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.
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
Mar 12, 2025
Bonus Episode: Want Great Sleep Tonight?
Mar 12, 2025
Mar 12, 2025
25 min
Episode 5 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!
Mar 5, 2025
A Pilot's Checklist For Sleep
Mar 5, 2025
Mar 5, 2025
1hr 2 min
Episode 4 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!
Feb 19, 2025
Feb 19, 2025
1hr 6 min
Episode 3 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)
Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
1hr 13 min
Episode 2 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.
Jan 22, 2025
Jan 22, 2025
50 min
Episode 1
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!
Jan 6, 2025
What Exactly is The Calm Cockpit?
Jan 6, 2025
Jan 6, 2025
9 min
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.
Dec 16, 2024
Coming Soon: The Calm Cockpit Podcast!
Dec 16, 2024
Dec 16, 2024
2 min
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.









