#274- Breaking Barriers: Fatemeh Eftekhari’s journey as Iran’s “Queen of the Skies” and the Power of Aviation

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Have you ever imagined a woman soaring through the skies at 6,000+ meters, shattering the proverbial glass ceiling in a country where female pilots are a rare sight? Today, we delve into the remarkable story of Fatemeh Eftekhari, Iran’s first female pilot and a trailblazer for women in aviation and extreme sports. Her journey is not just about flying; it’s about defying societal norms, pushing boundaries, and inspiring a new generation of women to chase their dreams no matter the obstacles. In a time of enormous geopolitical tensions and societal restrictions, Fatemeh’s story offers a breath of fresh air—an inspiring example of resilience, courage, and relentless pursuit of passion. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, a supporter of women’s rights, or simply love an empowering story, her journey will change the way you see the sky, likely change the way you see Iran, and what someone with guts and grit can achieve in the sky as well as on the ground.

Connect with Fatemeh on Instagram.

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Key Topics:

  • Fatemeh’s background and how she became the first female pilot in Iran
  • Cultural and societal barriers faced by women in Iran pursuing aviation
  • The development of women’s participation in paragliding and cross-country flying
  • How she founded the Women’s Flight Society and the impact on Iranian women pilots
  • Differences between flying in Iran versus Europe, including airspace and safety
  • The role of Iranian hospitality and resilience amidst ongoing conflicts and war
  • Misconceptions about Iran and the true diversity of its landscapes and people
  • The importance of passion and purpose in flying, and her vision for the future

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and guest’s background in Iranian aviation
02:15 – Societal constraints and her journey into becoming a pilot
04:50 – How she broke societal and gender barriers in Iran
08:10 – The establishment and evolution of women’s participation in paragliding in Iran
12:00 – Challenges of being the only woman competing internationally from Iran
16:00 – Breaking the “imaginary roof” for women and inspiring others
20:00 – The current state of women pilots in Iran and globally
24:30 – Flying in Iran’s airspace and safety considerations amidst restrictions
28:00 – Comparing flying experiences in Iran and Europe
32:00 – Misconceptions about Iran and its natural diversity
36:00 – Living through conflict and the resilience of Iranian society
40:00 – The impact of war on daily life and flying ambitions
44:00 – Middle East geopolitics, perceptions, and Iran’s cultural closeness to the US
48:00 – Advice for young women wanting to fly and pursue aviation dreams
52:00 – Fatemeh’s future goals and passion for flying
54:00 – Closing remarks and inspirational message

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:19 — 52.5MB)

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#273 Elite performance, Flow States and Mindset with NBA coach and author Bret Burchard

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Explore the psychology of elite performance, flow states, and mindset with Bret Burchard, former NBA coach and author of Catching Confetti, Developing the Mindset of a Champion. Discover how mental training can transform sports, your flying, and everyday life. In this episode we step away from interviewing pilots and dig into mental performance. What is the underlying psychology of fear? How do we differentiate between irrational fear and wisdom? How can we enter Flow quicker, more efficiently and how can we get it back once we’ve lost it? How can we make better decisions under pressure? How does our ego help or hurt our performance? What is the process of rebuilding confidence after a setback? Is there ever too much confidence? Bret has coached some of the best NBA athletes on Earth, but what separates the very good from the great is often just what’s between the ears. And it’s exactly the same with flying.

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Key Topics:

Flow state and how to access it
The role of mindset and identity in performance
Managing fear and stress under pressure

Sound Bites:

“Flow is a relaxed intensity of focus.”
“You’re not defined by what you do.”
“Relaxed intensity is the essence of flow.”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mindset and Flow States
01:42 Bret Burchard’s Journey in Basketball and Coaching
06:45 The Importance of Mental Training in Sports
10:26 Understanding Flow State and Performance Under Pressure
18:06 The Seven Mindsets for Elite Performance
23:06 Identity and Performance: The Core Connection
29:07 Embracing Fear for Performance
32:12 Preparing for Flow: Mindfulness and Identity
35:09 Mindfulness vs. Mindset: A Critical Distinction
36:49 Understanding Fear: Rational vs. Irrational
41:39 The Emotional Component of Fear
45:51 Visualization Techniques in Performance
54:41 Re-centering After Losing Flow
59:03 Building Mental Triggers for Relaxation
01:00:13 Understanding EMDR and Trauma Recovery
01:02:08 Rewiring Identity Fears and Insecurities
01:03:50 The Role of Ego in High-Performance Sports
01:10:43 Navigating Recovery from Physical and Mental Injuries
01:23:57 Applying Flow State to Everyday Life

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:29 — 87.4MB)

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#272 From Zimbabwe to China to the Alps- a Paraglider’s Journey through Adventure, Trauma and Healing

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Anthony Dillon learned to fly without any proper instruction back in the 90’s in Zimbabwe during the tumultuous Mugabe period. He spent 15 years flying in China (five of them alone) and has had a lifetime of epic flying adventures around the world, some rather daring flights, and has also unfortunately dealt with some serious injuries. Anthony initially reached out after hearing the episode with Serena Ronchi about how’s she’s successfully used EMDR therapy to deal with trauma from an accident as he’s also experienced benefits from the therapy to help him overcome PTSD from a recent crash. In this episode we’ll hear some wild stories about flying in Zimbabwe, China, Indonesia, and the U.S., along with insights into mental health tools like EMDR that helped Anthony overcome trauma. This episode highlights the resilience and love for adventure that keeps drawing pilots back to the skies.

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In this episode:
  • Anthony’s early flying days in Zimbabwe and his first paragliding experiences in the bush war environment
  • Flying in China solo for five years without other pilots and the evolution of paragliding in China
  • Major crashes and injuries, including multiple spinal fractures and recovery journeys
  • How EMDR therapy played a crucial role in overcoming PTSD and trauma related to flying accidents
  • Tracking his flights over volcanoes in Indonesia and exploring Europe’s soaring sites in France and Switzerland
  • The bond with his children through tandem flights and training, sharing adventures with his sons
  • Recent flights in North Carolina after long breaks, experiencing high-performance wings
  • Reflections on what drives his love for flying — adventure, freedom, birds, and the spirit of exploration
  • Future plans for travel and adventures with his family, including flying in Africa, Cape Town, and upcoming competitions
Timestamps:

 00:00 – Introduction and background of Anthony Dillon’s flying journey
02:00 – First paragliding experiences in Zimbabwe during the bush war
06:30 – Transition to flying in China alone and challenges faced
10:10 – Recovering from major injuries and the importance of back protection
14:00 – Rebuilding confidence and flying again in China with local clubs
19:00 – Cross-country adventures in China and flying from remote sites
23:00 – Indonesia volcano flying and near-misses that changed his approach
27:00 – Returning to flying after injury and the evolution of gear
32:00 – Accident in North Carolina, injuries sustained, and the mental recovery process
37:00 – How EMDR therapy helped him process trauma and anxiety
42:30 – The significance of adventure, freedom, and flying with family
45:45 – Future trips and adventures planned with his children
47:30 – Son’s accident and how it impacted Anthony’s perspective on safety and risk
48:40 – Closing thoughts: the importance of community and psychological resilience in flying

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:14 — 50.6MB)

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#271 Why the Sports Racing Class (SRS) is taking the Paragliding world by storm with Brett Janaway

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In this conversation I sit down with Brett Janaway, the organizer of the SRS series to discuss the evolution of this exciting new take on paragliding competitions, the structure and scoring of the SRS, and the unique vibe that sets it apart from traditional events. Brett shares insights into the challenges and successes of organizing competitions, the importance of community, and the non-profit nature of the SRS, which aims to enhance the sport while providing a fun and competitive environment for pilots. In this conversation we discuss the evolution of sports wings in paragliding, the impact of new safety regulations, and the balance between safety and competitiveness in the sport. We delve into the recent changes in ballast limits and performance limiters, the introduction of a lightweight world champion, and the implications of team size changes for national competitions. Finally, Brett provides insights for newcomers looking to enter the competitive paragliding scene. Enjoy!

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Takeaways

Brett Janaway has been organizing competitions since 2002.
The SRS series aims to create a fun and competitive environment.
Competitions are linked to allow cumulative scoring across events.
The SRS uses a unique scoring system to accommodate varying participation levels.
The vibe at SRS events is more relaxed compared to traditional competitions.
High-level pilots participate, enhancing the competition experience.
Local teams help organize events while maintaining core standards.
Qualifiers are introduced to ensure event readiness and pilot entry.
The SRS operates as a non-profit organization, focusing on community and sport development.
Ruth’s commentary adds a unique and engaging element to the events. The evolution of sports wings has significantly improved performance.
New regulations are being implemented to ensure safety in paragliding.
Limitations on sports wings are necessary to preserve the sport’s integrity.
The introduction of ballast limits aims to enhance safety for pilots.
Data collection in paragliding is lacking, making it hard to assess safety measures.
The lightweight world champion title encourages manufacturers to improve small wings.
Team size changes aim to create fairness in national competitions.
Newcomers should gain experience in local competitions before entering SRS events.
The SRS environment accelerates learning for competitive pilots.
Combining different paragliding events can create exciting opportunities.

Sound Bites

“The vibe is better.”
“The SRS is just far more relaxed.”
“It’s a pure racing series.”
“I cannot touch one cent of the profits.”
“They’re having a blast here.”
“It really has changed the sport.”
“It’s a magical place to race.”
“It’s been a lot of fun.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Brett Janaway
03:11 The Genesis of the SRS Series
05:56 Structure and Scoring of the SRS
08:53 Popularity and Vibe of the SRS
11:56 Event Organization and Team Dynamics
14:57 Qualifiers and Entry into the SRS
17:59 The Non-Profit Nature of the SRS
20:58 Conclusion and Future of the SRS
21:08 The Evolution of Sports Wings
25:07 Safety and Regulation Changes in Paragliding
31:43 Balancing Safety and Competitiveness
37:54 Getting Started in Competitive Paragliding

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:55 — 43.9MB)

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#270 From the Czech Mountains to Kenyan Volcanoes: Jakub Rott’s Flying Journey

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Join us as Czech pilot and last year’s Czech hike and fly national champion Jakub Rott shares his journey through paragliding, speed flying, skydiving and hike and fly competitions across the globe. Discover insights on safety, training, and the joy of flying in diverse terrain, along with some fantastic tips for aspiring pilots.

Check out the Moravian Hike and Fly Challenge Jakub discusses in the show in the incredible Beskydy mountains.

Connect with Jakub here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flysport.cz/

Website: https://www.flysport.cz/home

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If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through our partnership with Our Forest. See our donation and subscription options here.

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Key Topics:

Jakub Rott’s background and entry into paragliding
The Moravian Hike and Fly Challenge and its challenges
Safety lessons from accidents and how to learn from them
Training and becoming a paragliding instructor in Czech Republic
The thrill and risks of flying in Kenya’s Dune and Volcanoes
The importance of mindset and subconscious skills in flying
Favorite flying locations around the world and their unique features
The role of community and sharing knowledge in paragliding

Key Frameworks:

Subconscious Skill Development
Safety First Mentality
Enjoyment as a Priority

sound bites

“A broken line in my wing almost caused a crash.”
“The freedom and community keep me flying.”
“Speed flying is a mix of adrenaline and skill.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:38 — 53.7MB)

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#269 Navigating Doubts with Violeta Jimenez

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Violeta Jimenez has become one of the most elite competition paragliders in the world in a relatively short period of time. Her first World Cup was only 5 years ago in Aksaray, Turkey, flying a Zeno. Last year she was on the podium in the OVERALL, again in Turkey, this time in Çameli. But it’s been anything but easy. Violeta came to flying from a background in ballet and ultra running, and as Will Gadd says, coming to flying from non-gravity sports can be not just challenging but risky. In the early years Violeta had a number of incidents (reserves and tree landings, torn ACLs…) and one particularly violent accident in Mexico that required a long mental and physical rehab. This year at the Worlds in Brazil she took an unlucky tumble off launch which resulted in a badly broken ankle. But through it all Violeta has kept her passion for the sport, remained focused on her goals, and refused to quit. We cover a lot of ground in this one: the current safety debate in competitions, the recent proposed rule changes at CIVL, flow state theory, gender and inclusion in sports, mental health and recovery from accidents, and the pursuit of excellence. Enjoy!

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Key Topics

Violeta’s background in ultras and dance
Transition to paragliding and early challenges
Safety, risk, and accident management
Debate on competition safety and regulations
Impact of recent safety policies and decisions
Personal motivation and pursuit of excellence
Gender and size considerations in competition
Mental health and recovery from accidents

Key Frameworks

Risk Management in Sports
Flow State Theory
Safety Regulation Debate

Sound Bites

“We don’t have enough data on safety.”
“Flying in comps puts me in flow.”
“I’m building my own tower in the woods.”

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Violeta’s Early Experiences
02:50 Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Accidents
05:40 Competition vs. Free Flying: A Safety Debate
08:49 Understanding Risk: Data and Personal Biases
11:54 The Evolution of a Pilot: From Ultra Running to Paragliding
14:53 The Passion for Racing: Finding Flow in Competition
17:43 The Art of Flying: Building a Lifelong Passion
20:44 Navigating Doubts: The Reality of Competition
23:35 The Future of Flying: Community and Personal Growth
30:48 Building Personal Monuments
33:53 Navigating Competition and Regulations
41:38 The Impact of Gender and Inclusion in Sports
44:16 Personal Choices in Paragliding
51:42 Overcoming Fear and Injury
01:00:16 Looking Forward and Community Engagement

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:53 — 58.5MB)

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#268 Control Theory, Winning a PWC, and behind the scenes of X-Alps madness with Estefano Salgado

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This episode features one of Valle De Bravo’s most loved and successful pilots, Estefano Salgado. Estefano is a world-class trained chef who supported the France 4 team of Tanguy Renoud-Goud in the 2025 Red Bull X-Alps, is one of (maybe the only?) North American pilots to win a World Cup in recent history, is an elite instructor/guide for ParaglidingGuides.com and is a wicked story-teller! In this episode Estefano discusses his experiences in competitive paragliding, putting control theory and his education with French coach Julien Garcia into use, team management, and the importance of training and mentorship in the sport. Gain insights into the mental strategies, team dynamics, and innovative training methods that drive success in high-level paragliding competitions and get some fun behind-the-scenes hysterical moments from the toughest adventure race on Earth, the Red Bull X-Alps. This one is a hoot- enjoy!

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key topics

Control theory in paragliding
Team management and logistics during competitions
Mental strategies for competition success

sound bites

“Winning is about mindset, not just skill.”
“Focus on process, not just results.”
“Discipline is the key to mastery.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Motivations
02:58 Insights from the X-Alps Experience
05:56 Team Management and Support Dynamics
09:05 Culinary Challenges and Team Nutrition
11:53 Surprises and Lessons from the X-Alps
14:52 Winning the World Cup in Brazil
17:49 Flying Techniques and Strategies
20:47 Mindset and Competition Dynamics
31:26 The Importance of Mental Control in Competition
32:12 Building a Strong Coaching Partnership
33:12 Chasing the Rabbit: Strategies in Paragliding
34:43 Team Dynamics and Collective Strategy
37:34 Adapting Strategies to Different Conditions
40:08 The Role of Emotional Control in Performance
42:29 Learning from Experience: The Value of Coaching
45:05 Analyzing Performance Objectively
48:19 Staying Present: The Key to Success
51:04 Understanding Individual Learning Styles
53:56 The Need for Structured Training Programs
56:32 Raising the Level of Competition
01:00:57 Nurturing the Next Generation of Pilots

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:51 — 65.8MB)

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#267 Bivvy and Adventure Flying by HANG GLIDER with Emi Carvalho

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Portuguese pilot Emi Carvalho got into hang gliding over a decade ago. Now living in Switzerland Emi is fully bi-wingual, and has instructed both hang gliding and paragliding. His passion these days is bivvy flying and depending on the weather will pick the kit that fits the mission, but more often than not the kit that fits the bill to have more fun is a short-pack hang glider. It’s a bit heavier (similar to a light-weight paragliding tandem set up) and a bit more bulky, but you get to fly prone! In this fun talk Emi shares his expertise with short pack hang gliders, their development, and their application in adventure flying and bivvy trips. Discover how this innovative gear (that isn’t really new, but is being newly utilized!) is potentially transforming the sport, making it more accessible and versatile for enthusiasts seeking new horizons and wicked adventures.

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key topics

Development of short pack hang gliders
Logistics and transport of hang gliders
Advantages for bivvy and adventure flying
Learning curve and safety considerations
Future potential of short pack hang gliding

sound bites

“Landing on slopes going up is an advanced technique”
“Top landing with a hang glider is more challenging”
“Short pack wings give more range and versatility”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hang Gliding and Bivvy Flying
06:27 The Evolution of Hang Gliders
09:28 Learning Curve: Hang Gliding vs. Paragliding
10:59 Safety and Risk in Hang Gliding
14:45 Landing Techniques and Challenges
21:46 Volbiv: The Art of Bivvy Flying with Hang Gliders
24:57 Planning and Logistics for Bivvy Adventures
27:44 Choosing the Right Gear for Conditions
29:51 Choosing Between Paragliding and Hang Gliding
33:56 The Advantages of Short Pack Hang Gliders
38:41 Learning to Fly Short Pack Gliders
42:06 Logistics and Gear for Hang Gliding
48:03 Reviving Interest in Hang Gliding
52:36 Reflections on the Journey and Future of Flying

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:57 — 54.0MB)

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#266 Serena Ronchi and the Comeback

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In this moving conversation, Swiss pilot Serena Ronchi shares her inspiring journey of recovery after a life-changing paragliding accident and her incredible ascension once again to the top of XContest in the Sport class this year. She discusses the challenges she faced during rehabilitation, her mental battles with fear, and the strategies she employed to regain her confidence in flying. Serena reflects on her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão, her participation in races, and her passion for teaching others about paragliding. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of addressing fear and finding joy in flying, while also contemplating the lessons learned from her accident.

This is Serena’s second visit to the podcast, we had her on the show back in March of 2022 just months after the accident.

Support the Podcast

A buck an episode, that's all we ask

If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through our partnership with Our Forest. See our donation and subscription options here.

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Takeaways

Serena experienced a severe paragliding accident in 2021 that led to significant physical injuries.
She underwent extensive rehabilitation, learning to walk and regain sensitivity in her legs.
Flying is a source of joy and freedom for Serena, motivating her to return to the sport.
Fear became a major challenge for Serena after her accident, particularly in turbulent conditions.
Ground handling and visualization techniques helped Serena regain confidence in the air.
Serena enjoys participating in hike and fly races, finding them less stressful than cross-country competitions. Her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão have been transformative, allowing her to fly long distances.
Serena emphasizes the importance of community and support in her flying journey.
She balances her passion for flying with her career as a part-time school teacher.
Serena encourages others facing fear in sports to seek professional help and take gradual steps towards recovery.

Sound Bites

“I knew I wanted to fly again.”
“I did a lot of ground handling.”
“I still struggle with fear.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
02:21 The Accident: A Life-Changing Experience
07:53 Rehabilitation and the Road to Recovery
09:52 Facing Fear: The Mental Battle
18:09 Building Confidence: Strategies and Techniques
21:57 Racing and Adventure: Embracing the Challenge
23:36 Flying in Brazil: The Sertão Experience
30:19 Reflections on Flight: Memorable Experiences
33:10 Goals and Community: The Future Ahead
36:25 Teaching and Sharing Passion
40:07 Advice for Overcoming Fear
44:28 Lessons Learned: Reflections on the Accident

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:06 — 47.7MB)

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