The Calm Cockpit Podcast
Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita Brown, a yoga educator and student pilot as they share how the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training can improve your abilities as aviators. Through this podcast they will show how understanding these techniques can create a mindset of excellence not just in flying, but flight training, proficiency, and aviation safety.
Episodes
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
An Imposter, A Fraud, and A Fake Climb Into an Airplane w/Bob Meder
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Confronting Imposter Syndrome: Wisdom from Veteran Flight Instructor Robert “Bob” Meder. In this episode of the Calm Cockpit Podcast, veteran flight instructor Bob Meder shares his extensive experience and insights on dealing with imposter syndrome in aviation. The discussion takes listeners through the nuances of balancing confidence and humility, the importance of honest self-assessment, and practical strategies for managing fear and challenges. Bob reflects on his 31 years of teaching pilots and his role as an active board member for the National Association of Flight Instructors, offering tangible advice for aviators of all levels to improve their confidence and skills.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Want Great Sleep Tonight? Bonus Episode!
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Want to sleep better tonight? This Bonus Episode presents a guided deep relaxation intended to promote sleep or return to sleep. Hosted solo by Gita, you’ll be easily guided through a natural process that gradually slows down the body and mind, allowing you to drift into a state of peace and rest. There is no pressure, no expectations; just a comfortable and supportive practice that will help you get the rest you need to feel better and enhance your aviation goals.
Cue it up tonight for a great night’s sleep, and return to it often; the more you practice the easier it becomes to find your best night’s sleep!
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
A Pilot's Checklist For Sleep
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode hosts Gita and John delve into the crucial, yet often overlooked, topic of sleep and its impact on aviation performance. They tackle common myths, present the latest scientific research, and explore the distinctions between short-term sleep disruptions and long-term sleep deficiencies. Through a detailed discussion, they provide actionable strategies that pilots can start implementing today to improve their sleep quality today.Visit our website: www.calmcockpit.com
Helpful Links and Sources:
“Why a neuroscientist calls lack of sleep our greatest public health challenge” from MPR, 2019
Sleep Scientist Warns Against Walking Through Life 'In An Underslept State' from NPR Fresh Air 2017
Going Deep on Sleep with Matthew Walker, Cognitive Neuroscience Society 2018
Why is it essential to make time for sleep, with Dr. Matthew Walker, TED Radio Hour, 2021
The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications. Healthcare (Basel). 2018 Dec 20
The Neuroprotective Aspects of Sleep. MEDtube Science 2015
A manifesto in defence of sleep, Brain,, Issue 6, June 2018
How Does Sleep Affect Athletic Performance? Mark D. Stephenson, MS, ATC, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D Aug 7, 2024, Mass General
Mindfulness meditation helps fight insomnia, improves sleep, Harvard Health, 2020
The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2019
Sleep is Your Superpower, TED Talk, Dr. Matthew Walker
Science of sleep, Dr. Michelle Olaithe, TEDx March 2021
How to Improve Your Sleep, Dr. Matthew Walker
The Best Light for Travel and Reading, the Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light; use it to keep your room dim prior to bedtime. Small, portable, powerful. Three different light colors, multiple brightness settings, easy swivel head to make it a small table light or just shine on a page. Perfect for bedtime!
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Mental Performance Training w/Tammy Barlette CEO of Crosscheck
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
In this insightful episode, Tammy Barlette, the founder and CEO of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training, shares her experiences and strategies for using mental performance training to achieve aviation goals.
The discussion delves into the perils of perfectionism, the power of positive self-talk, and practical tools for improving cognitive and emotional resilience in high-pressure situations. With real-world examples from both military and civilian flying, this episode is packed with valuable insights for any aviator looking to enhance their performance and well-being.
For More Information on Crosscheck, or to sign up for a Mental Performance Course Click Here (https://tammybarlette.com/mental-performance-course)
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Around the World or Across the State: Tips to Build Endurance For Your Goals
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode we delve into how to build endurance without burnout. Jon shares insights from his recent around-the-world flight, including crew resource management and maximizing rest.
Gita introduces the six key habits that high performers use to enhance endurance and reduce stress. Listen in for practical tips, personal stories, and actionable strategies to balance career and personal well-being while building your endurance for all your flying adventures.
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
First Episode: Flying Smarter and Stressing Less, Starts Now!
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
In the first OFFICIAL episode of The Calm Cockpit, John and Gita will share the challenges and successes in their flying lives that led to the creation of the podcast and how you can use the show to develop actionable strategies to mitigate stress, improve your well-being, and fly your best. We fly in a demanding environment that is unforgiving of preparation and lack of mental sharpness, listen to the Calm Cockpit and start leveling-up your performance today!
Monday Jan 06, 2025
What Exactly is The Calm Cockpit?
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Learn how The Calm Cockpit podcast is your new resource to enhance your performance and safety, while also improving your well-being.
We fly in a demanding environment that is unforgiving of preparation and lack of mental sharpness; we all strive for that next level of skill that will help us fly safer. But sometimes the demands of our personal lives, career pressures, or lack of attention to our physical health can lead to our personal lives and mental health taking a back seat to high performance in the cockpit. That’s where Calm Cockpit fits into your flight plans: providing you with resources, skills, and actionable strategies to mitigate stress, improve your well-being, and fly your best.
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Coming Soon: The Calm Cockpit Podcast!
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Welcome to a quick introduction of The Calm Cockpit: fly smarter and stress less with strategies and techniques to help you stay calm and sharp both in and out of the cockpit.
Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita, a yoga educator and student pilot, as they share the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training.
Subscribe now! First episode drops on January 22, 2025
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Fly smarter and stress less with strategies and techniques to help you stay calm and sharp both in and out of the cockpit.