wiley Post: From the Farm to the Stratosphere 1:04:01

3+ y ago1:04:01

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Send us a text Wiley Post grew up moving from farm to farm around Texas and Oklahoma. He dropped out of school before high school and eventually spent time in prison. He would go on to set multiple aviation records and become the first person to fly a single engine airplane solo around the world. Greg Primus joins me to talk about his remarkable li…

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Otto Lilienthal: The Father of Aviation 40:49

3+ y ago40:49

40:49

Send us a text Otto Lilienthal made over 2000 glider flights in the 19th Century and some of his findings are still used in the study of aerodynamics today. Traff Doherty, the director of the National Soaring Museum, joins me this week to talk about the Father of Aviation and the legacy he left. Guest Speaker: Trafford Doherty National Soaring Muse…

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Who Was Harriet Quimby? 35:34

3+ y ago35:34

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Send us a text Harriet Quimby is possibly one of the most famous women you've never heard of. At the age of 36, she became the first woman in the United States to earn her pilot license. In this episode I talk about the ways she made her mark during the first decade of powered flight. Aviator of the Week - Matt from KCDC - IG: @mattbourdon_ Music b…

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Five Things You Probably Didn't Know About Amelia Earhart 53:47

3+ y ago53:47

53:47

Send us a text Nearly everyone has heard of Amelia Earhart. This week Emily Herron joins me to talk about the aviatrix behind the famous and tragic around-the-world flight. Guest Speaker: Emily Herron - IG: @emilyattheairport Purdue University Online Amelia Earhart Collection - https://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/digital/search/collection/epurdue!earh…