Ep.22: A Life in Flight--a Dream Career, Curiosity, and a Life Well Lived (Interview w/Larry Zetterlind) episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 12, 2026 · 1H 7M

Ep.22: A Life in Flight--a Dream Career, Curiosity, and a Life Well Lived (Interview w/Larry Zetterlind)

from Positive Vibes: On the Sunny Side with Yasmine S. Ali, MD · host Yasmine S Ali MD

Have you ever wondered how to build a life—and career—that you absolutely love? Larry Zetterlind spent a lifetime doing what he loved. He began flying at age 12, soloed on his 16th birthday, and built a decades-long career as a pilot, from the U.S. Air Force to corporate aviation, eventually serving as a chief pilot for over 20 years. Along the way, he saw the country—and the world—from a perspective few people ever experience. In this conversation, Larry reflects on that life in full: how an early fascination became a profession, what it means to truly enjoy your work, and how curiosity—about airplanes, trains, weather, and the world itself—can shape a life. We also talk about: What it was like to fly in the early days of modern aviation The difference between corporate flying and commercial airlines Memorable moments from the cockpit, including storms, long-distance flights, and unexpected discoveries His lifelong interest in trains and model railroading, and how we connected over my book, Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America The role of family, friendship, and perspective in a life well lived Toward the end, Larry shares a deeply personal poem written by his daughter—one of the most meaningful reflections on a life in motion, and the idea of “home,” that you’ll hear. This episode is ultimately about something simple and rare: finding work you love, staying curious, and building a life that feels like your own. Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com Links & Resources: Kinzua Bridge State Park: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/kinzua-bridge-state-park Purchase Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America (unsigned copy): https://lastskywriting.com/products/walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america-unsigned-copy Autographed copy of Walk through Fire: https://lastskywriting.com/products/autographed-copy-of-walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america Links to Episode 1 (about the Waverly Train Disaster) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc&t=3s and audio-only: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/waverly-train-disaster/   Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside   Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.   About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health. Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com   The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.  

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Ep.22: A Life in Flight--a Dream Career, Curiosity, and a Life Well Lived (Interview w/Larry Zetterlind)

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