From Crop-Dusting to Captain’s Bars: A Life in the Sky – Episode 132 (with “CAPT Dave”)

From Crop-Dusting to Captain’s Bars: A Life in the Sky and Life After – Episode 131 (with “CAPT Dave”)If you’re a pilot, military member, or aviation‑curious listener who’s trying to build a meaningful life both in and after the cockpit, you can start your application to work with me here:https://bluechipathleticclub.com/program-applicationIn this in‑person episode of the Blue Chip Athletic Club Podcast, I sit down with “CAPT Dave,” a retired US Air captain, to unpack a lifetime in aviation—from reading World War II paperbacks and building Messerschmitt and Mustang models in high school to flying jets all over the world and eventually figuring out who he is once the logbook closes. Dave shares how a Sunday school connection with a Braniff pilot and a grass strip called “the weed patch” turned into early taildragger time, a hustle waxing airplanes and turning wrenches to pay for lessons, and an adventure flying a beat‑up Cessna 140 solo from Texas to Oshkosh, sleeping under the wing and trading flights for food along the way.We also spend time on the identity side of retirement: what it feels like to go from “I am a pilot” to “I used to be,” and how he worked through that loss by looking back on everything he did get to see—the sunrise over the Andes, the Pacific, the Panama Canal, towering Amazon thunderstorms—and by building new routines, community, and purpose on the ground. If you’re an aviator or high‑performer staring down career transition, this conversation is a reminder that you can protect your health, build a body that matches your responsibilities, and find a second chapter that feels as meaningful as the first.Listen to more episodes:https://bluechipathleticclub.com/podcastConnect with CAPT Dave’s Fitness CommunityDiamond Fitness Team:https://www.diamondfitnessteam.com/Partners & ResourcesSweet Profections protein cookies (code BLUECHIP10):https://sweetprofections.com/?ref=mhcptczoDashTrack websites and automations for coaches – create a new website in minutes with automated artificial intelligence tools:https://labs.dashtrack.com/onboarding?aff_id=cce53e22-207d-4a74-aabe-f7d6363130f9LogTen Pro / PilotBase pilot logbook (free 3 months):https://logten.com/partner/logten-for-bluechip/Harvest Hosts (RV overnights at farms, wineries, and unique spots) – use code BLAISE20 for 20% off (affiliate link):https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=111454&awinaffid=2964805&ued=https://www.harvesthosts.com/special-offer?showcode=true&utm_content=BLAISE25DISCLAIMER: This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice, aviation safety advice, business advice, or financial advice. Always consult appropriate professionals about training, health, and career decisions.